Top 6 Free Video Players in 2025

Watching videos has always been a good way to unwind. We can learn about other people’s lives by simply using our mobile devices. Here we will recommend some free video editors for offline viewing

and enhance your watching experience with advanced editing features.

6 Best Free Video Players in 2024

VLC Media Player

Pros                                     

• Supports many video formats
• Audio and subtitle synchronization

Cons                                     

• Not useful to customize the interface

VLC Media Player is one of the best free video players. It features robust basic functionality, while you can play universal media formats like CDs, DVDs, MP4, AVI, WMV, and Blu-rays. VLC Media Player lets you change the speed and record the video. Add subtitles are also available.

To improve your watching experience, you can change effects and filters. Audio and subtitle synchronization can be made with some minor adjustments. However, the custom interface is not necessary. Changing the position of each button won’t help the user much.

KM Player

Pros                                     

• Highly customizable
• Ample editing tools

Cons                                   

• Ads contained

If you are looking for advanced video features, KM Player is worth trying. It provides full function over video playback, real-time video & audio capture. It can also repeat certain video clips. Features a user-friendly interface, you can customize and navigate it easily.

In addition, KM Player allows users to play all video formats and forms, which is enough for your daily use. Ads will appear while using, but you can choose to hide them temporarily. It will not cause much inconvenience.

5Kplayer

Pros                                     

• Easy to use
• Media library

Cons                                      

• Ads contained

5KPlayer is more than a free video player. It combines a library where you can organize your favorite videos and music. It also enables you to download videos from various online sites like YouTube, Facebook, and Vimeo.

Meanwhile, one highlight of 5KPlayer is that supports AirPlay and DLNA, you can stream video with zero quality loss. The interface is easy to use and capable of finishing simple video editing tasks. Due to the ads, it might not provide a perfect user experience sometimes.

Pot Player

Pros                                     

• Easy to use
• Supports 3D videos

Cons                                     

• Only available for Windows

In comparison with other video players, Pot Player will give you an immersive experience. It not only supports 360-degree and 8K videos but also supports 3D videos. 3D subtitles are also available.

The interface is simple, so it is easy for users to adjust audio, video, and subtitles with a control panel. Pot Player is only available for Windows users. If you usually watch videos on Mac or mobile devices, other free video players might be a better option.

GOM Player

Pros                                     

• Vocalization Support
• Intuitive interface

Cons                                  

• Ads contained

GOM Player contained multiple built-in codecs. With a searchable codec library, it’s easier to use. The settings are detailed, it allows you to make adjustments from different aspects. You can also search specific settings directly which will bring more convenience. GOM Player offers a VR mode. With the simple guidelines, you can alter the screen 360 degrees up, down, left, and right.

It also provides Korean Vocalization Support, the service will automatically turn on when you play the URL of videos on YouTube. GOM player is ad-supported, and it will have bounded software while downloading. It might be a little annoying that you have to uninstall them.

SM Player

Pros                                      

• Supports many video formats
• Search and download subtitles

Cons                                        

• Not available for DVD or Blu-ray

SM Player is an open-source media player for Windows, Linux, and macOS. With built-in codecs, it can play multiple video formats.

Besides, SM Player can remember the settings. If you play another video, you don’t have to set them again. It will automatically follow the same settings you made. SM Player provides robust functionality, you can also search and download subtitles. It is a great free video player for beginners. However, be aware that SM Player doesn’t support DVD or Blu-ray.

Comparison of the Top 6 Free Video Players

	VLC Media Player	KM Player	5K Player	Pot Player	GOM Player	SM Player
Clear interface	√	√	√	√	√	√
Ample tools	×	√	√	√	√	×
Various format support	√	√	√	√	√	×
Ads contained	×	√	√	×	√	×

Criteria for Choosing a Video Player

1. User-friendly Interface

A simple and clean interface will enhance user experience, helping users understand how to play or edit the videos. A control panel is not essential, but adding it will make it easier to navigate.

2. Compatibility

Some video players are only available for Mac or Windows. Before choosing a free video player, you should pay attention to its compatibility. Some people also want to play videos and make simple adjustments on their phones, so most video players also offer a version that is convenient for mobile devices.

3. Format Support

It’s important if the video player can support various media formats. From a user perspective, it’s not convenient if I have to download many players for different types of formats. We want a single video player to handle all the solutions.

4. Features

Simply playing videos might be the basic function of a free video player. However, some features will improve your watching experience like changing the speed or adding subtitles. Some video players can ever mark your favorite scenes. Considering your specific needs, you will find the right player.

5. Performance

A great video player must be responsive and smooth, allowing the user complete control over the video playing. If lagging happens during use, this can significantly reduce the user experience.

6. Subtitles Support

Non-native speakers and those who are deaf or hard of hearing can access the content using subtitles. The player should support a variety of subtitle formats. Downloading or searching subtitles can be more convenient for users.

Conclusion

While watching videos, we can read a story, learn about what’s going on in the world, or just simply amuse ourselves. In the era of digital technology, choosing the right video player is very essential.

Some of the best video players offer multi-format support, user-friendly interfaces, easy customizations, hardware acceleration, subtitle support, and much more.

Whether you just want to enjoy videos or make some simple adjustments. Hopefully, you’ll find the right free video player after reading this. Immerse yourself in the vivid digital world and enjoy your media journey.