A media player is a software application that can access different media such as audio, video files, and more. Most Windows computers and Android devices are now packed with default media players. So, why would you install third-party media player apps on your system?
A built-in media player might not support all file formats. Therefore, you may need help opening a significant portion of your downloaded files. On the other hand, you might have to depend on individual media players for the respective media types. For example, you need a media player for music, another for DVD, one more to stream videos etc.
Hence, you must choose a media player supporting different media and their formats. In addition, the media player should have a user-friendly interface for an optimised experience. Review the best media player or video player apps for Windows and Android platforms.
Best Media Players for Android and Windows 10/ Windows 11
We have scoured the web for some reliable and well-performing media player apps for Windows and Android systems. And, here are some of our recommendations:
1. PowerDVD
This is the best media player for Windows 10 and Windows 11-supported devices. Be it any audio or video file, PowerDVD is the best shot whether you are a first-time or advanced user. This media player app offers support for tons of file formats. Even it can play Blu-rays, DVDs, and VOB files with superior video and sound quality.
Here are more features of PowerDVD:
- Leading file formats supported up to a quality of 8K
- Media can be shared via links
- 360-degree video support
- Great way to watch ad-free and offline YouTube videos
We picked PowerDVD as one of the top-notch media player apps because it impressed us with its cinema-like qualities, such as:
- Besi-in-class HDR
- Improved lighting and colour
- Superb audio with Dolby and True Theatre video
The media player is also compatible with Amazon Fire TV Stick, Apple TV, Roku, and Chromecast. So, streaming is no difficulty with this media player. On the other hand, you can install this player on Android smartphones, tablets, and more. However, using PowerDVD, you can’t manually modify hue, brightness, and saturation.
2. VLC Media Player
Certainly, you have noticed the VLC media player on Windows desktop. Fortunately, you can download and install VLC for Android too. Additionally, it is one of the best media player apps available online regarding compatibility with Windows, Android, Mac, and Linux.
If you are looking for an open-source and free media player, VLC is the best choice. Here are some remarkable features of VLC Media Player:
- Major file formats supported
- 360-degree video support
- Resolution of up to 8K supported
- Video and audio filters included
- DVDs are supported along with leading music codecs and online streaming
We like VLC Media Player for its versatility and simplicity. Indeed, VLC Media Player can play content that is still downloading. In addition, it can play ZIP files without unpacking them individually. Users can also download a few plug-ins for improved operations. However, you can only use this media player app for Android if you are after Blu-Ray support.
3. KMPlayer
This is one of the best media player apps for Windows and Android devices if you search for a feature-rich interface. Moreover, it’s the right fit for those who are advanced users. The most exciting part of KMPlayer is that you can control the video screen and audio with noise reduction apart from playing and tackling the playback.
Moreover, you can turn on the super high-speed mode and cast your computer videos to your TV with the help of Chromecast support. Here are more reasons to choose KMPlayer as your next Windows and Android media player:
- 360-degree and 3D VR playback
- 3D movie compatible
- Slideshow creator
- Video to GIF conversion
- 8K resolution videos supported
In addition, you can stream online videos from YouTube on KMPlayer through links. KMPlayer supports Blu-Ray and DVD content. Furthermore, you can use its sorting capabilities to create video and audio playlists.
Conversely, there might be better choices than KMPlayer for an amateur. Plus, it utilises a lot of CPU resources.
4. Kodi
Are you looking for organised media player apps for Windows and Android systems? Then, Kodi is a remarkable one, available for free. Kodi lets you access your library to watch versatile content such as movies, TV, music, podcasts, games, etc.
On the other hand, this media player offers more than 900 add-ons to customise your experience. However, you can only use official Kodi add-ons since add-ons other than that or with copyright-infringing issues won’t work. For example, you can include the following add-ons on Kodi:
- Sports Devil to stream live sports events
- National Geographic, if you like a collection of free documentaries
- PlayOn to link your Hulu and Netflix account to Kodi for streaming
Moreover, check out some more interesting features of Kodi:
- Streaming internet radio
- Watching and recording Live TV
- Playing video games with game controller support
- Parental controls included
So, Kodi can be one of your go-to media player apps on Android and PCs. However, beginners might need help to include add-ons to Kodi. Furthermore, this media player doesn’t offer a default screencast facility.
5. PotPlayer
This media player is perfect for Windows 10 users who like to customise videos. PotPlayer is full of customisation options. For instance, you can adjust the video screen with contrast, brightness, and hue controls. In addition, this media player offers the following features:
- Top and bottom, side by side, and Page flipping
- HDR to SDR conversion
- 360-degree ad 3D video support
- Numerous subtitle formats supported
- Bookmarking your favourite chapter or scene in a video
Apart from this, PotPlayer can split audio tracks and support many output devices. Moreover, this player supports OpenCodec, so you can include whatever codecs you wish and not have to install new add-ons.
Indeed, this is one of the best media player apps for Windows since it can play broken and large files without any lag. However, lacking support for screencasting or online streaming is a huge drawback for PotPlayer.
6. MX Player
Are you looking for an Andriod media player for TV? Then, you can try MX Player for a wide range of file formats and play them on your Android devices, such as smartphones, tablets, and TVs. In addition, this media player app for Android keeps adding new features to enhance viewers’ experience.
On top of that, MX Player lets you customise your audio listening and video streaming features. Its built-in gesture control makes navigation easy for your library and its library. Let’s have a look at the supported features:
- Hardware and software decoding
- Supports latest file formats such as AVI, MKV, FLV, MOV, etc.
- Excellent audio-boosting capabilities
- Subtitles offered
- Network streaming is possible with URLs
Wrapping up…
The above-mentioned media player apps will be sufficient for your everyday use on PCs and Android devices. On the other hand, you can try Leawo Blu-Ray Player, GOM Player, 5KPlayer, and ALLPLAYER for added features and advanced uses.
However, you should check whether any media player app demands a subscription before committing to it. Additionally, trust only reliable sources to download and install third-party media players and other applications from the internet.
