Syncplay

Free plan LinuxMacSelf-hostedWindows

What Syncplay is

Syncplay synchronizes media playback over the Internet for people who have the same media file. Viewers join a virtual room, and pausing, resuming, or seeking by one person is synchronized for the others. It works on Windows, Linux, *BSD, and macOS with mpv, mpv.net, MPC-BE, MPC-HC, VLC 3, IINA, and memento. Room operators can create shared playlists that automatically load the next file when playback ends. A chat feature supports text conversation, while the site suggests using separate voice software such as Mumble or Skype. Syncplay does not stream or share video, so each viewer needs a copy. It is free software under the Apache 2.0 license. Communications are not encrypted: filenames may be hashed or withheld, but playlists and chat use plaintext. Official public servers provide room isolation, and users can self-host with passwords and TLS.

Who it suits

Syncplay suits groups who already have the same media files and want synchronized viewing across supported computers. It also fits users who want shared playlists, text chat, or self-hosted server options.

What it does well

Synchronizes pausing, resuming, and seeking
Supports Windows, Linux, *BSD, and macOS
Works with several listed media players
Shared playlists can load next files
Free under Apache 2.0

What to know first

Does not stream or share video
Every viewer needs their own media copy
Chat and playlists use plaintext
No encryption by default

Plans

Plan	Billed and limits	Price
Syncplay	Free software; Windows, Linux, *BSD, macOS	Free

As syncplay.pl lists them, read 11 Oct 2026. The maker's own page has the final word.

Verdict

Syncplay is a free way to align playback for viewers with matching files. Its lack of encryption and requirement for personal media copies are important constraints, while self-hosting adds password and TLS options.

Facts from Syncplay's own pages

Chat and voice: Syncplay has a chat feature, and its site suggests using it alongside third-party VoIP software such as Mumble or Skype. · syncplay.pl, 11 Oct 2026
Free plan: Yes · syncplay.pl, 22 Sept 2026
License model: free · syncplay.pl, 22 Sept 2026
Media requirement: Syncplay does not stream or share video files, so each viewer needs their own copy of the media. · syncplay.pl, 11 Oct 2026
Network playback: Yes · syncplay.pl, 22 Sept 2026
Official server privacy: The site says its official public servers use room isolation and that the official server build does not store the information clients send. · syncplay.pl, 11 Oct 2026
Supported platforms: Windows,Linux,*BSD,macOS · syncplay.pl, 22 Sept 2026
Playback controls: Pausing, unpausing, and seeking are synchronized between viewers. · syncplay.pl, 11 Oct 2026
Privacy and encryption: Syncplay does not use encryption; filenames can be hashed or withheld, while shared playlists and chat messages are sent in plaintext. · syncplay.pl, 11 Oct 2026
Purpose: Syncplay synchronizes media players over the Internet so people playing the same file in the same virtual room can watch together. · syncplay.pl, 11 Oct 2026
Self-hosting: Users can run their own public or private Syncplay server, with options including room isolation, password protection, and TLS. · syncplay.pl, 11 Oct 2026
Shared playlists: Room operators can add files to a shared playlist, which can automatically load the next file when playback reaches the end. · syncplay.pl, 11 Oct 2026
Source license: The site lists Syncplay's source code license as Apache 2.0. · syncplay.pl, 11 Oct 2026
Support: The developers direct users to installation, client, troubleshooting, and server guides, and offer contact through email and GitHub issues. · syncplay.pl, 11 Oct 2026
Supported players: The listed players are mpv, mpv.net, MPC-BE, MPC-HC, VLC 3, IINA, and memento. · syncplay.pl, 11 Oct 2026

Where Syncplay stands on Freedom251

Media Player Software#27 of 76