How to Set Up IPTV with Jellyfin (Free Plex Alternative)
Jellyfin is a fully free, open-source media server that offers live TV and DVR functionality comparable to Plex — without any subscription fees. Here's how to set up Jellyfin with your IPTV service for live channels and recordings.
1Installing Jellyfin and the Live TV Plugin
Download and install Jellyfin from jellyfin.org on Windows, Linux, macOS, or Docker. After installation, access the web interface at http://localhost:8096 to complete initial setup.
Install the "Jellyfin Live TV" plugin from the Plugin Catalogue in the admin dashboard. This adds M3U and XMLTV support directly without needing an external emulator like Threadfin (though Threadfin works with Jellyfin too for larger playlists).
2Adding Your M3U and EPG
In Jellyfin admin dashboard, go to Live TV → Tuner Devices → Add Tuner Device → M3U Tuner. Enter your ${SITE} M3U URL directly. Jellyfin refreshes the playlist automatically based on your configured interval (default: every 24 hours).
Add your EPG source under Live TV → TV Guide Data Providers → Add Guide Provider → XMLTV. Enter your XMLTV EPG URL. Jellyfin downloads and maps EPG data to channels automatically based on channel IDs.
3DVR and Recording in Jellyfin
Jellyfin's DVR is built-in and free. Configure recording paths in admin settings and set a storage limit. Schedule recordings from the TV Guide by clicking any programme and selecting "Record".
Jellyfin also supports automatic series recording — set a show to record all future episodes and Jellyfin handles it automatically. Recordings appear in your library alongside personal media.
Final Thoughts
Jellyfin is the best free alternative to Plex for home media management with live IPTV integration. Combined with a Streamtly subscription providing a reliable M3U playlist and XMLTV EPG, Jellyfin delivers a full home TV experience at zero additional cost beyond your IPTV subscription.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Jellyfin really free with no limitations?
Yes. Jellyfin is 100% free and open-source with no feature limitations. Live TV, DVR, remote access, multi-user, and mobile apps are all included at no cost — unlike Plex which requires Plex Pass for Live TV.
Does Jellyfin have a mobile app?
Yes. Official Jellyfin apps for Android and iOS are available for free. Third-party apps like "Infuse" and "Swiftfin" also support Jellyfin as a backend with enhanced interfaces.
How does Jellyfin compare to Plex for IPTV?
Jellyfin is free and fully open-source. Plex has a more polished UI and better mobile apps. For IPTV functionality, both are comparable — Jellyfin's Live TV works excellently with M3U playlists from quality providers like ${SITE}.
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