Here’s a summary of the best MKV players for Mac M2. Elmedia Player tops the list, supporting various formats, external audio, subtitles, and streaming. VLC is a strong free option, known for its extensive codec support. 5KPlayer offers streaming and downloading features but includes ads. Movist is simple and reliable, while Cisdem is minimalistic. OmniPlayer offers extensive customization, MKPlayer supports AirPlay, and Macgo Blu-ray Player excels in quality and features for a premium. For an in-depth tutorial, stay tuned to the next forum post.
MKV Files on Mac - Your Go-To Players Guide 
Hey everyone! So, you’re trying to play those tricky MKV files on your M2 MacBook Air, huh? 
We’ve all been there! Luckily, I’ve got a list of some awesome MKV players that’ll get the job done smoothly. Check out the details below 
.
Comparison Table (Free & Paid Versions of Players)
Here’s a quick comparison of some top MKV players for Mac, including both free and paid versions. Spoiler: There are some gems in the free options too! 
| Elmedia Player | Movist | Cisdem Video Player | Macgo Blu-ray Player | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Plays MKV |  (Free) |
(Free) |
(Free) |
(Pro) |
| Subtitle Support | (Free) |
(Free) |
(Free) |
(Pro) |
| Convert Files |  |
|
(Pro) |
|
| Manage Playlists | (Free) |
(Free) |
|
|
| Codec Support | (Free) |
(Free) |
(Free) |
(Pro) |
1. Free MKV Player for Mac - Elmedia Player
Looking for a versatile MKV player? Elmedia Player might just be your best bet. It not only handles MKV but also opens MOV, AVI, WMV, and more. You can sync up external audio and subtitles like a breeze and manage your media with playlists and bookmarks.
Elmedia PRO takes things to the next level. With a PRO license, you get a 10-band equalizer, video tuner with visual effects 
, color correction, and even deinterlacing. Plus, you can stream videos over AirPlay 2, DLNA, and Chromecast!
Pros:
- Supports most formats and MKV codecs
- Customizable audio and video
- Easy one-click streaming
- User-friendly
- Compatible with the latest systems
Cons:
- Full upgrade isn’t free
License: Free, PRO at $19.99
App Store Rating: 4.5/5
Latest Update: July 20, 2023
2. VLC Mac MKV Player
VLC is pretty much a household name when it comes to media players. With a bunch of codecs built-in, it’ll play your MKV files without any hiccups. You also get lots of customization options for video, audio, and subtitles. Plus, it supports MKV chapters!
However, finding what you need in VLC can be a maze. There are loads of settings, and sometimes it’s hard to figure out what’s what. But once you get the hang of it, you’ll see why VLC is such a favorite.
Pros:
- Plays almost anything, including DVDs
- Advanced settings for a perfect setup
- Totally free with no ads
Cons:
- Can be hard to navigate
- Important settings can get lost among others
License: Free and open-source
User Rating: 4.2/5 on CNET
Latest Update: Oct 14, 2023
3. 5KPlayer
5KPlayer is a solid choice if you’re looking for a lot of free features. It supports viewing, customization, streaming, and downloading without needing to pay. However, it does come with ads and starts up with your system, which can be a bit annoying.
Even with these drawbacks, 5KPlayer is super useful and supports a wide range of file types and HD playback. If you’re missing some features, its added streaming and downloading functionality might make it worth it.
Pros:
- Free streaming and downloads
- Supports many codecs
- Feature-packed
Cons:
- Limited options
- Contains ads
- Starts on system boot by default
License: Freeware
User Rating: 2.9/5 on Trustpilot
Latest Update: Oct 27, 2021
4. Movist - Worth Checking Out? 
I stumbled upon Movist and thought I’d share my thoughts. So, this player isn’t packed with sexy features like streaming or video filters, but it’s solid for playing any FFmpeg codec — perfect for MKV files. At $4.99, it’s pretty affordable and has good settings for everyday use, like an audio equalizer and subtitle sync.
The ‘sliding panel’ design is kinda unique. You can get to most features without diving into menus or needing hotkeys. It’s a real refresher compared to other players’ standard interfaces.
Pros:
- Simple yet feature-rich
- Unique interface
- Great playback quality
- Supports multiple tracks simultaneously
Cons:
- No free trial
License: Paid, $4.99
App Store Rating: 4.3/5
Latest update: Nov 28, 2021
5. Cisdem Video Player
So, has anyone tried Cisdem? It’s pretty minimalistic, lacking stuff like playback speed adjustments, bookmarks, or audio equalization, but it does open MKV files just fine.
You can add extra audio or subtitle tracks and make playlists, all for free! Only video conversion needs a paid upgrade. Plus, it’s safer than many freeware apps.
Pros:
- Plays MKV
- Free to try
- Full control over video playback
- Customizable playback and can take screenshots
Cons:
- Really basic
- Missing many important features
License: Free, with a $19.99 upgrade
App Store Rating: 4.1/5
Latest update: Nov 11, 2022
6. OmniPlayer Thoughts?
If you have a Mac and wanna play MKV files, maybe check out OmniPlayer. This app offers a ton of customization options like subtitle colors, fonts, video color correction, and it supports AirPlay and DLNA streaming. Many features are available for free.
But heads up, some conveniences are missing, like using the scroll wheel for volume. The free version has ads, and you might still get reminders to leave a review even after getting the VIP upgrade.
Pros:
- Full control over subtitles, audio, video
- Convenient features like progress bar preview thumbnails
Cons:
- Need to buy or subscribe to unlock all features
- Ads and constant review reminders
License: Free with paid options
App Store Rating: 4.7/5
Latest update: Oct 25, 2023
7. MKPlayer – Your Thoughts?
Any takers for MKPlayer? This player handles MKV files and other formats pretty well. It offers smooth playback, and features like AirPlay support and subtitle settings make it interesting.
You can integrate multiple audio tracks, add custom subtitles, and even tweak video settings like brightness and saturation. There’s also a Safari extension to play media found on websites.
Pros:
- Handles most formats
- Responsive control panel
- AirPlay support
- Can play videos on any Smart TV and Apple TV
Cons:
- Some features need in-app purchases
License: Free with in-app purchases
App Store Rating: 4.6/5
Latest update: Aug 14, 2021
8. Macgo Blu-ray Player
Looking to enjoy MKV files with top-quality playback? Macgo Blu-ray Player should be a top choice. It supports Blu-ray, DVDs, and other formats on both Mac and Windows.
It’s one of the few Mac Blu-ray programs licensed by the Blu-ray Disc Association, complete with menu support and 5.1 surround sound. The hardware acceleration ensures smooth playback even for tough files.
Additionally, it supports multiple languages and lets you play Blu-ray materials on iPhone, iPad, and iPod Touch. You can even share video info on Facebook and X.
Pros:
- Excellent compatibility with macOS and iOS devices
- Wide array of features and settings
- Supports 1080p HD playback without quality loss
Cons:
- Expensive for Blu-ray software
- .mkv format only in the PRO version
License: $29.95 (lifetime), Pro version $39.95 (lifetime)
User rating: 3.6/5 on CNET
Latest update: October 12, 2023
What’s an MKV File Anyway? 
Matroska Video (MKV) is an open-source container format for a variety of video, audio, and subtitle streams. You can also throw in XML metadata and images. MKV metadata can delimit chapters, and it’s well-documented with free tools for creation and editing.
While it’s not as popular as MP4 or WMV, Windows 10 has native support for MKV. This might help it become more widespread.
Pros:
- Free tools and documentation
- No limit on number, size, or encoding of contents
- No licensing issues – FOSS
- Can contain both lossy and lossless data
Cons:
- Hard to support fully due to no codec restrictions
- Still in development; not all features implemented
- Not backed by major organizations
Conclusion
After checking out a bunch of media players, based on usability, format compatibility, and settings, Elmedia Player stands out for playing MKV on Mac. It’s versatile, loaded with useful features, and supports many file types.
Hope this helps you find the perfect app to play MKV files and enjoy your videos! Any options from this list are good; just pick the one that suits you best!