There are a plethora of Mac video players on the app market. From my perspective, the best video player for Mac should support a vast assortment of formats, crisp visual display, and user-friendly operating features. In this huge and intensely competitive market, we can't figure out which free Mac video player is the best choice at once. If you have the same doubts, then you come to the right place. In this article, I'd like to show you the best media player for Mac that can give you excellent visual enjoyment.

4 Tips on Choosing the Best Media Player for Mac

Mac users interested in Realplayer cloud for mac os x 10.6.8 generally download: RealPlayer Cloud 1.1 Free RealPlayer Cloud enables you to move, watch and share your videos. Best RealPlayer Downloader Alternative to Fix RealPlayer Downloader Not Working Issue on Windows or on Mac. RealPlayer SP for Mac can also download videos on the Internet. About Real Player Real Player is a media player, created by Real Networks, that plays a number of multimedia formats including multiple generations of RealAudio and RealVideo codecs as well as MP3, MPEG-4, QuickTime, etc. Realplayer For Mac free download - RealPlayer, 2xAV Plug-in for RealPlayer, WinZip Mac, and many more programs. RealPlayer SP for Mac. RealPlayer SP is a lightweight and fast multimedia tool aimed to reproduce audiovisuals from the computer and over the web.The app allows you to download video media with a single click and then convert your video files to mp3.

12,024 Downloads. RealPlayer 8 0 out of 5 based on 0 ratings. File Size: 4.90 MB. Date Released: Feb 24, 2011. Works on: Windows 95 / Windows 98 / Windows 2000 / Windows XP / Windows Vista / Windows Vista x64 / Windows XP x64 / Windows ME / Windows NT 4.0 / Windows 7 / Windows 7 x64 / Windows 8 / Windows Server 2003 x64 / Windows.

The best video player for Mac is supposed to:

1. Be free of ads, viruses, malware, and spyware.
2. Born with a slick and directive interface, making the app simple to navigate.
3. Come with strong coding skills and support wide-ranging video & audio format, so you can play any media file including 4K/5K video without losing quality.
4. Have compact and basic video playback functions, like play/pause, time display, volume control, etc.

Well, I’ve listed and tested a bunch of Mac video players and screened out the top 10 best free video player for Mac with the above reference in mind.

Top 10 Best Video Player for Mac 2021

Video player software isn’t rare, but top free video player for Mac users is not easy to come by. Hence we picked out the 10 best video players for Mac and give you some detailed information below.

#1. Cisdem Video Player for Mac

Compatibility: macOS 10.10 or later

Cisdem Video Player is an incredible program playing a vast assortment of media file formats. It’s fully compatible with all popular video formats (e.g. WMV, AVI, MOV, MP4, M4V, FLV, MKV, RMVB, MPEG, etc.), as well as audio files (e.g. MP3, WMA, OGG, WAV, M4A, etc.). The software supports all those codecs ensuring the playback of high-quality video files a breeze.

This best video player Mac takes care of your local media files and the music/videos downloaded from YouTube, Vimeo, or others. You can automatically or manually add subtitles in .ass and .srt formats. It offers smoother playback while other media players show a video jitter, choppy, or stalling.

Cisdem best Mac video player contains a built-in video converter, allowing you to media files to MP4, M4V, MOV, MP3, M4A, iPhone, iPad, Samsung, and so on. It's totally free to play video & audio files but to unlock the conversion function, you need to upgrade to the pro version.

Pros:

• Equipped with a concise and decent interface
• Play video/audio files in more than 100 formats
• Play 1080P, 4K, 5K, and even 8K videos
• Load subtitles in any language, or import subtitles, as you want
• Choose the audio soundtracks and stereo
• Capture snapshots of each frame
• Turn volume up or down
• Take less occupancy on CPU memory of your Mac

FAQ: What're the differences between Cisdem Video Player and Cisdem Video Converter?

Both programs support playing and converting features. But as their names indicate, the former is mainly used to play videos, while the latter is a professional video converter & downloader.

#2. VLC Media Player for Mac

Compatibility: Mac OS X 10.7.5 or newer

VLC Media Player, an uncluttered, open-source and cross-platform program, supports DivX and MPEG streaming. It can play DVDs, CDs, VCDs, network streaming protocols, and various types of video files. The best video player Mac offers playlist for viewing multiple videos one after the other.

Meanwhile, VLC empowers you to open Zip media files without unpacking them. And you can simply tweak the playback controls and audio volume (up to 200%). But it’s a little delayed while playing, 'Each time I click on run video network it plays other audio and DVDs, etc. and after a million times it finally plays the YouTube video.'

Pros:

1. Help you enjoy Windows Media, MP3, QuickTime, and OGG files.
2. Record the movies/music you are playing with VLC
3. Adjust playback speed (slower, normal, and faster)
4. Support external subtitles and Closed Captions

Cons:

1. Outdated user interface
2. Delay a little while playing the media files

#3. MPlayerX for Mac

Compatibility: Mac OS X 10.7 or above

MPlayerX is one of the fastest choices to play MPEG (damaged MPEG files included), MP4, AVI, ASF, WMV, MOV, WAV, OGG/OGM, CD audio, etc. Plus, this best media player for Mac supports multi-touch, gesture, auto-encode subtitles, and online YouTube/Vimeo playback. But don't confuse MPlayerX and MPlayer OSX Extended. They are two completely different programs.

Pros:

1. Stand-alone video player for Mac
2. Support various output formats and devices
3. Auto convert subtitles for media files

Cons:

1. Injects pop-up ads or advertising banners which may bring a virus
2. Take up too much CPU
3. Encounter problem when open the software and ask you to eject the disk image

#4. QuickTime Player for Mac

Compatibility: Mac OS X 10.6.6 or above

QuickTime Player, bundled with the Mac operating system, is Apple's flagship software. It ensures you to view Internet video, HD movie trailers, and personal media. This best media player for Mac is slick and easy to use. You can quickly export your videos to 4k, 1080p, 720p, 480p (based on original resolution) or extract them as M4A audio. It also functions as a screen recorder. You can record your playing movie, track, or anything on your current desktop.

However, it supports limited video formats. For more formats available like FLV, you have to install external plug-in Perian.

Pros:

1. No additional installation required
2. Provide you with advanced H.264 video compression technology to help deliver perfect HD video with less storage space.
3. Record your Mac screen

Cons:

1. A bit slow to launch
2. Can’t work with common subtitle files
3. Can’t open MKV, WMV, WMA, AVI, FLV, etc.

#5. Elmedia Player for Mac

Compatibility: OS X 10.9.0 or later

A multifunctional free media player for Mac, Elmedia Player supports a wide range of common and not so common audio & video formats, including FLV, SWF, WMV, AVI, MOV, MP4, MP3, DAT, FLAC, M4V, MPG, MKV, and more. It can play virtually all media files on your Mac. Although it has some other special features, such as downloading online videos from YouTube and adjusting audio settings, they are not free and need to be upgraded.

Pros:

1. Play online videos without ads
2. Support embedded and external subtitles
3. Save and load playlist
4. Reset audio delay

Cons:

1. Consume major CPU
2. Might lose video quality when swiping back and forth
3. Only pro version allows to take screenshots

#6. 5KPlayer for Mac

Compatibility: OS X 10.8.0 or higher

5KPlayer is a mixture of free AirPlay media streamer, online video downloader, music player and movie player for Mac. All HD, 4K, 5K videos including MKV, MTS, AVCHD are supported. With AirPlay streaming tech, you can as AirPlay sender/receiver: stream video music from iPhone, iPad to PC or from PC to Apple TV. Although the best Mac video player lets you download videos from YouTube, Vimeo, Dailymotion, etc., the download process will be bit slower.

Pros:

1. Embedded copious codecs for playing different audio, video, and DVD.
2. No need to install additional codec or pack.
3. Import subtitle and switch soundtrack
4. Manage YouTube downloaded videos, DLNA server, and playlist in library

Cons:

1. Install Bonjour voluntarily without any hint when you need to make AirPlay work
2. The media player will get stuck when playing high resolution & long videos

#7. Realplayer for Mac

Compatibility: Mac OS X 10.9 or later

Realplayer can play all formats of videos. This best video player Mac is a universal media player that automatically recognizes the file format of the video or audio file you want to play. So you can count on it to reliably play the most popular audio and video file formats including AVI, MP4, MP3, WMA, WAV, FLV, MPEG, and more. It requires a fairly powerful machine for some functions. Several applications need to be installed in advance to launch the application properly.

Pros:

1. Offer several visualization ways for listening and locates your media files automatically.
2. Include handy downloading and conversion features that may benefit some users.

#8. DivX Player for Mac

Compatibility: Mac OS X 10.5.0 or above

DivX Player delivers high-quality video playback for AVI, DIVX, MKV, MP4, and more. It is the best video player Mac to watch DivX, MKV, and HEVC up to 4K films. You can use its built-in TransferWizard to burn videos to DVD/USB/computer. It also comes with DivX Codec Pack and a free 15-day trial of DivX Plus Converter for those who plan to convert.

Pros:

1. Support playing HD 720P/1080P, UHD 4K video movies
2. Open video directly with URL
3. Import video files into library

Cons:

Realplayer For Mac 10.6.8

1. Large installation file and install other software without permission
2. Poor compatibility with the latest system
3. Lack some key features, e.g. rewind and forward

#9. Movist Video Player for Mac

Compatibility: OS X 10.10.0 or late

Movist, based on QuickTime and FFmpeg, is another best media player for Mac. It has the ability to encode/decode a multitude of formats and add subtitles. You can do some general and advanced settings for better and convenient video playback. However, the new versions like 2.4.2, 2.4.3 are not free now, which charge $4.99 or $7.99 (Movist Pro). To get Movist free video player for Mac, you should install the old version like 0.6.8 or before.

Pros:

1. Simple to operate
2. Support playlist
3. Many customizable options

#10. NicePlayer for Mac

Compatibility: Mac OS X 10.5 or above

NicePlayer is the best Video Player for Mac with a multi-engine player designed for playing movies nicely. This program features full-screen or borderless floating windows, useful controls for scrubbing or queuing movies, and on-the-fly playlist creation.

Pros:

1. Lightweight and compatible with most formats
2. Can adjust the aspect ratio
3. Make a suitable presentation with the aid of toolbar (Half Size, Double Size, Fill Screen, Fill Width, etc.)

Cons:

1. Can’t handle AVI, MKV or MPG videos.
2. No support for subtitles and changing audio sources, etc.
3. Unable to play the videos by dragging it to the software
4. Not convenient to switch to another video

What is Media Player (Software)？

We often need the best media player for Mac, but before installing new software it is good to get some knowledge about it.

According to the explanation from Wikipedia, a media player (software) is a handy program that can help you play videos, music, movies, and other multimedia files on the computer. All media players display standard media control icons: play, pause, fast-forward, back forward, and stop buttons.

How to Use the Best Video Player for Mac?

All video players mentioned above are easy to use. Let's take Cisdem Video Player as an example:

Step 1. Download and install the best free video player for Mac, then launch it.

Step 2. Drag and drop the video file you wish to watch to the interface of the software.

Step 3. Click button to start video play on Mac.

How to Change the Default Video Player on Mac?

QuickTime Player is the default Mac media player. You can change it into the best video player for Mac you think.

Step 1. Locate the media file you wish to play.

Step 2. Right-click on it, a drop-down menu will appear.

Step 3. Choose “Open With” > “Other”, which brings up a dialog for selecting the application to open your media file.

Step 4. Choose your best media player Mac, check the box- “Always Open With”, and click on “Open”.

Conclusion

I deem that you already have the best media player for Mac in your mind, just download it on Mac and have a try if it is right the thing as you expected. Here I advise those who still feel a little confused to choose from, I push Cisdem Video Player for Mac in front of you. it gets more and more reputation and becomes a stable status among the market. 4K video, 5K/1080p HD videos, all of popular SD & HD standard video formats which other free video player tools unable to support, or add subtitle files, Cisdem Video Player for Mac can all fix it. What’s the best I enjoy, it offers crisp and clear visual image, I feel the video playing quite high quality.

“I just upgraded my computer to Windows 10, which the Windows Media Player is no longer available. I used Real Player old version 16 previously, should I update to Real Player 18 on Windows 10 as the default media player? What are the best alternatives?”

Real Player is more than a simple media player for Windows 10, it has advanced features to manage the videos, photos and music files with ease. What are the special features about Real Player? Just read on the article to get the detailed information about Real Player and alternatives.

Part 1: Real Player Review and Features

Real Player for Windows 10 is the ultimate media and video player for your PC. Whether you need to play audio, video, text, images, or even CD/DVD disc, it should be your right choice. You can also upload the videos on Real Player Cloud, which is able to play on Real Player APK on Android.

• 1. Save video to RealCloud storage. When you need to save some important video to cloud service, RealCloud is another advanced feature.
• 2. Keep the video private. It is available for the upgrade version to keep some selected videos private that only you can access them with a password.
• 3. Play and burn DVD/CD. The built-in DVD/CD burning software enables you to create CD and DVD of your favorite playlists with clicks.
• 4. Watch your videos on TV. Stream HD videos to your TV using Xbox One, Roku or Chromecast.

Real Player seems to be the all-in-one media player on Windows, but when you try to watch/convert the videos in HD, burn/play DVDs in theater mode, or upload more videos to RealCloud, you have to upgrade to upgrade to Real Player 18 Plus or Premium instead of take advantage of full features.

Realplayer Downloader For Windows 7

How to Play Videos with Real Player from Different Channels

If you just need to view the MP4 files on Real Player, you simply need to drag and drop the videos to the program. How to use Real Player to play Facebook videos, YouTube video and more? Here is the detailed process you should know.

Facebook Videos Library of Real Player

Download and install the latest Real Player. Then go to “Library” > “Facebook Video Library” and allow access to your account.

Make sure you have already accessed to Facebook. After that you can connect Real Player to Facebook account.

Once the Real Player detects the videos on Facebook, you can get a message with a “Fetching Latest Videos” message.

If you need to search for the desired Facebook video, you have to disable security features beforehand.

Download videos with Real Player

Launch the Real Player and subscribe the YouTube channel. Click the “More” button in the top right corner, then click the “Subscribe” button.

In order to download and save the videos to Real Player, you can click the “Download This Video” button that appears in the top right corner when you playback the video.

One you download the videos, you can directly play it on your computer or save to RealCloud.

Part 2: Top 6 Real Player Alternatives for Win/Mac

There is no doubt that Real Player is an excellent media player for Windows. Whether you need the cloud service, video playback, or even manage the media files. But if you do not want to upgrade to the Plus or Premium versions, there are lots of restrictions. Here are some free alternatives you can take into consideration.

Top 1: Free Blu-Ray Player – Enjoy All Video Files

Even you are using the Real Player, you are not able to play Blu-Ray discs/folders/ISO files. Not mention about the DRM protected DVDs and Blu-Ray discs. Free Blu-Ray Player is the ultimate media player that supports all video formats.

• 1. Support Blu-Ray, DVDs, HD videos, most of the video and audio formats.
• 2. Compatible with different audio channels and playing technologies.
• 3. Multiple screen modes with full, half, normal, double to enjoy the movies.
• 4. Capture the favorite snapshot while you watch the video files.

Excellent

Rating: 4.8 / 5 (153 Votes)

Top 2: Windows Media Player – Default Media Player for Win

If you want to enjoy common videos and DVDs on Windows 10 for free, Windows Media Player is the recommended solution. Although it is not available by default, you can still download the Real Player alternative from Windows Store without problem.

• Support most the video/audio file formats, DVD and unprotected files.
• Stream and sync digital multimedia files to another portable device.
• Browse a website for music, movies, TV, Internet Radio and more.
• Create playlists and synchronize with external devices.

Top 3: QuickTime Player – Default Media Player for Mac

QuickTime Player is the default media player limited to play video and audio files. If you do not need to watch DVDs, Blu-Ray movies, MPEG 2 or AC 3 files, you can explore some extra features within the Real Player for Mac alternative with ease.

• Record full screen or a region of Mac screen or connected iPhone.
• Convert WMV, AVI, MKV to QuickTime compatible format for playback.
• Select the desired languages and subtitles to playback of your videos.
• Use QuickTime Broadcast to stream live videos to a QuickTime server.

Realplayer For Mac free. download full Version

Top 4: VLC Media Player – Versatile Media Player for Win/Mac

VLC media player is another versatile cross platform video player as a Real Player alternative. It works most of the media files, audio CDs, DVDs, VCDs, ISO images, etc. Moreover, it is available on Windows, Mac, Android and iOS devices.

• Complete feature-set over the video, subtitle sync, video and audio filters.
• Support 0-copy on the GPU and can fallback on software when required.
• Stream over the media files via the Internet, such as YouTube movies.
• Advanced add-ons and plugins to make the program more powerful.

Top 5: GOM Player – Search for the Desired File Codec

What should be the best Real Player alternative if you want to play some special video formats? GOM Player is the media player that search for the missing codec, which you can view its properties and download the codec.

• Search the subtitles for movies and TV shows within search engines.
• Slide across to view the 360-degree videos by dragging the mouse.
• Control panel to tweak the brightness, contrast and saturation levels.
• Start/stop subtitles, control the volume, mirror files from a phone to a PC.

Top 6: KMPlayer – Full Packed Media and Video Player

KMPlayer has packed with all sorts of options and settings to explore all the features of the media player. The Real Player alternative has a built-in FFMPEG engine, which enables you playback all the video and audio files without problem.

• Support both 3D and Virtual-Reality playback in different settings.
• Full control over and tweak the video aspect ratio, time stretch and more.
• Adjust the audio sync and subtitle sync manually according to requirement.
• Convenient with alternative control the playback on the keyboard in a bid.

Part 3: FAQs of RealPlayer

1. Is RealPlayer safe to use?

It is safe to use RealPlayer as long as you download it from http://www.real.com or using the Check for Update function in the RealPlayer itself.

2. Does RealPlayer work with Windows 10?

Yes, the PC version of RealPlayer is compatible with Windows 10. You can feel free to download it to your Windows 10 from the official website.

3. Does RealPlayer work on Mac?

Yes. According to the official website, RealPlayer is available for Mac users. You can download it to your Mac and enjoy your memories.

4. What is the best video player for Mac?

AnyMP4 Blu-ray Player is the best video player for Mac. You can use this video player to play any format video like MP4, MOV, AVI, WMV, M4V, MTS, MKV, DivX, MXF and more. And it can play your DVD discs, DVD folders, DVD ISO files and IFO files. Fortunately, it also supports playing any Blu-ray disc, Blu-ray folder and ISO image file on your Mac. You can free download it and have a try.

Conclusion

Real Player is a great and versatile media player for Windows 10. You can find the RealCloud, media converter, CD burner and more other features within the program. But in order to take full advantage of the program, you have to subscribe the Plus or Premium version instead. The article also shares 6 frequently used media players for Windows and Mac as Real Player alternative for your reference.