MPC-HC
MPC-HC is a Windows media player with a compact interface and extensive operation of video, audio and subtitles.
Developer MPC-HC-community
Version 2.8.2 · Open source · Windows
Looking for an alternative to MPC-HC?Compare VLC Media Player, mpv, SMPlayer, Kodi.Compare alternativesYou open local media files without setting up a library first. The actively maintained community version includes updated playback parts and provides subtitle and image view settings. That execution must be distinguished from the older original project. You can control a lot by shortcuts and have additional options for those who want to adjust the play chain. External filters, however, may also cause new problems. Therefore, start with the included parts and do not change anything until you have a concrete compatibility problem.
Compare MPC-HC with alternatives
Play mostly local video files, compare subtitles, playlists and operation. An extensive media library is something other than a player who quickly opens one file. Also check with high resolution whether hardware acceleration works with your video card and the used video format.
| Software | What can it do? | Platform and licence |
|---|---|---|
| MPC-HCYou are viewing this app | You get a compact Windows video player with classic interface and extensive codec and subtitle support. The emphasis is on playback of files. | WindowsOpen source |
| VLC Media PlayerView this alternative | You play a lot of audio and video formats and also open network streams. You get extensive settings for subtitles, filters and audio without having to set up a separate codec collection. | Windows, macOS, LinuxGPL-2.0-only |
| mpvView this alternative | You use a minimalist player with many possibilities via configuration and scripts. You choose whether you have enough sober control on the screen. | Windows, macOS, LinuxOpen source |
| SMPlayerView this alternative | You get a graphical interface around a playback engine like mpv, with settings and remembering playback positions. This lowers the threshold compared to single configuration files. | Windows, macOS, LinuxOpen source |
| KodiView this alternative | You organize movies, series and music in a media center with an interface for TV and remote control. To quickly open a separate file, this library setup is less necessary. | Windows, macOS, LinuxGPL-2.0-or-later |
Choose an alternative to explore its features, system requirements and download options.
Who is it for?
You use MPC-HC if you want to play files on Windows mostly and still want control over subtitles and display. For a complete media library, other apps are more extensive.
Getting started
Download the release of the maintained clid2 project. Choose the appropriate Windows version and initially preserve the included play settings.
Privacy
Local files can be played without a cloud account. Online subtitle search functions and any remote control make separate connections; only enable them if you need them.
Good to know
MPC-HC is a Windows player. Additional filters and custom output settings can affect each other; start with simple configuration problems.
Please note
Use the maintained clid2 version. Do not unnecessarily open a web interface on your network and check that external filters are really needed.
Advantages
- You get a compact file-focused player.
- You can serve subtitles extensively.
- The maintained version updates playback parts.
Things to consider
- The app is aimed at Windows.
- Advanced filter settings can cause problems.
- Online extras require separate privacy and network choices.
Download MPC-HC
The download page opens in a new tab.
Provider’s website · github.com
Version history
2.8.2
You will get ReplayGain support and more control options with the keyboard.
- The audio switch allows you to set ReplayGain to deal with differences in recorded volume level.
- You can change keyboard shortcuts without a mouse. The status bar can show the playback speed of audio files.
- LAV Filters has been updated to 0.83-5-gd65a9 and MPC Video Renderer to 0.10.8.2587. Opening multiple selected files from Explorer has been improved.
2.8.1
You can load a second external SRT subtitle track and there is a new remote control page.
The playback parts have been updated. The second subtitle track is at the top and has limitations: delay applies to both tracks and the second track is not on screenshots.
Report a new version
Our verdict
MPC-HC fits a simple playback mode with technical settings within reach. The maintained execution and a sober configuration are more important than installing many additional codecs.
The player fits in with local viewing with control over sound and subtitles, without centralising a full media library. First use the maintained basic version with your own files and only add something for a concrete problem. Additional filters can complicate the error search. For library management or editing you need to look for other functions. An appropriate simple configuration is more important than assuming that more installed codecs always provide greater compatibility.
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