Despite the huge number of available formats that flooded the network, determining which video player is best for Windows, MacOS, Android, Linux and other platforms is not always easy. A universal media hub, and one that provides only the most necessary and has all the functionality, is an integral element in the modern world of digital files and streaming devices.
Fortunately, there are players that differ from others in the number of playable formats, tagging and sorting the library, or simply the convenience of listening to your favorite audio files. The article is devoted to the review of the best video players for Windows and other modern operating systems.
VLC Media Player
VLC for many years remains the best video player for the computer. This free open source program is capable of reproducing almost any media format you can imagine, including Internet radio and a large number of video and audio stream protocols.
Even before the end of beta testing in 2009, it was the best video player for Windows 7, Linux, and Mac. Despite the fact that the default interface is quite simply composed of various playback icons, and is made in gray-steel color, the program contains many options for quickly changing viewing modes and customizing the toolbar with additional controls. The program after installation takes about 157 MB.
According to reviews, users who download or watch streaming video like the intuitive effects of interactive scaling, video capture, blurring and image mirroring. There are not many formats that the application would not cope with both the normal playback of multimedia files and their conversion.
VLC Media Player is the best video player for those who need reliable support for most file types, universal playback and frequent releases of stable versions. A reliable community of active users and programmers, known as the VideoLAN Organization, is an additional plus, as are various extensions and skins for Windows.
Divx
This player, running on the platforms Windows, MacOS, Android and iOS, was developed by the company of the same name. It occupies 143 MB of disk space, and together with the converter and web player - 248 MB. The program offers a quick choice of scale, recording media files to discs, as well as additional options for streaming video, music and photos to DLNA compatible home devices. The filters and sound controls are limited, but the software supports 3 processing modes and there are many sound tuning tools to reproduce it more accurately. And if the user prefers not to delve into this area, in free downloadable files you can find a link to a simple web player.
In the professional version of DivX, available for about 1250 rubles, there is no advertising and there are many additional functions for configuring video and managing media servers. If you need only a good multimedia player, you can confidently choose the free version. If only music is required, users are advised to search among free audio players.
Plex
The application seeks to optimize multimedia viewing, combining all services and devices running a single platform that runs on Windows, MacOS, Android and iOS. Users can add all the folders and files that they want to the library of this application. After that, they get the opportunity to transfer them to any device that supports Plex. For example, a movie saved on your hard drive can be viewed through the appropriate browser extension or broadcast to your tablet.
Nowadays, most people do not just use their own films and music. Streaming services have become one of the dominant ways to consume media, and Plex recognizes this by offering programs for services such as Netflix and Spotify. In the browser extension, the video usually loads in a couple of seconds, and buffering allows you to play it smoothly and with excellent quality. Audio files also open quickly, without any noticeable problems.
Plex is based on the XBMC software used for Kodi, so it can play all the common formats that are supported by the above programs.
According to reviews, the minimalistic, understandable interface makes Plex the best video player for those who want to store all their media files in one convenient place. The server size is 90–105 MB. An application of the same name is being developed.
Musicbee
One of the best video players for Windows 10, MusicBee is aimed at digital audio enthusiasts who prefer to independently adjust the sound until it becomes perfect for them. According to user reviews, in addition to being competent and compatible with many formats, the media player contains a number of useful audio quality settings. These include a 10-15-band equalizer, support for WASAPI and ASIO, the possibility of logarithmic scaling of volume, mixing surround sound and WinAmp plug-ins for specific instruments.
This audio functionality is complemented by more advanced features, including hardware conversion, mobile synchronization, various skins, Internet radio compatibility, etc. Despite attempts to cover everything, MusicBee uses only 25-70 MB of RAM, so it is unlikely to slow down the system.
The application is being developed by Stephen Mayall.
Gom media player
This program was developed by the Korean corporation Gretech and is one of the best video players for Windows 10, iOS and Chrome. It has an attractive and stylish interface, includes a list of useful utilities, processes all formats from AAC to FLV and offers a codec search service that identifies those that are not automatically supported by default and provides additional information about them.
According to reviews, the application is equipped with all standard functions: high-quality video playback and hot keys, AV capture and improved codec functionality, as well as other tools for adding equalizer effects and controlling playback of iOS and Android devices wirelessly. There are options for adjusting the audio mode, subtitle size and loaded playback presets.
The media player has three viewing modes (normal, high-quality and television), each of which corresponds to the hardware capabilities of the device used and the desired viewing mode. Although the interface cannot be configured in the same way as competing programs, the user can switch various settings and choose from many skins to suit his taste. The application even knows how to play damaged, incomplete, blocked or partially downloaded files, which gives it a significant advantage over some competitors with open source code.
One of the best video players is also known for its updates, which recently gave the system the ability to play 360-degree virtual reality, and in the future they promise to provide additional support.
Minimum system requirements are 200 MB of free disk space and 2 GB of RAM.
5Kplayer
This is the most preferable option for users who choose which video player is better, who need more streaming capabilities, and who are less concerned with organizing libraries and more - create a collection of different multimedia files from their favorite streaming sites. The program is developed by DearMob, takes 39 MB and is available for Windows and MacOS. It allows you to directly import video and audio from online sites such as YouTube and Facebook, as well as Vimeo, MTV, Instagram and many other popular platforms. The application is compatible with MP4, MOV, M4V, MP3, AAC and other common formats.
According to user reviews, the interface is very simple and includes a panel for recently collected sites and playlists. Familiar features like the radio and personal library are easily accessible, but you should not expect any stunning visual effects. As a special bonus for Apple fans, the app also works with AirPlay. If most media files are online and music requires something other than iTunes or Spotify, then 5KPlayer has compelling arguments.
Emby premiere
The free movie-oriented Emby package is useful in its own right, but its premium version adds many features that turn the application into an elite multimedia manager and the best video player for Android, Windows, iOS, Mac and other platforms. According to user reviews, the program will be especially useful for those film enthusiasts who find it difficult to cope with a large collection of films and who are proud of their cinematic experience.
There is a special cinema mode, a plug-in for covers, offline support for downloaded movies, the Emby Theater application and synchronization options for folders through the cloud storage, which can be used for backup. For those who prefer to record the latest television shows, the Emby DVR provides easy one-time or periodic recording scheduling. Automatic conversion is performed while the file is being saved, therefore, the required format can be pre-selected. The program is even compatible with Alexa.
The unpacked server occupies 263 MB. Developed by the company of the same name.
Tune-up
Tune-Up is not the main music player, but rather a great plugin for expanding traditional media players. It is designed to scan duplicate tracks, missing or incomplete information about the song and lost covers. Then the application uses signal recognition technology to find the missing information and inserts it, while at the same time putting things in order in the music library.
According to user reviews, if a musical story has gaps, there are many unnamed tracks from dubious sources with an unknown number of duplicates, Tune-Up is an ideal tool to turn the library into a subject of pride of its owner. And fans of specific artists will be pleased to notice that the program reports on concerts, updating music videos, biographies and other additional information.
The application is developed by GMGP. Installation requires 20 MB of free disk space and more (depending on the size of the collection) plus twice the amount of RAM (4 GB for 2 GB of RAM).
Elmedia
This is the perfect, complete and best video player for Mac users who receive media content from various sources. It provides playback of AVI, MP4, FLV, MP3, DAT, FLAC, M4V and many other formats, so there will probably be no problems with compatibility. It also has a browser in the application for searching and playing music videos.
The design, which seems to users to be borrowed from VLC, is minimalistic and time-saving, but it still includes a number of additional features that can not always be found elsewhere. These include the ability to configure output to entertainment systems and program virtual surround sound for Hi-Fi headphones, as well as support for broadcast via AirPlay. The paid version allows you to download and perform more functions that are ideal for those who are looking for high quality.
The application is developed by Eltima Software.
Kmplayer
This is another great free media player for Windows 10, which has the ability to play almost all the main video and audio files. Since it has a built-in codec for Windows 10, users do not need to search for any other. To further enhance its compatibility, you can add external codecs. With support for 3D and UHD, users can enjoy high-definition video.
KMPlayer is also famous for a wide range of supported formats. Users have many options for audio and video effects and functions. You can select parts of the video as favorites, repeat them, reassign keys for the remote interface, etc. The player allows you to edit subtitles. First released in 2002, the free KMPlayer media player was acquired by Korean streaming company Pandora TV in 2007. Windows versions from XP to tenth are supported. The application takes 137 MB.
Conclusion
The standard program, installed by default with the operating system, does not always cope with its task, even with the installation of additional codecs. Therefore, the player should choose another, more powerful and more convenient to use. We hope our review will help the reader make a decent choice.