Android TV has become an increasingly popular platform for streaming and enjoying digital content on the big screen. Video players ensure compatibility with different file formats, allowing users to play videos in popular formats such as MKV, MP4, AVI, and more. This versatility is crucial for accommodating the diverse range of content available on the internet.
Video players for Android TV often support both streaming and local playback. Users can access content from online streaming services as well as play videos stored locally on their devices or networked storage.
Some video players offer customization options, allowing users to tailor settings according to their preferences. Features like gesture controls, playback speed adjustments, and audio equalizers enhance the user’s control over the viewing experience.
As of January 2022, Google reported that the Android TV OS had 110 million people actively using it each month. This marked a growth of 40 million users within a year, showing a roughly 35% increase in users compared to the previous year.
9to5Google
While there are several premium video players available, not everyone wants to shell out money for a subscription. Fortunately, some excellent free video players for Android TV offer a great viewing experience without breaking the bank. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore the top free video players for Android TV, highlighting their features, performance, and user interface.
The Best Video Players for Android TV Free in 2023
VLC for Android TV:
VLC Media Player has long been a favorite among users for its versatility and wide format support. The Android TV version is no exception. VLC for Android TV supports a vast array of video and audio formats, including popular ones like MKV, MP4, and FLAC. It also features a user-friendly interface that is easy to navigate with a TV remote. VLC’s robust set of features, including subtitle support and hardware acceleration, make it a top choice for users seeking a reliable and free video player.
Key Features:
- Wide format support, including MKV, MP4, and FLAC.
- User-friendly interface.
- Robust features like subtitle support and hardware acceleration.
- Versatile and reliable video player.
MX Player:
MX Player is another standout choice for Android TV users. Known for its smooth playback and intuitive interface, MX Player supports a wide range of video formats and codecs. One of its standout features is its hardware acceleration, which ensures smooth playback even for high-definition content. MX Player also supports gesture controls, allowing users to control playback with simple swipes. With subtitle support and a kid’s lock feature, MX Player is a feature-rich and free video player for Android TV.
Key Features:
- Smooth playback with hardware acceleration.
- Intuitive interface with gesture controls.
- Support for a wide range of video formats and codecs.
- Additional features like subtitle support and kid’s lock.
Kodi:
While Kodi is primarily known as a media center, it also functions as a powerful video player for Android TV. Kodi supports a variety of file formats and has a user-friendly interface that makes it easy to organize and access your media library. Its customizable nature allows users to enhance their experience with various add-ons and skins. Although Kodi may require some initial setup, its flexibility and robust features make it a compelling choice for those looking for a free and customizable video player on Android TV.
Key Features:
- Media center with powerful video playback capabilities.
- Customizable with various add-ons and skins.
- Supports a variety of file formats.
- Initial setup required for customization.
Plex:
Plex is a comprehensive media streaming platform that includes a free video player for Android TV. While Plex offers a premium subscription with additional features, the free version provides an excellent video playback experience. Plex organizes your media library with rich metadata, making it easy to navigate and discover content. It supports a wide range of file formats and allows for remote access to your media library, making it a versatile choice for users who want to stream their content from different devices.
Key Features:
- Comprehensive media streaming platform.
- Organizes media library with rich metadata.
- Supports remote access to the media library.
- The free version offers an excellent video playback experience.
PlayerXtreme Media Player:
PlayerXtreme is a lesser-known gem among free video players for Android TV. It supports a wide range of file formats, including 4K videos, and offers a simple and intuitive interface. PlayerXtreme also stands out for its ability to play content from various sources, including local storage, networked devices, and online streaming. With features like subtitle support and easy file sharing, PlayerXtreme is a reliable and user-friendly free video player.
Key Features:
- Supports a wide range of file formats, including 4K videos.
- Simple and intuitive interface.
- Plays content from various sources, including local storage and online streaming.
- Features like subtitle support and easy file sharing.
Nova Video Player:
Nova Video Player is a lightweight and efficient video player for Android TV. It supports a wide range of video formats, including popular ones like MKV, MP4, and AVI. One of its notable features is the ability to play videos directly from a ZIP file, eliminating the need to extract files before playback. Nova Video Player also includes subtitle support, making it a versatile choice for users who prefer a straightforward and no-nonsense video player.
Key Features:
- Lightweight and efficient video player.
- Supports a wide range of video formats.
- Plays videos directly from ZIP files.
- Includes subtitle support.
Archos Video Player:
Archos Video Player is a robust media player that caters to both local and networked content. It supports a variety of video and audio formats and is known for its user-friendly interface. Archos Video Player features automatic retrieval of movie and TV show metadata, providing a visually appealing library. It also supports streaming from UPnP/DLNA devices, making it a convenient choice for users with a networked media setup.
Key Features:
- Supports local and networked content.
- Retrieves movie and TV show metadata for a visually appealing library.
- UPnP/DLNA streaming support.
- User-friendly interface.
BSPlayer:
BSPlayer is a feature-rich video player that offers hardware-accelerated playback for smooth performance. It supports a wide range of file formats, and its interface is designed to be user-friendly on Android TV. BSPlayer stands out with its customizable playback speed and aspect ratio, giving users more control over their viewing experience. The app also includes subtitle support and the ability to stream content over Wi-Fi.
Key Features:
- Feature-rich with hardware-accelerated playback.
- Customizable playback speed and aspect ratio.
- Supports a wide range of file formats.
- Subtitle support and Wi-Fi streaming.
XPlayer:
XPlayer is a straightforward and reliable video player for Android TV. It supports a variety of video formats, and its interface is designed for easy navigation with a remote control. XPlayer includes features such as hardware acceleration, background playback, and gesture controls for volume and brightness. It also supports streaming from DLNA devices, adding to its versatility as a free video player.
Key Features:
- Straightforward and reliable video player.
- Supports various video formats.
- Gesture controls for volume and brightness.
- DLNA streaming support.
HD Video Player:
HD Video Player is a simple yet effective video player that focuses on delivering high-definition playback. It supports popular video formats and includes features like subtitle support and gesture controls. The app’s minimalist interface makes it easy to use, and it’s designed to consume fewer system resources, ensuring smooth playback even on less powerful Android TV devices.
Key Features:
- Focuses on high-definition playback.
- Supports popular video formats.
- Minimalist interface for easy use.
- Low system resource consumption.
OPlayer – Video Player All Format:
OPlayer is a versatile video player that supports a wide range of formats, including 4K videos. It features a clean and intuitive interface, making it easy to organize and play your media files. OPlayer also supports streaming from various sources, including UPnP/DLNA and FTP servers, adding flexibility to your media playback options. The app includes subtitle support and allows users to customize playback settings for an optimal viewing experience.
Key Features:
- Versatile video player with 4K support.
- Clean and intuitive interface.
- Streaming support from UPnP/DLNA and FTP servers.
- Customizable playback settings and subtitle support.
Conclusion:
Choosing the best free video player for your Android TV ultimately depends on your specific needs and preferences. Whether you prioritize format compatibility, customization options, or a user-friendly interface, the options listed above provide a diverse range of features. Experiment with a few of them to find the one that best suits your requirements and enjoy a high-quality video playback experience on your Android TV, without spending a dime.
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