Requirements: macOS 10.12+
, 89.42MB of free space
Version 8.2(2985) (29 Nov, 2021) Release notes
Category: MultimediaApplication
Ever since computers were invented, there was a strong urge to create an all-in-one solution for all user’s needs. Almost 29 years ago, Apple introduced the world to QuickTime, a free media player for Mac that revolutionized the whole operating system. However, as technology advanced, modern and more efficient versions appeared. Furthermore, third-party solutions were developed to improve the overall experience and create a vast array of possibilities in terms of enjoying quality video content. We invite you on a journey to discover what media player softwares bring to the table nowadays.
Being included in almost every operating system today, media players have extreme importance in our day-to-day lives. If you’re a Windows user, you must be familiar with Windows Media Player, Microsoft Movies & TV, or Groove Music. If you own a Macbook, you have undoubtedly used QuickTime, and if you have ever used Linux, you must be acquainted with SMPlayer, Amarok, MPlayer, Rhythmbox. Even mobile operating systems come with media player softwares pre-installed, such as Google Play Music or Samsung Video Player. As their older relatives, they will all use the same known symbols that are widely known, such as the popular play, pause, fast-forward, back-forward, and stop buttons. Most of them will even give information about the artists, suggest related songs, and have progress bars.
Like every other software, there is a variety in characteristics when it comes to media players. Players such as VLC will focus mainly on providing more video options, such as the ability to Deinterlace Video on Mac, rather than audio. This does not mean that you can’t play songs using VLC, but you will find out that there are more options to alter the video aspect than audio. On the opposite side, AIMP will only play audio files but will come with a lot of features that will enhance the user’s experience. You can organize a media library, search for lyrics online, visualize the music, access online radios, index audiobooks, equalizers to make music sound a certain way, and many more. There’s also a particular type of media players that focus on specific functions. Take Windows DVD Player as an example, which, as the name suggests, can only play DVDs and nothing else. Choosing the right player can make a night and day difference. For example, if they want to add subtitles to video Mac users will have to use another software other than QuickTime, as this feature is not included.
Before launching into our list of the greatest players you can use for mac, you should know that, as mentioned before, each one has different distinct features, and none will appeal as the universal tool for everything. They are all great for their specific role.
This open-source media player focuses on creating a great video viewing experience by supporting some of the most popular and widely used formats such as FLV, MP4, AVI, SWF, WMV, MKV, and many more.
One of the most widely known players for Mac and other platforms, VLC is a powerful player that comes as a solid solution for power and light users. It does everything you want, and then some for free.
This player takes advantage of a great variety of formats and offers a high-quality experience even when watching HD, 4K, or 8K videos without lag or stutter due to advanced hardware acceleration.
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FAQ
While there isn’t a fit-all video player that will suit everyone's needs, when looking for a great video player, you should take into account how many formats it supports, how efficient it is and how easy it is to use. For example, if you are a video editor, you might want to use a frame-by-frame video player, which can ease your life a lot when you are trying to edit a video. And if you want to deinterlace video on any Mac, you should get a video player that allows that conversion.
Overall, to conclude, first clearly establish what you need from a video player and then check if the available options offer the features and functions you want.