Updated: August 27, 2025
12 Best IPTV Providers in Germany (2026): A Practical Guide
Your up-to-date shortlist of the best licensed IPTV & TV streaming services in Germany for 2026. Compare features, then dive into each provider. Screenshot blocks stay hidden until you add images.
What is IPTV in Germany?
IPTV delivers live TV and on-demand content via internet instead of cable/satellite. In Germany you’ll find operator TV apps, broadcaster platforms, and multi-channel aggregators for Smart TVs, streaming sticks, mobile, and web.
Key Features to Expect
- German public/private channels with optional premium packs.
- On-demand libraries, catch-up TV, and cloud recordings (plan-dependent).
- Apps for Smart TVs, Fire TV, Android/Google TV, iOS/Android, and web.
- Simultaneous streams and user profiles on some services.
- EU portability while traveling (content may be geo-restricted).
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Provider | Main Type | Free plan / trial | Concurrent streams | Max resolution | Official site |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Zattoo | Live TV aggregator | Free plan & trials | Up to 4 | Full HD | zattoo.com/de |
| waipu.tv | Live TV aggregator | Trial offers | Plan-dependent | HD | waipu.tv |
| MagentaTV | Operator TV (OTT/STB) | Trial offers | Plan-dependent | HD (device-dependent) | magenta.tv |
| Vodafone GigaTV | Operator TV (OTT/cable) | Promos vary | Plan-dependent | HD / UHD on select | vodafone.de/giga-tv |
| Joyn | Broadcaster platform | Free plan; PLUS+ | Plan-dependent | HD | joyn.de |
| RTL+ | Broadcaster platform | Promos vary | Plan-dependent | HD | plus.rtl.de |
| WOW (Sky) | Premium films/sport | Trials/promos | Plan-dependent | HD (device-dependent) | wowtv.de |
| 1&1 TV | Operator TV (OTT) | Bundles/promos | Plan-dependent | HD | 1und1.de/fernsehen |
| O₂ TV | Operator TV (OTT) | Trials/promos | Up to 4 | HD | o2online.de/extras/o2-tv |
| PÝUR TV | Operator TV (cable/OTT) | Promos vary | Plan-dependent | HD / UHD on select | pyur.com/fernsehen |
| ARD Mediathek | Broadcaster (public) | Free | N/A | HD | ardmediathek.de |
| ZDFmediathek | Broadcaster (public) | Free | N/A | HD | zdf.de |
Notes: Trials, streams, and resolutions change often. Verify details on the official sites.
Top 12 Providers (2026)
1) Zattoo
Live-TV aggregator with German/international channels, time-shift features, recordings, and multi-device apps.
- Free plan plus paid tiers
- Cloud DVR & time-shift (plan-dependent)
- Up to 4 streams on eligible plans
- Full-HD/UHD varies by channel/plan
- Lineup depends on region
2) waipu.tv
Large channel bouquets, on-demand content, and polished apps for Smart TVs and streaming sticks.
- Hundreds of channels with HD options
- Broad device support
- Trials/promos
- Features depend on the plan
- Some premium packs cost extra
3) MagentaTV (Telekom)
Operator-grade experience with app or set-top box, plus partner integrations.
- Optional STB for living room
- Trial offers available
- Partner app integration
- Best within Telekom ecosystem
- Max resolution depends on device/plan
4) Vodafone GigaTV
Live and on-demand via app or STB; UHD available on select setups.
- Bundled deals for Vodafone users
- Reliable operator network
- UHD on select hardware
- Promos/packs vary by region
- May need specific hardware
5) Joyn
Free live TV with PLUS+ upgrade for more channels and on-demand content.
- Free entry point
- Simple apps and onboarding
- Good mainstream selection
- Premium content gated behind PLUS+
- Rights can change
6) RTL+
Live RTL channels and a big entertainment library (series, shows, podcasts, music).
- Strong RTL originals
- Multi-format bundle
- Frequent promos
- Catalogue centered on RTL ecosystem
- Some sports/events in higher tiers
7) WOW (Sky)
Premium series/films and big-event sports without long contracts.
- Prestige TV & film catalogue
- Sports passes for major leagues
- Regular promos
- Less “live channel” feel vs aggregators
- Licensing windows rotate
8) 1&1 TV
TV-over-internet packaged with 1&1 broadband, with apps and optional STB.
- Good value in bundles
- HD channels
- Apps + STB option
- Best pricing when tied to 1&1 internet
- Lineups vary
9) O₂ TV
HD channels with up to four concurrent streams on eligible plans—great fit for O₂ customers.
- Multiple streams for families
- Broad app support
- Trials/promos
- Features differ by plan
- Platform changes from time to time
10) PÝUR TV
Cable/OTT TV packages with HD (and occasional UHD), app and set-top options.
- Competitive bundles
- HD/UHD on select plans
- App + STB support
- Availability depends on address
- Hardware can affect quality
11) ARD Mediathek
Public broadcaster platform with live streams and on-demand shows from ARD networks—free, ad-supported.
- Free access to public content
- Native apps on major platforms
- News, culture, and regional programming
- Limited premium/sports rights
- Geo-restrictions outside EU
12) ZDFmediathek
Public broadcaster VOD & live content from ZDF—free with news, documentaries, sports highlights, and series.
- Free with strong documentaries & news
- Solid apps and web player
- Captions and accessibility options
- Limited blockbuster rights
- Some titles rotate quickly
Pricing Snapshot
Prices and promos vary widely—from free broadcaster apps to full live-TV bundles. UHD, recordings, and extra streams may add cost. Tip: test monthly first to validate stability, picture quality, and device support.
Real-World Tips
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Flexible month-to-month options
- Apps for most TVs and devices
- Catch-up and recordings on many plans
- Easy to add/remove premium packs
Cons
- Rights and channel packs change
- Stream limits/UHD vary by plan
- Home network quality impacts stability
- Feature sets differ across providers
Getting Started
- List must-have channels and sports.
- Check native app support for your TV/stick.
- Use a free plan/trial to test at peak times.
- Confirm simultaneous streams for your household.
- Subscribe via official websites or app stores only.
Safety & Legality
Stick to licensed providers. Unlicensed restreams risk copyright issues and security threats. Keep devices updated, secure Wi-Fi, and review provider terms when traveling.
Synonyms & Search Intent
- “Best IPTV Germany 2026”
- “German IPTV services”
- “Legal IPTV providers in Germany”
- “Watch German TV online”
Final Verdict
Start with an aggregator like Zattoo or waipu.tv. Add WOW or RTL+ for premium films/series. Operator bundles—MagentaTV, GigaTV, 1&1 TV, O₂ TV, PÝUR—fit best if you already use those ISPs. Public broadcaster apps (ARD, ZDF) are excellent free complements.
