12 Best MP4 Players for Windows and Mac

Why I picked it: VLC plays MP4 files right out of the box, without any additional downloads or complicated settings.

I’ve used VLC Media Player for years on both Windows and macOS, and it’s one of those rare apps that just never lets you down. Created by the nonprofit VideoLAN, it’s open-source and works on nearly any device – desktop or mobile, 32-bit or 64-bit. It opens almost anything I throw at it: MP4s, old MPEG-2 files, even random streams. The interface looks bare-bones at first, but dig into the menus and you’ll find tools like subtitle sync and filters for tweaking sound or image quality. What really stands out is how often it’s updated – bugs vanish, and new formats just work. No ads, no tracking, just clean performance.

Why I picked it: KMPlayer can play MP4s in high quality without additional codecs, and the built-in controls for sound, subtitles, and playback speed make it easy to fine-tune every video.

I installed KMPlayer both on Windows and on Android to see how it handles MP4 files, and right off the bat, it opened each and every MP4 that I threw at it without requiring any extra codec installs, thanks to its built-in support. It handled high resolutions (4K/8K) smoothly and let me capture video or screenshot frames while tweaking audio and video controls. I noticed the interface supports over 23 other languages, which made it especially convenient on mobile. What gives pause: ads appear in the main interface (pop-ups or sidebars) and on older PCs heavy MP4 files taxed the system. It’s a strong pick for MP4 playback if you’re okay with a bit of ad-baggage and a machine that can keep up.

Why I picked it: QuickTime Player plays MP4s beautifully on macOS. Quick and seamless, with edits that are easily done without the clutter of extra features.

I use QuickTime Player for MP4 and MOV files on macOS, and its smooth and reliable operation is simply what's expected from Apple. It plays them without any problem, while the simple built-in toolset allows me to trim, split, or rotate clips, and even record my screen right from it with no extra setup. On macOS, it stays tightly integrated into the system and quietly improves with each OS update. On Windows, though, Apple ended official support – the last version (7.7.9) no longer gets security updates, so it’s best treated as legacy software. Still, for Mac users, QuickTime remains a clean, free, and straightforward choice for MP4 playback and light video editing.

Why I picked it: MPC-HC plays MP4 files flawlessly even on older Windows machines, staying light, fast, and completely free of clutter.

I’ve tried Media Player Classic-Home Cinema on several Windows PCs, including older ones, and it remains one of the most reliable MP4 players out there. This free, open-source player runs smoothly, even on aging hardware, playing files such as MP4, MKV, AVI, and MOV without any issues. The interface is plain but fast, with no ads or frivolous extras to bog it down. Although official development stopped back in 2017, the community keeps unofficial builds alive and surprisingly stable. With no new flashy features, for those who like their stuff lean, compatible, and above all, fast, MPC-HC remains a quiet workhorse that just keeps doing its job.

Why I picked it: RealPlayer lets me stream MP4 videos straight to my TV, and keeps my private clips safely locked behind a PIN.

I tried RealPlayer on Windows and was surprised to find out how polished it has become. This viewer plays MP4 files smoothly, handles HD playback without stuttering, and lets you organize your video library with ease. This latest version, RealPlayer 24, feels faster and more responsive while having a modern interface that finally looks up to date. I especially liked the option to stream videos straight to a TV through Chromecast, Roku, or Xbox – a nice bonus for anyone watching from the couch. There’s even a private mode where you can lock certain clips behind a PIN, which makes sense for personal or family videos.

Why I picked it: GOM Player supports remote control from my phone, and offers advanced playback options.

I found GOM Player surprisingly versatile for MP4 playback on Windows. Developed by the Korean company GOM Lab (“Gretech Online Movie Player”), it supports over a hundred video formats, including MKV, AVI, and, of course, MP4. It even handles 360-degree videos with ease. I especially liked the fact that the companion app, GOM Remote, allowed me to control the playback from my phone-adjusting the volume, pausing, or switching subtitles without touching the keyboard. The latest versions add D3D11 rendering and a D3D11 Super Resolution option that noticeably sharpens image quality. GOM Player comes in two editions: a free one with ads and GOM Player Plus, which removes them and unlocks extra features.

Why I picked it: PotPlayer fixes sync issues on the fly, and gives me full control over playback without needing any extra codecs.

I installed PotPlayer on Windows in order to test its capability with MP4 playback, and it turned out to be one of the most capable players I have tried out so far. Developed by South Korean company Kakao, this media file reader comes with built-in codecs and supports hardware acceleration via DXVA, CUDA, and QuickSync to keep CPU usage impressively low. It opens almost any format, from MP4 and MKV to AVI, and offers precise subtitle support for SMI, SRT, and ASS/SSA files. I also liked the handy capture tools for screenshots and video snapshots. The player is free for personal use, available only on Windows. The bottom line is that with endless customization options, PotPlayer is ideal for advanced users, although its depth might be a bit overwhelming for beginners.

Why I picked it: Elmedia plays MP4 with no hitches in macOS and makes streaming to a TV an easy affair without overcomplicating it.

I tested Elmedia Player on macOS for playing MP4 and found the player to provide a smooth and reliable experience. It opened MP4, MOV, and various other less common formats without incident, supporting subtitles and variable playback speed, with audio track synchronization. The latest update fixed crashes related to streaming and generally improved Chromecast and Roku compatibility. In particular, I liked that this lightweight player can actually stream videos straight to your TVs via DLNA, AirPlay, or Chromecast-a rare find in such players. Elmedia is a freemium application: the free version covers all the needs one would have for simple viewing, while the PRO version opens up streaming control and A-B looping for power users.

Why I picked it: Cisdem MP4 Video Player runs on both Mac and Windows, playing MP4 files in high quality without extra codecs or complicated setup.

On both Mac and Windows, Cisdem MP4 Video Player runs smoothly; it handles MP4, MKV, and MOV without lag or crashes. There's built-in support for dozens of video and audio formats, so no external codecs are needed. The interface feels clean and intuitive, but it's still practical, with tools like multiple audio tracks, subtitle options, and playback speed control. According to the official site, it even handles 8K videos with no buffering.

Why I picked it: I picked DivX Player because it plays MP4 files in excellent quality and makes it easy to cast videos to my TV without needing extra software.

DivX Player runs on both Windows and macOS and delivers consistently smooth playback for MP4, MKV, AVI, and other major formats, including HEVC and DIVX. I tried the latest version, DivX 11, and it now bundles all former Pro features into the free edition – no upgrade required. The app also includes “DivX Optimized” automatic codec tuning, which noticeably improves performance and stability. One of its standout perks is the built-in casting function, letting you stream videos directly to Chromecast, gaming consoles, or other compatible devices using “DivX To Go.” With a cleaner layout and reliable performance across platforms, DivX Player remains a solid, high-quality choice for anyone watching MP4s on desktop or TV.

Why I picked it: Emby Premiere lets me organize and stream my MP4 library through my own server, download videos to my phone, and watch everything offline without losing quality.

I set up Emby on my PC as a personal media server and used it to stream MP4 files to my phone and smart TV – playback was smooth and the setup surprisingly intuitive once configured. Emby works as a client–server system, so you host your media on your own machine and access it through connected apps. With the Emby Premiere license, I unlocked Live TV and DVR support, offline downloads, and streaming to consoles and TVs. The Download & Sync feature stood out – it lets you save videos in optimized quality for mobile viewing and then resync them automatically when your server reconnects. Emby offers a free version with limited features and paid plans for full functionality.

Why I picked it: 5KPlayer plays MP4 videos (and other formats) in high resolution with hardware acceleration, and also lets me stream media to other devices without needing multiple separate apps.

5KPlayer is a free media player for Windows and macOS designed for MP4 and high-resolution playback. The latest version (v6.10) brings improved YouTube download handling and bug fixes. It supports formats like MP4, MKV, AVI and up to 8K resolution playback via hardware-acceleration. It also offers DLNA/AirPlay streaming and built-in video downloading, making it a versatile choice for modern media use.

The MP4 players above, whether free or not, will undoubtedly suit your needs. There are many high-quality MP4 players on the internet. That said, you may have some specific questions on how to get the most out of your MP4 player. For instance, you may have a video file and want to convert it from one format to another but may not necessarily know how to do so.

Luckily, this is a fairly easy task. To illustrate how easy it is, we would like to show you how to convert your files using Movavi Video Converter. Movavi Video Converter is our easy-to-use software that allows for the lightning-fast conversion of any video, photo, or digital media files.

1. Add the file to the program. Simply drag it into the working area within Movavi Video Converter.
2. Select the output format. It can be AVI, MOV, or something else.
3. Click Convert. In a moment, your file will be converted automatically.

This simple, three-step process makes it easy and seamless to convert any file that you have into something else.

File conversion is just one of the many features included in Movavi Video Converter. You can also easily edit your clips and add high-quality effects to make your videos beautiful. You can download the software for free, and we are certain that you will be satisfied with your experience.

Picking the right MP4 player is a bit like finding your favorite café – it should feel easy to use and naturally fit your routine. For Windows 10 or Windows 11, VLC Media Player remains the most dependable choice – it opens fast and handles almost every format while keeping the viewing experience free of ads. Prefer a lighter setup? MPC-HC keeps things simple and works wonders even for older PCs.

For users who like fine-tuning playback, PotPlayer offers deep customization and hardware acceleration. Mac owners will appreciate Elmedia Player for its clean interface, while 5KPlayer suits those who enjoy streaming from desktop to TV.

After testing them all, I found that the best MP4 player is the one that feels invisible – it just plays your videos and stays out of the way.