Video codecs exist for several reasons. Some are better suited for compression purposes, while others are better when it comes to DRM, and the list goes on. Many are also defined by the devices they are best suited for. Android natively supports video codec standards including H.263, H.264 AVC, MPEG-4 SP, and VP8.
This means that, by default, mobile OS users will encounter issues if they download a native HEVC file from an iPhone user or try to view ProRes files from video shot with a camera. red. To help alleviate this problem, a host of third-party video players are available on the Play Store, and many are the best Android apps on the platform. So anyone looking to get the most out of their video files should definitely check out our handy list of the best video players available on Android in 2022.
VLC for Android – VideoLabs
There is no video player more widely used in the Windows crowd than VLC player. It doesn’t matter what video file users throw in it; the open source application supports MKV, MP4, MOV, AVI and Ogg files as well as others. Android users can get the same experience through the VLC app for Android. You also have the ability to stream video content from home networks, which means people with high capacity storage for videos on their desktop computer can stream easily. VLC is also great for listening to music as it has a built-in equalizer in addition to its playlist capabilities.
All Format Video Player – InShot Inc.
InShot Inc. is known for creating some of the most useful apps for social media content curators on Android, including YouCut, Photo Editor Pro, and Screen Recorder. The developer also caused a stir with Video Player All Format, formerly known as XPlayer. In addition to offering the ability to play many video and audio codecs, Video Player All Format also offers Android-specific features such as Chromecast support and the ability to play videos in a pop-up window for multitasking. Media controls are enhanced with the ability to change playback speed and zoom, and best of all, users who want to keep their videos private can set passwords for videos and albums to keep snoopers out. for real.
Although licensing issues prevent MX Player from officially supporting codecs such as DTS and AC3, it’s still a powerful media player with enough unique features to remain a top contender. Parents whose children tend to use their tablets and phones will be happy to know that the app has a child lock. This ensures that kids can watch videos through the app without accidentally making phone calls or switching to other apps. For those with a powerful enough phone like the Samsung Galaxy or Google Pixel, hardware acceleration and multi-core decoding ensure smooth playback of even the most demanding files. Due to the open source nature of the application, there are downloadable custom codecs if the standard codecs built into the application are not sufficient for your needs.
Playit – All in One Video Player – Playit Technology PTE
Playit-All in One Video Player supports a variety of audio and video codecs. However, there are many other useful features that Android users are sure to appreciate. This includes the ability to download videos directly from Facebook, Instagram, Dailymotion and Vimeo. Users looking to turn their favorite music video to MP3 can also easily do so with an in-app converter. Add the ability to share video or music files directly to other Android devices, and Playit-All is a must-have video player app.
aPlayer – Alpha Team
One of aPlayer’s strengths is the ability to play videos using Dolby Vision (among a host of other formats). The player can also detect and play videos from your browser. As for network capabilities, aPlayer can stream videos to Chromecast, FireTV and play videos from other devices via FTP. As for the app itself, there are various media controls, from equalizers to playback speed settings in addition to gesture inputs. aPlayer also offers a screen lock setting, perfect for those times when you’re too distracted to unlock the phone.
Video Player – Recorder and Music Apps
Video Player is an application that can handle a large amount of video and audio files through hardware acceleration, and you get subtitle support. When it comes to subtitle support, Video Player is compatible with a dozen formats. However, it also offers a robust audio equalizer if you want to use one player for all your media needs. There’s a five-band EQ that includes bass boost, 3D reverb effects, a visualizer, and ten audio presets. For videos, there’s even a pop-up tool for watching content while using other apps.
Archos Video Player – Archos SA
Archos Video Player can play various formats from internal storage of mobile device, media server or external USB storage. Depending on the video file, there is also automatic online retrieval of descriptions and posters. For people who want to keep their media consumption a secret, there’s also a private mode that won’t save playback history. Apart from existing as a free ad-supported app, there is also a paid version which unlocks even more features and removes those pesky ads.
Another ad-supported player on the list, there is a lot to enjoy with the basic version of BSPlayer. At the basic level, there is support for multi-core hardware acceleration to help reduce battery consumption alongside other features. There is an in-video customization tool to change the brightness, hue, contrast, and saturation. This means that if you want to watch your own monochrome version of The Avengers: Endgameit is possible to do it via BSPlayer.
Things to consider with video players
There are many things to consider when looking for the right video player. First, consider the difference between free, ad-based, and paid. Again, if you’re just looking to play a wide variety of formats, VCL Player comes highly recommended. Android users who have a ton of video content on their phone or tablet ready to keep their kids busy in the back seat should try an app like MX Player. Remember that it is better to choose one of the best Android phones or the best Android tablets powerful enough to play the most complex video codecs.
Then there are apps that are most useful for people who have a network set up with a mass storage drive for content streaming, like Archos Video Player. Overall, the priority of video players should be based on how one plans to consume their media, which can be a very personal thing, the very reason why today’s selection offers so many options, whatever your needs.