Although iPad is on top nowadays, its standard video player has several disadvantages:
• it plays only MP4 and H.264;
• it supports only hard subtitles;
• it doesn’t support multiple audio tracks.
But if subtitles and multiple track support can be of no use to those who ain’t learning a foreign language, the idea of converting every single video to MP4 is definitely not included in my “perfect weekend” scene and leaves me flatly aghast. Fortunately, I am not the only one who thinks the same way so now we have plenty of third-party video players both paid and free. Some of them are really bang-up; others belong to a “must forget” group. Let’s find out which of free ones are worth installing on our Apple gadgets.
SEE ALSO: What are MKV Files & How to Play them on Various Devices?
I chose 5 video players mentioned in the pic below and 6 video files for a program quality test:
• AVI 640×360, XVID codec. 1 audio track, no subtitles;
• FLV 640×360, Google VP80 codec. 1 audio track, no subtitles;
• MKV 1280×720, H.264 codec. 3 audio tracks. Italian and English subtitles;
• WMV 856×480, WMV3 codec. 1 audio track, no subtitles;
• MP4 HD 1920×1080, H.264 codec. 1 audio track, no subtitles;
• Webm 638×360, Google VP80 codec. 1 audio track, no subtitles.
OPlayer Lite
A really good video player for iPad, iPhone, iPod Touch made by Jonathan Young. This application showed one of the best results both for audio and video playback for all the files. OPlayer Lite plays almost all possible movie and audio file formats like AVI, WMV, MKV, FLV, MPG, MP4, Webm, VOB, MP3, WMA, WAV, OGG, FLAC etc. Subtitles support is also available for free for hard and prerendered subs in SMI, ASS, SUB, SRT, TXT and many other formats (learn how to add subtitles to a video here). The player has also a multiple audio track support, so you can easily change your audio without any pauses. As for the interface it can be a bit difficult at the beginning, but you’ll need just a couple of minutes to make it clear. One more thing to mention is that Oplayer has a built-in browser with download feature so you can easily save the media you like.
Pros:
• most audio & video formats support;
• multiple audio track support;
• subtitles support;
• multiple language support;
• ability to change aspect ratio;
• a built-in browser;
• a built-in downloader;
• resume function.
Cons:
• ads in Lite version;
• complex interface.
OPlayer Lite
HD Player
An application created by Khoa Tran Anh for iPad, iPhone and iPod Touch users. HD player promised to be interesting but test results left much to be desired. It provides pretty good playback quality but can play free only native iPad formats, AVI, and MPG. If you want to watch MKV, FLV, WMV movies be ready to pay $1.99. Not a good deal I should say. Besides, my AVI file kept freezing up almost every time I jumped forward or backward.
Pros:
• user-friendly interface;
• background mode;
• password protection for private videos;
• resume function.
Cons:
• hardsubs support only;
• no multiple audio track support;
• $1.99 for a special pack to play MKV, FLV, WMV.
HD Player
viPlay Lite
Created by Oleksandr Smeshkov viPlay has quickly become one of my favorite applications. A beautiful but at the same easy-to-use interface includes live backgrounds, variety of styles and visual effects. The supported video formats are AVI, MKV, MP4, MOV, MPG, WMV, VOB, 3GP, FLV, OGG, Webm etc. I really enjoyed working with this application. It easily plays prerendered subtitles and various audio tracks that you can switch between on the fly. The program has only one big disadvantage: lite version allows you to watch only 3 first files from your media library. So if you are among those who prefer to keep all the episodes of your favourite series with you, you’ll have to spend $2.99 or chose another program. As for me I put my money in Mr Smeshkov’s piggy bank and I’ve never regretted.
Pros:
• subtitles support;
• multiple audio track support;
• FullHD support for QuickTime formats;
• user-friendly interface;
• no ads;
• resume function.
Cons:
• only 3 video available in Lite version.
viPlay Lite
You can also use 8Player by the same developer for additional features like:
• media streaming from any compatible server;
• remote control;
• music playlist creation.
Flex:player (UPD: not available anymore)
A player developed by Persona Software, LLC that is also compatible with iPhone and iPod Touch. Among supported formats are: AVI, MPEG, VOB, MKV, MP4 and MOV, FLV and even Webm. However, WMV format is not included in the list and my video file simply froze up. Looks a bit sad because WMV is quite popular among Windows users. Apart from it flex player showed good results for audio and video playback and can be recommended for everyday use but in entertainment purposes only.
Pros:
• user-friendly interface;
• no ads;
• HD quality support for QuickTime formats up to 1280×720;
• resume function.
Cons:
• no multiple audio track support;
• hard subtitles (hardsubs) only;
• no WMV support.
VM Player Lite
A product of Velestar Private Enterprise – VM player Lite supports both popular and rare audio and video formats among which are AVI, MKV, MOV, MP4, FLV, VOB, MPG, WMV, Webm, ANM, SOX, WTV, TMV ; MP3, ACC, WMA, AC3, WAV, OGG, FLAC, ALS, WS, SIPR, IMC etc. VM Player showed a good quality of video&audio playback but a big banner kept on distracting my attention and drove me rather bonkers. Moreover in Lite version you’ll face a couple of annoying size and duration limitations that did not allow me to watch my MKV file. The interface looks quite comprehensible and austere. The player can download your e-mail attachments though I’m not sure this is what a media player needs.
Pros:
• thumbnail for video files;
• resume function;
• easy-to-use interface.
Cons:
• ads in Lite version;
• Lite version doesn’t support files bigger than 1024mb;
• Lite version doesn’t support movies longer than 1:30:00;
• hardsubs support only;
• no multiple audio track support.
VM Player Lite
As you see I’ve tried to observe those functions you could need 24/7 wherever you are, so no streaming or TV out features were taken into consideration, since I really doubt you need them while traveling. Looking through the test results right now I should say that I’ve already made up my mind what player to choose, and what about you?
If you are to choose the right iPhone audio player, check our post about best alternative players for iPhone.
