Best Mac Media Players in 2023

Choosing the right media player for your Mac can make a big difference in the enjoyment and functionality of your media playback experience. While QuickTime Player is preinstalled and works well for most users, it does lack support for some video formats and may not include all the features you need. That's why many users prefer using other media players that offer a wider range of options and better functionality.

Popular Media Players for Mac

One of the most popular alternatives to QuickTime Player is VLC Player. VLC is almost universal, supporting nearly all audio and video file types, but it might not be as user-friendly as some other options. Here are some other media player alternatives that you might consider:

MPV Platform

The MPV platform is ideal for online movie and series watching as it supports a wide range of video formats. However, it does not play audio-only files, which could be a limitation for some users.

5KPlayer

5KPlayer is unique in that it plays both audio and video files. It's the simplest of the options mentioned here, offering minimal necessary options, making it user-friendly and easy to use.

Vox Platform

The Vox platform is exclusively for audio files, providing an unlimited amount of storage space for music. It also includes several equalizers that can be customized to suit different listening preferences.

OmniPlayer

OmniPlayer is perfect for browsing YouTube videos and casting to devices like Roku, Samsung Smart TVs, or Smart TVs. It supports a multitude of video and audio formats and can be easily downloaded from the App Store. A detailed video about this player is available here.

Choosing the Right Player

No single media player is perfect for every user. Depending on the type of content you want to play, you might find that using a combination of two or three of the above players is the best solution. For example, I switch between OmniPlayer and the Vox platform, and occasionally use the classic VLC player.

If you're still unsure which media player is right for you, this Reddit discussion might offer some additional insights and help you make a decision.