Sparkle TV is a relatively new IPTV player for Firestick, Android TV, and Google TV that has been gaining significant attention in 2026 as a free alternative to TiviMate. The interface draws clear inspiration from TiviMate and the feature set is genuinely competitive — DVR recording, multi-screen viewing, picture-in-picture, and a built-in EPG are all included. This review covers what Sparkle TV does, what the free versus Plus difference means in practice, an important caveat about its Google Play status, and how it compares to TiviMate and XCIPTV.
Important: Sparkle TV is a player app only — it does not provide channels or content. You need an active IPTV subscription with M3U URL or Xtream Codes credentials to use it. If you do not have one yet, see our free trials page.
Table of Contents
- What Is Sparkle TV?
- Important Caveat: Google Play Removal
- Key Features
- Free vs Sparkle Plus
- How to Install on Firestick
- Sparkle TV vs Alternatives
- Verdict
- FAQ
What Is Sparkle TV?
Sparkle TV is a free IPTV player developed by HKAB. It runs on Firestick, Fire TV, Android TV, and Google TV devices. It supports M3U playlists and Xtream Codes API. The interface is modelled closely on TiviMate — grid EPG layout, similar navigation, similar settings structure — which makes it immediately familiar to anyone who has used TiviMate previously.
The app operates on a freemium model. The free version provides solid core streaming functionality. Sparkle Plus is a paid upgrade that unlocks recording, favourites, multi-playlist support, and other features that are limited or unavailable in the free tier.
Important Caveat: Google Play Removal
Sparkle TV was removed from the Google Play Store on May 3 2026. The app is no longer available for download from Google Play. It can still be obtained as an APK from third-party sources and sideloaded onto Firestick and Android TV devices. The removal reason has not been officially stated by the developer.
This is worth factoring into your decision. The Google Play removal raises questions about the app’s long-term availability and future updates. The existing version (2.3.0) continues to work for current users but new features and bug fixes are uncertain without a Play Store presence.
The Sparkle Plus premium subscription is purchased through the Google Play Store on an Android phone — which means new subscribers need a separate Android device to purchase Plus even though the app itself is used on Firestick or Android TV. With the app removed from Play Store this process may have changed — verify the current purchase method before subscribing.
Key Features
TiviMate-Style Interface
Sparkle TV’s interface is directly inspired by TiviMate. The grid EPG layout, channel list navigation, and settings structure will be immediately familiar to TiviMate users. Navigation is fast and smooth according to multiple user reports with no noticeable lag even on older Firestick models.
DVR Recording
Live TV recording is available with Sparkle Plus. Recordings are stored to local device storage or an external USB drive. DVR scheduling allows setting up future recordings from the EPG guide in advance.
Multi-Screen Viewing
Multiple channels can be watched simultaneously in a split-screen layout. Available in the Plus version. A useful feature for sports viewers monitoring multiple events.
Picture in Picture
Streams continue in a floating PiP window when switching to other apps or the home screen. Available in the free version.
VOD and Catch-Up
VOD library browsing and catch-up TV playback are supported where your provider includes this content. Catch-up is available with Sparkle Plus.
EPG Guide
Built-in EPG with the grid view layout similar to TiviMate. Supports XMLTV EPG sources alongside Xtream Codes EPG data. The Play Next feature on the home screen shows recent channels and upcoming recorded content for quick access.
Multiple Playlist Support
Multiple M3U playlists and Xtream Codes accounts can be added. Available with Sparkle Plus — the free version is limited to a single playlist.
Free vs Sparkle Plus
| Feature | Free | Sparkle Plus |
|---|---|---|
| Live TV streaming | Yes | Yes |
| M3U and Xtream Codes | Yes | Yes |
| EPG guide | Yes | Yes |
| Picture in Picture | Yes | Yes |
| Favourites | No | Yes |
| DVR recording | No | Yes |
| Multi-screen | No | Yes |
| Multiple playlists | No — single playlist only | Yes |
| Catch-up TV | No | Yes |
The free version is more restrictive than most competing free players — notably the lack of favourites in the free tier is a significant limitation for daily use. XCIPTV includes favourites completely free. TiviMate’s free version also allows basic favourites. For Sparkle TV to be genuinely useful for regular viewing the Plus upgrade is effectively required.
How to Install on Firestick
Sparkle TV is not available in the Amazon App Store and must be sideloaded. With the Google Play removal the APK must be obtained from a third-party source.
- Enable Apps from Unknown Sources in Settings > My Fire TV > Developer Options
- Open the Downloader app and navigate to the official Sparkle TV website or a trusted APK source to download the latest APK
- Install the APK and open Sparkle TV
- Add your M3U URL or Xtream Codes credentials from your provider welcome email
- To activate Sparkle Plus purchase it via Google Play on an Android phone and sync the account in the app settings
Note on Sparkle Plus purchase: With the app removed from Google Play the process for purchasing and activating Plus may have changed. Check the official Sparkle TV website or community forums for the current purchase method before attempting to upgrade.
Sparkle TV vs Alternatives
| Sparkle TV | TiviMate | XCIPTV | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cost | Free / Plus upgrade | Free / ~$5-12/yr Premium | Completely free |
| Interface | TiviMate-inspired | Best in class | Polished, Netflix-style VOD |
| Free favourites | No — Plus only | Basic | Yes |
| DVR recording | Yes — Plus only | Yes — Premium only | Yes — free |
| Multi-screen | Yes — Plus only | No | Yes — free |
| Google Play status | Removed May 2026 | Available | Also removed |
| Active development | Uncertain post-removal | Yes | Yes |
| Best for | TiviMate users wanting a free alternative | Daily live TV, best EPG | Best free option overall |
Verdict
Sparkle TV is a genuinely impressive free player with a well-executed TiviMate-inspired interface. The core streaming experience is fast and smooth, the EPG is solid, and the Plus upgrade delivers a competitive feature set including DVR and multi-screen.
The Google Play removal in May 2026 is the significant concern. Without a Play Store presence the future of updates and the Plus purchase process are both uncertain. For subscribers who want a stable, actively maintained free player, XCIPTV is the safer choice — it includes favourites, DVR, and multi-screen completely free with no Play Store dependency. For subscribers willing to accept some uncertainty in exchange for a TiviMate-like interface at no cost, Sparkle TV remains worth trying.
TiviMate users who want a free alternative with a familiar interface. Firestick and Android TV subscribers who do not need favourites in the free tier and are comfortable with sideloading.
Subscribers who need favourites without paying — XCIPTV includes them free. Anyone concerned about long-term app support given the Google Play removal. iOS users — Sparkle TV is Android only.
FAQ
Is Sparkle TV free?
The base version is free. Sparkle Plus is a paid upgrade unlocking favourites, DVR, multi-screen, multiple playlists, and catch-up. The Plus upgrade was previously purchased through Google Play but the purchase method may have changed following the app’s removal from the Play Store in May 2026 — verify the current process before upgrading.
Why was Sparkle TV removed from Google Play?
The developer has not publicly stated the reason for the removal. The app was removed on May 3 2026. It remains available as an APK for sideloading on Firestick and Android TV devices.
Sparkle TV vs TiviMate — which is better?
TiviMate has better long-term stability, active development, and the best EPG of any reviewed player. Sparkle TV is free and has a similar interface but its future is uncertain following the Google Play removal. For daily use TiviMate is the more reliable choice. See our TiviMate review for full details.
Sparkle TV vs XCIPTV — which is better as a free player?
XCIPTV is the stronger free option. It includes favourites, DVR, and multi-screen completely free with no paid upgrade required, and it has not been removed from any app store. See our XCIPTV review for full details.
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Last updated June 2026. Sparkle TV version 2.3.0. App availability and purchase process subject to change following Google Play removal.