Top 10 Best Video Players for Windows
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DVDFab Player
Attractive media player that focuses on DVD and Blu-ray movies, with extensive file type support, previews, Blu-ray region code selection, 3D playback and screen capture.
If you have put your time, energy and hard-earned money into your movie collection, then it is understandable that you would want to be able to make the most of it.
DVDFab Player is a tool dedicated to video playback in high-quality formats regardless of the codecs and resolutions.
Comes with intuitive controls you can access from the context menu
The application sports a sleek, stylish interface and it is maintained clean so that you do not get distracted by functions, but rather enjoy the content you are watching. Nevertheless, if you want to adjust the video or audio settings, you can access these functions from the context menu.
A noteworthy feature is the adjustable thumbnails that can be further configured to display time intervals and quantities. Therefore, it becomes easier to locate a special scene you particularly enjoyed or determine whether a movie is worth your time or not.
Works with the vast majority of 4K Ultra HD file formats
The trump card of the application stems from the impressive array of high-definition files it can play. Simply put, regardless of whether you play MKV, MOV, VOB, M2TS and MP4 files, you do not have to concern yourself with finding specific codecs, such as H.264, H.265 (HEVC) or WMV, for instance. Moreover, the tool supports all existing resolutions, including 4K UHD.
The program also comes with a set of tools for watching your favorite TV-shows, particularly since it enables you to create custom playlists. Consequentially, you can watch a full season uninterrupted or you can create a playlist with the best episodes, just to name a few of the possibilities.
A reliable player that can make watching videos more enhancing
In the eventuality that you are looking for a tool that allows you to view videos in high-definition formats and without having to worry about the codecs required, then perhaps you can consider giving DVDFab Player a try.
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Download Hubs
DVDFab Player is part of these download collections: View Blu-ray Disc
Media Player Classic - Home Cinema
Leave worries aside whether or not you can play a specific media file format because this powerful application might just be the solution.
The Internet is home to nearly all forms of entertainment, but is also one of the largest markets, available to the whole world. Amongst virtual items that serve various purposes, you manage to find specialized applications needed to play movies and songs. Media Player Classic Home Cinema is one of them, trying to be a simple, but powerful player.
Lightweight and easy to use
Running the application brings up an interface you might be familiar with. This is not bad, because it lets you quickly accommodate and just enjoy desired items. These are easily added by dragging them over the main window, as well as through a dedicated menu for individual files or the whole content of a directory.
Playback options are clearly visible, as well as the progress and volume sliders. By default, you only gain access to the previously mentioned elements and a preview sections, with the possibility to bring up other available features.
Create and manage playlists
One of the features that is a must for any media player is also found here. A playlist manager can be brought up so that you can create a list with various selections you can later load. The application lets you import other playlist formats, as well as from Windows Media Player.
In addition, you are able to set files you frequently play as favorites, so you don't have to bring up an entire playlist for one element, or browse through your computer.
Supports a large variety of formats
Probably the application's main advantage and what keeps it at the top is that it is capable of rendering nearly all available media file formats. From video types like AVI, MPG, MOV, SWF to audio formats MP3, OGG, FLAC and several playlist types, you need only sit back and enjoy whatever file you provide.
In conclusion
Taking everything into consideration, we can say that Media Player Classic Home Cinema is a suitable application you might want to keep around for both its simplicity and amount of supported formats. It gets the job done well, deserving its seat at the pro table.
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Download Hubs
Media Player Classic - Home Cinema is part of these download collections: View Blu-ray Disc
Emby Theater
A client application for the Emby Server that enables you to enjoy music and videos in your library from any computer in the network.
Emby Theater acts as a client for Emby Server, enabling you to enjoy your favorite music and videos on any computer in the network. With its help, you can gain access to your media library and play multimedia content on a remote workstation.
Access your Media Browser library on any network PC
Configuring the server-client connection is easy, considering you just have to enter the server's IP address and port number in order to sign in, but not before generating an API key for Emby Theater in Emby Server. Alternatively, you can log in via Emby Connect, so as to avoid having to specify the server configuration details.
Once connected, Emby Theater displays a list of all the folders in your library, exactly as you have organized them during server setup. The application enables you to sort files in your library by various criteria, such as the file name, the rating, the creation date, IMDb rating or release date.
Enjoy multimedia content on remote computers
You can view videos and music files in your personal collection and start playing any of them, without downloading or sharing the file. To be more exact, the server streams multimedia content over the network and Emby Theater acts as a client that connects to the server's library.
Aside from playing videos and music from Emby Server, the application can also fetch media content from an external disc and connect to external media players to open specific types of files.
The built-in player is completely configurable, with customizable audio and video rendering options, streaming bitrate and filter set.
An easy to configure client for Media Browser Server
Together with its server counterpart, Emby Theater implements a powerful media sharing and streaming solution, enabling you to enjoy videos and audio files you like on any computer in your network. As a server-client, Emby Theater can be granted direct access to the multimedia content, without requiring additional resources for transcoding.
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GridPlayer
A straightforward VLC-based player that lest you run multiple videos into the same interfaces, providing individual controls and basic multimedia functions.
Have you ever found yourself in a situation where you have needed to play multiple videos at the same time, but a single program wasn't enough? If you do, you probably have three or four multimedia players on your drive. GridPlayer can be a solution for anyone interested in playing multiple videos while keeping their drive as clean as possible. In addition, this player is built using VLC as an inspiration point, and who is not familiar with VLC?
Simple and versatile
The installed version of the player requires you to have a certain version of Python on your system, but if you go with the portable version, besides the perks of having the app at your disposal at any time, the Python element is included with the archive.
GridPlayer opens up with a blank window that invites you to drop videos in. You can add one at a time or an entire playlist, it's up to you. Even if all videos are starting at the same time, individual controls are assigned. Pause or run videos at will, or double-click a clip to highlight it on full screen. How the app is behaving in full screen in relation to the background videos can be changed from the settings menu.
Intuitive context menu
The context menu is slightly different from what VLC comes with. That is a reason why VLC users should have an easier time getting around the player compared to those new to it. Adding files, opening or closing playlists, changing the grid's look, and checking out the settings tab are half of what the context menu can do for you.
To summarize, GridPlayer is an excellent tool to have around, especially if you are trying to watch multiple videos within the same interface. The VLC architecture is a huge plus, helping with the overall learning curve.
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Video Player
Lightweight video player app you can use you quickly and easily play your favorite clips, as well as add them from various sources on the internet via links.
Video players come in different shapes and sizes. Some are equipped to cater more to power users and offer additional functionality, while others focus on being as lightweight as they can be.
With regard to that, Video Player is kind of in the middle: it offers some useful, extra features — such as looping, time-stretching, and external source playing capabilities —while remaining lightweight in a minimalist, yet sleek interface.
Add clips from your computer or the web
This is quite a lightweight app, and it's immediately noticeable at first glance. After starting the program, adding video files can be done in two ways: either locally, through the Upload button, or externally, by inputting a link that leads to your clip. Dragging and dropping did not work for us.
Should you want to make any changes while something is playing, the minimalist interface will not interfere with your content. Adding multiple clips is possible, and cycling through them can be done by interacting with the arrows that appear when you hover over the left and right parts of your video. The app also supports the adding of subtitles, making movie-watching more convenient.
The additional controls help you focus on the best parts of your videos
Accessible either from the main menu or through the arrow keys is the fast-forward option, which you can use to slow or increase the pace of your clips.
Looping is also possible, and you're allowed to loop the entire video or just parts of it. The app can export your looped file in the .mp4 format.
Problems with external links and the reverse function
The ability to add stuff from the web sounded very exciting on paper. Sadly, we did not have much luck in our testing, as adding YouTube links returned nothing in the end. The same was true when inputting Vimeo links.
More than that, the "Reverse Video" feature simply did not work, and the result stayed the same, irrespective of the clip's length. We were also a tad disappointed when the app refused to recognize the videos we'd dropped into it. This made us have to resort to inputting our things through the program's Upload menu, which took more time and was less convenient.
In conclusion, Video Player is a promising app that manages to be both lightweight and still pack some interesting features. Despite the shortcomings, it has potential, so it remains to be seen how much regular updates will improve it.
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mrViewer
Open images and play video files, use hotkeys for easy control of the player, alter the gamma level and switch to a full screen mode.
mrViewer is an old-school looking application that can help you enjoy both your videos and your images right within the same window, while offering you the possibility to attach audio tracks along the way.
Quite outdated looks
The GUI of mrViewer is reminiscent of Linux software, so you will not be getting any polished-looking menus or buttons. Instead, you get functional right-click menus that provide quick access to all relevant functions.
Also, it needs to be emphasized that some of the buttons do not have actual titles, instead you need to hover your mouse cursor over them to understand their purpose. Even though this is meant to make the windows seem less cluttered, it might end up confusing some of the users.
Includes several editing operations
Unlike what you would expect from a viewing app, this utility can be used to add some freehand drawings to your currently open file, as well as several shapes like circles, lines, arrows, and even a text message. Moreover, you can tamper with the hue, brightness, contrast and saturation levels, while constantly keeping an eye on the result.
As previously mentioned, mrViewer supports both images and videos, meaning you can apply these modifications to either a still image or a frame from a loaded clip.
Supports multiple formats
Once you are done with altering your picture or video, you can take the final step, that of exporting your work to a standalone file. When dealing with videos, you can either save the entire file, or the current frame or reel.
The supported formats are quite varied, no matter the target format you are interested in.
Conclusion
All in all, mrViewer can come in handy to all those who do not necessarily look for polished GUIs in their apps, and who would rather spend some time getting used to the plethora of functions a tool provides.
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MoonPlayer
All-in-one video player that allows you to enjoy clips from online platforms, while also supporting local videos from your computer.
Typically, video players allow you to only watch the clips you store on your computer.
MoonPlayer brings a twist to this mix, since it also supports videos from online services.
Minimalist, yet modern GUI
The main window is minimalist, as only the necessary controls are visible. However, the overall feel is a modern one, the icons have a basic look, and they are nicely polished.
It needs to be mentioned that if you cannot get used to the modern looks of MoonPlayer, you can switch to a more traditional one in the Settings window.
Plays local and online videos
Due to MoonPlayer, you can easily enjoy videos from your computer, by browsing to their location. You can even create a playlist by adding several items in the dedicated window.
As previously mentioned, you can also watch online clips by simply adding their corresponding URL, then choosing the stream you prefer (from the available ones).
You also have the possibility to download the specified video.
Customize playback settings
A bonus of MoonPlayer is that you can alter the standard player parameters. For example, you can modify the playback speed (up or down) as you see fit, while also making the subtitle file visible or hidden.
Furthermore, you can alter the brightness, contrast, saturation, gamma and hue values by simply moving their respective sliders. You can replace the audio track just as quickly.
The screen size can be adjusted as well, to the dimensions you are most comfortable with (default, 4:3, 16:9, 16:10, 1.85:1, 2.35:1).
In a nutshell
To wrap it up, MoonPlayer can become your go-to solution for enjoying videos, no matter their source. What's more, a wide range of its supported operations can be performed with the associated hotkeys, so you can speed up the entire process.
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All Video Player
An application that allows you to play a wide variety of video and audio files, including the FLV, MP4, WebM, MP3, and many other formats.
With the big number of streaming services available, people tend to forget that video players still exist. We mostly watch movies online or at the cinema nowadays, so these programs aren't used as much as they were at some point.
However, there still are situations where these applications are a must, such as watching homemade videos. If you are not sure what to use, All Video Player is one option you can go with.
Use on multiple file formats
If you are done shooting a video with your camera or phone, you don't need to struggle to watch it from a small screen. Just copy it to your PC and let All Video Player help you with playing it.
As you can figure out from its name, this program is good for playing various video files. It supports a lot of well-known formats, such as MP4, FLV or WebM.
Not only that, but it can be used to play audio files as well. So if you like to have your music available locally and not just online, you don't need to worry about having to find another program to listen to it.
Importing and playlists
If you want to play something, you first need to import it/them to the program. This can be done either by drag and drop or through the application's menu. You have the option to add files or even entire folders.
When you have a lot of local files that you want to watch or listen to, it isn't exactly convenient to add them to the program individually whenever one finishes playing.
Instead, you can create playlists. You just need to have all the files you want imported onto the program and then save them as a playlist.
Final thoughts
The program is good for playing all sorts of content. There are other free and more popular options out there that offer more features, but it is worth at least trying All Video Player out.
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MPCSTAR
A video player that with a modern-looking interface and basic playback controls that can load individual files, DVDs, and video URLs.
MPCSTAR is a full-featured video player that comes with built-in codecs, so you won't need to install additional files to view your favorite movies.
Basically, the application comes with the same features you might have seen in other video players on the market, including theme support, which basically means that you should be able to customize the way the program looks with just a few clicks.
As expected, MPCSTAR comes with subtitle support and a playlist creator as well, but the real goodie this time is the application as a whole because it includes an impressive amount of features.
Since it comes with support for all the popular formats, you can play virtually all video types out there. In case you wish to use MPCSTAR as the default video or audio player, it is quite easy to set up file associations straight from installation.
Another useful thing is the online subtitle search tool that uses the file name to look for subtitles on the Internet. We've tried the app with multiple titles and it worked quite okay. A neat feature of MPCSTAR is the ability to shutdown hibernate or set the system to sleep after all the loaded files played.
This program isn't too heavy on computer resources, even when dealing with high-quality movies, so it's just a nice way to play videos on older computers too.
The conclusion is that MPCSTAR is an impressive presence in the video player category. The solid feature pack and the ease of use can surely make this tool one of the top choices for all user types.
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PotPlayer
Sit back and enjoy all of your favorite movies or songs in an extremely intuitive and good looking media player that can render nearly any file out there.
Diversity is a word that can be attached next to anything, from living beings, objects to virtual items. When referring to media files, these are found in an astonishing large variety of quality settings and formats. Luckily, specialized applications such as PotPlayer give you the possibility to enjoy your favorite songs and videos without worrying about compatibility issues.
Visually appealing and easy to use
The setup process guides you through a series of steps, which take very little of your time. Additional codecs are installed only if these are missing from your computer and not without your consent. However, codecs and encoders can also be configured through the application's preferences panel.
Running it unveils a pretty interface, with elements reduced to a minimum, yet managing to include all necessary playback options, volume slider and a decent, resizable preview section. A playlist can be toggled on, as well as a control panel, with the possibility to stick them to the main window and move around the desktop as a group.
Supporting a large variety of formats
Adding a media file is no rocket science, and barely requires you to drag desired items either over the playlist or the preview section. Lists can be easily saved and loaded when needed, as well as importing already existing ones.
You need not worry whether or not the application is capable of opening a certain file, as it supports nearly all available formats. Ranging from AVI, WMV, MP4, 3GP, FLV, MKV in the video category, to MP3, WAV, FLAC, AAC, APE for music, and even commonly used playlists, tha application is sure to satisfy any requirement. The actual list of supported formats is considerably larger than the few mentioned examples.
Enhance audio and video experience
The application puts several tools at your disposal in order to fully enjoy clips or songs. A control panel lets you carefully adjust several frequency sliders or put presets to good use, to get the most out of the audio. Moreover, your custom configurations can be saved for later use.
Furthermore, you can adjust a few color related sliders to correct any errors in a video or make it suitable to your liking. Subtitles can also be inserted and placed at a custom position, while an integrated function lets you take snapshots of desired frames.
In conclusion
Taking everything into consideration, we can say that PotPlayer is worth at least a try. The interface is extremely minimalistic, letting even the most inexperienced accommodate in a jiffy. However, it's packed with rich features under the hood, coming in handy even to pro users. It might just convince you to keep it around for a long time.
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Download Hubs
PotPlayer is part of these download collections: Play MP4, Play AVI
