TOP 10 best media players for Windows, choose a player for Windows

Many people like to listen to music and watch movies on their personal computer or laptop. For this, the capabilities of a standard player may not be enough, since often there are no necessary codecs to work with one or another format of multimedia files.

Today there are a huge number of paid and free applications that allow you to play absolutely any video and audio. Let's try to decide which one will be the most suitable - to answer this question we decided to make a rating of the best players for Windows. We hope that after a careful study of the useful characteristics of each program, you will be able to choose the most suitable application for yourself.

Top 10 Players for Windows

10. Light Alloy

Universal software that can work with almost all well-known video and audio formats. The application is adapted to work with the Windows operating system of various versions, starting from 95 and above. Almost no free space on the hard drive - just a few megabytes. The code is optimized for quick launch, and it consumes quite a few system resources. For Russian users, the program is completely free. The main thing that attracts people is ease of use. You can switch to full-screen mode by clicking on the mouse wheel. Play is paused with the left mouse button or spacebar. The rewind slider is also quite convenient - a timeline is displayed on it, so a person can start viewing from the moment where he stopped last time.

If necessary, the user is able to use the codec selection function: due to this, you can find the least resource-demanding or allowing to ensure the highest quality. The program is able to work with absolutely all existing codecs. There is a testing system that determines the number of frames per second, as well as the period of time during which frames are processed. This function is also used to determine the capabilities of hardware, to check to what extent the video is compressed. The interface is multilingual, there is support for the Russian language. If necessary, you can change the appearance of the program shell, activate the layout on top of all windows, and so on.

Benefits:

• It is very convenient to use;
• A huge selection of settings combined with ease of use;
• Automatic system for determining installed codecs;
• Directly from the program you can access the codec settings;
• There is a function to save your favorite frame;
• It works in almost all versions of Windows;
• Supports subtitle files;
• There is the possibility of frame-by-frame video viewing;
• It is distributed absolutely free.

Disadvantages:

• Screenshots are saved only with .bmp resolution;
• To apply the selected codec, the application will have to restart.

9. AIMP

The full name of this program stands for Artem Izmaylov Media Player - it was developed by a Russian programmer. The application itself does not weigh too much, well suited for playing music and video in various formats.There is an expanded set of built-in codecs with which you can work with a variety of formats - over 30 pieces. The application is able to play music from online radio stations. The playlist, if necessary, can be saved, edited directly during playback. The functions of the keys are changeable, with their help the player is controlled even when it is in an inactive window. The equalizer provides a huge number of settings designed for use with the most popular music genres. Appearance is changed depending on the user's preferences. This player will be able to edit the tags of audio files. There is a scheduler that will automatically turn off the personal computer after the playback of the last file from the current playlist is completed. The application is not demanding in relation to resources; it works on Windows platforms from XP and higher.

The program is designed in such a way that it is most convenient to use. In general, the interface can be divided into three key blocks - a music library, direct playback and management of playlists. The control unit has five buttons that are responsible for calling up the menu, changing the color of the cover. Three more buttons control the window: expand it to full screen, minimize it to tray or close it. Design themes can be downloaded on the official website of the developer, and there are a lot of them - each user will be able to find something most suitable for himself. The program regularly updates. The application does not know how to download them independently, so from time to time it will be necessary to update it manually.

Benefits:

• Smooth playback, no delays were detected between tracks;
• Convenient and functional equalizer;
• It consumes a minimum amount of system resources, practically does not load the central processor;
• There is a search function in the playlist;
• If necessary, upon completion of playing the last file, the program can turn off the computer;
• The possibility of custom bookmarks;
• You can simultaneously work in several playlists.

Disadvantages:

• All updates will have to be installed independently.

8. SMPlayer

A functional multi-platform program that can work not only with Windows, but also with Linux. Here, the MPlayer framework is used as the engine, so the application is able to work with most of the available formats, both audio and video. One of the most useful features of this player is to save the settings of all files that were played with it. If for any reason the user interrupted the viewing of the movie and closed the program, then the next time it starts, it will start from the moment it was stopped. In addition, all settings for subtitles, audio channels and volume indicators will be loaded automatically. If necessary, you can configure the system of hot keys, adjust the font size of the subtitles, their color.

There are many different filters that allow you to remove noise from a music file, use deinterlacing. The developers provided for the production of negative versions of songs by removing vocals from them. Such files can later be used during karaoke. Rewind a movie or any other video file by rotating the mouse wheel, there is an adjustment for contrast, color saturation. You can speed up the playback process in 2, 4, etc. time. Sound and subtitles are synchronized in automatic format. The application has a built-in browser with limited action, with which you can watch videos on the YouTube portal. If desired, the reproduced video can be scaled and the aspect ratio changed, fitting them to the diagonal of your own monitor.

Benefits:

• Convenient and intuitive interface, fully translated into Russian;
• You can watch videos online and listen to Internet radio stations;
• The toolbar is customizable according to user preferences;
• The program remembers the settings of each of the played files;
• Sound and subtitles can be delayed to optimally synchronize them with the picture;
• Support for compact or full-screen mode;
• Video can be rotated, flipped, played in mirror format;
• Works with all existing codecs.

Disadvantages:

• Improving the quality in one click does not work - for this you will have to configure the settings manually;
• Does not read specific formats like m2ts.

7. ALLPlayer

Another completely free program designed to work with video and audio files. Developers regularly release updates to it, the Russification of the interface is present. The program is able to work on Windows operating systems from XP and above. The size is only 44 MB, the minimum amount of system resources is consumed. The functionality of the media player is very wide, the application is able to work with a huge number of formats. There is an integrated codec package, so even without any codecs installed in the system, any movies will be played. You can use subtitles in many different languages. At first glance, it might seem that this program is no different from similar applications, of which there are a great many.

When playing sound, Dolby Surround technology is used, which even on modest computer speakers allows you to get quite high-quality sound. The application is able to work with CD and DVD discs. There is an option called “recent files”, with its help it will be possible to find the necessary compositions or videos that were played not too long ago. It is possible to change the appearance of the application shell, it is able to download subtitles for reproduced films independently. The program is equipped with a built-in video converter, which allows you to change the resolution of media files, adjust them to a specific phone diagonal. DivFix function helps to recover damaged clips in .avi format. There is another very interesting opportunity - the development of your own design skins, and this is done very simply.

Benefits:

• Enhanced software functionality;
• It works well with subtitles, independently downloading them on the Internet if necessary;
• There is a convenient and easy to use built-in converter;
• The presence of a huge package of proprietary codecs;
• Media can be protected by setting a password;
• You can create your own design options.

Disadvantages:

• When you add the appropriate data, the utility may begin to slow down slightly;
• Russification is present, but not complete.

6. Media Player Classic Home Cinema

Another completely free program designed for use exclusively on the Windows platform of all versions. With this player, you can reformat the DVD. It works with both built-in and external codecs, so the application will be able to play almost any file. The creators of this software have taken care to equip it with extremely useful functions that will be useful to each of the users. The player is mainly intended for playing music and video files, however it can work simultaneously with multiple monitors or with a computer and TV. The utility is equipped with everything necessary for reading and recovering damaged content in .avi format. If the TV motherboard is supported by this device, you can record the broadcast directly to a personal computer. There is a timer function for recording, after which the computer automatically turns off.

Subtitle support is available here, which allows you to view videos in unfamiliar languages.There is a function to save your favorite frames right while playing a movie. The interface is completely Russified, a huge number of plug-ins are posted on the network that can significantly expand the functional side of the program. All reproduced files are saved in the history - the user will always see which movie he has already watched, and which he only has to get to know. During the viewing process, the user can use hardware acceleration.

Benefits:

• Able to partially replace Adobe Flash Player;
• It is possible to work with DVD-format files;
• Suitable for working with audio with visual effects;
• If the television tuner is compatible with the program, then you can record the broadcast directly into the computer's memory;
• Thorough hardware decoding;
• Plays and restores corrupted .avi files

Disadvantages:

• The developers did not provide automatic adjustment of brightness and contrast;
• When working with heavy files, it may slow down a bit.

5. VLC Media Player

The first program in our review, which is open source. The application weighs a little, but it is very powerful, lightweight and quite functional. The program is able to work with most video and audio formats, and the use of external codecs is completely optional. This player reads information from CDs, DVDs, Blu-Ray, supports HD, Full HD, Ultra HD resolutions. With it, you can play multimedia streams using a variety of protocols. If necessary, the video scale is made larger or smaller; there is a full-screen playback mode. There is a function for selecting a specific fragment and its cyclical playback, you can create screenshots, visualize music and so on.

The set of effects for working with sound includes a convenient and functional graphic equalizer, and it has both several standard settings and the ability to save custom ones. Subtitle display options are adjustable - font size and type, letter thickness, presence and color of the outline, location on the screen, presence or absence of a shadow. If desired, the user can use the hardware acceleration of the central processor of the computer. Most functions are configured for certain keys depending on the convenience of the person. On the official website of the application you can find a huge number of extensions and plugins that can be used to further increase the functionality of the program.

Benefits:

• The interface is made in the spirit of minimalism, simple and intuitive, there are a large number of subtle settings;
• It can be used on all existing computer platforms, there is even a version for Android;
• If you wish, you can view the streaming video online;
• Playlists can be created, saved, deleted and edited;
• There are a large number of additional modules.

Disadvantages:

• It is not very convenient to change the volume when working with video;
• It happens that it starts to slow down - this is especially noticeable when playing high-definition films such as Blu-Ray.

4. Daum Potplayer

This utility was developed by the same programmers who were creating the well-known KMPlayer. This program consumes significantly less resources and almost does not load the operating system, providing stable 60 fps regardless of the power of the used iron. If necessary, you can record video from the screen or from the camera on a laptop. If the application is installed on the Windows platform, then you do not have to pre-install the codec package. Optionally, you can play television channels broadcast on the Internet. There are a lot of built-in effects and filters, a video capture function is provided, supports any format of multimedia files.

The outer shell looks stylish, but at the same time, and quite modest. The audio options include a multi-band equalizer, providing fine-tuning the sound of each file.When playing video files, the user can adjust parameters such as brightness, contrast, color. At the top of the window you can find a special slider that is responsible for the transparency of the shell. This is not a required function, but it allows you to give the program additional originality.

Benefits:

• Regardless of the file format, the program will open it in the shortest possible time;
• It works on all Windows operating systems, including 64-bit;
• Low demands on system requirements;
• If necessary, independently searches for subtitles on the Internet;
• You can control the player through the touch screen;
• Updates are installed automatically;
• Support for various types of design.

Disadvantages:

• During installation, you will have to manually specify the language.

3. KMPlayer

One of the most popular programs for playing audio and video. Despite the fact that the first version of the application was released a long time ago, it still continues to be very popular among users. First of all, this is due to a very large package of built-in codecs, with which it is possible to play any file format. The program has a decent amount of subtle settings, so making it for yourself will be quite easy. With its help, you can watch movies without translation, with subtitles that the application is looking for on the Internet on its own. There are a lot of specific functions for working with video. In general, several versions of this application are presented - for use on a computer, tablet or even on a mobile device.

In this program, films are instantly opened, regardless of their format and size. On the main panel of the application are only the main control buttons, everything else can be found in the settings. The program interface is quite simple, you don’t have to get used to it for a long time, it is completely Russified and available for free download. Updates come out regularly, but they will need to be installed in manual mode.

Benefits:

• Universal player;
• A large set of integrated codecs;
• It works very fast on both modern and obsolete computers;
• There are a lot of effects and settings, so the viewing becomes really comfortable;
• Free app.

Disadvantages:

• Sometimes it takes a long time to look for the necessary setting;
• Users note some instability - during video playback it hangs periodically, the problem is solved by restarting the player.

2. BS.Player

The player is able to significantly surpass many modern players, although it was developed quite a while ago - about 14 years ago its first version first appeared. The program can work with video and audio documents of various extensions, and the full list of supported formats is provided in the “file types” section. The equalizer is built-in, it includes seven bands, the frequencies are tuned only in general terms, however this is quite enough to get a good sound. Users note the special processing of the video, so that viewing becomes even more comfortable and enjoyable. The loading of RAM and a video card is minimal no matter how heavy the video is playing.

Here there is a tag editing function, and it is implemented quite interestingly. Subtitles can be downloaded separately from video files. The program supports several dozen languages, and you can install additional language packs, plugins. There is a function to play streaming video from the Internet. In the main window, all the necessary operations are combined, no extra details can be found here. The set of settings is optimal - novice users often praise this application. If necessary, the video can be scaled.

Benefits:

• Completely free application;
• Minor system requirements
• You can control using the multimedia keyboard;
• The program can work with video recorded on digital cameras of Panasonic, Canon, Sony and JVC brands;
• If the image and text are embedded in the audio, then during playback they will also be displayed on the screen;
• The interface supports the Russian language.

Disadvantages:

• The presence of advertising (if necessary, it can be easily removed);
• Some translation inaccuracies.

1. ComboPlayer

The most powerful multimedia player in our review of the best players for Windows - for this reason, he was in first place. Another important quality is that it is distributed absolutely free. With this application you can not only watch movies and listen to music. It is able to play TV channels, work with online radio stations, play movies from torrents. The hardware requirements here are insignificant6 for the application to work correctly, you will need 1 GB of RAM and 350 MB of free space on your hard disk. Immediately after installation, free access to 20 television channels and 400 radio stations opens. There are really a lot of opportunities here: an extended package of built-in codecs is provided that allows you to work with various video formats.

Using the application is very easy - just launch it and select the desired channel, after which the viewing will begin. All channels are played at least 480p, but Russia and Channel 1 will play in higher quality - 576r. To access the remaining channels, you must purchase a subscription. If there is enough space on the hard disk, you can record a broadcast or broadcast radio stations, and the latter can be filtered by adding only the most interesting ones to your favorites. A parental control function is provided - you will have to enter a password each time you start this application. It is also possible to watch TV shows on each of the active channels.

Benefits:

• Can be used to watch TV;
• Simple and very intuitive application interface;
• It works fast enough even on weak and outdated computers;
• Supports most existing media file extensions;
• For comfortable use, you won’t have to dig into the settings for a long time.

Disadvantages:

• Supported by operating systems from Windows 7 and above;
• When working with torrents, it is necessary to provide for the presence of the necessary amount of free space on the hard drive.

In conclusion, a useful video

Our review of the best players for the Windows platform is nearing completion. Before saying goodbye, I would like to express the hope that you were able to choose the best development for yourself. If you still have any questions, feel free to ask us in the comments. We will try to provide you with all the necessary explanations as soon as possible.

(1 ratings, average: 5,00 out of 5)

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