Want a no-frills player that still renders video beautifully? mpv shows only a small control bar over the picture, yet plays almost any file, codec or subtitle you throw at it.
On-screen controller and playback
mpv keeps its visible controls minimal: the on-screen controller overlays the video with basic playback controls. For more direct control, users can operate the player from the command line, and scripts can extend its behavior.
Subtitles work whether they sit in a separate file or are embedded in the video.
Video output and decoding
Video output can use OpenGL, Vulkan, or D3D11. mpv also provides high-quality scaling options, color management, frame timing, interpolation, and HDR support.
GPU-based hardware decoding is off by default but can be switched on at any time during playback.
Scripts and playback workflows
Scripts can automate or customize player behavior, and a community collection of user scripts offers additional ways to tailor playback. mpv is also designed to work as a library through its C API, allowing developers to integrate the player into other applications.
For everyday viewing, open media in the player and use the on-screen controls for basic playback. Command-line options and scripts provide additional control for users who want to configure how mpv handles media.
Pros
- Plays a broad range of media formats, codecs, and subtitle types
- Offers OpenGL, Vulkan, and D3D11 video output
- Includes shader-based scaling, color management, and HDR support
- Supports scripts and runtime-enabled hardware decoding
Cons
- No settings window; most options are changed through config files or the command line
System requirements: Windows 10, Windows 11
Does mpv support subtitles?
Yes. mpv supports a wide range of subtitle types, including subtitles embedded in media.
Can mpv use hardware video decoding?
Yes. It is off by default and can be turned on during playback.
Can mpv be customized with scripts?
Yes. Scripts can extend or customize player behavior, and user scripts are available.
