MKV or Matroska Multimedia Container is a container file format that incorporates audio, video, and subtitles in a single file.
This is why many users like to use this format for storing their multimedia content. However, the native Windows Media Player does not support the MKV format, forcing people to look for standalone applications that can play MKV files.
Here, let us talk about some of the best MKV players you can use on your Windows 10 to play your favorite videos without any issue.
1. KMPlayer
One of the best MKV players for Windows 10, KMPlayer allows you to watch up to 8k and Ultra HD quality videos. It comes with useful features like zooming, playlist and subtitle settings, etc. You can control the playback speed and rotate the video left, right, up, and down. It also lets you adjust the contrast and brightness of your video.
KMPlayer allows creating video playlists to keep track of all your favorite videos and allows searching for the video you want to watch. Though it contains some ads, it is a great choice for a free media player for MKV files.
2. SMPlayer
This is an easy-to-use media player for Windows that plays files in different formats. It makes the perfect option because of its codec-free playback of videos. It boasts a user-friendly interface that gives quick access to all the features. It also lets you stream videos from YouTube in any resolution from 240p to full HD.
The MKV player is available in multiple languages and comes with a customization facility to change the skin. It also allows adjusting the video speed and the clip volume. You can even use the software to play videos from DVDs.
3. DivX Player
DivX Player is one of the best-looking MKV players available for Windows 10 at the moment. It can play most common video file formats including MKV and is available for other platforms as well. One of the most impressive things about this software is that it allows playing ultra HD 4k resolution videos as well.
DivX Player supports up to 8 audio tracks and subtitles for MKV files. It also has a smooth fast-forward and rewind process for these videos. It offers you a media library to keep track of all your videos and even allows creating and looping playlists. It also enables jumping to your favorite scene.
4. VLC Media Player
One of the most powerful and popular media players available for Windows, VLC Media Player is designed to play almost any file type including MKV format. This free tool plays videos from MKV files without having to install codecs. It comes with support for most video and audio streams found in this format.
VLC Media Player boasts a clean and user-friendly interface with convenient video playback controls. The application can also perform other functions like converting between media formats, recording screens, and more. Overall, it is a great choice for Windows users looking for an easy way to play MKV videos.
5. Potplayer
This media player shares similarities with KMPlayer as they have the same development team. However, Potplayer boasts excellent GPU hardware decoding, particularly for 4k high-res videos. It supports almost every media format including MKV and installs the required codec packs automatically.
If used for playing MKV videos with intensive codecs, the player produces clear sound, crisp video, and smooth effects without any lagging or other issues. Also, you see an improvement in system efficiency as the CPU usage is reduced to the minimum. Another amazing thing about Potplayer is its ability to play damaged or incomplete MKV files by skipping bad frames.
6. GOM Player
One of the best MKV players for playing videos on Windows 10, GOM Player comes loaded with support for multiple file formats including FLV, AVI, MPG, and MKV. It boasts a user-friendly design and a feature-rich dashboard for playback control. You can also change the skin of the program to suit your preferences.
The free player helps play 360 video views and even plays ultra HD videos smoothly. It enables users to import video playlists without hassle. GOM Player even supports screencast to let you connect PC to the projector and enjoy the video on a big screen. The best part of the software is its transparency about its shortcomings and imperfections. All the details about the limitations and problems are mentioned under ‘Specs’ on the official product page.
7. Media Player Classic
Another commonly downloaded MKV player on Windows, Media Player Classic is an open-source video player. This software is free of any spyware, toolbar downloads, and advertisement, so there is no need to worry about security when downloading it for your MKV playback. It not only plays MKV but also supports almost every new audio and video file format.
Media Player Classic comes with all the required codecs to allow Windows users to enjoy their incompatible file formats. With its codec pack, it improves the media compatibility of other players too. It is overall an excellent choice for those who want a dedicated player for MKV files.
8. AnyMP4 Blu-ray Player
This is an all-in-one solution that allows playing DVD/blu-ray, ISO image files, folders, and 4k and 1080p HD video files on Windows. It also offers support for Ultra HD videos in MOV, MKV, MP4, FLV, and WMV formats. Apart from this, it can play audio from general file formats as well as lossless audio formats.
The player has an intuitive interface that gives easy access to all the features and controls. With this tool, you can use hotkeys to adjust the playback progress. You can also customize the language and take snapshots during DVD playback. This player delivers the best-in-class picture and sound quality to let you enjoy a home cinema experience with your MKV videos.
9. 5KPlayer
Lastly, 5KPlayer is a free MKV player that works on Windows 10. It comes with a built-in MKV codec to support different types of MKV files with varied audio/video codecs. This player also supports other file formats including MP4, FLV, WMV, MOV, MPEG-4, and more in different resolutions – 720p, 1080p, Full HD, and ultra HD.
As one of the newest media players for Windows 10, 5KPlayer comes with a host of the latest features like streaming from Windows 10/11 Smart TV and hardware decoding of 4K ultra HD videos. The versatile player allows playing 3D movies just like HD videos with a spectacular playback on Windows 10. It also lets you download MKV movies from over 300 websites.
Final Thoughts
These are some of the best media players you can use to play MKV videos on your Windows 10. Most of these are available for free download and support a wide range of media formats to provide you with a convenient way to watch your favorite videos in high resolution.