mpv
mpv: A flexible, scriptable player for users who prefer control over convenience. Ranked #2 of 75 in Media Player Software by our editors (9.1/10); pricing: Free plan; best for power users who value scripting and control.
At a glance
- Editor score9.1 / 10
- PricingFree plan
- Best forPower users who value scripting and control
- Free planYes
- Paid fromFree
- Network playbackYes
- Facts checked21 Sep 2026
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
Our verdict on mpv
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 platforms and Android. Its format, codec, and subtitle coverage includes Matroska and MP4 playback, external subtitle files, configurable subtitle tracks, network playback, and hardware video decoding. The minimal on-screen controller keeps the interface focused, while the command line and scripting system provide deeper control than a conventional media player.
Control is mpv’s defining strength. Lua scripting and user-script support allow playback workflows and interface behavior to be configured, while OpenGL, Vulkan, and D3D11 video output provide several rendering paths. Hardware video decoding supports efficient playback, and the player includes support for four-k playback. Network playback covers HTTP, HTTPS, FTP, FTPS, and other protocols. A C API also allows mpv to be embedded into other applications, extending its usefulness beyond standalone playback.
The trade-off is accessibility. Users looking for a conventional interface with prominent controls, guided setup, and broadly packaged installers may find mpv less approachable. Official installation resources cover all four platforms, but many Windows, macOS, and Linux binary packages are supplied by third parties. mpv is therefore a strong choice for technically confident viewers, script authors, developers, and anyone who values configuration. Casual viewers who prioritize a polished, immediately familiar graphical experience should choose a more interface-led alternative.
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mpv pricing
mpv fact sheet
| Free plan | Yes |
|---|---|
| Paid from | Free |
| Supported platforms | Windows, macOS, Linux, Android |
| Network playback | Yes |
| Subtitle support | Yes |
| Format support | Matroska (MKV), MP4 |
| Hardware acceleration | Yes |
| 4K playback | Yes |
| License model | Free |
| Deployment | Desktop, Mobile |
| Platforms | Windows, macOS, Linux, Android |
| Support | Community, Docs |
| Built for | Solo, Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise (editorial estimate) |
| Pricing | Free plan |
| Website | mpv.io |
| Facts checked | 21 Sep 2026 |
Alternatives to mpv
- VLC media playerA broad, capable free player for local, network, and streamed media across major platforms.9.4
- KMPlayerA broad media player with strong format, network, cloud, and casting support.9.0
- SMPlayerA capable free desktop player for broad-format playback, streaming, subtitles, and YouTube.8.8
mpv vs the competition
Compare mpv with any tool side by side →
Also Ranked In
mpv is ranked in 2 of our directories.
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Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
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