This article reviews the best movie players for macOS, including Elmedia Player, JustPlay, VLC, IINA, QuickTime, 5KPlayer, DivX, Cisdem Video Player, iFunia, Omni Player, Movist, and Total Video Player. Each has unique features and supported formats, with Elmedia Player emerging as a top choice due to its extensive compatibility and features such as 4K/8K playback and versatile streaming options. Stay tuned for a detailed tutorial in the next forum post.
Hey everyone! Looking for a solid video player for macOS? Playing all those different formats can be a pain, but I’ve rounded up some of the best ones out there. Whether you want App Store apps, standalone installers, or just want to stick with QuickTime, there’s something here for you. Let’s dive into it!
Ever got a fresh macOS install and not sure which video player to go for? — MacRumors discussion
1. Elmedia Player
Elmedia is packed with loads of features and supports tons of formats, making it a top choice for a Mac video player. It even handles formats that are rarely used!
You’ll find things like audio equalization, video tuning, subtitle adjustments, and playback speed control. Plus, it supports one-click streaming over AirPlay 2 and DLNA. Customizable settings and a built-in subtitle search add to its charm.
To unlock some features, you’ll need to upgrade to the Pro version for $19.99 — a one-time purchase.
Pros:
- Handles nearly any media file
- Streaming is super easy
- Customization galore
- Frequent updates
Cons:
- Some features are Pro-only
- Mac-only; no Windows version
Supported OS: macOS
Price: Free, $19.99 for Pro
Latest update: July 20, 2023
App Store Rating: 4.5/5
Supported Formats: .rm, .rv, .rmvb, .ra, .ram, .ogg, .ogm, .ogv, .mpg, .mpeg, .mpv, .m1v, .m2v, .mpg2, .mp2, .m2t, .m2ts, .ts, .mp3, .mp4, .m4v, .mpg4, .mpeg4, .m4a, .m4p, .m4r, .aac, .3gp, .asf, .wmv, .wma, .fli, .ac3, .mqv, .mkv, .webm, .mka, .3iv, .nut, .nuv, .nsv, .qt, .rec, .vcd, .vfw, .vob, .pcm, .vaw, .waw, .wav, .aiff, .aif, .ape, .flac, .avi, .flv, .f4v, .swf, Flash Projector .exe, .h264, unencrypted .bdmv, .au, .mpga, .qcp, .dsf, .cue, .3gpp, .3gp, .3ga, .3amv, .fli, .flc, .ty, .ty+, .tivo, .dvr-ms.
2. JustPlay
JustPlay is a compact app that supports all major video and audio formats without extra codecs or plugins. It can even handle 4K and 8K videos smoothly due to hardware-accelerated decoding.
Pros:
- Super lightweight
- Handles almost all file formats
- Flexible playback adjustments
- Optimized for Apple silicon Macs
Cons:
- Basic Blu-ray playback
Supported OS: macOS
Price: $4.99
Latest update: July 28, 2022
App Store Rating: 4.3/5
Supported Formats: mp4, .avi, .mov, .swf, .dat, .mkv, .mp3, .flac, .m4v, Blu-ray.
3. VLC Media Player
VLC is a free and open-source player with unparalleled format support, including DVDs. It’s got loads of playback options like color correction and an equalizer, but its many settings can be overwhelming.
Pros:
- Tons of audio and video settings
- Supports most formats
- Built-in codec support
- Additional features like conversion and recording
Cons:
- Hard-to-find options
- Outdated interface
Supported OS: macOS, Windows, Linux, iOS, Android
Price: Free
Latest update: Oct 14, 2023
App Store Rating: 3.5/5
Supported Formats: .mp4, .mp3, .mpeg, .avi, .mov, .3gp, .wmv, .wma, .asf, .ogg, .ogm, .dts, .aac, .wav, .mkv, .flac, .flv, .mxf, .nut, .mid.
4. IINA
IINA is designed to blend seamlessly with macOS. It’s packed with modern Mac features like Force Touch and Touch Bar interaction. The controls are customizable, and it even has a Music Mode to make things compact.
Pros:
- Great interface
- Fully customizable controls
- Includes Dark Mode
- Free and open-source
Cons:
- Still under development
- Limited settings outside the interface
Supported OS: macOS
Price: Free
Latest update: July 20, 2023
User rating: 4.4/5 on MacUpdate
Supported Formats: Any format supported by ffmpeg or libav.
5. QuickTime
QuickTime comes pre-installed on every Mac. It’s simple to use, but the limited format support can be a drawback. Despite this, it offers some handy features like screen recording.
Pros:
- Pre-installed on every Mac
- Easy to use
Cons:
- Very limited format support
- Few options and features
Supported OS: macOS
Price: Free
Supported Formats: .mp3, .mp4, .m4a, .m4b, .m4v, .m4r, .aiff, .wav, .mov.
6. 5KPlayer
5KPlayer supports a wide array of file formats and features like media organizing, video downloading, and streaming. It’s free but comes with ads, which can be annoying.
Pros:
- Free to use
- Wireless streaming
- Online video downloader
- Includes secondary features
Cons:
- Free version has ads
- Limited advanced playback customization
Supported OS: macOS, Windows
Price: Free
Latest update: Oct 27, 2021
User rating: 3.1/5 on Trustpilot
Supported Formats: .3g2, .3gp, .asf, .asx, .avi, .div, .divx, .dv, .f4v, .fli, .flv, .h264, m2ts, .m4v, .mjp, .mkv, .mov, .mp4, .mpeg, .mpg, .mpg2, .mts, .mtv, .mxf, .ogm, .ogv, .qt, .qtz, .rm, .rmvb, .rv, .swf, .tlvo, .tp, .ts, .vc1, .vcd, .vfw, .vob, .vro, .webm, .wmv, .wtv, .xvid, .yuv, .aa3, .aac, .ac3, .acm, .aif, .aiff, .alac, .ape, .caf, .flac, .m3u, .m4a, .m4b, .mid, .mka, .mp3, .mpa, .ogg, .pcm, .ra, .ram, .wav.
7. DivX
DivX Player is known for high-quality video playback up to 4K and includes tools for smooth viewing. It supports streaming via DLNA and cloud services like Google Drive or Dropbox. A converter is also included.
Pros:
- Plays most video formats
- Includes a converter
- Shows two subtitles at once
- Streaming capabilities
Cons:
- Pro version needed for all features
- Free version contains ads
Supported OS: macOS, Windows
Price: Free version, Pro costs $19.99
Latest update: Feb 20, 2023
Rating: 3.6/5 on CNET
Supported Formats: avi, .mkv, .mp4, DivX, HEVC.
8. Cisdem Video Player for Mac
Cisdem Player delivers a minimalist experience but plays a variety of formats smoothly. It’s free, with a full version available for $19.99. The main draw is its simple file converter.
Pros:
- Simple and lightweight
- Supports almost all formats
- Advanced hardware acceleration
- Converts some formats
Cons:
- Lacks features compared to other players
Supported OS: macOS, Windows
Price: Free, full version is $19.99
Latest update: Dec 29, 2023
App Store Rating: 4.1/5
Supported Formats: .mp4, .mkv, .webm, .mpeg, .wmv, .ts, .mov, .avi, .aac, .ac3, .aiff, .ape, .mp3, .mp2, .m4a, .ogg, .wma, .mka, .3gp, .3gp2, .asf, .avi, .div, .vob, .flv, .m4v, .dvr, .mpv, .nut, .nsv, .qt, .h264, .rm, .au, VCD .dat, .ts, .mod, .tod, .vro, .amv, .divx, .iso.
9. iFunia
iFunia is all about convenience. It remembers your place in videos, keeps a playback history, and lets you create playlists. For $7, you get extra features like conversion and metadata editing.
Pros:
- Most features are free
- Affordable upgrade
- Full control over playback
- Unique but simple
Cons:
- Basic customization options
Supported OS: macOS, Windows
Price: Free, upgrade for $7
Latest update (at the time of writing): January 20, 2020
App Store Rating: 3.9/5
Supported Formats: .wmv, .avi, .asf, .rm, .rmvb, .3gp, .3g2, .mpg, .mpeg, .m2v, .mpa, .dat, .mp4, .ts, .m2t, .t2, .mov, .qt, .m4v, .m2ts, .mts, .flv, .f4v, .mkv, .dv, .dif, .dvr, .xwmv, .amv, .mpv, .nsv, .au, .mjpg, .mjpeg, .nut, .h261, .h263, .h264, .yuv, .divx, .mod, .tod, .vro, .dpg, .mp3, .mp2, .wma, .wav, .ogg, .aac, .ac3, .m4a, .mka, .aiff, .ape, .flac
10. Omni Player
Omni Player is pretty flexible with file types. You can either play them or stream to DLNA, Chromecast, or Roku devices. Tons of customization options too: adjust graphical, audio, or subtitle settings. And hey, it can even create 60-second GIF images! 
Some features are behind a paywall though—$8 for subtitle delay adjustment, recording, and screenshots.
Pros:
- Tons of video and audio settings
- Works with all media types
- Picture-in-picture mode is super handy
- Free version isn’t too restrictive
Cons:
- Gotta pay to unlock everything
Supported OS: macOS, Windows
Price: Free version, VIP for a lifetime $9.99
Latest update: October 25, 2023
App Store Rating: 4.7/5
Supported Formats: .mkv, .rmvb, .rm, .avi, .mov, .wmv, .flv, .f4v, .f4p, .f4a, .f4b, .swf, .mpg, .mpeg, .mpeg1, .mpeg2, .m1v, .m2v, .mpv, .mp4, .mpeg4, .m4v, .3gp, .3gpp, .3g2, .3gp2, .m2p, .ps, .ts, .m2ts, .mts, .mt2s, .ogm, .ogv, .divx, .dv, .asf, .wtv, .webm, .m3u, .m3u8, .flac, .ape, .m2a, .mp1, .mp2, .mpa, .mp3, .mpg3, .m4a, .m4b, .wma, .wav, .wv, .xm, .aiff, .aif, .ac3, .a52, .aac, .opus, .ogg, .oga, .mid, .midi, .mka
11. Movist
With Movist, you’re looking at an upfront $4.99, plus another $7.99 for FTP server access, YouTube streaming, Picture-in-Picture mode, and Media Key use.
Some standout features: subtitle text-to-speech, expanding side panels, multiple subtitle boxes, and automatic playlist generation.
Pros:
- Subtitle-focused
- Supports various file formats
- Great playback quality
- Premium player with unique UI
Cons:
- It’s not free at all
- AirPlay support is missing
Supported OS: macOS
Price: $4.99, Pro version is $7.99
Latest update: May 8, 2023
App Store Rating: 4.3/5
Supported Formats: Various
12. Total Video Player
Total Video Player is available on the Mac App Store for $9.99, with no in-app purchases. It handles subtitle loading automatically, and you can tweak their font, size, and color. It’s also compatible with all Blu-ray discs and files. However, it’s pretty ordinary overall.
Pros:
- User-friendly interface
- Supports all media formats
- Video editing options
- Full Blu-ray support
Cons:
- It’s kinda pricey
Supported OS: macOS, Windows
Price: $9.99
Latest update: January 26, 2023
App Store Rating: 4.1/5
Supported Formats: .ts, .mts, .m2ts, .mxf, .trp, .tp, .mp4, .m4v, .qt, .mov, .mpg, .mpeg, .mpeg2, .mpeg4, .mjpg, .mjpeg, .avi, .3gp, .3g2, .flv, .mod, .tod, .rm, .rmvb, .wmv, .asf, .mkv, .f4v, .dat, .dv, .dif, .webm, .flac, .wav, .wma, .mp3, .mp2, .aac, .ac3, .aiff, .ape, .caf, .mpc, .qcp, .ogg, .m4a, .m4b, .aud, .mka, .aifc, .ra, .ram, .au, .aif, .cue
Player Comparison Criteria
When you’re picking a player, keep these things in mind:
- Format compatibility: Missing out on crucial formats like .webm or .wmv can be a real bummer.
- Price: Is it a one-time buy, a subscription, or are there extra purchases?
- Settings: Need basic volume control or advanced video/audio tuning?
- Extra features: Stuff like streaming, conversion, downloading vids, ad-free YouTube playback.
Feature Comparison Table
| Features | Has Equalizer? | Playlist Creation | Subtitle Support | Media Key Control | Picture-in-Picture |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Elmedia Player |  |
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| JustPlay | |
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| VLC | |
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| IINA | |
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| 5KPlayer | |
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| DivX |  |
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| Cisdem Video Player | |
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| iFunia | |
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| Omni Player | |
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| Movist | |
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Final Thoughts
Considering all the features we discussed, Elmedia Player seems like a solid all-rounder for most Mac users. It supports a bunch of audio and video formats, handles 4K and 8K videos like a champ, and lets you stream local files to Apple TV, Chromecast, and DLNA devices. 