mpv
mpv is a media player with minimal interface and extensive settings via configuration files and scripts.
Developer mpv-project
Version 0.41.0 · Open source · Windows · macOS · Linux
Looking for an alternative to mpv?Compare VLC Media Player, MPC-HC, SMPlayer, PotPlayer.Compare alternativesYou can open a file and play it with the small screen control, but many features are behind keyboard shortcuts and configuration. The app supports various audio, video and subtitle formats and has extensive image viewing settings. This makes mpv suitable for a sober playing environment that you will later adjust yourself. It is less obvious if you want to find all the options via menus. Ready-made packages vary by platform and can be offered by other builders via the official installation page.
Compare mpv 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 |
|---|---|---|
| mpvYou are viewing this app | 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 |
| 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 |
| MPC-HCView this alternative | 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 |
| 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 |
| PotPlayerView this alternative | You use a Windows video player with many image, audio and subtitle settings. The extended menus require more research if you just want to open a movie. | WindowsFree to use |
More alternatives to mpv (1)
-
Kodi
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, Linux · GPL-2.0-or-later
Choose an alternative to explore its features, system requirements and download options.
Who is it for?
You use mpv if you want a minimal player and are willing to manage settings in text files. For a full graphical preference dialog, SMPlayer fits better.
Getting started
Follow the mpv installation page for an appropriate package. Save your configuration separately and start with the default settings of the chosen build.
Privacy
You can play local media without an account. Scripts, online streams and additional links can cause network traffic; assess the origin of additional scripts before installing them.
Good to know
Many advanced options are set up via configuration files or the command line. An extensive graphical settings window is not the core of mpv.
Please note
Do not take over a large unknown configuration without understanding the options. Settings for image, scripts or hardware decoding can unpack differently per computer.
Advantages
- You get a sober playback interface.
- You can customize display and operation extensively.
- You can add functions with scripts.
Things to consider
- Many settings are outside regular menus.
- Packages can vary from one platform to another.
- Scripts ask trust in the creator.
Download mpv
The download page opens in a new tab.
Provider’s website · mpv.io
Version history
0.41.0
The gpu-next view has become standard and Vulkan hardware decoding is preferred where available.
There is a script for a context menu and the color processing has been improved. On Windows, tools have been added to register mpv as a media app.
Report a new version
Our verdict
mpv is suitable if you are deliberately looking for a simple player with a lot of customizability. Without interest in configuration files, a graphical peel can be a more enjoyable input.
Choose mpv if you like to capture exactly how a player reacts and are willing to use configuration. Start without custom files and add one desired setting at a time. This way it remains visible which change affects playback or keys. If you prefer to choose all options via menus, graphic control weighs more. The minimal interface is a conscious process, not an advantage that unpacks the same for every user.
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