Video streaming has become a dominant force in the world of entertainment, with countless individuals subscribing to services like Netflix, Hulu, VRV, and YouTube for their video consumption. Still, there are still a lot of people who keep video files on their smartphones. Luckily, it’s a lot easier to watch these videos now than it used to be. The best video player apps can now handle the most common video codecs without any problems, unless you’re using a codec that’s not very common.
Video is a universal medium that can bring people from all over the world together. Whether you watch a lot of videos or just a few every now and then, it’s important to choose the right video player for your Android device. That’s exactly why we put this guide together. There are so many video players on the Google Play Store that it can be hard to choose the right one. Below we have mentioned the best video player apps.
What to Look for in a Video Player App?
🎉 Attraction: Choosing the Right Video Player
📁 Format Compatibility: Ensure the video player can handle various video formats, such as MP4, AVI, MKV, MOV, and more, to guarantee seamless playback of your files.
🔍 Codec Support: Verify that the app supports different codecs to ensure your videos play smoothly without any issues.
📝 Subtitle Support: Look for support for various subtitle formats like SRT and VTT. Make sure you can customize subtitle size, color, and timing to enhance your viewing experience.
⏯️ Playback Controls: Find a player with user-friendly playback controls, including play, pause, rewind, fast forward, and easy-to-use gesture controls for a seamless viewing experience.
🔊📺 Audio and Video Quality: A top-notch video player should allow you to adjust video quality and support different audio formats, including Dolby Atmos. Look for features like HD and 4K playback for an immersive audiovisual experience.
Best Video Player Apps Comparison Table
In the table below, you can see how all of the best video player apps compare to each other. It shows the most important features, compatibility, formats supported, and user ratings, so users can choose the best video player app for their needs and preferences.
| Feature | Platform | Subtitle Support | Network Streaming | Playback Speed Control | Background Play | Casting | Parental Controls |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| MX Player | Android | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | No |
| XPlayer | Android | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | No |
| FX Player | Android | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | No |
| KMPlayer | Android | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | No |
| PlayerXtreme | iOS, Android | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | No |
| Kodi | Windows, macOS, Linux | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
MX Player
Features
- Hardware acceleration
- Multi-core decoding
- Subtitle support
- Gestures for control
- Background playback
No one needs to explain what MX Player is. It’s been a long time since this video player came out. No one can say that MX Players isn’t the first thing that comes to mind when we think about the best video players for Android phones. MX Player has a great real-time feature that’s hard to find on other platforms.
Above all, it’s easy to use and works with almost every video format. You can also watch English movies with subtitles, use the multi-code decoding feature, move quickly backward and forward, and zoom in and out. You can also watch videos by locking the video screen by tapping on the lock icon. Overall, this is one of the best Video Player Apps you can download now.
Pros
- Wide format support.
- Hardware acceleration for smooth playback.
- Intuitive gesture controls.
- Supports subtitles.
- Kid’s lock feature for child safety.
Cons
- Ad-supported free version.
- Some advanced features require a paid upgrade.
XPlayer
Features
- Supports various video formats.
- Private folder feature to protect your videos.
- Gesture controls for easy playback.
- Floating window mode for multitasking.
- Hardware acceleration for smooth playback.
One of the best-rated Android video players in the Google Play Store is XPlayer. It can put your videos in a safe folder that only you can see. You can download subtitles, and you can change how they look. Overall, this is one of the best Video Player Apps you can download now.
It can easily play all video formats, and users have said that it also plays HEVC X265 videos without any lag. It’s easy to change the volume, the brightness, and the playing speed. Videos can be seen as a list or in a grid, and they can be sorted by name, date, and size.
Pros
- User-friendly interface.
- Supports a wide range of video formats.
- Private folder feature for added security.
Cons
- Limited customization options.
- Occasional ads in the free version.
FX Player
Features
- All-in-one video player with advanced features.
- Supports subtitles and multiple audio tracks.
- Gesture controls for volume, brightness, and seeking.
- Network streaming capabilities.
- Equalizer for audio enhancement.
FX Player can play high-definition video formats like 1080p and 4K without any problems. It has a really cool pop-up playback feature that lets you watch videos on a floating screen while using other apps at the same time. Still, this is one of the best Video Player Apps you can download now.
You can even change the size of the video playing screen and get to the controls for video playback while the window is floating. It works with all of the most common video and audio formats and codecs, and you can add an External Codec Pack by going to Settings.
Pros
- Excellent codec support.
- Gestures for easy playback control.
- Floating window feature for multitasking.
Cons
- Free version contains ads.
- Some users may find the interface cluttered.
KMPlayer
Features
- Wide format support, including 4K and 8K videos.
- Subtitle customization and sync options.
- VR mode for immersive viewing.
- Cloud storage integration.
- In-app editing tools for video and audio.
KMPlayer is another great Android video player that works with many different file types and codecs. It has a library viewer that finds files on its own and works with cloud storage. You can look at the files you have saved on your Google drive. Also, it has support for subtitles, controls for playback speed, volume control with a single finger gesture, brightness control, etc.
It works with HD videos and can be used in 30 languages. There is a new feature in KMPlayer called KMP Connect. It is a service that lets you use your cell phone to watch movies on your computer. Overall, the app is easy to use, free, and there are no in-app purchases. Thus, this is one of the best Video Player Apps you can download now.
Pros
- Highly customizable interface.
- Supports 3D and VR videos.
- Rich set of playback options.
Cons
- Can be overwhelming for beginners.
- May have occasional compatibility issues.
PlayerXtreme
Features
- Plays a wide range of video formats.
- Wireless streaming from various sources.
- Offline file transfer via Wi-Fi.
- Password protection for your media library.
- Supports streaming from UPnP and DLNA devices.
The free video player can use hardware acceleration and decoding on multiple cores. Aside from that, it supports multiple tracks, has subtitle gestures, can play videos in the background, can boost audio up to 200%, and has a number of other features that you would expect from the best Android video player.
Another good thing about the Xtreme media player is that it is easy to use. You can also choose a theme. During testing, one problem I ran into was that the Android app couldn’t read my media files. I had to play the files in the directory by hand. Overall, this is one of the best Video Player Apps you can download now.
Pros
- Smooth playback of various formats.
- Easy Wi-Fi file transfer.
- Subtitle support and versatile playback controls.
Cons
- Limited cloud storage options.
- Some features require in-app purchases.
Kodi
Features
- Highly customizable media center.
- Supports add-ons for extended functionality.
- Organizes and plays music, movies, TV shows, and more.
- Remote control app for mobile devices.
- Cross-platform compatibility.
If you want to find the best media player for Android, Kodi is another open-source option. Here is a must-read guide on how to use Kodi if you don’t know much about great software. Overall, this is one of the best Video Player Apps you can download now.
In a nutshell, you can stream movies, watch TV shows, live channels, play games, and do a lot more than just play offline content. But you’ll need Kodi Add-ons to do that. Here are some of the best ones.
Pros
- Highly customizable with add-ons.
- Cross-platform support.
- Ideal for streaming and media center setup.
Cons
- Steeper learning curve.
- Requires add-ons for some features.
- Not as user-friendly as dedicated video players.
How to Choose the Best Video Player App for You?
🔍 Platform Compatibility: Before choosing a video player app, consider the device or operating system you’re using (Windows, macOS, Android, iOS, Linux, etc.). Ensure the video player app you choose is compatible with your platform.
🎨 User Interface: Look for a video player with an intuitive and easy-to-navigate user interface. Seek a clean design that allows you to access the controls and settings without confusion.
📽️ Playback Compatibility: Make sure the video player supports a wide range of video formats, including popular ones like MP4, MKV, AVI, and more. This ensures you can play all your media files without issues.
🔊 Codec Support: Check if the video player supports various audio and video codecs. This is important for playing high-quality videos without any audio or video sync problems.
📝 Subtitle Support: If you watch videos with subtitles, ensure that the player can handle various subtitle formats (SRT, SUB, ASS, etc.) and allows customization of subtitle appearance.
FAQs
At the moment, our top choice is the open-source VLC Media Player. We’ve never had a problem with this free video player. It also works with all operating systems, even mobile ones like iOS and Android.
Open the VLC Media Player menu and go to Tools. Click on Options. Now, check the Preferences window to see if the Audio and Video components are both turned on. Syncing problems can be fixed by going to Settings > Adjustment and Effects > Synchronization.
