mpv

mpv is a free, open-source media player designed for command-line use. It supports a wide variety of media formats, audio and video codecs, and subtitle types, including Matroska (MKV) and MP4. Network playback, 4K playback, and hardware acceleration are listed. The player has no full graphical interface, but includes a small on-screen controller for basic controls. Its video output uses OpenGL, Vulkan, and D3D11, with features for scaling, color management, frame timing, interpolation, and HDR. Hardware decoding can be enabled while mpv is running. Scripting and available user scripts can extend its behavior, while a C API lets developers embed mpv in other applications. It is available for Windows, macOS, Linux, and Android. mpv is licensed under GPLv2 or later by default; builds configured with `-Dgpl=false` can use LGPLv2.1 or later. The listed plan is free.

mpv offers broad media support and advanced video features in a command-line-focused player. Its minimal interface and desktop security scope are important considerations.

mpv suits viewers comfortable with a command-line player and a minimal interface. Its C API and scripting options may also suit developers who want to extend or embed a media player.

mpv is a free, open-source media player built for command-line use, with versions for Windows, macOS, Linux, and Android. It is best suited to viewers who want control over playback or developers who want to script or embed a player. Its breadth and video controls are compelling; its deliberately limited interface is not for everyone.

Overview

mpv handles a wide range of media formats, audio and video codecs, and subtitle types, including MKV and MP4. Network playback, 4K playback, and hardware acceleration broaden its use beyond basic local-file viewing. The trade-off is the interface: a small on-screen controller provides basic controls, but there is no full graphical environment for people who prefer conventional point-and-click playback.

Key features

• Broad media support: Extensive format, codec, and subtitle support makes mpv a flexible choice when a library contains varied files. Network playback and 4K support add flexibility for streamed and high-resolution video.
• Advanced video output: OpenGL, Vulkan, and D3D11 output supports scaling, color management, frame timing, interpolation, and HDR. These controls give technically minded viewers room to shape playback; they offer less benefit to someone who only wants a simple player.
• Hardware decoding: mpv can use most hardware decoding APIs on its supported platforms, and decoding can be enabled while the player is running. That flexibility is useful when adjusting playback, though hardware acceleration alone does not make the command-line-oriented interface more accessible.
• Scripting and embedding: User scripts can substantially extend the player, and its C API lets developers integrate mpv into other applications. This is a meaningful advantage for customization and software projects, but less relevant to viewers who want a ready-made graphical media library.

Pricing

mpv is free and open source. Its Free and open source plan costs nothing and includes the command-line media player with broad media-format, codec, and subtitle support. There is no paid tier to unlock the player; the main cost is accepting its command-line-centered approach and configuring it to suit your needs.

Platforms

mpv supports Windows, macOS, Linux, and Android. The project’s guidance includes installation instructions for these systems and source builds, while noting that many downloadable binaries are unofficial third-party builds. For most users building from source, it recommends helper scripts that create a static build with FFmpeg, libplacebo, and libass. The stated system requirements include Windows 10 1607 or later, macOS 10.15 or later, or a reasonably recent Linux distribution, alongside a capable CPU and GPU.

Only the latest stable release receives security updates; older releases are unsupported and unmaintained. mpv is a desktop player, not a tool designed for untrusted environments: it intentionally supports user scripts, subprocesses, and playback control through IPC. That scope makes it important to keep current and to use care with untrusted environments.

Who it's for

Choose mpv if you value wide playback support, detailed video rendering options, scripting, or a C API for embedding playback. It is less suitable if you expect a full graphical interface or want an application designed for untrusted environments. Users and developers can seek community help through IRC, GitHub Discussions, the issue tracker, and the public wiki.

Pros and cons

• Pro — Flexible playback: Wide format, codec, and subtitle support, plus network and 4K playback, covers a broad range of viewing needs.
• Pro — Tunable video output: Scaling, color management, interpolation, frame timing, and HDR give viewers meaningful control over rendering.
• Pro — Extensible and embeddable: Scripting and the C API serve users who want to customize the player or incorporate it into software.
• Con — Minimal graphical interface: The small controller covers basic playback, but the lack of a full GUI makes mpv a poor match for users who want conventional visual navigation.
• Con — Desktop security scope: Support for scripts, subprocesses, and IPC means it is not designed for untrusted environments, and older releases do not receive security updates.

Alternatives

For a more polished option on Apple platforms, consider Infuse: its free plan and 7-day trial of Infuse Pro Monthly, at $1.99 a month billed monthly with cancellation anytime, may suit users who want additional video formats and high-resolution Dolby and DTS-HD audio. 5KPlayer is another free option for readers looking for a player available on iOS, macOS, and Windows. VLC media player is free across Android, iOS, Linux, macOS, and Windows, making it a broad-platform alternative. KMPlayer offers free PC player plans as well as a freemium option across desktop and mobile platforms. BS.Player has a free plan for unlimited computers and a paid PRO option for users considering its separate update subscription. RealPlayer may fit users focused on downloads, with a free plan offering 720p downloads and paid options listing 8K downloads. MediaPortal is another free alternative, available on Windows as well as Android, iOS, and web. GOM Player offers a freemium choice across Android, iOS, macOS, and Windows, including a permanent-license plan for one PC.

Browse more options in Media Player Software and Video Player Software.

Verdict

mpv is the right choice for technically comfortable viewers and developers who want broad media support, advanced video controls, and scripting or embedding without a license fee. Look elsewhere if a complete graphical interface or use in untrusted environments matters more than that flexibility.