Best Free Media Player

Tue, 04/08/2008 - 13:39 — joe.bennett

Finding an all-in-one media player used to be impossible. In the past you needed to use several separate programs to play MP3 files, streaming media from Real, Mpeg files, Quicktime movies, CDs and DVD discs, but with the advent of Microsoft's Windows Media Player (WMP), all of these media types could be played in one player. Over a period of time, however, WMP for XP and Vista has become bloated and isn't compatible with all of the available file formats. WinAmp, which began as an mp3 player, now plays almost everything, although it uses a lot of system resources and may contain adware if you aren't careful on the installation. iTunes has become more prevalent on many PCs due to the almost universal reach of the IPod, but it also uses a lot of resources and is processor intensive. So I've done some major research to find alternative media players capable of playing all of these media formats, including digital music, video, CD, and DVD, while still being light on resources. I was impressed with what I found. Not only do these programs replace WMP ITunes and WinAmp, but they also exceeded their functionality. The products that I've reviewed here are capable of playing multiple types of media files, including various digital audio and video formats, CDs, and DVDs. They are also easy to install and use and are light on system resources.

NOTE: Some of these programs may require additional codecs for expanded functionality. For more information about codecs, including what they do, legal issues and download links, see the article, "Understanding Codecs".

Media Player Classic

My personal favorite is Media Player Classic. Available for Windows (95 through Vista), MPC looks like the old Windows Media Player v6.4, but that's where the similarity ends. Under the hood, this program packs a lot of features, including codecs for viewing DVD discs, MPEG1, MPEG2, and MPEG 4 video files, MP3 and Ogg files. MPC can also use the QuickTime and the RealPlayer architectures (if installed on the computer) to play their native files. If you really want to extend MPC's functionality while avoiding the installation of RealPlayer, WinAmp and Quicktime, download ffdshow, Real Alternative, QuickTime Alternative and WinAmp Alternative packages. They will make sure there will be almost nothing you won't be able to play. MPC is the only product reviewed here that requires no installation on your PC. This means that it can be run from your USB flash drive as well as your hard drive. (Note: there is some dispute over the legality of Real Alternative and QuickTime Alternative codec packs. ffdshow is opensource, completely legal, and should cover almost all of your needs.)

Many subscribers have asked me to look at The KM Player, and for good reason... This is one exceptional media player. Originally the work of one programmer, the project is now owned by Pandora TV and continues to be developed. This is an impressive program. On a default install, it is configured to play almost any media file available without the need for additional codecs, making it easy to use for those with less experience. Yet if needed, it can be configured to selectively use any codecs you have installed yourself. This means that one can have full control over which codecs and filters The KM Player will use, thus preventing media playback from being messed up. Among its other features, The KM Player can set multifarious audio and video effects, slow down or increase playback speed with regular tone, select parts of a video as favorites, do an exceptionally powerful A-B repeat, remap the keys of remote interface for HTPC including overlay screen controls, and change a skin dynamically depending on the type of media you wish to play. Plus it is completely customizable thanks to a wide selection of skins and color schemes. In short, the configuration options of The KM Player are the most extensive I've ever seen. But keep in mind that many features means a larger program. Weighing in at over 13 MB, THe KM Player is the largest download of the products reviewed here.

My thanks to everyone who suggested The KM Player, especially subscriber Sandeep, whose comments were helpful in creating this review.

An excellent alternative to MPC is VLC Media Player. VLC is available for multiple OSs, including all versions of Windows (98 through Vista), Mac OS X, and many varieties of Linux. Most versions will support playback of most video files and DVD discs without the need to download external codec packs, including flv files, which MPC cannot natively play. VLC has another unique feature as well. There are 5 different DVD region codes. DVDs manufactured for one region will not play in players made for a different region. This applies to PC DVD drives as well... until now. VLC plays them all. There is no need for any shady (and possibly illegal DVD region spoofing programs). This is especially nice if you're an international traveler and want to watch a movie on your laptop outside of your country.

GOM Player Another good alternative is GOM Player. Available only for Windows (98Se through Vista), it also will play most media files, including flv files with its own internal codecs. If, however, you come across a file it cannot play, it will direct you to the appropriate open-source codec to install. The program is a little quirky, though. I tried to play a DVD disc on two different PCs using GOM... On one it would not play it at all (and this was a machine I've been able to play DVD discs on before), while on the other PC it played it fine. One very noteworthy feature of the GOM player is its ability to play broken media files. According to subscriber Ash, "GOM Player's claim that it can play broken avi files is very true. We have a file sharing network on campus which uses DC++. Usually avi files which are being downloaded stop partway due to too much traffic. GOM Player was able to play every one of those files on my system up to the point where they stopped downloading."

This software category is maintained by volunteer editor Joe Bennett. Registered site visitors can contact Joe by clicking here.

Product Specifications:

Media Player Classic:
Website: http://sourceforge.net/projects/guliverkli2/
Download Link: http://sourceforge.net/project/showfiles.php?group_id=205650
Author: Gabest
Current version: 6.4.9.1
Version date: 04-Apr-2008
Download file size: 2.12 MB
License: Free - GNU General Public License (GPL)
Operating systems supported: Windows 95-Vista
Additional required software: None
64 bit version available: No, this program will not run in a 64 bit environment
Portable version available: Program is Portable
Non-English languages supported: None
Other relevant information:

No installation required.
Can be run from a flash drive.
"Understanding Codecs" can be downloaded here: http://www.techsupportalert.com/dr/understanding-codecs.htm
Additional software to enhance Media Player Classic can be found here:

ffdshow: http://www.free-codecs.com/download/FFDShow.htm
Real Alternative: http://www.free-codecs.com/download/Real_Alternative.htm
QuickTime Alternative: http://www.free-codecs.com/download/QuickTime_Alternative.htm
WinAmp Alternative: http://www.softpedia.com/progDownload/Winamp-Alternative-Download-23376.html

The KM Player:
Website: http://www.kmplayer.com/forums/index.php
Download link: http://www.kmplayer.com/forums/showthread.php?t=8351
Author: Pandora TV
Current version: 2.9.3.1428
Version date: 16-Dec-2007
Download file size: 13.5 MB
License: Free - GNU General Public License (GPL)
Operating systems supported: Windows 98-Vista
Additional Related software: None
64 Bit version available: Unknown
Portable version available: Yes - Available here
Non-English languages supported: Chinese, French, German, Spanish, Polish, Russian, Portugese
Other relevant information: None

VLC Media Player:
Website: http://www.videolan.org/
Download link: http://www.videolan.org/vlc/
Author: The VideoLAN Team
Current version: 0.8.6h
Version date: 07-Jun-2008
Download file size: 8.96 MB
License: Free - GNU General Public License (GPL)
Operating systems supported: Windows 98-Vista, OS x, Various Linux distros
Additional Related software: None
64 Bit version available: Unknown
Portable version available: Yes - Available here
Non-English languages supported: None
Other relevant information: None

GOM Player:
Website: http://www.gomplayer.com/main.html
Download link: http://www.gomplayer.com/download.html
Author: Gretech Corp.
Current version: 2.1.9.3754
Version date: 28-Mar-2008
Download file size: 4.48 MB
License: Free - GNU General Public License (GPL)
Operating systems supported: Windows 98SE-Vista
64 Bit version available: No, but this 32 bit program will run in a 64 bit environment
Portable version available: No
Additional related software: None
Other relevant information: None

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#1Submitted by Anonymous on Thu, 09/04/2008 - 11:19.

KMPlayer which has LOTS of Options!
After using VLC and GOM media Players,
I switched to KMPlayer, because I was impressed by its many features.
KMPlayer is the best Media Player!
I even replaced Windows Media Player 11 with KMPlayer!

#2Submitted by Anonymous on Wed, 09/03/2008 - 10:22.

KM Player has a Color control, too.

#3Submitted by Anonymous on Wed, 09/03/2008 - 09:01.

I'm interested in a Media Player having
Advanced Color settings like Hue, Brightness, Saturation, and Contrast Sliders.
Apart from GOM player and ALShow player,
which other player offer Sliders for Hue, Brightness, Saturation, and Contrast?

#4Submitted by Anonymous on Wed, 09/03/2008 - 09:41.

Zoom Player has a Color Control,
but it is a little weird and disfunctional.
I didn't like it.

#5Submitted by Anonymous on Wed, 09/03/2008 - 07:13.

Thanks for including KMPlayer in the list. I found KMPlayer is the best in many ways: firstly the sound quality is the best, specially for low bit-rate files (64Kbps or less); secondly it can play so many formats; and lastly it has the most extensive configuration options.

Prakash

#6Submitted by gordon reeder on Wed, 09/03/2008 - 00:30.

What about WinAmp??
I have it on my system because in supports iPods. So there is no need to install iTunes. Do any of the other programs support iPods?

It's also a fairly capable media Player.

#7Submitted by Anonymous on Tue, 09/02/2008 - 13:59.

kmplayer is much better than the others.

#8Submitted by Anonymous on Tue, 09/02/2008 - 09:18.

CCCP!

#9Submitted by Anonymous on Tue, 09/02/2008 - 09:12.

GOM Player and ALShow Player for me.

#10Submitted by Anonymous on Mon, 09/01/2008 - 15:00.

VLC and Foobar for me

#11Submitted by Anonymous on Mon, 09/01/2008 - 13:10.

i got tried core community codec pack.its quite good.its using combination of media player classic, zoom player.it can play many format as well.tq

#12Submitted by Anonymous on Sun, 08/31/2008 - 11:11.

Foobar for music and MPC for movie.

#13Submitted by Anonymous on Fri, 08/29/2008 - 06:15.

Winamp Full 5.54

Nullsoft Winamp is a fast, flexible, high-fidelity music player for Windows. Winamp supports MP3, CD, WMA, Audiosoft, Mjuice, MOD, WAV and other audio formats, custom appearances called skins and audio visualization and audio effect plug-ins. Download and enjoy it free of charge, free of guilt.

http://www.kooksoft.com/software/MP3-Audio/Players/200807/26-189.html

#14Submitted by JonathanT on Fri, 08/29/2008 - 09:20.

I think it's not included in the review because "it uses a lot of system resources and may contain adware if you aren't careful on the installation."

#15Submitted by Duskao on Wed, 08/27/2008 - 18:29.

I'm trying out KMPlayer and so far I really like it. Although, I have to ask, can it stream videos? I used to have Nero suite installed on my computer and it ended up being my default player for streaming videos and honestly I did not like it at all. First off it took forever for it to load, then after it did load the options and settings were obscure to use. Is there some way I can set KMPlayer for my default for streaming audio/video? If not then what is a good player for streaming stuff?

Sorry, my bad. I think what I mean to say is...

How can I get Opera 9.5 to use KMPlayer to be the default player that Opera uses for viewing videos and music all generally all media?

Nevermind. Got it to work. Nero screwed up opera when it was installed. It set most media types for their plugin, so then I had to manually go into the settings and go to the default for most of the media types. Thanks anyway guys. KMPlayer rocks!

#16Submitted by Anonymous on Mon, 08/25/2008 - 20:27.

Still playing with it, but I thought I would put it out there to get a bigger test audiance. So far pretty impressed, easy to use, not the prettiest, but I'm sure new skins on the way. Anyways, and don't laugh, the name is Teen Spirit
http://teenspirit.artificialspirit.com/
Tell me what you think???

#17Submitted by Anonymous on Mon, 08/25/2008 - 13:34.

hello
I can also reccomend alshow program: http://www.altools.com/Default.aspx

#18Submitted by JonathanT on Sun, 08/24/2008 - 08:07.

The KMPlayer seems to have trouble playing flv files automatically. Is there a solution to this? Because everytime time I try to play it a window pops up and I have to choose a Video renderer thing.

Thanks

#19Submitted by joe.bennett on Mon, 08/25/2008 - 11:00.

Do you have any other codec packs installed? If not that may be why it cannot play flv files. I have the ffdshow codec pack installed in addition to KM Player and it plays flv files just fine for me.

Hope this helps.

Joe

#20Submitted by JonathanT on Mon, 08/25/2008 - 11:18.

I'd installed the K Lite Mega Codec Pack which I think has ffdshow codec pack?

Anyway I'll install the ffdshow codec pack separately and see what happens.

Thanks!

#21Submitted by JonathanT on Thu, 08/28/2008 - 07:55.

I installed ffdshow codec pack but KM Player still can't play flv files by default. Do I need to change some settings?

Thanks

#22Submitted by Anonymous on Sun, 08/24/2008 - 01:29.

Will any of these programs install so as to act as the player for streaming radio stations? Does this function require the player to install as a plugin in Firefox et al?

#23Submitted by joe.bennett on Mon, 08/25/2008 - 10:47.

With "WinAmp Alternative" and "Real Alternative", you should be able to use MPC for streaming radio. I use it all the time and have had no problems.

#24Submitted by Anonymous on Sun, 08/24/2008 - 16:33.

i use winamp for web radio,also has addon called streamripper so you can record the tracks as mp3s.

#25Submitted by Anupam on Sat, 08/23/2008 - 07:43.

Great to see that finally KM Player got a place in the list. It deserves to be there. Meanwhile, i have been waiting long for a stable updated version of KM Player. Its been long since they gave out an update. Still, KM Player is one good program worth having.

#26Submitted by Mosaddeq on Sat, 08/23/2008 - 04:47.

KM Player rules. Earlier i used MPC with K-Lite. But since discovering KMP i have uninstalled everything and kept this player only. This is the most feature rich player.

#27Submitted by Anonymous on Mon, 08/18/2008 - 12:58.

what about miro?

#28Submitted by Anonymous on Wed, 08/13/2008 - 19:21.

Let me add another vote KMPlayer. I tend to prefer this to VLC and GOM with everthing except ISO's....VLC plays those straight up, no editing, file converting, just no problems. But KMPLayer is my player of choice.... main reasons: more visually appealing, easier user interface, preferable video/audio adjustments, and, yes quirky, but on double click of KMP it plays and pauses the video, with the others it adjust between full screen and previous window size. For me , just saves a view clicks, of course this may be able to be optioned in the other players, I dunno.
Oh, one other small complaint with VLC while in full screen mode, other than right click and select, there are no video adjustments; ie play pause, stop, next, slider, ect.

Now I do have a question, I hope you guys can provide a solution. I have been looking forever for a PC freeware, low bloat program that has a media library (not playlist) and player, in the nature of itunes, media monkey, amarok, or windows media player, but can handle music files, movie files, and even book files (pdf, chm, pdb, djvu formats). Hopefully able to tag and categorize,can self import cd, dvd and book covers and other metadata, and the ability to add plugins for additional features. Is there such a program or even a convenitnt collection of programs that can accomplish this??
Thanks for listening

#29Submitted by Anonymous on Wed, 08/13/2008 - 13:09.

I am shocked that KMPlayer is not listed????

#30Submitted by Anonymous on Wed, 08/13/2008 - 02:33.

I tried several of the choices suggested with the intention of using the media player mainly to play music (I have a large library ripped) and found the KMPlayer way too complicated for what I wanted. The others (I tried GOM and VLC and KM) were not really set up to manage a large library of music in the same way as Windows Media player. My baseline is the Windows Media Player that comes with Vista: if an alternate player is worse or more difficult than it, then it is not worth using as far as I'm concerned for playing music.

For music, I found two, AIMP Classic 2.11 and Foobar 0.9.5.5, that are really low on resources (both jump around between .00 and .77 and 1.54 on my process explorer), which is a bit lower than Windows Media player (yes, even without visualizations on). Neither of these two free programs automatically installs start up programs like the Windows Media player. AIMP does not rip music as far as I could find, but Foobar does rip music.

Foobar is basically a low resource equal of the Windows Media player. The only annoyance is that its playlist and library tools are a lot less intuitive and user friendly than Windows Media player, though, it does have all the same stuff (except the star system). I found myself using the undo button a lot, however. Otherwise it looks pretty good as a Windows MP replacement. Foobar also converts audio files and has visualizations that open in a separate window.

http://www.majorgeeks.com/Foobar_d4003.html
http://www.majorgeeks.com/AIMP_Classic_d5840.html

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