Download Media Player - Best Software & Apps

  • VLC media player

    3.0.1

    License
    free Download
    Platform
    Windows
    Android
    Mac
    iPhone

    Simply the best multi-format media player

    7
    30021 votes
    • PROS: Supports a wide range of formats, Good hotkey support, Easy to use, Very flexible and lightweight, Integration with web channel streaming services, Improved interface in version 3, More format support in version 3, Plays BluRay and HD
    • CONS: User interface is quite basic, User interface slicker in Mac version
  • MX Player

    Varies with device

    License
    free Download
    Platform
    Android

    One of the best media players for Android

    7
    1861 votes
    Download
    • PROS: Plays almost any format, Multi-core decoding, Excellent subtitle support, All features unlocked in free version
    • CONS: Some trial and error required
  • iTunes

    (32-Bit) 12.2.2

    License
    free Download
    Platform
    Windows
    Mac

    Still one of the best music players

    7
    6077 votes
    • PROS: Simplified interface, Apple Music streaming service, Improved playlist creation, Curated and automatic radio stations
    • CONS: Limited file formats supported, Amost overwhelming number of features!
  • Winamp

    Full 5.666

    License
    free Download
    Platform
    Windows
    Android

    A hugely popular and versatile audio and media player

    8
    4401 votes
    • PROS: Fully customizable, Small installation, Runs quickly
    • CONS: No MOV support, Rip only on full version
  • GOM Player

    2.3.28.5285

    License
    free Download
    Platform
    Windows
    Mac

    GOM Player is versatile, customizable and free for everyone. GOM plays all of the most popular video formats with the option to add subtitles and even VR!

    7
    3171 votes
    • KMPlayer

      4.2.2.7

      License
      free Download
      Platform
      Windows
      Android
      Mac
      iPhone

      Excellent free multi-format media player

      7
      17120 votes
      • PROS: Highly customizable, Light on resources, Supports many audio and video formats
      • CONS: None so far
    • PotPlayer

      1.6.58402

      License
      free Download
      Platform
      Windows

      Powerful media player with support for lots of formats

      8
      1302 votes
      Download
      • PROS: Supports tons of file types, Gives detailed playback information, Supports subtitles, Screen capture option
      • CONS: Lives in notification area, Some options are confusing
    • Media Player Classic

      Home Cinema 1.7.10

      License
      free Download
      Platform
      Windows

      Simple, lightweight media watching with Media Player Classic Home Cinema

      7
      199 votes
      Download
      • PROS: Simple interface, Runs well on slower machines, Handles almost any media file format
      • CONS: No streaming video support
    • QuickTime

      7.7.8

      License
      free Download
      Platform
      Windows
      Mac

      Apple's media player for MOV files

      6
      708 votes
      • PROS: Slick and easy to use, Integrated with OS X, Pro version allows editing and conversion
      • CONS: A bit slow to launch, Superceded by QuickTime X on Mac, Requires upgrading to get the most out of it, More suitable for Macs
    • ALLPlayer

      6.9

      License
      free Download
      Platform
      Windows

      Multimedia player for almost any video format

      7
      657 votes
      Download
      • PROS: Matching subtitles downloader, Voice recognition for subtitles, Plays almost any format, Great alternative to VLC media player
      • CONS: Subtitles matching doesn't always work, Subtitle voice recognition poor, Interface a bit dated
    • Free FLV Player

      2.4.0

      License
      free Download
      Platform
      Windows

      Free and Easy-to-Install Video Player

      6
      193 votes
      Download
      • PROS: The ability to work with FLV videos as well as many other media formats., Preferences can be changed depending upon the resolution and screen size., This software is absolutely free.
      • CONS: Load times may lag with larger video files., Does not support other options such as recording or CD burning.
    • BS.Player

      2.50

      License
      free Download
      Platform
      Windows
      Android

      Great media player supporting a wide range of formats

      7
      4407 votes
      • PROS: Supports all popular video formats, Skinnable interface, Can handle subtitles, Easy to manage both with mouse and keyboard
      • CONS: Unattractive default skin, No documentation included
    • Windows Media Player

      64-bit 11

      License
      free Download
      Platform
      Windows

      Microsoft's free Media Player for Windows XP Professional x64 Edition

      7
      166 votes
      Download
      • CherryPlayer

        2.4.1

        License
        free Download
        Platform
        Windows

        Unlimited streaming audio, playlists, and YouTube downloads

        7
        359 votes
        Download
        • PROS: Huge library, Good audio quality, YouTube and Last.fm integration, Opens Amazon.com MP3 store to purchase tracks, Trending tracks
        • CONS: Messy interface, Some videos require you to register to watch, No video/audio converter
      • MPC HC

        Varies with device

        License
        free Download
        Platform
        Windows

        A free Windows media player that is open source

        -
        No votes yet
        Download
        • PROS: Works on computers from as far back as 1999, There are no toolbar additions or adverts
        • CONS: It is basic and ugly looking if you do not make changes to it, The program is too simple for most media lovers
      • FrostWire

        6.3.6

        License
        free Download
        Platform
        Windows
        Android
        Mac

        Search Download and Listen to Music in one for Free

        7
        686 votes
        • PROS: Thanks to their history of developing hugely popular BitTorrent clients like LimeWire the developers have managed to create an app that mixes powerful downloading and a new focus on the user experience. FrostWire is the one-stop shop for all music and vi, Simple to use
        • CONS: Fast downloading, Nice additional features
      • MPlayer

        RC 2 1.0

        License
        free Download
        Platform
        Windows
        Windows Mobile
        Pocket PC

        A great free player with support for hundreds of formats

        7
        118 votes
        • PROS: Support for hundreds of formats, Very fast response, Light on system resources, Extensive support for keyboard shortcuts
        • CONS: Dull interface
      • JetAudio

        Basic 8.1.3

        License
        free Download
        Platform
        Windows

        Much more than just a music player

        8
        1255 votes
        Download
        • PROS: Nice customizable interface, Works with all popular formats, Includes interesting extra features
        • CONS: Doesn't have many skins or visual effects
      • Kodi

        17.6

        License
        free Download
        Platform
        Windows
        Android
        Mac

        Powerful media player and entertainment hub

        7
        306 votes
        • PROS: Looks great from the start, Quick navigation, Use it to view photos, videos and listen to music, Lots of skins, Stream video over a network with ease
        • CONS: Takes some time to customize, Navigation may feel unintuitive at first
      • SPlayer

        3.7.2437

        License
        free Download
        Platform
        Windows

        Lightweight media player with support for multiple formats

        8
        500 votes
        Download
        • PROS: Very easy to use, Very low on system resources, Support for many formats, Support for subtitles and screenshots, Includes audio and video equalizer
        • CONS: The interface may be a bit too simple
      Softonic’s Best Rated Software for this topic
      #NameVersionVotesRatingPlatform
      1Full 5.66644017.5Windows, Android
      24.2.2.7171207.4Windows, Android, Mac, iPhone
      32.5044077.2Windows, Android
      43.0.1300217.2Windows, Android, Mac, iPhone
      5(32-Bit) 12.2.260776.6Windows, Mac

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