Choosing the best media player for Windows 10 can be a bit difficult. This is because there are numerous media player apps for Windows computers. What’s more, they all promise to offer seamless entertainment without any glitches. The best free media player for Windows 10 can even run all kinds of file formats. This includes MP4, MKV, AVI, FLV, MOV, and more. Yet again, you should choose a media player that is lightweight and simple as well. That will make sure that you enjoy all your favorite movies and shows with ease.
Here are some of the best Windows 10 media player apps you can download today. These feature-rich software apps will ensure that you have a good time, and support most of the music formats.
VLC Media Player
You can download VLC Media Player for Windows 10, Mac OS X, and Linux. It even has a smartphone app for Android and iOS devices. The most amazing part of VLC is that it features a simple interface. The navigation options are easy to understand as well.
VLC Media Player can also be customized as per your needs. You can add skins to the player to improve your viewing experience. It even allows you to create your own skin to get a personalized feel. There is also an option to download and add extensions to VLC. This will help to enhance its functionality greatly.
Key Features:
- Free to use
- Wide compatibility
- Works with all media formats
- Simple interface and navigation controls
- Amazing customization options
Supported Formats: MPEG, H.264, MKV, WebM, WMV, MP3 | Get VLC Media Player
Also Read: Best Android Apps to Watch Movies Online Free & Legally
DivX Player
The advanced playback features like FF/RW and chapter points make DivX Player very user-friendly. This allows you to quickly go to your favorite scene or search for different scenes. DivX Player also supports multiple audio inputs. This helps you to easily switch to a different soundtrack without interrupting video playback.
DivX Player allows you to create playlists and organize all your videos in its library. You can also buy DivX Pro to unlock even more stunning video and audio features. It gives you an ad-free Windows 10 media player along with cloud storage support. This way, you can access videos from Google Drive and Dropbox directly to DivX Pro.
Key Features:
- Free and premium versions
- Supports 4K video playback
- Advanced playback features
- Compatible with all audio/video formats
- Allows casting media to other devices
Supported Formats: DivX, MKV, HEVC, MP4, MPEG-4 | Get DivX Player
GOM Player
You can also play your 360-degree VR videos on GOM Player. This ensures that you get a highly immersive VR experience. It supports searching online for YouTube VR videos as well. There is an option to upgrade to GOM Player Plus too. This will offer you an ad-free experience. Besides, you also get more features for your convenience with the paid app.
GOM Player Plus unlocks additional functions like 4K UHD support, screen capture, A-B repeat, and more. It also gives you a more user-friendly product design and clean skins. Besides, the subtitle sync controls are also superior in GOM Player Plus.
Key Features:
- Free and paid versions
- Supports all popular video and audio formats
- VR and 4K UHD compatibility
- Screen capture
- Customizable media player skins
Supported Formats: AVI, MP4, MKV, FLV, WMV, MOV | Get GOM Player
PotPlayer
You can play any kind of media file using PotPlayer, even more than VLC. It uses techniques like DXVA, CUDA, and QuickSync to deliver maximum performance. At the same time, it consumes the minimum resources possible. This gives you a lightweight yet powerful media player for Windows 10. You can also bookmark your favorite scenes in PotPlayer.
PotPlayer also supports 3D videos and supports most types of 3D glasses. There is no need to install different codecs when you use the software. It supports OpenCodec, which allows you to add whatever codecs you want. PotPlayer also comes with many hotkeys and shortcuts for seamless video play.
Key Features:
- Best free media player for Windows 10
- Allows bookmarking scenes
- Simple and attractive interface
- Numerous customization options
- Support 3D videos and 3D glasses
Supported Formats: H.264, AVC, VC-1, MPEG-2, DXVA | Get PotPlayer
Also Read: 8 Best Search Tricks of Windows 10 that You Missed
RealPlayer
The best media player for Windows 10 is free to use, but you can go for a paid version too. There are 3 paid options for RealPlayer – Plus, Premium, and 100 GB. Each of the plans adds more features and functionalities to the media player. This includes storage options, HD streaming, DVD playback, enhanced audio controls, and more.
RealPlayer also allows you to keep your media files private by assigning a PIN. This will secure your videos if you use a shared PC. The Windows 10 media player also works with Chromecast, Roku, and Xbox One. This allows you to cast media files to the big screen.
Key Features:
- Free and paid versions
- Allows downloading and converting videos
- Secure media files using a PIN
- Works with media streaming devices
- Manage audio/video files effectively
Supported Formats: AVI, MP4, MP3, WMA, WAV, FLV, MPEG | Get RealPlayer
Media Player Classic
The Home Cinema version is the successor of the original Media Player Classic. It comes with simple features and functionalities. Yet it is capable enough to offer you hours of non-stop entertainment. You just need to ensure that you have an SSE2-capable CPU to run MPC-HC.
Media Player Classic – Home Cinema allows you to have a custom toolbar as well. You can personalize the software using nightly builds and add extra functionality to it as well. This makes it probably the best free media player for Windows 10 in terms of scalability. You can even use MPC-HC with Skype for an enhanced experience.
Key Features:
- Support all major audio/video formats
- Lightweight and open-source software
- Works will all versions of Windows
- Allows creating custom toolbars
- Integrates with Skype
Supported Formats: MIDI, MPEG, MPG, MP2, VOB, MOV, FLV | Get Media Player Classic
ACG Player
The media player for Windows 10 works on pure native C++ high-performance code. It has simple UI buttons and audio/video effects, which can be personalized as per your liking as well. You can even add custom panel buttons on ACG Player. Moreover, it supports all common file formats for playback too.
ACG Player may not offer a comprehensive solution to all your entertainment needs. It uses simple UI and is meant to be just a lightweight media player. Therefore, it may not support all modern file formats or platforms. Still, ACG Player can be the best alternative to Windows Media Player for Windows 10 users.
Key Features:
- Free Universal Windows Platform media player
- Lightweight software
- Simple user interface
- Customizable gestures
- Spectacular music visualization art effects
Supported Formats: MKV, MP4, FLV, AVI | Get ACG Player
Also Read: Play Matroska (.mkv) Video Files in Windows Media Player
KMPlayer
You can even download videos from YouTube and Daily Motion using the inbuilt feature of KMPlayer. It is equipped with a high-quality video renderer that delivers you supreme output. That makes it possibly the best free media player for Windows 10 in terms of performance. What’s more, KMPlayer is optimized for low-end PCs through hardware acceleration as well.
KMPlayer also comes with a customizable equalizer to help you enjoy high-end audio. It has a quick button as well, which allows you to navigate the app’s various functions. There is a URL streaming function in the media player as well. KMPlayer is available for Windows, Mac, Android, and iOS.
Key Features:
- Wide compatibility
- UHD and 4K support
- Easy to organize media files
- Allows downloading videos from other apps
- URL streaming function
Supported Formats: VCD, DVD, AVI, MKV, MPEG, AAC, WMA | Get KMPlayer
Kodi
You can customize the Windows 10 media player with different skins. There is also an option to install the PVR add-on in the software. This will allow you to watch and record your favorite TV shows using Kodi. In fact, there are many add-ons available to enhance the features of the media player.
Kodi can be termed as an entertainment hub that offers you wide compatibility. The media player is easy to use, has a clean interface, and does not consume much system resources. You can download the Kodi media player for Windows 10, Mac OS X, Linux, iOS, and Android.
Key Features:
- Free open-source media player
- Wide compatibility
- Highly customizable
- Allows content streaming
- Simple and user-friendly interface
Supported Formats: WMV, WMA, MOV, AVI, DVR-MS | Get Kodi
5KPlayer
The best Windows 10 media player allows you to play all major audio/video file formats. There is no quality loss when you wirelessly stream audio/video using 5KPlayer. Besides, it even allows you to download videos from YouTube, Dailymotion, Vimeo, and more. 5KPlayer supports hardware-acceleration for minimal consumption of CPU resources as well.
5KPlayer has a built-in radio player too. You cannot see this feature in any other best free media player for Windows 10. Besides, it also organizes your personal multimedia library stylishly. There is an option to change the orientation of videos as well. This makes it a comprehensive media player for all your entertainment needs.
Key Features:
- Built-in DLNA and AirPlay support
- Supports all major audio/video formats
- Smart online video downloader
- 4K and VR video compatibility
- Integrated radio player
Supported Formats: MKV, M2TS, MP4, AVI, WMV, FLV | Get 5KPlayer
MediaMonkey
You can easily organize your media files on MediaMonkey. There is also an option to create playlists in the software. This makes it very easy to browse for your favorite movies and shows to binge-watch. MediaMonkey player also supports a wide range of audio/video formats. So you will not need to install any additional codecs to enjoy the media.
MediaMonkey also comes with a File Monitor feature. This feature automatically updates your library when you add a new file to your hard drive or network. You can also customize the media payer with skins, visualizations, plug-ins and other add-ons.
Key Features:
- Best software to manage your media
- Automatic library updates
- Supports all common media formats
- Allows creating playlists
- Highly customizable
Supported Formats: MP3, AAC, WMA, FLAC, MPC, APE, WAV | Get MediaMonkey
Also Read: 10 Popular Windows Apps for Linux Users
Movies and TV
The minimalistic media player for Windows 10 is free to use. You can even stream your content across devices like Xbox 360, Xbox One, and the web. Movies and TV app supports 360-degree VR video playback too. However, you will need Windows 10 Creators Update for the best experience.
Movies and TV has some limitations when compared to other best Windows 10 media player apps. Still, it can be a good choice for those who want a lightweight and simple media player. It supports quite a few audio and video formats and can sync media seamlessly for easy access. There is a mini mode in the app as well. It allows you to multitask when watching a video.
Key Features:
- Lightweight and simple media player
- Supports most audio/video formats
- VR video compatibility
- Allows streaming content on Xbox consoles
- Easy to browse and play purchased videos
Supported Formats: M4V, MP4, MOV, ASF, AVI, WMV, M2TS | Get Movies and TV
Plex
After adding your media files to the Plex Media Server, you can stream them on any device. The media player for Windows 10 works on smartphones too. This means that you can watch your favorite movies and TV shows without any limitations. What’s more, Plex also supports VR to give you a more vivid experience.
Plex also allows you to share your media files with your family members. This means you can have an interactive watch party for your movies and TV shows. You can also stream online content and access live TV from popular networks using Plex. However, you will need to create a free account to use the media player.
Key Features:
- Powerful organizing features
- Allows streaming your content on any device
- VR support
- Easy to share media with others
- Access to online and live TV content
Supported Formats: MPEG-4, MOV, AVI, MP4, MKV, H.264 | Get Plex
Parma Video Player
You can also convert media to other formats using the inbuilt feature in Parma Video Player. Besides, the Windows 10 media player supports the majority of media formats too. Parma Video Player also comes with easy navigation options. This allows you to go to the next/previous video in the playlist easily.
Parma Video Player supports touch control for fast loading and ease of use. There is an auto-play feature in the software as well. This plays the next movie in the playlist after each movie playback. You can also customize the app as per your liking. This includes changing the font family, color, and size for the subtitles as well.
Key Features:
- Free media player for Windows 10
- Allows managing media files
- Converts media to other formats
- Auto-play function
- Easy customization options
Supported Formats: MP4, HEVC H.264, WMV, AVI, MP3 | Get Parma Video Player
Windows Media Player 12
You can organize your digital media collection using the app easily. It even syncs your files to your other Windows devices. There is an option to shop for digital media content directly from Windows Media Player 12. It supports playing unprotected songs from your iTunes library as well.
Windows Media Player 12 supports all popular audio and video formats. It has a Now Playing mode that gives you a better movie-watching experience. You get only the controls you need when in this mode. There will be a thumbnail with playback controls for easy previewing as well.
Key Features:
- Comes included with Windows 10
- Supports all major media formats
- Minimalist Now Playing mode
- Allows purchasing digital media content directly
- Stream unprotected songs from iTunes
Supported Formats: 3GP, AAC, AVCHD, MPEG-4, WMV, WMA | Get Windows Media Player 12
Also Read: How to Watch Sports Without Cable in 2020
Best Media Player for Windows 10
The best Windows 10 media player for you will depend upon many varied factors. However, the most important of all is the user-friendliness. You will not want to download an application just to see that it is complicated to use. Then there is cross-device compatibility as well. You may want to use the same Windows 10 media player on different devices. So you need to choose the best free media player for Windows 10 carefully.
The above-listed are some of the top media players for Windows 10. No matter how diverse your needs are, these will serve you in the best way possible. in other words, you can enjoy flawless entertainment on your devices. Download the best media player for Windows 10 that suits your preferences now!
