M3U vs Xtream Codes: which should you use?
| M3U / M3U8 | Xtream Codes | |
|---|---|---|
| Setup | One URL or file | Server + username + password |
| Movies & series | Flat list | Categories, seasons, episodes |
| EPG | Separate XMLTV URL | Built in |
| Catch-up TV | Via catchup= tags | Via tv_archive |
| Large lists | Can be 150 MB+ | Paged JSON |
Our recommendation
If your provider offers both, choose Xtream Codes for richer VOD and automatic EPG. Use M3U for local files, custom curated lists or providers that only publish a URL. StreamPulse parses both in a background isolate, so even 200,000-entry M3U files open without freezing.