Best Open Source Video Players
Open source video players are multimedia applications that allow users to play video files of various formats without the need for proprietary software. These players are developed and maintained by a community of volunteers and are freely available for anyone to use, modify, and distribute.
Advertisement
One of the most well-known open source video players is VLC Media Player, which supports a wide range of video and audio formats, making it highly versatile. Open source video players often come with a range of features, such as support for subtitles, customizable interfaces, and various playback options. They are designed to be cross-platform, meaning they can run on multiple operating systems like Windows, macOS, and Linux. The open source nature of these players means that they benefit from continuous improvements and updates from the community, ensuring they remain up-to-date with the latest codecs and technologies. Additionally, the transparency of open source software allows users to verify the absence of malicious code, providing a layer of security not always present in proprietary software.
VLC Media PlayerView AllVLC Media Player - Versatile, open-source media player for various formats.
KodiView AllKodi - Open-source media player for streaming and organizing content.
MPVView AllMPV - MPV: Multi-Purpose Vehicle, versatile for passenger and cargo transport.
MPlayerView AllMPlayer - MPlayer is a versatile, open-source media player software.
SMPlayerView AllSMPlayer - SMPlayer is a versatile, open-source media player.
GOM PlayerView AllGOM Player - Versatile multimedia player with extensive format support.
PotPlayerView AllPotPlayer - Versatile media player with extensive format support and customization.
BomiView AllBomi - Bomi: Talented South Korean singer and Apink member.
XineView AllXine - Xine: Versatile multimedia player and streaming application.
ParoleView AllParole - Conditional release of a prisoner before full sentence completion.
Best 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 without the need for additional codecs, making it a popular choice for users seeking a reliable, all-in-one media solution. VLC also offers streaming capabilities, DVD and Blu-ray playback, and various customization options through skins and plugins. Available across multiple platforms, including Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, and iOS, VLC is known for its stability and user-friendly interface.
Pros
Free- Open-source
- Supports multiple formats
- Cross-platform
- Customizable.
Cons
Complex interface- Limited streaming features
- Occasional bugs
- High resource usage
- Basic library management.
2.
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 first-generation Xbox, Kodi is available on various operating systems and hardware platforms. It supports a wide array of add-ons for extended functionality, making it a versatile solution for home theater enthusiasts.
Pros
- Free to use
- Customizable interface
- Supports numerous add-ons
- Cross-platform compatibility
- Regular updates
Cons
- Legal issues with unofficial add-ons
- Complex setup for beginners
- Performance varies by device
- Limited official support
- Potential security risks
3.
MPV
MPV (Media Player Video) is a free, open-source, and cross-platform media player that supports a wide range of video, audio, and subtitle formats. Known for its high performance and minimalistic design, MPV offers advanced features like hardware acceleration, scripting capabilities, and a customizable interface. It is built upon the MPlayer and mplayer2 projects, providing a versatile and powerful tool for both casual users and advanced multimedia enthusiasts. MPV's robust command-line interface and API support make it a favorite for automation and integration into other applications.
Pros
- Spacious interior
- versatile seating
- family-friendly
- good visibility
- ample cargo space
Cons
- Lower fuel efficiency
- higher initial cost
- larger parking space needed
- less sporty handling
- potential tax implications
4.
MPlayer
MPlayer is a versatile, open-source media player available for various operating systems, including Windows, macOS, and Linux. Known for its extensive format support, it can play a wide range of audio and video file types, including AVI, MP4, MPEG, and more. MPlayer offers advanced features like subtitle support, video scaling, and hardware acceleration. It also includes a powerful command-line interface, making it a favorite among tech enthusiasts and users who require robust media playback capabilities.
Pros
- Supports many formats
- Highly customizable
- Lightweight
- Command-line interface
- Cross-platform.
Cons
- Steep learning curve
- Limited GUI
- Sparse documentation
- Fewer updates
- Occasional stability issues.
5.
SMPlayer
SMPlayer is a free, open-source media player for Windows and Linux that uses MPlayer and MPV as its playback engines. It supports a wide range of video and audio formats without the need for external codecs. SMPlayer features an intuitive interface, advanced playback options, customizable skins, and built-in YouTube support. Notable features include subtitle synchronization, video equalizer, and the ability to remember playback positions. It's designed to provide a seamless and versatile media playback experience for users.
Pros
- Supports many formats
- Customizable interface
- Integrated YouTube support
- Built-in codecs
- Lightweight.
Cons
- Limited advanced features
- Occasional crashes
- Basic subtitle handling
- No official mobile version
- Outdated design for some.
6.
GOM Player
GOM Player is a versatile and free multimedia player developed by South Korean company Gretech Corporation. It supports a wide range of audio and video formats, including AVI, MP4, MKV, and FLV, and offers advanced features like subtitle support, playback speed control, and screen capture. Its user-friendly interface and built-in codec finder make it easy to use, while additional functionalities like 360-degree VR playback and mobile remote control enhance the viewing experience.
Pros
- Free to use
- Supports many file formats
- Customizable interface
- Advanced subtitle options
- Built-in codec finder
Cons
- Contains ads
- Occasional compatibility issues
- Limited customer support
- Resource-heavy
- Privacy concerns with data collection
7.
PotPlayer
PotPlayer is a versatile multimedia player for Windows, known for its wide range of supported file formats, high-quality playback, and extensive customization options. Developed by South Korean company Kakao, it features hardware acceleration, 3D viewing, and an array of built-in codecs. Users appreciate its lightweight design, advanced settings, and the ability to handle large files smoothly. PotPlayer also supports various subtitle formats and multiple audio streams, making it a popular choice for both casual viewers and power users.
Pros
- Free
- lightweight
- highly customizable
- supports various formats
- advanced playback options
Cons
- Complex settings
- occasional bugs
- limited community support
- adware during installation
- high resource usage on older systems
8.
Bomi
Bomi is a picturesque county in the Nyingchi Prefecture of Tibet Autonomous Region, China. Nestled in the eastern Himalayas, its name means "ancestor's land" in Tibetan. Known for its stunning natural beauty, Bomi boasts dense forests, crystal-clear rivers, and snow-capped peaks. It is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts, offering activities such as trekking, camping, and photography. The region's unique blend of Tibetan culture and pristine landscapes makes it a captivating destination for travelers.
Pros
- user-friendly interface
- lightweight
- supports multiple formats
- customizable
- open-source.
Cons
- lacks advanced features
- limited community support
- occasional bugs
- minimal documentation
- no streaming service integration.
9.
Xine
Xine is a multimedia playback engine that supports a wide variety of audio and video formats. It is an open-source project, known for its flexibility and extensibility, allowing users to play content from various sources such as CDs, DVDs, and network streams. Xine's modular architecture enables it to incorporate different codecs and plugins, enhancing its capability to handle diverse media types. Primarily used on Unix-like systems, it serves as the backend for several multimedia applications.
Pros
- Open-source
- Supports many formats
- Customizable interface
- Lightweight
- Good performance
Cons
- Outdated UI
- Limited support
- Fewer updates
- Steeper learning curve
- Compatibility issues
10.
Parole
Parole is a conditional release of an inmate from prison before the completion of their sentence, allowing them to serve the remainder of their time under supervised freedom. The parolee must adhere to specific terms and conditions set by the parole board, which may include regular check-ins with a parole officer, maintaining employment, and avoiding criminal activity. Parole aims to reintegrate offenders into society while ensuring public safety and reducing prison overcrowding.
Pros
- rehabilitation opportunities
- reduced prison overcrowding
- cost savings
- family reunification
- community reintegration.
Cons
- public safety concerns
- potential recidivism
- inconsistent monitoring
- victim dissatisfaction
- resource allocation.