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Next Player review

Free#22 of 42 in Video Player Software

A capable free player for Android media, subtitles, and network storage.

7.1/10Editor score
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Next Player7.1 Visit Next Player

Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026

Next Player is a free, open-source video player for Android phones, tablets, and TVs. It handles local videos, URLs, Android storage-provider content, and media stored on SMB, FTP, SFTP, or WebDAV servers. The feature set also covers video, audio, and subtitle track selection, adjustable playback speed, picture-in-picture, background playback, external subtitles, subtitle delay, and gesture controls for seeking, brightness, and volume. An Android TV version extends the product beyond mobile viewing.

Network storage is a central strength. Next Player supports four connection types—SMB, FTP, SFTP, and WebDAV—and provides a media picker with tree, folder, and file views. That makes it a practical fit for Android users who keep videos on network storage rather than only on local device storage. Playback also includes hardware acceleration, zoom gestures, and support for a broad set of listed video and audio codecs. Subtitle support includes SRT, SSA, ASS, TTML, VTT, and DVB formats.

The product's open-source, free model makes it suitable for users who want a focused Android player without a paid tier. It is also a strong match for viewers who need background playback, picture-in-picture, subtitle controls, or Android TV support. However, the platform scope is limited to Android and Android TV, and the vendor states that the project may contain bugs. Format support can depend on the Android device, so users seeking broader platform coverage or more predictable format handling should consider an alternative.

Next Player pros and cons

  • Where it wins
    • Supports SMB, FTP, SFTP, and WebDAV network storage
    • Includes Android TV, picture-in-picture, and background playback
    • Open source, free, and supports external subtitles and playback controls
  • Where it doesn't
    • Available on Android and Android TV, not other listed platforms
    • Format support can depend on the Android device
    • The vendor states that the project may contain bugs

Next Player fact sheet, pricing and score →

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