A good half of PC users are not satisfied with the regular video player that comes with the Windows platform. Its interface has not changed since the seventh version of the OS, and the functionality and ease of use leave much to be desired.
As an alternative to regular software, many prefer third-party products. The benefit of the latter is a dime a dozen on the Internet, so it remains only to make a choice in favor of the best video player for the computer. We’ll just talk about them. The abundance of such software sometimes confuses ordinary users, and choosing the right option becomes problematic. And many are asking quite a logical question: what is the best video player for a computer?
There is no definite answer here, because the choice is complicated by the fact that each user presents some individual requirements for the concept of "best." One is interested in trouble-free viewing of 4K content, another needs a convenient interface, and the third one learns foreign languages by subtitles, and the accompanying functionality is especially important for him.
So, which video player is the best for a PC, everyone decides for himself. We will focus on the most sensible products that have distinguished themselves by their quality component and a large number of flattering reviews from users.
So, let's try to figure out which video players are the best, using the example of the solutions described below. Consider the main features of applications, features of their work and other equally important characteristics.
Media Player Classic Home Cinema
Many users consider this product the best video player for Windows. The utility is equipped with all the necessary codecs for playing both video and audio content. Moreover, the database is updated monthly and always up to date.
The best video player works with all versions of the Windows operating system, from the outdated XP to the last ten. As for the interface, here it is maximally simplified, and even a beginner in this matter will deal with it, not to mention the burnt gurus. In addition, the product received high-quality Russian-language localization.
Program features
Management is also very conveniently built. You can work with tools both with the mouse and with the help of hot keys. The latter, by the way, are reassigned, so that when switching from another player, there will be no problems. In addition, one of the best video players for Windows quietly organizes parallel viewing of two different files, work with two monitors (TV) and synergy with the remote control.
Product Advantages:
- full support for subtitles with switching tracks in one click;
- changing resolution, scaling and changing the position of the footage during viewing;
- auto-adjustment of color gamut, brightness and contrast;
- removal of artifacts and frame jitter;
- the presence of all relevant codecs;
- functional management via the Windows command line (cmd.exe).
Disadvantages:
- professional users complain about the lack of the ability to edit metadata;
- simple design.
Spread
The product is developed by the Gabest group and is distributed free of charge. One of the best video players will not take up hard disk space - only 20-30 MB. Software works with both 32- and 64-bit platforms, plus it is completely undemanding to the "stuffing" of the computer.
Kmplayer
Professional users consider KMPlayer to be the best video player for the PC. While beginners and amateurs disagree with this. Yes, the product has extensive and specific functionality, but the program interface is too confusing and complicated for the average consumer. You can still run a video sequence without a manual, but you will have to deal with the rest of the tools with instructions or even through video tutorials, reviews say.
Despite a decent entry threshold, one of the best video players can offer its user extensive and extremely useful functionality in some complex cases. The utility, thanks to the efforts of developers, carries all the relevant codecs and can reproduce everything that can sound and show.
You can adjust the effects for the video live, change the playback speed, and also set the desired subtitle format. Intelligent automation itself adjusts brightness, contrast, and, if necessary, color saturation. There is also a "smart" work with the soundtrack: attenuation, muting, night mode.
Distinctive features of software
Users in their reviews separately note competent work with 3D visualization. This is one of the best 3D video players. Unlike other competing solutions, there isn’t the mass of glitches and lags that accompany specific 3D formats. In addition, the player has a built-in ability to play streaming video such as Live Video.
Advanced users also appreciated the functionality of capturing video and creating high-quality screenshots without jitter and artifacts. For the exception of the latter, competently configured filters are responsible. In a word, for those who were not afraid to spend a couple of hours behind the manual, this product became the best in its segment.
Advantages of the application:
- the presence of relevant codecs, as well as the "omnivorous" player;
- almost instant opening of the footage;
- competent Russian-language localization and an abundance of reference materials;
- enviable functionality with support for 3D formats;
- nice looking design and a large number of "shirts".
Minuses:
- the program is demanding on system resources (RAM, processor);
- high entry threshold.
KMPlayer Distribution
The developer is the group of the same name KMPlayer. The product is distributed under a free license, but there is an advanced Pro version with even wider functionality for solving specific problems. The program takes about 50 MB of space on the hard drive and is gluttonous to RAM with a processor.
Bsplayer
The product has proven itself not only on desktop PCs, but also on mobile platforms. Many experts, as well as users, consider BSPlayer the best video player for Android. In addition, the utility copes with both offline and online realities.
The program can intercept streaming video from popular services like Youtube and VKontakte. The same can be said about sound tracks: Yandex Music, VK, Odnoklassniki and other services are easily intercepted by this software.
As for the entry threshold, the program interface is as simple as possible, understandable, and even a beginner in this business will deal with it. In addition, the presence of Russian-language localization and an intelligent assistant wizard will help to get acquainted with the product and its capabilities as soon as possible. And the latter are many.
Application Features
The program’s functionality allows you to play content in several modes and gives the user the ability to customize the image to your liking: scale, move it and play with colors, brightness and contrast.
The product also supports several audio tracks and works quietly in tandem with speakers up to 7.1 format. Moreover, the program has already written Adobe Flash Player code, so there are no problems with playing web content.
Judging by user reviews, the visual part also did not disappoint: the developer provided for a large number of themes, individual covers, and even personalization of interface icons. So the player will look great paired with any desktop.
Program Benefits:
- Support for all popular formats, including Sony, Panasonic, JVC and Canon digital cameras;
- undemanding to system resources;
- full work with subtitles;
- work with a multimedia keyboard and audio peripherals;
- cloud storage for the convenience of communication between platforms ("Android" / "Windows");
- low entry threshold;
- Attractive interface and the ability to customize it.
Disadvantages:
- the free version has a lot of advertising (especially on Android);
- users often complain about clumsy translation.
Software distribution
The product developer is AB Team and offers the consumer two license options - free and paid. The first is limited in functionality (for example, it cannot download videos and music from VK), and is also burdened with advertising. The paid version with the prefix Pro has no restrictions and is relieved of banners and extraneous blocks, but costs almost 2 thousand rubles. Both versions will occupy no more than 30 MB on the hard drive.
VLC Media Player
One of the main features of this player is the playback of “broken” files. Even if your track or movie is slightly damaged, for example, it is not fully uploaded, this utility will come to the rescue. She will lose everything that you have, and will not be indignant about an incomplete or bit file.
It is also worth noting that the product is cross-platform. It can be seen both on the Windows, Mac and Linux operating systems, and on the Android and iOS mobile platforms. As for the reproduction of content, judging by the feedback from users, there are no problems here. The program has an extensive database of codecs and reads everything that you palm off on it.
In addition, the product allows you to work with streaming "live" video from the Web and listen to radio from the same Internet. Advanced users love this player for the ability to remotely control content via the Internet protocols http, AJAX and telnet codes.
Software Features
Here, in the program, you can convert existing rare formats to the most popular - avi, flv and mp4. This moment will be especially useful if you plan to transfer content to a USB flash drive for viewing, for example, in the player built into the TV.
There is also an extensive functionality for working with subtitles, where the user can access the widest settings, ranging from text sizes to “smart” overlay on the picture. For those who like to experiment with the music track, an intelligent equalizer is provided, where you can beat any frequencies.
Advantages of the program:
- quick launch of footage;
- cross-platform product;
- convenient and intuitive interface;
- lack of advertising;
- built-in ability to convert video formats;
- customizable hot keys;
- support for network protocols pv4, ipv6 for broadcasts in 4K;
- full support for subtitles.
Minuses:
- many users complain about program freezes in difficult cases;
- does not work with TS codecs;
- volume control is not very convenient.
Program distribution
The developer is VideoLAN, and it distributes its product for free. VLC Media Player is essentially an application software of another advanced solution for users who are professionally engaged in video. The program takes about 50 MB of hard drive and is not particularly demanding on resources.