Best Free Video Players for Windows PC

Streaming videos can be convenient, but it often comes with the cost of needing a stable internet connection and paid subscriptions. Downloading videos for offline viewing can save both time and data. However, after downloading, you’ll need a reliable video player to get the best media experience. The media player you use plays a huge role in your overall viewing experience. To help you choose, here’s a list of the best free video players for Windows.

1. Media Player Classic
If you’re looking for a lightweight and reliable video player for Windows, Media Player Classic is a great option. This open-source player supports a wide range of video formats and provides a smooth experience without ads or bloatware. It’s simple and efficient, making it one of the best choices for free video players.

2. VLC Media Player
VLC Media Player is one of the most popular and versatile open-source media players. Available across multiple platforms, including Windows, Android, macOS, and iOS, VLC supports nearly every major video and audio format. In addition to playing videos, VLC can convert file formats, add watermarks, and much more. It’s fully compatible with Windows 11, making it a top pick.

3. PotPlayer
Although not as well-known as VLC, PotPlayer is a powerful video player for Windows. It supports nearly all video file formats and excels at handling larger files with ease. PotPlayer offers plenty of customization options, giving users greater control over their media experience.

4. ACG Player
For those using Windows 10, ACG Player is a lightweight option that doesn’t skimp on essential features. It includes audio and video effects, a music visualizer, gesture controls, and an equalizer. ACG Player supports most major video and audio file types and offers a smooth media playback experience.

5. GOM Media Player
GOM Media Player is an older video player but remains highly capable and free to use. It supports newer file formats like MKV, MP4, and MOV, and even offers a few skins to customize the look of the player. The interface is a bit outdated, but it’s fast and effective for those who prioritize functionality over aesthetics.

6. DivX Player
An award-winning software, DivX Player is known for its ability to play HEVC files. It also supports popular formats such as DivX, AVI, MP4, and MKV. DivX Player provides additional features like resuming videos where you left off and playing random parts of videos. It’s an excellent free player for Windows.

7. MPV
For a clean and minimalistic media player, MPV is an excellent choice. It supports a wide range of video file formats and has a simple interface with minimal controls, making it a good alternative to VLC for those who prefer a no-fuss experience.

8. Parma Video Player
Parma Video Player offers a user interface similar to the default Windows 10 video player but with enhanced performance and support for all major codecs. It’s a fast and efficient alternative for those looking to replace the built-in media player on Windows.

9. 5KPlayer
Although not widely known, 5KPlayer stands out for its ability to support more video and audio formats than most other players. It also includes a video downloader, allowing users to download content from streaming sites like YouTube and Vimeo. It’s a powerful tool for both video playback and media management.

10. Films & TV (Windows Default)
Both Windows 10 and 11 come with the Films & TV app pre-installed. This app has a sleek interface and can play most common video formats. While it lacks advanced features, it’s a good option for basic playback without needing to install additional software.

11. Kodi
Kodi is an open-source media manager that lets you organize and play your digital content, including movies, music, TV shows, and more. With its large library of add-ons, you can also stream content for free, making it a versatile option for those looking to manage and play various media types.

12. SM Player
For a lightweight and easy-to-use media player, SM Player is a great choice. It’s free, supports a wide range of media formats, and includes built-in codecs to handle various file types without needing extra software. SM Player even supports YouTube playback and offers customization options like skins and themes.

13. MediaMonkey
Similar to Kodi, MediaMonkey is a media management tool that helps you organize both local and cloud-based content. In addition to playing videos and audio, it offers advanced options like file conversion, making it ideal for users who need more than just a basic player.

14. PlayerFab
PlayerFab comes in both free and premium versions. The free version offers basic video playback, while the premium version adds features like FHD video streaming, auto-skipping intros, and seamless video playback. It supports a wide variety of formats, including MPEG, AVI, WMV, MP4, and more.

15. Vidmore Player
While not as popular as others, Vidmore Player is a comprehensive media player supporting various formats such as MP4, AVI, MOV, and Blu-ray movies. Although it’s a premium tool, Vidmore Player offers a free trial for users to experience its advanced features.

In conclusion, these free video players for Windows offer various features that cater to different needs, from lightweight and minimal players to full-featured media management tools. Depending on your preferences and media consumption habits, one of these should suit your needs perfectly. Learn More