An M4V player can open M4V files, which are similar to MP4s but often used by Apple. Elmedia Player is the top choice for Macs, offering a simple interface and versatile format support. Alternatives for Mac and Windows include 5KPlayer, JustPlay, VLC, Cisdem Video Player, Free M4V Player, Final Media Player, and DivX, each with unique pros and cons. M4V files can also be converted to MP4s using CloudConvert or HandBrake. Stay tuned for a more detailed tutorial in our next forum post.
Hey folks! 
If you’re trying to figure out what’s the best way to play those M4V files, you’ve come to the right place. M4V files are pretty similar to MP4s but are usually found in Apple products — so you might need something specialized to open them. If you’re on a Mac, Elmedia Player is a top choice, and for Windows, there are a bunch of cool options available. Forget about those online converters — these players are way more convenient and packed with useful features. Let’s dive in!
Best M4V Video Player for Mac: Elmedia Player 
Elmedia Player is hands-down our top pick for playing M4V videos on Mac. It’s super smooth and gives you zero headaches. A neat interface, a variety of video formats, and even support for music files—it’s got it all!
You can use Elmedia Player for free, but if you’re up for some advanced goodies, there’s a Pro version for a one-time fee of $19.95.
Pros:
Clean and simple interface
Installs in no time
Plays almost any video file
Gets regular updates
Cons:
Pro version is pricey compared to others
Mac-only, no Windows version
How to Watch M4V on Mac with Elmedia Player 
Using the Elmedia Player App
First things first, download Elmedia Player from the App Store or their official site and install it.
Step-by-Step Guide:
- Open Elmedia Player from Launchpad.
- First-time users might need to click a blue ‘Open’ button.
- Choose a theme for your player.
- Click File in the menu at the top-left of your screen.
- Select Open… from the drop-down.
- Navigate to your M4V file and select it.
- Click Open to play it.
You can also simply drag and drop the M4V file into Elmedia if it’s easily accessible.
Setting Elmedia Player as the Default Player for M4V Videos
Want to make things even easier? Change your Mac’s settings to make Elmedia your default player for M4V files. Here’s how:
- Find an M4V file and click on it.
- Choose Get Info from the menu.
- Under the “Open With” heading, select Elmedia Player.
- You might need to click ‘Open With’ to reveal this option.
- Click Change All… and then Continue when prompted.
Now, double-clicking any M4V file will automatically open it in Elmedia Player. Smooth, right? This makes Elmedia Player a top-notch Mac M4V player.
Alternative M4V Video Players for Mac and Windows 
1. 5KPlayer 
5KPlayer is a freebie that works on both Windows and Mac. It supports a whole bunch of file types for videos and music, plus it lets you watch HD and UHD videos. Streaming with AirPlay and DLNA is a breeze, and you can even download YouTube content by URL.
Pros:
Supports multiple file types, including M4V
Download videos straight from YouTube
HD, UHD, and streaming options
Cons:
Includes ads
Some features locked behind a $25.99 upgrade
Compatible With:
- macOS, Windows
2. JustPlay 
JustPlay is another solid choice for Mac. This lightweight player handles most formats effortlessly and offers smooth HD playback for 4K and 8K videos. It’s got advanced subtitle options and playback control.
Pros:
- No extra codecs needed
Advanced playback controls- Perfect HD playback
Deinterlacing option
Cons:
It’s a paid app
Compatible With:
- macOS
3. VLC 
VLC is a free, no-nonsense media player that supports streaming and physical media like DVDs. Most video files work without any codec fuss, and it’s ad-free with regular updates.
Pros:
No ads
Supports a bunch of video types, including M4V
Free and easy to use
Cons:
No AirPlay or DLNA support
Complex interface
Supported OS: macOS, Windows
4. Cisdem Video Player
If you’re struggling with various video formats, Cisdem Video Player might be your answer. It plays nearly any video format, including those pesky M4Vs. Even better, it’s packed with features like rotation, custom playback options, and screenshots!
Pros:
Supports a big variety of video formats
Customizable video player settings- The Pro version is pretty affordable for extra features
Cons:
Some features are behind a paywall- Needs a decent amount of RAM to run smoothly
Supported OS: macOS, Windows
5. Free M4V Player
Hey Windows users! Free M4V Player might be the straightforward solution you’ve been searching for. It’s super easy to use for playing M4V files, but it doesn’t handle a wide array of formats like some others do.
Pros:
User-friendly interface
Supports HD playback
Cons:
- Windows-only software
Limited file type support
Supported OS: Windows
6. Final Media Player
Need a versatile video player for Windows? Check out Final Media Player. This lightweight app supports M4V files and an additional 40+ video and audio formats! It’s a simple yet effective option for your media needs.
Pros:
Doesn’t require specific codecs
Lightweight, won’t hog your memory
Cons:
Looks a bit outdated- Only for Windows
Supported OS: Windows
7. DivX 
Looking for something robust? DivX is a media player worth considering. Available for both Mac and Windows, it handles various video types, including M4V. With features like streaming, file conversion, and even 4K support for some files, it’s pretty solid!
Pros:
- Works on both old and new macOS and Windows versions
Can connect to cloud services like Google Drive
Cons:
- Free version comes with ads
Interface can feel clunky- 4K support not available for all file types
Supported OS: macOS, Windows
What is an M4V File?
Hey, ever wondered what an M4V file is? It’s kind of like an MP4 but was developed by Apple, so you’ll find it commonly in Apple products. QuickTime on Mac can usually handle M4Vs, but sometimes it struggles with different codecs. It’s also worth mentioning that some M4V files come locked with DRM (Digital Rights Management) which can add a bit of a headache if you’re trying to play them.
M4V Converter - How to Convert from M4V to MP4 and More on Mac
Convert M4V to MP4 easily! Sometimes, just changing the file extension from ‘.m4v’ to ‘.mp4’ works, but it’s not always reliable. For a more dependable method, try CloudConvert. Upload your M4V, choose a new format, and download the converted file. Keep in mind, though, it’s slow and has a limit on the number of files you can convert at a time.
Another great option is HandBrake. It handles various file formats and codecs, making your videos compatible with many players. The interface might look a bit daunting, but it’s actually a pretty straightforward process. Plus, it’s available for both macOS and Windows!
Conclusion
So, there you have it! Tons of options out there for both Mac and Windows users wanting to play M4V videos. Whether you’re looking for advanced features like file conversion and streaming, or just need a simple player, there’s something for everyone. If you’re using a Mac, Elmedia Player seems like the go-to choice.
You can see more details here: Best Video Players for Mac