What are the best apps to watch and play videos on Android devices in all formats? 2022 list

For several years now it is not unknown to anyone that the mobile replaced computers in terms of consumption of audiovisual content. For this reason, the manufacturers of these increasingly provide them with larger screens, which exceed 5 “and with resolutions that sooner rather than later will end up reaching the long-awaited 4K.

Obviously, an essential element to have a good experience is the multimedia player that improves the one you already have pre-installed. Currently there are many high level players both free and paid on the mobile platformso you will have no problem finding one that suits your needs.

To help you choose, we have prepared this guide so that you know what you should take into account when choosing the ideal player, and a list with the best 15 apps to play videos on Android devices.

What kind of video formats are supported by these Android mobile and tablet video players?

Throughout the history of computing, multiple video formats have been developed, and will continue to do so as image quality improves. This forces players to constantly update 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 you to integrate audio and moving images in 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.

It is because of that 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 it easier to store. Also, it supports more audio channels.

AVI

This format has its origins in 1992when microsoft developed to compete with the classic MP2 DVD, giving consumers a video alternative without the need for physical support. This became popular for being cross-platform, and be able to 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 terms of quality-weight of the file until the appearance of MP4. However, this continues to be one of the most widely 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 royalty free. MKV are a reference to Matroska, the traditional Russian dolls. This is because, Like these dolls, this type of file houses other types of formats inside.

But the most interesting thing is that it manages to integrate them while maintaining quality and considerably reducing weight, which is why it is widely used in the film industry.

MOV

This format was developed by Apple for the QuickTime player on its MacOS computers.. In fact, it is still the main of this program today. This integrates multiple audio and video codecs, although in this case the files end up being somewhat heavy, which is why the company has currently opted to use MP4.

*Note: There are other formats like DIVX, ASX, WMV, M4V, DAT, IFO, VOB or 3GP, but these are not as common as those mentioned above. But luckily, 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 that it is the best of all. Otherwise it will be as if you were using the tool that comes installed from the factory on your mobile and the idea is to improve what you already have.

connectivity

The world is getting smarter all the time. First there were mobile phones, 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

Evidently, 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.

Subtitle

This is something basic if what you want is to watch series and movies in their original audio. Many free players do not have a feature to generate subtitles in case the file does not contain them.

streaming

When you give a player the ability to sync up to play content from streaming platformsyou turn it into a multimedia center.

This is what the modern user needs, an interface where they can watch videos online or offline. Thus, 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 watch the content is wasting it. We must look for an app that has organizational potential and allows us to access all the content from it in an orderly manner. In this sense, customization is also important, so it should also be able to allow us to create personalized playlists without a problem.

background playback

If you check the comments of the application download websites to play video, you will notice that what they demand the most is to be able to do something else while the video is playing. For example, if you’re watching something and an SMS or WhatsApp arrives, you don’t have to completely exit the app and restart playback to answer it. Instead, the player keeps 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 a lot of battery. The simple fact of watching videos generally downloads the mobile, so it is important to have a player optimized in this sense to have more autonomy and save mobile battery.

Evidently, it is difficult to find a player that complies with absolutely all these characteristicsbut the ones on the list that we will present to you make a good attempt worth considering, as well as being the best there is.

List of the 15 best applications to watch videos on Android compatible with all formats

Below we present the 15 Best Video Players for Android, or at least the ones that come closest to covering 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, despite having few functions, performs all of them perfectly. To start, can read 4K content, although depending on the mobile you have, only the you can play in HD.

On the other hand, there is the fact that with it you can consume content online, and has multiple controls for full control over playback. It plays all the formats used in Android operating systems, and is compatible with practically all current devices, as long as 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 playback and damage the experience. Despite this, with it you will have access to multiple tools such as subtitle management or hardware acceleration to make your device faster during playback. The paid version costs just over 6Eur, and the only thing you get with it is to completely eliminate advertising.

VLC Media Player

This player takes all the applause wherever he is mentioned. Although its mobile version is not as powerful as the desktopperfectly meets the needs of the modern video consumer.

For starters, it has support for basically all video and subtitle formats, as well as the necessary drivers to change the audio language if the file allows it. All this without forgetting the fact of being able to reproduce everything in the best possible quality. Its interface is easy to use due to how intuitive it is, so you won’t have any problems handling it.

KM Player

Its fame comes from the fact that it is based on the open source code of VLC.. On computers it is an excellent alternative, but the mobile version is not so presumable. The biggest problem you have is with the audio codecs, which are quite limited.

Beyond that, can play almost all existing formats on Android and do it in 1080p HD quality. Although the most interesting thing is undoubtedly its ability to play in the background with a resizable screen, something that not everyone boasts about 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 characteristics. One of them is its ability to play 360° videos, which no other player for Android has. You simply have to open the file in this format and during playback, touch the 360 ​​button on 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 ones such as Dolby Digital, the most widely used in the film industry. If you add to this that it can be synchronized with platforms like SoundCloud, YouTube, Vimeo and others, we can consider it 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 be able to read subtitles without problems.

However, the feature fans love the most is its smart floating window, which allows you to briefly use other apps without having to close 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 just under 5Eur. It is popular for its ability to read all formats, although its real special skill is being able to send content directly to the Chromecast so you can view it on your smart TV.

Being the one that works best in that sense. Other players boast of the same thing, but actually getting the connection is very cumbersome. In addition, its support for subtitles is very efficient, so you won’t have any problems in this regard.

BSPlayer

A few years ago this player was the best in the Google Play Store, threatening the download throne of VLC and other powerful competitors. He currently remains in the race although not in as good a position as in the past.

However, it perfectly suits those users who don’t need a very powerful player since they just watch series or movies. Cwith it you can play all formats without worrying about audio codecs because it has almost allas well as having the ability to support high definition content.

UPlayer

This is one of the few current players for Android that can read content in 4K Ultra HDalthough depending on the equipment you have, will be displayed in 1080HD. It has a beautifully designed interface where you can view files of all currently existing formats for mobile devices.

In addition, it has other functions such as power change audio language and subtitlesif the file allows it, and fast forward or backward at high speed.

Mytechnosound video player

This is a very efficient player. It’s basic, right? that can only play all formats in maximum quality with their respective subtitles, but It has other controls such as an equalizer, accelerator and booster of the players and others that make the user experience more dynamic.

In addition, the level of customization of this is considerable since it allows you to establish images as the cover of musical themes, albums and video thumbnails.

iJoysoft Video Player

It was originally born to be marketed at Apple, but its success was such that shortly after it also migrated to Android. Among its premises, the most interesting is in the privacy section, since it allows you to create a private gallery to store files that will be hidden from view.

A great way to make sure third parties don’t snoop on your gallery. You can view all mobile audio and video formats, and do it in high quality. In addition, it is intelligent, and has playback in the background, being able to activate a floating window.

FXPlayer

This is another player that goes out of the ordinary and offers special functions to its users. For many, this is one of the best currently available as offers you completely free the possibility of viewing all existing formats in HD 1080 qualitybeing able to even read 4K UltraHD, without forgetting that you can synchronize it with streaming platforms.

Their premise is to take maximum care of the quality of the user’s experience, which is why they offer a very delicate and easy-to-use interface, and support for all codecs and subtitles to avoid problems during playback. Also, it also cares about privacy and allows you to create a private folder to save your most private videos.

Lua Player

This player is relatively new, so it doesn’t have many special features to boast about. However, it works perfectly with all formats and plays everything in HD quality. Its most interesting function is PopUps, which allows you to enjoy your content in pop-up windows.

DN PLAYER

We are already finishing our list and we cannot leave out this excellent video and audio player that perfectly meets the needs of an average consumer. If you’re from that the ability to read all formats will sufficeplay in HD, read all the subtitles and other basic drivers that DN Player has.

Kucapp Player

We close our list with this player that has only been around for a short time in the Google Play Store, but has very high numbers in terms of downloads and impressions. It can support all the existing formats for Android and do it in maximum quality, being able to even read files in 4K. In addition, it organizes all your audiovisuals in a single gallery so that you can access them more easily and even hide the most private ones.

These are the best players currently on Android. Before we say goodbye, we want to make it clear to you that 4K playback will depend on whether your computer has a screen that supports these resolutions, otherwise you won’t be able to. So consider this too before making your decision.