Media Player Classic is a free open-source media player available for download and use on Windows systems.
The player allows users to see their favorite videos, listen to their favorite music tracks, and even open files on removable devices such as DVDs.
However, this media player is no longer under development, and its creators advise users to seek alternatives. And even though you can find its old version online, it is limited to Windows systems. That means anyone on Android, iOS, Linux, and macOS cannot use it.
The good news is that there are several alternatives that offer an even better experience when streaming content, listening to music, or even going through images on a device.
Come along as we take a look at the 15 best Media Player Classic alternatives.
Best Media Player Classic Alternatives
1. VLC Media Player
Top on this list of the best Media Player Classic alternatives is VLC Media Player. It is a free open-source option meaning that anyone with some knowledge of programming can get the source code, work on it, and improve it if possible.
One of the things that makes it a good pick is that it comes in a lightweight file that can download and install within a few minutes. It is compatible with different platforms including Windows, Android, iOS, macOS, Linux, ChromeOS, and Solaris, among others.
VLC is among the few players that can play different codecs without requiring any additional installations. Some of the codecs compatible with this player include MPEG-2, H.262, MKV, WebM, WMV, and MP3.
As if that is not enough, you can also use this player to open USB sticks, discs, and webcams. What’s more, you can connect directly to streaming services.
Note that this player is free of spyware and does not bombard you with annoying pop-up ads before or in the middle of streaming.
There is no user-tracking allowed which is why you can use it without having to worry about third parties collecting your information. VLC is also among the most customizable options as you can add skins or build your own thanks to the skin editor tool.
Finally, VLC allows you to install extensions so that you can have an even more immersive and fulfilling experience.
Find out more tools like VLC Media Player in this post.
2. MPV Media Player
MPV Media Player is another tool to use in place of Media Player Classic you might want to consider. It is a lightweight player making it possible for you to download and install it within a few minutes.
It also consumes a fraction of your system’s resources when running and that means it will hardly interfere with other ongoing processes.
It has no official GUI but features a non-obtrusive controller at the top. This ensures you don’t have to deal with any distractions while streaming content.
The player incorporates OpenGL, Vulkan, and D3D11-based video outputs that allow users to upscale video quality and enjoy an even better experience.
Another impressive thing about this player is that it is free and open-source software making it accessible to just about anyone. Additionally, it does not feature adverts or user-tracking.
This player is compatible with a variety of platforms including Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, and Linux. If you are looking for a simple media player that can work on a system with minimal resources, MPV should definitely be at the top of your list.
3. Pot Player MultiMedia Player
Pot Player MultiMedia Player is a minimalist option with rich features to make your experience memorable. It is a lightweight alternative that consumes fewer device resources and will therefore not interfere with programs in the background.
It is a portable alternative meaning it can work directly from a USB stick without requiring further installation on a computer or mobile device.
Another thing that makes it unique is that it supports dark mode. That allows you to enjoy exceptional viewing even in low-light situations.
It has a minimalist interface with straightforward controls so you can adjust settings with relative ease. It is also among the few options that support different 3D glasses so you can use it on your PC or 3DTV.
Pot Player supports OpenCodec so you can add any codec without having to go through the tedious processes of fresh installations. The player features a built-in subtitle search function making it easy for you to watch foreign movies.
It also supports keyboard shortcuts so you can skip, forward, rewind, or take screenshots with a simple click of a button. Finally, this player does not have any pop-up ads that may end up compromising your streaming experience.
4. SMPlayer
Next up is SMPlayer which is compatible with Windows, macOS, and Linux systems. However, it also incorporates support for Chromecast so you can project content to larger screens.
It is another lightweight software that will take up little space on your device and use up a minimal amount of resources. It is also portable so you can use it on the go.
It stands out as slightly different from Media Player Classic because it can incorporate a plugin called SMTube to search and play YouTube videos.
The player supports just about any media format you can think of including AVI, MP4, MKV, MPEG, MOV, DivX, and h.264. Another impressive thing about this player is that it comes with different skins and themes.
That means you can switch up the entire look of the player whenever you feel like it. Like others on this list, you have the option to search and download subtitles within this player.
It also has a built-in equalizer so that you can adjust the system’s sound output as you wish. This is another free open-source player with no pop-up ads so you can enjoy your content without any disturbances.
Also Read: VLC vs IINA
5. MX Player
MX Player is another option designed to improve your streaming or playback experience. In contrast to Media Player Classic, this particular player places a lot of emphasis on hardware acceleration for the purpose of providing seamless functionality.
The player is designed for Android devices and presents users with an array of functions to choose from. For starters, it features a simple interface with well-labeled controls for ease of use.
You can change the playback speed of any video by simply swiping up or down using two fingers. Users can also change audio dynamically to ensure they get the best experience.
You’ll be pleased to know that it supports a variety of media formats including AVI, MP4, MKV, MPEG, MOV, DivX, VOB, and 3GP.
This player incorporates an innovative kid’s lock allowing your kids to enjoy their favorite videos while preventing them from making unnecessary calls or using apps without your consent.
6. KMPlayer
KMPlayer is compatible with Android, iOS, and Windows systems. With this player, you can create your own playlists and add the content that you like.
It incorporates a quick button feature that lets you access different functions easily. Its clutter-free interface makes it a delight, especially for individuals that love having little to no obstructions on the screen.
It is another player that has a built-in equalizer so you can adjust audio output to meet your specific needs. There is also the option to activate its sleep timer function so the player can shut down automatically.
With this media player, not only do you gain access to different subtitle sources online, but you also get to adjust the size, color, and positioning of the same.
While some players support up to 1080p videos, this particular option can easily run a 4K video without experiencing any lag. It achieves all that through hardware acceleration and high-quality video rendering technology.
The player supports different media formats including AVI, MPEG, TS, MKV, MP4, WEBM, MOV, 3GP, 3G2, FLV, OGM, RM, WMV, and MP3.
7. IINA
IINA is another excellent media player you might want to have a look at. It is compatible with macOS systems and is packed with features to improve your audio and visual entertainment experience.
The first thing you’ll notice with this player is that it is available in a small download file. Once installed, it opens up a clean interface with well-marked controls for quick operation.
One of the things that makes it different from Media Player Classic is that it features a fully customizable keyboard, mouse, trackpad, and gesture controls. This gives you more control and offers you the flexibility to use whichever one is most convenient.
It is also free open-source software making it possible for you to acquire the source code and make personal adjustments in case you have the know-how.
The player’s dark mode ensures that you can enjoy quality viewing even when under improper lighting conditions. It supports subtitle searches and allows you to adjust their settings.
Additionally, this player incorporates the Picture-in-Picture function so you can minimize the video while working on another app. It supports a variety of media files and can open local files, online streams, and even play YouTube playlists.
Also Read: Kodi vs Plex
8. GOM Player
Another alternative you should consider is GOM Player. It is a free video player that supports multiple media files including AVI, MP4, MKV, FLV, WMV, and MOV.
There is a paid version of this player called GOM Player Plus. The paid version has more sophisticated features.
However, if you are simply looking for something to play your local media files or stream online content, the free version will serve you just fine.
This media player is compatible with both macOS and Windows systems. It differs from Media Player Classic because it even enables you to enjoy 360-degree videos on advanced operating systems.
When using this player in your Windows systems, you can go ahead and find codecs you may need to open files. You can also play damaged media files or start playing files that are still downloading.
Another impressive thing about this player is that it can search for subtitles online and sync them with whatever you are watching. That makes it possible for you to enjoy a wider variety of movies including those made in foreign languages.
GOM does not display ads that may end up compromising your viewing experience. Additionally, it can play video content with resolutions of up to 4K.
9. PowerDVD
PowerDVD is another outstanding option you can find today. It is available in a free version with limited features and a paid version with more sophisticated features.
One of the things that make it stand out from the rest of the alternatives on this list is that it can play 4K UHD, 8K UHD, and HDR 10K videos. Another advantage of using this player is that it can play content made with Blu-ray technology.
You’ll be pleased to know that it supports all the popular media formats including MP4, WebM, MOV, VP9, HEVC, AVC, AVI, MKV, and MPEG. PowerDVD features one of the cleanest user interfaces packed with simple controls for quick operations.
With this player, you can organize your media by utilizing its thumbnails, poster walls, and AI-powered photo management technology.
Another outstanding feature of this player is that it produces amazing sound thanks to its DTS-HD, Dolby Audio, and Hi-Res 7.1 surround sound outputs.
It is also worth pointing out that this player allows you to watch your favorite YouTube videos offline as long as you connect the service while online and choose a few favorite videos.
10. DivX Software
Another option you may want to go for is DivX Software. Unlike Media Player Classic, this particular alternative not only offers playback capability but also allows you to create and cast your favorite videos.
That is because the software package contains three distinct programs including DivX Player, DivX Converter, and DivX Media Server. The player supports a variety of media formats such as DivX®, AVI, MKV, and HEVC up to 4K.
It has a pretty simple and straightforward interface making it easy for new users to get acquainted fast. It features clearly marked controls for quick navigation and video or audio settings.
With this player, you can cast content like videos, photos, and music to DLNA-compatible devices such as the Xbox, PlayStation, Samsung Galaxy products, and Chromecast.
Like a few of the options available on this list, DivX is available in both free and paid versions. The difference is that the paid version offers more features including cloud connectivity and audio conversion functions.
Also Read: Jellyfin vs Plex
11. MediaMonkey
MediaMonkey is another player that is compatible with Android and Windows devices. With this player, you can open different kinds of files on your local drive, network, cloud, or removable devices.
The media player is unique because it allows you to record live streams during podcasts or while watching a movie online. It boasts a simple interface that makes navigation a breeze.
While online, you can initiate an automatic search for missing artwork or metadata and quickly add it to your files for better management. The player also detects duplicate files and gives you the option to delete them manually or have it delete them automatically.
You can set up multiple playlists on this program and have them play back-to-back or individually. MediaMonkey lets you share files between compatible devices making it easy for you to enjoy your favorite content regardless of the device you are using.
There is a conversion feature that makes it possible for you to convert both audio and video files into playable formats on different devices. You can also customize this player using available skins and import addons to boost functionality.
12. VSO Media Player
VSO Media Player is another substitute for Media Player Classic. It comes in a small file of less than 16MBs but offers an array of features to enhance your audio and visual entertainment experience.
This player supports a wide variety of video formats including AVI, DivX, MPG, MKV, WMV, MOV, XVID, M2TS, and RMVB. It also works seamlessly with audio files such as MP3s, WMA, WAV, and AC3.
It even opens Blu-ray files on your discs. It has a user-friendly interface with a drag-and-drop option so you can add files easily.
There is also the file navigation panel that lets you browse from one file to the next with relative ease. An interesting thing about this player is that it does not require any additional codecs to play your files.
VSO Media Player enables you to create playlists and even remembers your last playback position for quick resumption.
This program is completely free of charge and does not incorporate any form of adverts. Additionally, it is available in multiple languages making it easily accessible to different nationalities.
13. AVS Media Player
AVS Media Player is another alternative available for download free of charge. It is compatible with various Windows versions including 7, 8, 10, 11, Vista, and XP.
Like most players on this list, AVS can open a variety of media files including AVI, MPEG, FLV, WMV, MOV, and MP4. It also supports audio files such as WAV, MP3, M4A, OGG, FLAC, and ALAC.
Additionally, you can open image files such as PNG, JPEG, and GIFs individually or set them to run as a slideshow. You can repeat the process or shuffle it to achieve a random result.
This is another program that comes with a clean interface and minimal controls for a clutter-free experience. With this media player, you can search and download subtitles from the internet and have them synchronized with the video you are watching.
It has a keyboard shortcut that allows you to take snapshots of any part of the video you find interesting. It is also another player that makes it easy for you to create different playlists and organize them according to the order of preference.
The player supports different speaker configurations to ensure that you get the best audio experience while listening to music, watching a TV show, or streaming a movie. Some of the most popular audio configurations for this program are 3.1, 5.1, and 7.1 speaker setups.
You even get the option to switch on the Surround Effect and achieve that immersive output that is often synonymous with movie theaters.
14. Kodi
Kodi is another excellent option for you to think about. This media player is compatible with a range of platforms including Android, iOS, macOS, Windows, and Linux.
It can open files from your local storage or connect through the local network. You can even connect the player to some of your favorite online streaming services and get an exceptional experience.
The player can also open content contained on DVDs, Blu-ray discs, and flash drives. It is one of the most customizable options on this list.
Note that it is free and open-source software and therefore tends to get a lot of updates with new skins and plugins available for users to download and utilize.
In contrast to Media Player Classic, Kodi enables users to enjoy gaming sessions rather than just watch movies or listen to music. With a variety of emulators to choose from, there is never a dull day when using this player.
Finally, Kodi allows users to watch and record live TV.
15. ALLPlayer
The next alternative you may want to consider is the ALLPlayer media player. As the name suggests, it can open a variety of media files including those mentioned for the players above.
It stands out as being different from Media Player Classic because it automatically downloads movie and TV show subtitles from the internet. That means you won’t have to worry about initiating a manual search.
It has a friendly interface with a search bar allowing you to enter a movie or TV show title and have it bring up a list. Another impressive thing about this player is that it also makes it possible for users to connect to free internet radio.
If you have a sensitive video on your computer, you can limit access to it by activating the parental control feature which allows you to lock individual files.
Wrapping Up
The list above has some of the most outstanding alternatives to Media Player Classic. They are compatible with different operating systems and come in small file sizes for quick download and installation.
A closer look at each reveals that VLC Media Player excels in almost all aspects including compatibility with different platforms, free access, no pop-up ads, and an overall seamless playback experience.
Try it sometime for an amazing media experience.
