Quick answer
What is the difference between M3U and Xtream Codes?
Both deliver the same channels. Xtream Codes is a login that also loads films, series and the EPG automatically.
What is an M3U playlist?
An M3U or M3U8 file is a simple text list of channel names and stream addresses. Your IPTV player reads the list and shows the channels. You can paste an M3U URL into almost any player, including VLC.
What is Xtream Codes?
Xtream Codes is a login made of a server URL, username and password. It loads channels, films, series and the EPG separately, so it is faster and better organised than a plain M3U. We recommend Xtream Codes where your app supports it.
Adding an EPG
The EPG is the TV guide. With Xtream Codes it loads automatically. With an M3U playlist you add a separate XMLTV EPG URL, which we include with your login.
Why free UK M3U lists fail
Free M3U playlists shared on GitHub or Reddit are usually dead within days and can contain unsafe links. A paid playlist is maintained and supported.