mpv-player/mpv
Free🎥 Command line media player
FreeFree tier
About mpv-player/mpv
mpv is a free (as in freedom) and open-source media player for the command line, supporting a wide variety of media file formats, audio and video codecs, and subtitle types. It uses shader-based video rendering and scaling, with optional hardware decoding via the --hwdec option. mpv is highly configurable through profiles and scripts, and runs on Linux, Windows 10+, and macOS 10.15+. It is actively maintained on GitHub with over 36,000 stars.
Key Features
Supports a wide variety of media file formats, audio/video codecs, and subtitle types
Shader-based video rendering and scaling for high-quality output
Hardware video decoding support via --hwdec option
Customizable through profiles, scripts, and on-screen controls (OSC)
Cross-platform: Linux, Windows 10+, macOS 10.15+
Extensive command-line options and scripting capabilities (user scripts)
Active development with 55,000+ commits on GitHub
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Free and open-source with no licensing restrictions
- Lightweight and fast on modern hardware
- Wide format and codec support out of the box
- Highly customizable via command line, config files, and scripts
- Active community and frequent updates (36k+ stars on GitHub)
Cons
- Steep learning curve due to command-line interface and configuration
- Hardware decoding not enabled by default, requires manual --hwdec flag
- Not optimized for low-power embedded GPUs; may cause tearing or stutter
- No official complete changelog; changes tracked via interface changelog
Best For
High-quality media playback on desktop systemsAutomated playback and scripting in media pipelinesTesting and previewing video/audio files and codecsBuilding custom media centers with script integrationLegacy hardware optimization via --profile=fast for smooth playback
FAQ
What are the system requirements for mpv?
A not too ancient Linux (latest releases), Windows 10 1607 or later, or macOS 10.15 or later. A somewhat capable CPU and a decent GPU are recommended. Hardware decoding is optional and must be enabled with --hwdec.
How can I install mpv?
Semi-official builds and third-party packages are available at mpv.io/installation. Source code is on GitHub.
Does mpv support hardware decoding?
Yes, but it must be explicitly enabled with the --hwdec option. It is not enabled by default to focus on high-quality shader-based rendering.
Is mpv suitable for low-power or integrated GPUs?
mpv's focus is not on power efficiency. On such GPUs, it is recommended to use --profile=fast for smooth playback. Tearing or stutter may occur otherwise.