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Roundup

Ad-free video players

Some free players pay for themselves with banners or pop-ups. These players show no ads at all.

Open the playerFree Windows app · v0.1.13

Information as of November 2026

How we compared

  • Platforms it runs on
  • Price and paid editions
  • Ads in the free version
  • HEVC (H.265) playback on Windows without buying an extension
  • Open-source licence

1. PlayAnyVideo · Our player

No ads, no ad trackers and no paid unlocks — on the web, on Windows and on Android.

PlatformsWeb browser, Windows, Android (coming to Google Play)
PriceFree — no paid unlocks
AdsNo ads, ever
Open sourceDecoding engine: yes (LGPL FFmpeg / libav.js)
HEVC (H.265) on WindowsFree in the Windows app (LGPL FFmpeg)

2. VLC

PlatformsWindows, macOS, Linux, Android, iPhone / iPad
PriceFree
AdsNo ads
Open sourceYes (GPL)
HEVC (H.265) on WindowsBuilt-in decoder
  • Plays a very wide range of formats out of the box.
  • Open source and free of charge.
  • Available on many platforms.
  • Network streams and conversion tools are built in.

PlayAnyVideo vs VLC · VLC alternatives

3. MPC-HC

PlatformsWindows
PriceFree
AdsNo ads
Open sourceYes (GPL)
HEVC (H.265) on WindowsBuilt-in decoder
  • Lightweight and quick to start.
  • Open source and free of charge.

PlayAnyVideo vs MPC-HC · MPC-HC alternatives

4. MPC-BE

PlatformsWindows
PriceFree
AdsNo ads
Open sourceYes (GPL)
HEVC (H.265) on WindowsBuilt-in decoder
  • Lightweight and quick to start.
  • Open source and free of charge.
  • Deep settings and customization for power users.

PlayAnyVideo vs MPC-BE · MPC-BE alternatives

5. Windows Media Player

PlatformsWindows
PriceIncluded with the operating system
AdsNo ads
Open sourceNo
HEVC (H.265) on WindowsUses Windows’ HEVC Video Extensions (paid in the Microsoft Store)
  • Already on your computer — nothing to download.
  • Organizes a media library.

PlayAnyVideo vs Windows Media Player · Windows Media Player alternatives

6. Windows 11 Media Player

PlatformsWindows
PriceIncluded with the operating system
AdsNo ads
Open sourceNo
HEVC (H.265) on WindowsUses Windows’ HEVC Video Extensions (paid in the Microsoft Store)
  • Already on your computer — nothing to download.
  • A clean, modern interface that matches the system.

PlayAnyVideo vs Windows 11 Media Player · Windows 11 Media Player alternatives

7. IINA

PlatformsmacOS
PriceFree
AdsNo ads
Open sourceYes (GPL)
HEVC (H.265) on WindowsNo Windows version
  • A native macOS design.
  • Open source and free of charge.

PlayAnyVideo vs IINA · IINA alternatives

8. mpv

PlatformsWindows, macOS, Linux
PriceFree
AdsNo ads
Open sourceYes (GPL)
HEVC (H.265) on WindowsBuilt-in decoder
  • Minimal interface, highly scriptable and configurable.
  • Lightweight and quick to start.
  • Open source and free of charge.

PlayAnyVideo vs mpv · mpv alternatives

9. Kodi

PlatformsWindows, macOS, Linux, Android
PriceFree
AdsNo ads
Open sourceYes (GPL)
HEVC (H.265) on WindowsBuilt-in decoder
  • A full-screen, TV-friendly media center interface.
  • A large add-on ecosystem.
  • Open source and free of charge.

PlayAnyVideo vs Kodi · Kodi alternatives

10. QuickTime Player

PlatformsmacOS
PriceIncluded with the operating system
AdsNo ads
Open sourceNo
HEVC (H.265) on WindowsNo Windows version
  • Already on your computer — nothing to download.
  • Quick trims and screen recording built in.

PlayAnyVideo vs QuickTime Player · QuickTime Player alternatives

Main platforms and editions only — check the official site for the full list.

FAQ

Are there free video players without ads?

Yes. Open-source players such as VLC, MPC-HC, mpv, IINA and Kodi have no ads, and neither does PlayAnyVideo. The players built into Windows and macOS have no ads either.

Does PlayAnyVideo show ads or ask me to buy codecs?

No. PlayAnyVideo has no ads, no paid unlocks and no codec purchases. The Windows app decodes HEVC with an open-source LGPL FFmpeg engine.

Are my videos uploaded when I use the web player?

No. Local files are played on your own device and are never sent to a server.

More roundups

Information as of November 2026. Product names and trademarks belong to their respective owners; PlayAnyVideo is not affiliated with or endorsed by them. Features, editions and prices change — please check each official website.