Free and open first

Best Video Player Software in 2026

For everyday video playback, the right fit can depend on your files, devices, and preferred controls. Compare codec support, maximum resolution, and hardware acceleration alongside supported platforms and subtitle formats. Playback speed control may suit different viewing habits, and a portable version can be useful for varied setups. Check free-plan availability and paid-from pricing as well. mpv, 5KPlayer, and Infuse are among the options shown. Use these criteria to weigh playback compatibility and controls against the video you watch and the devices you use.

42 apps
Research read 23 Sept 2026
How the order is worked out

1

Dragon Player

Free plan Open source Linux

Dragon Player covers playback essentials and offers several Linux installation routes. Its listed platform is Linux, and privacy may depend on the distributor if you obtain it from a third party.

8.7 Free plan Visit site
2

Bitmovin Player

Free plan AndroidAPIiPhone+3

Choose Bitmovin Player if you need a web SDK with broad streaming format, advertising, and content-protection support across devices.

7.7 Free plan Visit site
3

5KPlayer
by 5KPlayer
Free plan iPhoneMacWindows

5KPlayer combines broad media playback support with downloading, radio, and wireless sharing features at no subscription cost.

7.6 Free plan Visit site
4

ALLPlayer

Free plan AndroidiPhoneWindows

Choose ALLPlayer for a free player with subtitle discovery, speech playback, radio, and phone remote features across its supported platforms.

7.5 Free plan Visit site
5

Flowplayer

Free plan AndroidAPIiPhone+2

Flowplayer combines hosting, delivery, live programming, player APIs, monetization, and analytics in one video platform.

7.5 Free plan · paid from $99 Visit site
6

GOM Player
by GOM Player
Free plan AndroidiPhoneMac+1

GOM Player combines broad format support with subtitles and network playback. Its free plan is available, while the paid permanent license is listed for one PC at $22 a month.

7.5 Free plan · paid from $22 Visit site
7

KMPlayer
by KMPlayer
Free plan AndroidiPhoneMac+1

KMPlayer combines broad format support with subtitle and playback controls across desktop and mobile.

7.4 Free plan · 3-day trial Visit site
8

Cisdem Video Player

Free plan MacWindows

Cisdem Video Player combines broad format playback, subtitle handling, and high-resolution support with free media playback.

7.3 Free plan · paid from $19.99 Visit site
9

DivX Player
by DivX Player
Free plan MacWindows

7.3 Free plan Visit site
10

MediaElement.js

Free plan AndroidAPIiPhone+2

MediaElement.js combines a unified player and API with broad media and embed support.

7.3 Free plan Visit site
11

Celluloid

Free plan Mac

Choose Celluloid if you use a recent Mac and want live webcam filters, image controls, and a virtual camera for video apps.

7.2 Free plan Visit site
12

mpv

Free plan AndroidAPILinux+2

mpv offers broad media support, video controls and extension options in a command-line-focused player. Its limited GUI and release support policy are important considerations.

7.2 Free plan Visit site
13

Clappr

Free plan AndroidiPhoneWeb

Clappr provides a modular, customizable player for web projects, with broad device and browser support.

7.1 Open source Visit site
14

Elmedia Player

Free plan Mac

Elmedia Player covers file playback, subtitle handling, and streaming across several device types.

7.1 Free plan Visit site
15

FFplay

Free plan LinuxMacWindows

FFplay provides straightforward playback with FFmpeg-based format support, filters and hardware-decoding options.

7.1 Free plan Visit site
16

Haruna

Free plan LinuxWindows

Haruna provides configurable local and online video playback, playlist options and subtitle support at no cost.

7.1 Free plan Visit site
17

IINA

Free plan ExtensionMac

IINA combines a broad set of playback features with configurable controls and JavaScript plugins.

7.1 Free plan Visit site
18

Infuse

Free plan iPhoneMac

Infuse combines broad format support with network, cloud, and media-server playback across Apple platforms.

7.1 Free plan · paid from $1.99/mo · 7-day trial Visit site
19

MPlayer

Free plan LinuxMacWindows

MPlayer offers wide format, streaming, and subtitle support at no cost. Its latest listed release and limited GUI development are important considerations before installation.

7.1 Free plan Visit site
20

Clapper

Free plan LinuxWindows

Clapper provides a simple desktop player with queue handling and playback-speed controls. Its Linux packaging, libraries, and plugin support add options for users and developers who need them.

7.0 Free plan Visit site
21

RealPlayer

Free plan AndroidiPhoneMac+1

RealPlayer combines downloading, playback, and library tools, with separate mobile support. Compare the free plan's 720p cap and lack of cloud storage with the paid options.

7.0 Free plan · paid from $24.99 Visit site
22

reEmbed

Free plan AndroidiPhoneWeb+1

reEmbed combines player customization, video analytics, recommendations, and alerts for website embeds. Its free plan is listed, but plan prices and limits are not shown in the pricing page text.

7.0 Free plan Visit site
23

Just (Video) Player

Free plan Android

Just (Video) Player combines extensive format support with practical playback controls on Android and Android TV.

6.9 Free plan Visit site
24

Plyr

Free plan APISelf-hostedWeb

Plyr offers a broad set of player controls and integration options at no cost. Its deprecated status and security-updates-only maintenance policy are central considerations before adoption.

6.9 Free plan Visit site
25

QMPlay2

Free plan LinuxMacWindows

QMPlay2 covers common FFmpeg media alongside several additional audio sources, with subtitles and hardware acceleration.

6.9 Free plan Visit site

#1Places #1, #2, #3, #4, #5 on this list can be bought by the makers of the software on it. See the price

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