| Feature | Free M3U (GitHub/Reddit) | Paid M3U IPTV (Private Server) | | :--- | :--- | :--- | | | 1-3 working links (often dead) | 15+ channels (24/7 stability) | | Resolution | 480p – 720p (upscaled) | 1080p – 4K (50fps) | | EPG | Rarely included | Usually included | | Update Frequency | Manual search daily | Automatic via API | | Cost | $0 | $5 – $15 / month | | Risk | High (malware) | Medium (legal) |