Top Open Source Video Players
Open source video players are multimedia applications that allow users to play video files without the need for costly licenses or restrictive user agreements. These players are developed by communities of programmers and are freely available for anyone to use, modify, and distribute. Popular examples include VLC Media Player, MPV, and Kodi.
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VLC Media Player, developed by the VideoLAN project, is renowned for its ability to play almost any video format without needing additional codecs. It also supports streaming protocols, making it versatile for both local and online media consumption. MPV, a fork of MPlayer and mplayer2, focuses on simplicity and performance, offering high-quality video output and a minimalistic interface. Kodi, originally known as XBMC, is more than just a video player; it's a full-fledged media center that can handle everything from video playback to streaming and even live TV. Its extensive add-on system allows for a highly customizable experience. These open source video players not only offer robust functionality but also foster innovation and collaboration within the software development community.
VLC Media PlayerView AllVLC Media Player - Versatile, open-source media player for various formats.
SMPlayerView AllSMPlayer - SMPlayer is a versatile, open-source media player.
MPVView AllMPV - MPV: Multi-Purpose Vehicle, versatile for passenger and cargo transport.
PlexView AllPlex - Media server software for organizing and streaming content.
KodiView AllKodi - Open-source media player for streaming and organizing content.
Bomi PlayerView AllBomi Player - Bomi Player: Lightweight, user-friendly multimedia player for Linux.
MPlayerView AllMPlayer - MPlayer is a versatile, open-source media player software.
OpenShotView AllOpenShot - OpenShot is a free, open-source video editor.
CelluloidView AllCelluloid - Celluloid: Early plastic, used in film and photography.
JellyfinView AllJellyfin - Open-source media server for streaming and organizing content.
Top Open Source Video Players
1.
VLC Media Player
VLC Media Player is a versatile, open-source multimedia player developed by the VideoLAN project. It supports a wide range of audio and video formats, including DVDs, CDs, and various streaming protocols. Known for its robust performance and minimalistic design, VLC offers features like subtitle synchronization, video and audio filters, and media conversion. Available on multiple platforms, including Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, and Android, VLC is highly customizable with a range of plugins and skins, making it a popular choice for both casual users and tech enthusiasts.
Pros
VLC Media Player supports numerous formats- is free
- open-source
- lightweight
- and offers extensive customization options.
Cons
Limited advanced editing features- occasional compatibility issues
- and a less intuitive interface for novice users.
2.
SMPlayer
SMPlayer is a free, open-source multimedia player that uses MPlayer and MPV engines to play virtually any video and audio format. It offers a user-friendly interface with advanced features like built-in codecs, playback speed control, and subtitle synchronization. SMPlayer also supports YouTube integration, allowing users to stream videos directly. Additionally, it remembers the settings of all files you play, so you can resume where you left off. Available for Windows and Linux, SMPlayer is a versatile and powerful choice for multimedia playback.
Pros
- SMPlayer supports numerous formats
- offers customizable skins
- integrates with YouTube
- and provides built-in codecs.
Cons
- Outdated interface
- limited customization
- occasional playback issues
- inconsistent updates
- lacks advanced features compared to competitors.
3.
MPV
MPV (Media Player Classic - Home Cinema) is a free, open-source, and highly versatile media player. It's renowned for its minimalist design, extensive format support, and high-quality playback capabilities. MPV is built on the foundations of the MPlayer and mplayer2 projects, enhancing them with a modern codebase and additional features. It supports a wide range of video, audio, and subtitle formats, and offers advanced features like video scaling, color management, and scripting capabilities. MPV is compatible with Windows, macOS, and Linux, making it a popular choice among users seeking a lightweight and powerful media player.
Pros
- MPV offers lightweight performance
- customizable interface
- extensive format support
- and efficient resource usage.
Cons
- Limited cargo space
- higher fuel consumption
- less maneuverable
- higher initial cost
- and potentially higher maintenance expenses.
4.
Plex
Plex is a media server platform that enables users to organize, manage, and stream their personal collection of movies, TV shows, music, and photos. It offers a centralized library accessible across various devices, including smartphones, tablets, smart TVs, and computers. Plex supports a wide range of file formats and provides features like metadata fetching, automatic organization, and remote access. It also offers live TV and DVR capabilities, along with a selection of free ad-supported movies and TV shows. Plex is known for its user-friendly interface and versatility in media management.
Pros
- Plex offers easy organization
- multi-device streaming
- offline access
- live TV
- DVR features
- and a user-friendly interface.
Cons
- Plex can have privacy concerns
- limited free features
- occasional bugs
- and dependency on server and internet quality.
5.
Kodi
Kodi is a free, open-source media player and entertainment hub that allows users to play and view most videos, music, podcasts, and other digital media files from local and network storage media and the internet. Originally developed as Xbox Media Center (XBMC) for the original Xbox, Kodi is now available on various operating systems including Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, and iOS. It supports numerous plugins and add-ons, enabling users to customize their media experience with additional features like streaming services, weather forecasts, and more.
Pros
- Kodi offers customizable interface
- supports numerous add-ons
- streams various media types
- and is open-source.
Cons
- Kodi can be complex to set up
- prone to legal issues
- and may have performance issues on low-end devices.
6.
Bomi Player
Bomi Player is a versatile and user-friendly multimedia player designed for simplicity and performance. It supports a wide range of audio and video formats, ensuring seamless playback of various media files. Bomi Player features a highly intuitive interface, customizable shortcuts, and robust subtitle support, making it accessible for users of all levels. Enhanced with hardware acceleration, it delivers smooth, high-quality video playback. With advanced options like playback history, bookmark support, and built-in codec integration, Bomi Player is a powerful tool for an exceptional multimedia experience.
Pros
- Bomi Player offers a user-friendly interface
- extensive format support
- customizable settings
- and efficient performance.
Cons
- Bomi Player lacks recent updates
- has limited support for new formats
- and may experience stability issues.
7.
MPlayer
MPlayer is a versatile, open-source media player available for multiple operating systems including Windows, macOS, and Linux. Known for its extensive format support, MPlayer can play a wide range of video, audio, and streaming formats without requiring additional codecs. It boasts a command-line interface but also supports several graphical front-ends for ease of use. MPlayer is highly configurable, offering numerous options for playback control, video output, and subtitle handling, making it a favorite among advanced users and developers seeking a powerful, customizable media playback solution.
Pros
- MPlayer supports numerous media formats
- offers high customization
- efficient performance
- and is open-source.
Cons
- MPlayer lacks a modern GUI
- limited built-in streaming support
- and has less active development compared to newer players.
8.
OpenShot
OpenShot is a free, open-source video editing software known for its user-friendly interface and robust features. It supports a wide range of video, audio, and image formats, making it versatile for various editing needs. Key features include trimming, resizing, scaling, snapping, and rotating clips, as well as advanced options like keyframe animation, 3D titles, and effects. Its cross-platform compatibility allows users to work on Windows, macOS, and Linux. Designed to be accessible for beginners while offering powerful tools for experienced editors, OpenShot is a popular choice for diverse video editing projects.
Pros
- OpenShot is free
- user-friendly
- supports multiple formats
- offers powerful features
- and is cross-platform.
Cons
- Limited advanced features
- occasional stability issues
- slow performance with large files
- and basic interface design.
9.
Celluloid
Celluloid is a pioneering type of plastic, primarily composed of cellulose nitrate and camphor. Invented in the mid-19th century, it was the first synthetic plastic material to achieve commercial success. Known for its versatility, celluloid has been used in a wide range of products, from photographic film and movie reels to combs, buttons, and toys. Despite its historical significance, celluloid is highly flammable and has been largely replaced by safer, more stable plastics in most applications. Its legacy, however, remains integral to the development of modern materials and the film industry.
Pros
- Celluloid is lightweight
- flexible
- easily moldable
- and has excellent transparency and gloss.
Cons
- Celluloid is highly flammable
- degrades over time
- and can release harmful gases
- posing safety and preservation challenges.
10.
Jellyfin
Jellyfin is a free, open-source media server software designed to organize, manage, and stream digital media collections across multiple devices. Unlike commercial alternatives, Jellyfin ensures user privacy by not collecting or sharing data and operates without requiring internet access. It supports various media formats, live TV, and DVR capabilities, and offers extensive customization options. Users can access their media libraries through web, mobile, and smart TV apps, making it a versatile solution for home entertainment. With its active community and continuous development, Jellyfin remains a robust choice for personal media management.
Pros
- Jellyfin offers free
- open-source media server capabilities
- with no subscription fees and strong privacy features.
Cons
- Jellyfin lacks official support
- has a steeper setup process
- and may have limited third-party integrations.