MPC-Qt
MPC-Qt: A lightweight open-source player for Windows and Linux with playlist depth and yt-dlp playback. Ranked #36 of 42 in Video Player Software by our editors (5.7/10); pricing: Open source; best for windows and Linux users wanting a lightweight player.
At a glance
- Editor score5.7 / 10
- PricingOpen source
- Best forWindows and Linux users wanting a lightweight player
- Paid fromFree
- Supported platformsWindows, Linux
- Facts checked21 Sep 2026
Where it wins
- Multiple playlists with remembered playback progress
- yt-dlp playback for online video
- Subtitle, audio-track, styling, and hardware-decoding controls
Where it doesn't
- Portable installation is supported on Windows, not Linux
- No AI features
- Desktop support is limited to Windows and Linux
Our verdict on MPC-Qt
MPC-Qt is an open-source desktop multimedia player for Windows and Linux users who want a lightweight, configurable playback application. It recreates much of the Media Player Classic Home Cinema interface and functionality while using Qt for its user interface and libmpv for media playback. Release options include Windows builds and Linux AppImage and Flatpak packages, with portable installation supported on Windows.
Playlist management is a central strength. MPC-Qt supports multiple playlists, remembered playback progress, playlist searching, shuffling, and quick queuing. Seek-bar video preview thumbnails make navigation more visual, while subtitle and audio-track selection includes delay adjustment. Users can also loop playback, define custom screenshot filename templates, and apply custom interface styling. Hardware-accelerated decoding and playback speed control add practical playback options for local desktop use.
Its ecosystem fit is focused rather than broad: yt-dlp enables online video playback, while Qt and libmpv underpin the interface and playback engine. That combination suits users who value open-source software, playlist organization, and control over the player’s presentation. MPC-Qt is a good pick for Windows and Linux users seeking a desktop player with more playlist and playback customization than a minimal utility. It is less suitable for people who need mobile or broader platform coverage, AI features, or portable installation on Linux.
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MPC-Qt pricing
MPC-Qt fact sheet
| Free plan | Not verified |
|---|---|
| Paid from | Free |
| Supported platforms | Windows, Linux |
| Codec support | Not verified |
| Subtitle formats | Not verified |
| Hardware acceleration | Yes |
| Maximum resolution | Not verified |
| Playback speed control | Yes |
| Portable version | Yes |
| Deployment | Desktop |
| Platforms | Windows, Linux |
| Support | Docs, Community |
| Built for | Solo, Small business (editorial estimate) |
| Integrations | 3 integrations: yt-dlp, libmpv, Qt |
| Pricing | Open source |
| Website | mpc-qt.github.io |
| Facts checked | 21 Sep 2026 |
MPC-Qt integrations
MPC-Qt lists 3 integrations on its own site.
- yt-dlp
- libmpv
- Qt
Alternatives to MPC-Qt
- VLC media playerA broad, free player for local media, network playback, subtitles, and major platforms.9.4
- KodiA free, flexible choice for organizing and playing media across five platforms.9.2
- mpvA highly configurable free player for users who value scripting and control.9.0
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Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
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