SMPlayer
Ricardo Villalba
SMPlayer is a free and open-source media player for Windows, Linux, and Mac OS with built-in codecs. It supports a wide range of video and audio formats without requiring external codecs. SMPlayer remembers your settings for each file and offers advanced features like subtitle download, YouTube playback, and customizable interface.
User Sentiments
Top Likes
- Plays almost all video and audio formats
- Built-in codecs, no need for external packs
- Remembers playback settings for each file
- Subtitle search and download
- Customizable interface and themes
Top Dislikes
- Default interface looks dated
- Can trigger antivirus warnings during download
- Screenshot feature unavailable
Popular Comments
AnyMP4 - Review
2024-08-19
SMPlayer is an open-source media player software that is free to download and developed solely for accessible use. This tool is on par with other video player tools in terms of efficiency and ease of use. However, its customizability, video filters, and playback engine are what separates it from the competition.
Softonic Review
2024-09-05
SMPlayer is a graphical interface for MPlayer, enabling seamless playback of various audio and video formats without requiring additional codec downloads. It not only encompasses the key functionalities of MPlayer but also introduces new features that enhance user experience.
VideoHelp User
2025
SMPlayer is a free media player for Windows, Linux and MacOS with built-in codecs that can play virtually all video and audio formats. It doesn't need any external codecs. Just install SMPlayer and you'll be able to play all formats without the hassle to find and install codec packs.
Reddit User - macos
2025-02-10
I've been used SMPlayer for many years on Linux, Windows and now tryed to use it in MacOS but it looks not native at all…
MouthShut.com User - hema devi
2016-02-02
It have resume facility too while vlc dont have it. SM Player is the most lightweight, stable and flexible audio and video player...Player is quite simply the best multimedia application for Windows, Linux and Mac.
LinuxInsider - Review
2012-02-01
SMPlayer is definitely on the fast track in its ability to pack features that simplify and enhance audio and video playback quality...SMPlayer keeps track of my preferences for every file played. This means I never have to refiddle with playback position, subtitles settings, audio track, filters, volume or equalizer settings.
Detailed Review
SMPlayer is a versatile, free, and open-source media player available for Mac, Windows, and Linux operating systems. It distinguishes itself by utilizing built-in codecs, eliminating the need for users to download external codec packs to play various video and audio formats. Based on the powerful MPlayer and mpv engines, SMPlayer offers a comprehensive playback experience with a focus on user-friendliness and customization.
Standout Features
- Broad Format Support: Plays virtually all video and audio formats thanks to its built-in codecs, including AVI, MP4, MKV, MPEG, and more. It also supports HD Blu-ray videos.
- Remembers Settings: Uniquely remembers playback settings for every file you play. This includes the position where you left off, selected audio track, subtitles, volume, and applied filters.
- Subtitle Management: Offers robust subtitle support, including loading subtitle files (SRT, SUB, SSA, DVD subtitles), embedded subtitles, and searching/downloading subtitles from OpenSubtitles.org. Users can also customize subtitle appearance.
- YouTube Playback: Integrated YouTube support allows users to play YouTube videos directly within SMPlayer.
- Customizable Interface: Features a skinnable interface, allowing users to change the look and feel of the player.
- Advanced Playback Options: Provides variable speed playback, frame-by-frame navigation, audio and video filters, and a video equalizer to adjust brightness, contrast, hue, saturation, and gamma.
- Audio and Video Filters: Includes various filters like deinterlace, denoise, and karaoke-like voice removal to enhance the viewing and listening experience.
- Chromecast Support: Supports casting to Chromecast devices (requires Google Chrome/Chromium and webfs package).
Conclusion
SMPlayer is a highly capable media player for Mac users seeking a free, feature-rich, and customizable application. Its ability to play almost any media format out of the box, remember playback settings, and offer advanced features like subtitle management and YouTube integration makes it a strong contender in the media player landscape. While the default interface might appear a bit dated to some, its customizability allows users to adjust its appearance. For users who need a reliable player that "just works" with a vast array of media formats and offers advanced control, SMPlayer is an excellent choice. However, users very sensitive to UI aesthetics might find other players with more modern default interfaces more appealing initially.