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Roundup

Video players for Mac

QuickTime Player handles common files; for MKV, AVI or unusual audio many Mac users add another player. These are the common choices.

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

There is no native Mac app yet. On a Mac you can use the PlayAnyVideo web player in Safari or Chrome with nothing to install; format support then depends on the browser.

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. GOM Player

PlatformsWindows, macOS, Android, iPhone / iPad
PriceFree version with ads; paid ad-free edition
AdsFree version shows ads
Open sourceNo
HEVC (H.265) on WindowsCheck the official site
  • A familiar interface that many users in Korea have used for years.
  • Built-in tools for finding subtitles.
  • Available on many platforms.

PlayAnyVideo vs GOM Player · GOM Player alternatives

3. KMPlayer

PlatformsWindows, macOS, Android, iPhone / iPad
PriceFree
AdsFree version shows ads
Open sourceNo
HEVC (H.265) on WindowsCheck the official site
  • A familiar interface that many users in Korea have used for years.
  • Available on many platforms.
  • Deep settings and customization for power users.

PlayAnyVideo vs KMPlayer · KMPlayer alternatives

4. 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

5. 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

6. Infuse

PlatformsiPhone / iPad, macOS, Apple TV
PriceFree; some features need a paid upgrade or subscription
AdsCheck the official site
Open sourceNo
HEVC (H.265) on WindowsNo Windows version
  • Polished apps across iPhone, iPad, Mac and Apple TV.
  • Plays videos from network shares and servers on your phone or tablet.
  • A library with artwork and details fetched automatically.

PlayAnyVideo vs Infuse · Infuse alternatives

7. 5KPlayer

PlatformsWindows, macOS
PriceFree
AdsCheck the official site
Open sourceNo
HEVC (H.265) on WindowsCheck the official site
  • Can send video to other devices such as AirPlay receivers.

PlayAnyVideo vs 5KPlayer · 5KPlayer 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. Plex

PlatformsWindows, macOS, Linux, Android, iPhone / iPad, Apple TV, Web browser
PriceFree; some features need a paid upgrade or subscription
AdsCheck the official site
Open sourceNo
HEVC (H.265) on WindowsCheck the official site
  • Organizes your media on a server and streams it to your other devices.
  • Available on many platforms.
  • A library with artwork and details fetched automatically.

PlayAnyVideo vs Plex · Plex alternatives

10. 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

11. DivX Player

PlatformsWindows, macOS
PriceFree; some features need a paid upgrade or subscription
AdsCheck the official site
Open sourceNo
HEVC (H.265) on WindowsCheck the official site
  • The official player for DivX videos.
  • A long history and a familiar interface.

PlayAnyVideo vs DivX Player · DivX Player alternatives

12. Elmedia Player

PlatformsmacOS
PriceFree; some features need a paid upgrade or subscription
AdsCheck the official site
Open sourceNo
HEVC (H.265) on WindowsNo Windows version
  • A native macOS design.
  • Can send video to other devices such as AirPlay receivers.

PlayAnyVideo vs Elmedia Player · Elmedia Player alternatives

13. 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

What is a good free video player for Mac?

IINA, VLC and mpv are free and open source. QuickTime Player comes with macOS. If you don’t want to install anything, try a web player in your browser.

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.