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QuickTime Player
What it is
QuickTime Player is a free macOS app for playing video and audio files. Its listed formats include MOV, H.264, HEVC, MPEG-4 audio, and AAC, with support for network playback, subtitles, hardware acceleration, and 4K playback. Playback controls include play, pause, fast-forward, rewind, and speed changes, including presets from 2x to 60x and smaller increments from 1.1x to 2x. Videos can also play on an AirPlay-enabled device or in a picture-in-picture window.
The app can trim, rearrange, rotate, and split movies into clips. It records all or part of a Mac screen, can capture a connected iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch screen, and can record using a Mac’s built-in or external camera. Movie exports use .mov with H.264 or HEVC; audio-only exports use MPEG4 audio. It does not export MP4 videos. QuickTime Player is included with macOS at no cost. Dolby passthrough requires a Dolby-capable receiver connected by HDMI to a Mac with Apple silicon.
For and against
For
- Included with macOS at no cost.
- Supports subtitles, network playback, and 4K playback.
- Can trim, rotate, and split movies.
- Can record all or part of a Mac screen.
Against
- Available for macOS only.
- Movie exports do not use MP4 video format.
- Dolby passthrough requires specific receiver and Mac hardware.
The verdict
QuickTime Player covers playback, screen and camera recording, and basic movie edits at no cost on macOS. Note its .mov export format and the stated hardware requirement for Dolby passthrough.
Who it suits
It suits Mac users who want a free player with playback, recording, and basic movie editing tools. It may also fit users who need to capture a Mac or connected Apple device screen.
Plans and prices
QuickTime Player
Included with macOS
Read 7 Oct 2026 · support.apple.com
On the record
- AirPlay and picture-in-picture
- Users can play a file on an AirPlay-enabled device or view video in a picture-in-picture window.support.apple.com · read 7 Oct 2026
- Camera and audio recording
- Movie recording can use a Mac’s built-in or external camera and offers camera, microphone, and quality options.support.apple.com · read 7 Oct 2026
- Device recording
- Users can capture a connected iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch screen and save it as a movie file on Mac.support.apple.com · read 7 Oct 2026
- Dolby audio requirement
- Dolby passthrough requires a Dolby-capable audio receiver connected by HDMI to a Mac with Apple silicon.support.apple.com · read 7 Oct 2026
- Export formats
- QuickTime Player exports movies as .mov using H.264 or HEVC and exports audio-only files as MPEG4 audio; it does not export MP4 videos.support.apple.com · read 7 Oct 2026
- Export resolutions
- Export options include 4K, 1080p, 720p, 480p, and Audio Only, subject to the source movie and available options.support.apple.com · read 7 Oct 2026
- Format support
- MOV,H.264,HEVC,MPEG-4 audio,AACsupport.apple.com · read 21 Sep 2026
- 4K playback
- Yessupport.apple.com · read 21 Sep 2026
- Hardware acceleration
- Yessupport.apple.com · read 21 Sep 2026
- Legacy version
- QuickTime Player 7 is unsupported, is provided for legacy media workflows on macOS Sierra and earlier, and is not compatible with macOS versions released after Mojave.support.apple.com · read 7 Oct 2026
- License model
- freesupport.apple.com · read 21 Sep 2026
- Movie editing
- QuickTime Player can trim, rearrange, and rotate movies, and split them into clips.support.apple.com · read 7 Oct 2026
- Network playback
- Yessupport.apple.com · read 21 Sep 2026
- Playback controls
- Playback controls support play, pause, fast-forward, rewind, and changing playback speed.support.apple.com · read 7 Oct 2026
- Playback speeds
- Listed playback speeds include 2x, 5x, 10x, 30x, and 60x, with small increments from 1.1x to 2x.support.apple.com · read 7 Oct 2026
- Purpose
- QuickTime Player plays video and audio files on Mac.support.apple.com · read 7 Oct 2026
- Screen recording
- Users can record the entire Mac screen or select just a portion of it.support.apple.com · read 7 Oct 2026
- Subtitle support
- Yessupport.apple.com · read 21 Sep 2026
