Syncplay

At a glance

• Editor score
  4.4 / 10
• Pricing
  Free plan
• Best for
  Groups watching local media in sync
• Free plan
  Yes
• Paid from
  Free
• Network playback
  Yes
• Facts checked
  22 Sep 2026

• Where it wins

  • Synchronises playback, seeking, and position across viewers
  • Shared playlists support local media directories and supported URLs
  • Managed rooms, chat, and desynchronisation correction support group viewing

• Where it doesn't

  • Requires a separate compatible media player for playback
  • Media formats and subtitle handling depend on the selected player
  • Server and client setup adds complexity beyond a standalone player

Our verdict on Syncplay

Syncplay is free, open-source synchronisation software for people watching video together from different locations. It works as a client and server alongside supported media players rather than as a standalone player. Viewers connect through shared rooms, supply their own local media file or supported stream, and synchronise play, pause, seeking, and playback position. It fits solo users, small groups, mid-market teams, and enterprise environments that need coordinated viewing across Windows, Linux, *BSD, macOS, or self-hosted deployments.

Its strongest capability is coordinated playback across different locations. Shared playlists can use local media directories and supported URLs, while managed rooms can restrict who may seek, pause, or resume. When playback drifts, Syncplay can slow down, rewind, or fast-forward to correct desynchronisation. Text chat appears inside mpv, and configurable on-screen messages and event notifications provide session feedback. These features make Syncplay a focused choice for organised group viewing rather than a general media library or playback application.

Platform fit depends on the media player selected for each viewer. Syncplay integrates with mpv, mpv.net, MPC-BE, MPC-HC, VLC, IINA, and memento, and supports stream URLs through compatible players. That flexibility also means the playback experience varies by player: media formats, subtitle handling, hardware acceleration, and 4K playback depend on the selected application. Choose Syncplay when synchronisation, rooms, shared playlists, and group controls matter most. Choose a standalone media player instead if the priority is a single application responsible for playback features and media handling.

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

Syncplay pricing

Syncplay fact sheet

Syncplay integrations

Syncplay lists 7 integrations on its own site.

• mpv
• mpv.net
• MPC-BE
• MPC-HC
• VLC
• IINA
• memento

Alternatives to Syncplay

• 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 Syncplay alternatives →

Featured on iTechGuides

Syncplay is listed in our Media 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