For several years it is not unknown to anyone that the mobile phone replaced computers in terms of audiovisual content consumption . That is why the manufacturers of these increasingly endow them with larger screens, exceeding 5 ″ and with resolutions that sooner rather than later will end up reaching the desired 4K.
Obviously, an indispensable element to have a good experience is the media player that better than the one you already have preinstalled. There are currently many high-level players, both free and paid, on the mobile platform , so you won’t have a problem with one that suits your needs.
To help you choose, we have prepared this guide so you know what you should consider when choosing the ideal player, and a list with the best 15 apps to play videos on Android devices .
Index:
What kind of video formats are compatible with these video players for Android phones and tablets?
Throughout the history of computing, multiple video formats have been developed, and will continue to do so as the image quality improves. This forces the players to constantly update themselves to support each of them. Currently, the most common are:
MP4
This is possibly the most popular video format in the world. It is an evolution of the classic MP2 , which allows the integration of audio and moving images into the same file. This was created by a group of experts from the ISO (International Organization for Standardization) and the IEC (International Electrotechnical Commission) called Moving Picture Experts Group.
That is why when it was launched in 1998, it was established as an international standard for the distribution of audiovisual material . In relation to its predecessor, this allows the integration of lighter audiovisuals, which makes storage easier. In addition, it supports more audio channels.
AVI
This format has its origins in 1992 , when Microsoft developed it to compete with the classic MP2 of DVDs, giving consumers a video alternative without needing to a physical support This became popular because it is cross-platform, and can be viewed on a DVD / Blu-Ray player, computers and other equipment of the time.
Among its virtues is the ability to integrate several audio and video codecs, without the final file being very heavy . In this sense, it was for years the best format in relation to quality-weight of the file until the appearance of MP4. However, this remains one of the most used in the world, especially by content creators for platforms like YouTube .
MKV
This is a format created in 2002 as an open source project completely free of paying copyright. MKV are a reference to Matroska, the traditional Russian dolls. This is because, like these dolls, this type of files houses other types of formats inside .
But the most interesting thing is that it manages to integrate them while maintaining quality and reducing weight considerably, which is why it is widely used in the film industry.
MOV
This format was developed by Apple for the QuickTime player of its MacOS computers . In fact, it is still the principal of this program. This integrates multiple audio and video codecs, although in this case the files end up being somewhat heavy, so currently the company has chosen to lean to use MP4.
* Note: There are other formats such as DIVX, ASX, WMV, M4V, DAT, IFO, VOB or 3GP , but these are not as common as those mentioned above . But fortunately, these players also have support for them.
Main features to be the best app to play video and audio on Android
Before showing you the list of the best players, we want to share with you a series of features that the player you choose should have to make sure it is the best of all. Otherwise it will be as if you were using the tool that is factory installed on your mobile and the idea is to improve what you already have.
Connectivity
The world is becoming smarter. First they were the mobiles, but we already have televisions, vacuum cleaners, toasters, refrigerators, air conditioning equipment, and a long list of intelligent equipment. That is why an important feature of any player is that we can synchronize it with our TV Box, Chromecast and even with the smartwatch .
Formats
Obviously, it is essential that the player we choose is capable of supporting all existing audio and video formats . With this we can be calm when downloading the content because regardless of the type of file we can view it.
Subtitles
This is basic if you want to watch series and movies in their original audio. Many free players do not have a function to generate subtitles if the file does not contain them .
Streaming
When you give a player the ability to sync to play content from Streaming platforms , you turn it into a multimedia center.
This is what the modern user needs, an interface where he can watch videos online or offline. Therefore, make sure that the app you choose allows you to view content from platforms such as YouTube or Netflix .
Organization
Having a player just to see the content is to waste it. We must look for an app that has organizational potential and allows us to access all content from it in an orderly way . Personalization is also important in this regard, so you should also be able to allow us to create custom playlists without a problem.
Background playback
If you review the comments on the application download websites to play video, you will notice that what they demand most is to be able to do something else while the video is playing. For example, if you are watching something and an SMS or WhatsApp arrives, that to answer it you do not have to leave the app completely and restart playback . Instead, keep the player running in the background and after responding you can continue where you were.
Battery saving
Finally, it is important that the player does not consume much battery . The simple fact of watching videos usually downloads the mobile, so it is important to have a player optimized in this regard to have more autonomy and save mobile battery .
Obviously, it is difficult to find a player that meets absolutely all these features , but the ones on the list that we will present make a good attempt worth considering, besides being the best there is.
List of the 15 best applications to watch videos on Android compatible with all formats
Here are the 15 best video players for Android , or at least those that are closest to cover all the features we mentioned before. Some of these are free and very complete, while others are paid.
Media Player
A fairly simple player that although it has few functions, all runs perfectly. To start, you can read content in 4K, although depending on your mobile, you can only play them in HD .
On the other hand, there is the fact that with it you can consume online content , and it has multiple controls to have total control over the reproduction. Play all the formats used in Android operating systems, and is compatible with virtually all current devices, provided they have Android 4.1 or higher.
MX Player
Many are not lovers of this player because its free version has too many ads that interrupt the reproductions and damage the experience. Despite this, with it you will have access to multiple tools such as subtitle management or hardware acceleration so that your device goes faster during playback. The paid version costs just over 6Eur, and the only thing you get with it is to eliminate advertising altogether .
VLC Media Player
This player takes all the applause wherever it is mentioned. While its mobile version is not as powerful as the desktop , it perfectly meets the needs of the modern video consumer.
For starters, it has support for basically all video formats and subtitles, as well as the drivers needed to change the audio language if the file allows. All this without forgetting the fact of being able to reproduce everything in the best possible quality . Its interface is simple to use because of how intuitive it is, so you won’t have trouble handling it.
KM Player
The fame it has comes from the fact that it is based on the open source VLC . In computers it is an excellent alternative, but the mobile version is not so presumable. The biggest problem it has is with audio codecs, which are quite limited.
Beyond that, can play almost all existing formats on Android and do so in 1080p HD quality . Although the most interesting is undoubtedly its ability to reproduce in the background with a resizable screen, something that not everyone presumes on this list.
GOM Player
This is one of the new ones on the market that has earned the trust of millions of users for its power and unique features. One of them is its ability to play 360 ° videos , which no other Android player has. You just have to open the file in this format and during playback, tap on the 360 button of its interface.
In addition to this, can play all existing formats on mobile and has no problem with audio codecs , since it has support for the most complex such as Dolby Digital, the most used in the film industry. If you add that you can synchronize with platforms such as SoundCloud, YouTube, Vimeo and others, we can consider it as one of the best completely free.
MoboPlayer
* Note: It is no longer available for Android.
a player that few know but those who do know that it is an excellent option. With it you can play content in basically all formats, as well as being able to read subtitles without problems .
However, the function that their followers love most is its intelligent floating window, which allows you to briefly use other apps without having to close the playback. Available for all versions of Android 4.1 or higher .
InShot Video Player
This is a free player that although it has advertising, it does not represent a major threat to your user experience, although if you want to remove it you can pay a little less than 5Eur . It is popular for its ability to read all formats, although its true special skill is to be able to send content directly to Chromecast so you can watch it on your smart TV.
Being the one that works best in that regard. Other players boast the same, but actually getting the connection is very cumbersome. In addition its support for subtitles is very efficient, so you will not have problems in this regard.
BSPlayer
A few years ago this player was the best in the Google Play Store, threatening the throne of downloads from VLC and other powerful competitors . He is currently in the race but not in as good a position as in the past.
However, it perfectly meets those users who do not need a very powerful player since they simply watch series or movies. C on you can play all formats without worrying about audio codecs because it has almost all , as well as the ability to support high definition content.
UPlayer
