QMPlay2

At a glance

• Editor score
  6.8 / 10
• Pricing
  Free plan
• Best for
  Desktop users who want FFmpeg-backed playback
• Free plan
  Yes
• Paid from
  Free
• Facts checked
  23 Sep 2026

• Where it wins

  • Plays formats and codecs supported by FFmpeg, plus Audio CDs, raw files and chiptunes
  • Offers hardware decoding options across Windows, Linux and macOS
  • Includes a YouTube browser, yt-dlp playback and subtitle stream selection

• Where it doesn't

  • Desktop-only deployment leaves out mobile and web playback
  • YouTube playback depends on the separate yt-dlp integration
  • Its feature set centers on playback rather than broader media workflows

Our verdict on QMPlay2

QMPlay2 is a free, open-source desktop video and audio player for people who want broad local media playback across Windows, Linux and macOS. Its format coverage follows FFmpeg-supported formats and codecs, with support also for Audio CDs, raw files and chiptunes. That makes it a fit for solo desktop users with varied media files; it is less suited to buyers seeking a web-based service or a wider media management suite.

Playback breadth is the central strength. The player includes hardware video decoding options such as Vulkan Video, CUVID, DXVA2, D3D11VA, VA-API and VideoToolBox, as well as video deinterlacing filters. It can render subtitles and let viewers select subtitle streams. Spherical video viewing is available through OpenGL or Vulkan outputs. These options give users several ways to handle different video and display paths, though the list does not establish that every option works on every system or file.

QMPlay2 also includes a YouTube browser and supports YouTube playback through yt-dlp; Streamlink is listed as an integration. Buyers should distinguish that network playback from a hosted streaming service: QMPlay2 is distributed as desktop software, and its YouTube function relies on an external tool. The project documents builds and installation instructions for its three desktop platforms. Choose QMPlay2 if a free, open-source local player with format breadth, decoding options and subtitle controls is the priority. Choose another product if you need mobile or browser playback, or want a broader service rather than a desktop player.

Your product? Our editors can test QMPlay2 in depth and publish a review, labelled as paid · from $149/mo →

QMPlay2 pricing

QMPlay2 fact sheet

QMPlay2 integrations

QMPlay2 lists 2 integrations on its own site.

• yt-dlp
• Streamlink

Alternatives to QMPlay2

• VLC media playerA broad, free player for local media, network playback, subtitles, and major platforms.9.4
• KKodiA 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

See all QMPlay2 alternatives →

Featured on iTechGuides

QMPlay2 is listed in our Video Player Software directory. Add the badge to your site — it links back to this page.

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Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026

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Last updated 7 Oct 2026 · How we research and update