SMPlayer

Its extensive adjustment options and support for three desktop platforms make it a strong no-cost choice for varied media libraries.

Overview

Built-in codecs let SMPlayer handle most audio and video formats without separate codec downloads. It also supports network playback, hardware acceleration and 4K playback, making it suitable for both local collections and online streams. Playback resumes with the previous position, audio track, subtitles and volume, a practical touch for people who move between files or return to longer videos later.

SMPlayer provides a graphical interface for MPlayer and can also use mpv as its playback engine. It plays YouTube videos, with an optional plugin for searching them, and can cast local videos and online streams to Chromecast. These additions extend its usefulness beyond a conventional local-file player, though it remains a desktop product.

Key features

Formats and playback controls

Supported formats include AVI, ASF/WMV/WMA, QT/MOV/MP4, RealAudio/RealVideo, Ogg/OGM, Matroska, MPEG-1/2, H.264, MPEG-4, MP3, AAC, AC3 and DTS, among others. Audio and video filters, playback-speed adjustment, audio and subtitle delay controls, and a video equalizer give viewers meaningful ways to tailor playback. That flexibility suits people with varied files or specific subtitle and audio timing needs; anyone seeking only basic playback may not need so many adjustments.

Subtitles and language

SMPlayer can search OpenSubtitles and download subtitles, and supports more than 30 languages. Together, these options make it a useful fit for viewers who watch foreign-language content or prefer to use the player in their own language.

Pricing

SMPlayer costs nothing. The free plan includes the open-source media player under the GPL license, with no paid tier or trial to weigh against it. That makes it a straightforward option for desktop playback without a subscription; the trade-off is that readers needing a mobile edition will have to choose another player.

Platforms

SMPlayer offers downloads for Windows, Linux and macOS, as well as source code. Its coverage works well for desktop users across those systems, but it does not serve readers looking for Android or iOS versions. The project points users to its forum for help and its bug tracker to report problems.

Who it's for

SMPlayer is best suited to desktop viewers who need broad format support, subtitle tools and playback adjustments without paying. It is less suitable for people who want a mobile player or prefer a simpler feature set. The website privacy policy says it collects information submitted through forms and email, and uses Google Analytics and Google AdSense cookies, including for interest-based advertising.

Pros and cons

• Pro: Broad audio and video format support, built-in codecs, hardware acceleration and 4K playback cover a wide range of desktop viewing needs.
• Pro: Resume settings, subtitle search, timing adjustments and playback filters offer useful control for viewers with specific preferences.
• Pro: Free and open source under GPL, with versions for Windows, Linux and macOS.
• Con: No mobile edition, so it is not a fit for readers who want one player across desktop and phone.
• Con: The website uses analytics and advertising cookies, which may matter to privacy-conscious visitors.

Alternatives

Media Player Software and Video Player Software are useful starting points for comparing players by category.

• mpv is a better fit for readers who want a command-line player with wide format, codec and subtitle support; it is free and spans Android, API, Linux, macOS and Windows.
• Infuse suits Apple-device users who want a mobile option and additional video formats or high-resolution Dolby and DTS-HD audio. Its Pro plan costs $1.99 a month, with a free seven-day trial and cancellation anytime.
• 5KPlayer is another free option for readers using iOS, macOS or Windows.
• VLC media player is a free alternative for readers who need coverage across Android, iOS, Linux, macOS and Windows.
• KMPlayer is a freemium alternative for readers comparing PC and mobile options.
• MPlayer is a free option for Linux, macOS and Windows users who want the GNU General Public License version 2.
• DivX Player suits macOS and Windows users who want free playback up to 4K, playlists, a media library and casting to DLNA-compatible devices.
• RealPlayer is a freemium choice across Android, iOS, macOS and Windows, with a free plan that includes 720p downloads.

Verdict

Choose SMPlayer if you want a free, open-source desktop player with broad format support and controls for subtitles, timing and playback speed. Its strongest appeal is the combination of flexibility and no purchase price across Windows, Linux and macOS. Look elsewhere if you need a mobile version or want to avoid the website's analytics and advertising cookies.