EnglishEN
Open player

Roundup

Free HEVC (H.265) players

Windows’ built-in apps need the paid HEVC Video Extensions to show H.265 video. Players that ship their own decoder play these files without it.

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

The Windows app decodes HEVC with an open-source LGPL FFmpeg engine — free, without the Microsoft Store extension. In the browser, HEVC depends on your browser and hardware.

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. PotPlayer

PlatformsWindows
PriceFree
AdsCheck the official site
Open sourceNo
HEVC (H.265) on WindowsBuilt-in decoder
  • Plays a very wide range of formats out of the box.
  • Deep settings and customization for power users.
  • A familiar interface that many users in Korea have used for years.

PlayAnyVideo vs PotPlayer · PotPlayer alternatives

3. 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

4. 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

5. 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

6. 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

7. SMPlayer

PlatformsWindows, Linux
PriceFree
AdsCheck the official site
Open sourceYes (GPL)
HEVC (H.265) on WindowsBuilt-in decoder
  • Remembers settings such as position and audio track for each file.
  • Open source and free of charge.

PlayAnyVideo vs SMPlayer · SMPlayer 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

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

FAQ

Do I have to buy the HEVC extension?

No. Players that include their own HEVC decoder — such as PlayAnyVideo for Windows, VLC, PotPlayer, MPC-HC and mpv — play H.265 without it.

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.