10 Best Free Video Players for Windows 11 in 2026

Windows 11 comes with a basic media player, but it struggles with many video formats. If you've ever seen a "codec not found" error or tried to play an MKV file, you know the frustration. The good news is that several free video players handle virtually any format you throw at them.

We tested over 20 video players on Windows 11 to find the ones worth installing. Our criteria included format support, performance with 4K and HDR content, subtitle handling, and overall user experience. Here are the 10 best options available today.

1. VLC Media Player

VLC remains the most reliable video player for Windows 11. It plays almost every format without requiring additional codecs, including MKV, AVI, MP4, HEVC, and even obscure formats like OGM. The interface looks dated, but the playback engine is solid.

Key features include network streaming, subtitle synchronization, audio track switching, and basic video adjustments. VLC also handles 4K content well, though HDR support requires some manual configuration. The software is open source and receives regular updates.

Best for: Users who want a player that just works with any file.

2. mpv

mpv is a minimalist player built for quality. It uses modern video output drivers and supports hardware decoding out of the box. The interface is bare by design, with most controls accessed through keyboard shortcuts.

Where mpv excels is video quality. It handles HDR content natively and offers advanced scaling options like FSRCNNX and Anime4K for upscaling lower resolution content. Configuration happens through text files, which appeals to users who want precise control.

Best for: Power users and those who prioritize video quality over convenience.

3. PotPlayer

PotPlayer offers a balance between features and usability. The interface is customizable with skins, and the settings panel provides granular control without being overwhelming. It supports hardware acceleration for NVIDIA, AMD, and Intel GPUs.

The player includes built-in codecs, 3D video support, and excellent subtitle rendering. PotPlayer also handles streaming content and can capture video frames or audio. One downside is the installer includes optional software, so watch for checkboxes during setup.

Best for: Users who want extensive features with a polished interface.

4. MPC-HC (Media Player Classic Home Cinema)

MPC-HC was discontinued but continues through community forks like MPC-HC clsid2. The player is lightweight, fast, and maintains the classic Windows media player aesthetic. It integrates well with external codec packs if needed.

The software excels at playing local files with minimal resource usage. It supports DirectShow filters, allowing users to customize the rendering pipeline. MPC-HC works well on older hardware where heavier players might stutter.

Best for: Users with older PCs or those who prefer a lightweight traditional player.

5. KMPlayer

KMPlayer provides a feature-rich experience with support for 3D, 4K, and VR content. The player includes a built-in codec library and can download additional codecs automatically when needed. The interface offers multiple viewing modes and screen capture tools.

Recent versions added cloud connectivity and mobile device mirroring. The free version displays occasional ads, which some users find intrusive. A paid version removes these limitations.

Best for: Users who want VR and 3D support alongside standard playback.

6. GOM Player

GOM Player focuses on accessibility with features like automatic subtitle search and codec finder. When you open a file that requires a missing codec, GOM attempts to locate and install it automatically. The player also searches online databases for matching subtitles.

The interface is clean and straightforward. GOM includes a 360-degree video mode and supports playback speed adjustment. Like KMPlayer, the free version shows ads.

Best for: Users who frequently need subtitles or encounter uncommon formats.

7. SMPlayer

SMPlayer serves as a graphical frontend for mpv or MPlayer, making those engines more accessible. It remembers playback position for every file you watch, so you can resume exactly where you left off. The player also saves volume, subtitle track, and audio track preferences per file.

The YouTube browser integration lets you watch online videos without opening a web browser. SMPlayer offers multiple interface styles and works across Windows, Linux, and macOS with consistent behavior.

Best for: Users who want mpv quality with a traditional interface and playback memory.

8. 5KPlayer

5KPlayer combines video playback with media server functionality. It supports AirPlay receiving, so you can stream content from iOS devices to your Windows PC. The player handles 4K and HDR content and includes a built-in YouTube downloader.

The interface is modern and touch-friendly, fitting well with Windows 11. DLNA support allows streaming to smart TVs and other devices on your network. The software is free but occasionally prompts for registration.

Best for: Users in the Apple ecosystem who want AirPlay on Windows.

9. Kodi

Kodi is more media center than simple player, but its video playback capabilities are excellent. The software organizes your media library with metadata, artwork, and descriptions fetched automatically. Playback supports nearly every format through included FFmpeg libraries.

Add-ons extend functionality with streaming services, subtitle sources, and custom skins. Kodi works best with a remote control or from the couch, making it ideal for home theater setups. The learning curve is steeper than standalone players.

Best for: Users building a home theater PC or managing large media collections.

10. Windows Media Player (Legacy)

The legacy Windows Media Player still exists in Windows 11 and handles basic formats adequately. It integrates with the Windows library system and offers CD ripping. For users who only watch MP4 and common formats, it works without installing anything.

The player lacks modern codec support and struggles with MKV or HEVC files. Microsoft's newer Media Player app improves some aspects but still falls short of dedicated third-party options.

Best for: Users with basic needs who prefer not to install additional software.

How to Choose the Right Video Player

Your choice depends on what you value most:

- Format compatibility: VLC or PotPlayer handle virtually everything.

- Video quality: mpv offers the best rendering options.

- Low resource usage: MPC-HC runs well on any system.

- Media library: Kodi organizes and displays collections beautifully.

- Streaming features: 5KPlayer adds AirPlay and DLNA.

Most users find VLC sufficient. It installs quickly, plays everything, and requires no configuration. Those seeking better visual quality or specific features should explore mpv or PotPlayer.

A Note on Codecs

Modern video players include their own codecs, eliminating the need for codec packs like K-Lite. Installing system-wide codec packs can actually cause conflicts with some players. Stick with the player's built-in codecs unless you have a specific reason to add external ones.

For HEVC (H.265) content on Windows 11, Microsoft charges for their codec in the Store. All players listed here include HEVC support for free, making them practical choices for modern video files.