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Head-to-head · Media Player Software

mpv vs KMPlayer

  • Updated Oct 2026
  • Both researched from official sources
  • 5 checks side by side
Higher score mpv #2 in Media Player Software 9.1/10 Free plan Free plan✓ 4 of 4 features Visit mpv
KMPlayer #3 in Media Player Software 9.0/10 Free plan · 3-day trial Free planFree trial✓ 4 of 4 features Visit KMPlayer

mpv leads on 0 checks, KMPlayer on 0, and 5 are even. Who comes out ahead on the 5 yes/no, price and count checks where we have data for both products. The editor score weighs everything else too.

Our verdict

  • Highest scorempv · 9.1/10
  • Free planboth
  • Free trialonly KMPlayer

mpv scores higher on our rubric for media player software: 9.1 against 9.0 out of 10; our editors rank them #2 and #3.

On license model, KMPlayer gives you Subscription where mpv offers Free.

mpv is the better fit for power users who value scripting and control. KMPlayer is the better fit for users needing broad playback and network features.

  • mpv fits best

    Power users who value scripting and control

  • KMPlayer fits best

    Users needing broad playback and network features

Advertiser disclosure: iTechGuides is reader-supported. Vendors can pay for top positions in our rankings and for a place on other products' pages, and we may earn a commission when you click some links. Bought places stand at the number bought; this page and our disclosure say so. Paying vendors may get a fuller, more detailed review from our editors, and that review can change their score. How we rank.

Side by side

Feature mpv 9.1/10 Visit ↗ KMPlayer 9.0/10 Visit ↗
At a glance
Editor score 9.1 9.0
Ranking #2 in Media Player Software #3 in Media Player Software
Best for Power users who value scripting and control Users needing broad playback and network features
Pricing model Free Free plan + paid
Starting price Free plan Free plan · 3-day trial
Free plan ✓ ✓
Free trial — 3 days
Deployment Desktop, Mobile Desktop, Mobile
Platforms Windows, macOS, Linux, Android Windows, macOS, iOS, Android
Support Community, Docs Email
Built for Solo, Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise Solo, Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise
Features mpv 4/4 · KMPlayer 4/4
Network playback ✓ ✓
Subtitle support ✓ ✓
Hardware acceleration ✓ ✓
4K playback ✓ ✓
Specs
Supported platforms Windows, macOS, Linux, Android Windows, macOS, iOS, Android
Format support Matroska (MKV), MP4 AVI, MP4, MKV, MOV, WMV, FLV, MPEG, MP3, AAC, FLAC, WAV, SRT, ASS, SSA, WebVTT
License model Free Subscription
Our review
Pros
  • Broad media, codec, subtitle, and network playback support
  • Lua and user-script support with configurable playback behavior
  • OpenGL, Vulkan, D3D11, and hardware video decoding support
  • Supports 4K, 8K, UHD, and high-frame-rate playback
  • Plays media from network protocols, URLs, cloud storage, and Chromecast
  • Available on Windows, macOS, iOS, and Android
Cons
  • Command-line orientation can be less approachable for casual viewers
  • Minimal on-screen controller offers fewer built-in controls
  • Many platform binaries are provided by third parties
  • Android premium features require an in-app subscription
  • The product is proprietary rather than open source
  • Cloud playback is centered on Dropbox and OneDrive
Our verdict

mpv is a free, open-source media player built around command-line playback and configurable behavior. It supports Windows, macOS, Linux, and Android, making it suitable for power users who want a consistent player across major desktop…

Read the review →

KMPlayer is a media player from PANDORA.TV for people who want one application for video, audio, subtitles, playlists, and online playback. It supports Windows, macOS, iOS, and Android, with formats including AVI, MP4, MKV, MOV, WMV, FLV,…

Read the review →
  1. mpvMedia Player Software 9.1Free plan
  2. KMPlayerMedia Player Software 9.0Free plan · 3-day trial

Strengths and trade-offs

  • mpv — where it wins

    • Broad media, codec, subtitle, and network playback support
    • Lua and user-script support with configurable playback behavior
    • OpenGL, Vulkan, D3D11, and hardware video decoding support

    Where it doesn't

    • Command-line orientation can be less approachable for casual viewers
    • Minimal on-screen controller offers fewer built-in controls
    • Many platform binaries are provided by third parties

  • KMPlayer — where it wins

    • Supports 4K, 8K, UHD, and high-frame-rate playback
    • Plays media from network protocols, URLs, cloud storage, and Chromecast
    • Available on Windows, macOS, iOS, and Android

    Where it doesn't

    • Android premium features require an in-app subscription
    • The product is proprietary rather than open source
    • Cloud playback is centered on Dropbox and OneDrive
  • mpv9.1/10 · Free plan

    A flexible, scriptable player for users who prefer control over convenience.

    Visit mpvFull verdict →
  • KMPlayer9.0/10 · Free plan · 3-day trial

    A broad media player with strong format, network, cloud, and casting support.

    Visit KMPlayerFull verdict →

More comparisons

All media player software comparisons → · Full ranking →

Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026

Last updated · How we research and update