Playing files in various formats on macOS can be challenging. This roundup lists the best Mac media players considering safety, interface, codec support, features, and updates. Key players include Elmedia, VLC, JustPlay, IINA, QuickTime, OmniPlayer, 5KPlayer, and GOM Player. Each has its own pros and cons. For example, Elmedia supports most formats and provides wireless streaming but is Mac-only. VLC is highly versatile but has a dated interface. For a more detailed tutorial, stay tuned for our next forum post.
Hey folks! If you’ve ever struggled with playing different file formats on macOS, I feel your pain. Most of the players out there only support specific types, but I’ve gathered some of the top Mac movie players that you might want to check out. They range from simple apps to multifunctional beasts.
Here’s a rundown of some awesome media players for Mac. Whether you prefer standalone installs, App Store downloads, or even QuickTime (the macOS default), you’ll find something you like. Some can play almost any file format, while others win points for reliability, features, or intuitive interfaces.
How to Choose Your Go-To Media Player for Mac 
Here are some factors to keep in mind while picking the best video player for your Mac:
- Safe to use: No ads, viruses, malware, or spyware.
- User Interface: Should be intuitive and easy to navigate.
- Codec Support: Handles most media files, including 4K/8K without losing quality.
- Feature Set: Subtitle support, streaming capabilities, and playback customization.
- Support and Updates: Regular updates and solid customer support.
Top Media Players for Mac 
1. Elmedia Player
Elmedia Player is a lightweight, user-friendly app loaded with features. It supports a ton of formats, including MP4, AVI, MKV, MP3, and more. It also has a PRO version ($19.99), which offers wireless streaming (Chromecast, Smart TV), playlist creation, playback customization, and subtitle support.
Pros:
- Supports a wide range of formats
- Wireless streaming to Chromecast, Smart TV, etc.
- Subtitle support
- Create playlists
- Customizable audio, video, and playback features
- Compatible with the latest macOS
Cons:
- Mac-only, no Windows version
Pricing: Free, with a PRO version for $19.99
Compatible with: macOS
App Store rating: 4.5/5
Supported formats: MP3, MP4, FLAC, AVI, M4A, APE, OGG, AC3, M4A, AAC, WMV, WMA, WAV, and more.
2. VLC Media Player
VLC Media Player is a veteran in the field. It supports almost every file format, has an intuitive interface (though a bit dated), and it’s free. It also comes with advanced settings like an equalizer, synchronization, color correction, and more.
Pros:
- Tons of settings to tweak
- Support for most formats
- Advanced features (recording, conversion, etc.)
- Can stream media
Cons:
- Overwhelming number of settings
- Dated interface
Pricing: Free
Compatible with: Most popular operating systems
App Store rating: 3.6/5
Supported formats: MP4, MP3, MPEG, AVI, MOV, 3GP, WMV, WMA, ASF, OGG, OGM, DTS, AAC, WAV, MKV, FLAC, FLV, MXFf, NUT, MID
3. JustPlay
JustPlay is a compact, user-friendly player that supports a huge list of formats, even 4K and 8K videos. It has cool features like Touch Bar support, an audio equalizer, a deinterlacing option, and Picture-in-Picture mode.
Pros:
- Compact and easy to use
- Supports many file formats
- Effortless 4K and 8K playback
- Touch Bar integration
- Various audio and video options
Cons:
- No free version
- Doesn’t support video downloading or editing
Pricing: $4.99
Compatible with: macOS
App Store rating: 4.4/5
Supported formats: MP3, MP4, AVI, MOV, FLAC, M4A, OGG, APE, and more.
4. IINA
IINA is created using the Swift programming language and supports features like Force Touch, Touch Bar, and Picture-in-Picture mode. It also works with Trackpad/Magic Mouse and can handle online streams via youtube-dl.
Pros:
- Sleek interface
- Free and open-source
- Fully customizable controls
- Supports Force Touch, Touch Bar, and Picture-in-Picture
Cons:
- Only works on Mac computers
Pricing: Free
Compatible with: macOS
MacUpdate rating: 4.4/5
Supported formats: MPV, AVI, MP4, FLV, SWF, WMV, MKV, M4V, etc.
5. QuickTime Player
QuickTime is the default media player on Mac, around since 1991. It’s free, easy to use, and supports a decent number of formats. It offers advanced video compression which saves bandwidth and storage.
Pros:
- Easy to use
- Free
- No additional installation needed
- Advanced H.264 video compression
Cons:
- Doesn’t support all formats
Pricing: Free
Compatible with: macOS, Windows
Supported formats: MP3, MP4, M4A, M4B, M4V, M4R, AIFF, WAV, MOV, etc.
6. OmniPlayer
OmniPlayer is quite popular and supports many file types. You can play files or stream them to devices like Roku or Chromecast. The free version has tons of features, but you’ll need the PRO version ($8.99) to get the full package.
Pros:
- Lots of customizable settings for videos, audio, and subtitles
- Works with most file types
- Stream to Roku, Chromecast, or DLNA device
- Free version is quite comprehensive
Cons:
- Full features require payment
Pricing: Free, with a PRO version for $8.99
Compatible with: macOS
App Store rating: 4.7/5
Supported formats: MKV, AVI, MOV, WMV, FLV, F4V, F4A, MPG, MPV, MP4, M4V, WEBM, MP3, M4A, WMA, WAV, and more.
7. 5KPlayer
5KPlayer is exceptional if you need a versatile media player. It supports multiple formats, can download and stream videos, cut videos while playing, and also acts as a media organizer. Beware, though, it has ads which can be annoying unless you downgrade to an older version.
Pros:
- Free
- Supports lots of formats
- Lightweight and user-friendly
- Feature-rich
- Offers TrueTheater technology
Cons:
- Limited audio settings
Hopefully, you find this list helpful. Happy watching! 
Hey everyone! 
So, I’ve been checking out some media players for Mac, and I wanted to share what I found. Here we go!
Ads Presence: 
Yep, they got ads.
Pricing: Free
Compatible with: macOS, Windows
Trustpilot Rating: 2.6/5
Supported Formats: AVI, M4V, MKV, MOV, MP4, MPG, WMV, M3U, M4A, MP3, WAV, and more.
8. GOM Player
GOM Player is a minimalist media player for Mac that’s loaded with features. It’s got a lot going on under its simple interface, like a YouTube player, codec search, and even a video editor.
This free media player is pretty cool. It can adjust video settings like contrast and brightness in real-time and can even play files that are still downloading or damaged. Plus, you get to see detailed info about the file and audio codecs, and it shows subtitles and playlists too!
Pros:
- Feature-packed
- Plays damaged files
- Supports many formats
- Advanced functionality and niche features
Cons:
- Interface isn’t intuitive
- Installer comes with unwanted programs
Pricing: Free, but the Pro version is $9.99
Compatible with: Windows, macOS
CNET Rating: 4.1/5
Supported Formats: Supports various formats including AVI, MP4, MKV, FLV, WMV, MOV. On Windows, it helps you find codecs, play damaged files, or a file while it’s being downloaded.
Top Features to Look for in a Mac Media Player
Here’s a handy table comparing the key features of some popular media players:
| Main Features | Elmedia Player | VLC | JustPlay | QuickTime | OmniPlayer | 5KPlayer | GOM Player |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Supports many file formats | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ (bit limited) | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Converts file formats | - | ✓ | - | - | - | - | - |
| Subtitles support & integration | ✓ | - | - | - | ✓ | - | ✓ |
| Hardware-accelerated decoding | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | - | ✓ | ✓ |
| Screen recording & screenshot capturing | ✓ | ✓ | - | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | - |
| Playlist management & customization | ✓ | - | - | - | - | - | ✓ |
| Local file streaming to TV/other devices | ✓ | ✓ | - | - | ✓ | - | - |
| Picture-in-Picture support | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | - | ✓ | ✓ |
| Free version available | ✓ | ✓ | - | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
Conclusion
I hope this helps you compare the best media players for Mac. Seriously, Elmedia Player is a safe bet—it’s user-friendly but still packed with features and supports a ton of formats.
When you’re picking your Mac media player, think about the pros and cons of each option, what features you need, whether it’s free or costs some bucks, and definitely check out user reviews.
Happy media playing!