5KPlayer
5KPlayer: A free Windows and macOS player with wide format support and network streaming. Ranked #8 of 75 in Media Player Software by our editors (8.4/10); pricing: Free plan; best for free desktop 4K/8K playback.
At a glance
- Editor score8.4 / 10
- PricingFree plan
- Best forFree desktop 4K/8K playback
- Free planYes
- Paid fromFree
- Network playbackYes
- Founded2006
- Facts checked21 Sep 2026
Where it wins
- Plays 4K, 8K, HDR, HEVC and AV1 media
- Combines local playback with AirPlay and DLNA streaming
- Includes subtitles, playlists, downloads and hardware acceleration
Where it doesn't
- Available only for Windows and macOS desktops
- Feature breadth may exceed the needs of basic playback users
- Support is provided through email and documentation
Our verdict on 5KPlayer
5KPlayer is free desktop media player software for Windows and macOS. It is designed for individual users and small teams that want one application for video, music, DVDs, IPTV and internet radio. Playback covers formats including MP4, MKV, AV1, MOV, WMV, FLV, AVI, MPEG, MTS, M2TS, VOB, WebM, MP3, AAC, FLAC and APE. It also handles 4K, 8K, HDR and HEVC media, with subtitles, playlists and media-library management included.
The published offering is free, with no paid tier described. Its feature set extends beyond playback: users can adjust speed, rotate and deinterlace video, cut video during playback, load external subtitle files, and download online video and audio. Hardware acceleration uses NVIDIA CUDA, Intel QSV, AMD and DXVA2. That combination makes 5KPlayer a practical fit for users who want high-resolution playback alongside library and playback controls without a paid plan.
Network and device compatibility are central to the product’s scope. AirPlay and DLNA support enable media streaming, while the software also provides screen mirroring. The trade-off is platform coverage: 5KPlayer is a desktop application for Windows and macOS, rather than a cross-platform product covering additional operating systems or mobile devices. Users who want free desktop playback with high-resolution and network features should consider it; users needing broader platform coverage or a narrower, simpler player may prefer another option.
Your product? Our editors can test 5KPlayer in depth and publish a review, labelled as paid · from $149/mo →
5KPlayer pricing
5KPlayer fact sheet
| Free plan | Yes |
|---|---|
| Paid from | Free |
| Supported platforms | Windows, macOS |
| Network playback | Yes |
| Subtitle support | Yes |
| Format support | MP4, MKV, AV1, MOV, WMV, FLV, AVI, MPEG, MTS, M2TS, VOB, WebM, MP3, AAC, FLAC, APE |
| Hardware acceleration | Yes |
| 4K playback | Yes |
| License model | Free |
| Deployment | Desktop |
| Platforms | Windows, macOS |
| Support | Email, Docs |
| Built for | Solo, Small business (editorial estimate) |
| Integrations | 2 integrations: AirPlay, DLNA See all → |
| Pricing | Free plan |
| Website | 5kplayer.com |
| Facts checked | 21 Sep 2026 |
5KPlayer integrations
5KPlayer lists 2 integrations on its own site.
- AirPlay
- DLNA
See all 5KPlayer integrations →
Alternatives to 5KPlayer
- VLC media playerA broad, capable free player for local, network, and streamed media across major platforms.9.4
- mpvA flexible, scriptable player for users who prefer control over convenience.9.1
- KMPlayerA broad media player with strong format, network, cloud, and casting support.9.0
See all 5KPlayer alternatives →
5KPlayer vs the competition
- 5KPlayer vs VLC media player
- 5KPlayer vs mpv
- 5KPlayer vs KMPlayer
- 5KPlayer vs SMPlayer
- 5KPlayer vs MPlayer
- 5KPlayer vs Infuse
Compare 5KPlayer with any tool side by side →
Also Ranked In
5KPlayer is ranked in 2 of our directories.
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Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
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