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KMPlayer vs VLC Media Player

You’ve probably noticed by now the large number of good, free video players available. We’ve decided to compare contenders KMPlayer and VLC Media Player and see how they fare.

vlc.jpgFirst off, let’s look at the interface. KMPLayer is fully customizable and, like Winamp, allows you to open multiple windows for controls, playlist or equalizer. You can move these around and adjust them to your liking. VLC has a very basic and intuitive interface, but also supports a number of skins. Each program offers a basic menu and hotkeys, giving you quick access to the playback functions.

Compatibility with a great deal of video formats is what makes both of these video players extremely popular. However VLC Media Player probably has the edge here, because, Real video being an exception, it seems to cover all existing video files. It can also play incomplete videos and will try to play an unknown format in its raw form. Each player has a large array of audio and video filters to process and enhance your videos. However, KMPlayer adds a feature for effects like aspect ratio or colors, to improve playback quality, not available in VLC.

km.jpgA feature I appreciate on both players is subtitle support. There is a good number of movie websites out there that offer subtitles in any language. You can quickly upload these in both VLC and KMPlayer. I was disappointed to find out though that VLC does not handle subtitles for the most common video format, AVI. KMPlayer appears to be the expert in this field. You can add multiple subtitles, set margins, rotations and effects, and adjust the font size.

All in all, I prefer using VLC, just because it has hotkeys and can be launched extremely quickly. However, if you need to set subtitles for that obscure Lithuanian thriller or if you’re a control freak when it comes to audio and video processing, KMPLayer will suit you more. Which one do you prefer and, more importantly, why?

Reader comments

  1. I have no idea what version of VLC you tried out (you should mention version numbers…) but my VLC version (0.8.6a) seems to perfectly handle subtitles in combination with an AVI file (I tried out divx & xvid).

    Just to let you know.



  2. >> just because it has hotkeys and can be launched extremely quickly.
    I just wonder if you know there is an option for hotkey as well as global hotkey in kmplayer.

    >> It can also play incomplete videos and will try to play an unknown format in its raw form.
    I read that The KMPlayer has this features too.

    >> However VLC Media Player probably has the edge here, because, Real video being an exception, it seems to cover all existing video files.
    It’s unfair as you did not provide any reasonable result for the comment.



  3. Thanks for those comments. KM Player and VLC are very similar apps and both are excellent video players.

    Concerning my point with subtitles, I was merely pointing out that VLC does not support subtitle formats like .rst, .psb, .usf, .ssf, while KM Player does. I have also had problems inserting subtitles to AVI files in the past.

    As to the hotkeys, as I point out in the second paragraph both players do support them. I merely prefer how they are used in VLC and the simple and quick access in the interface.

    AS to the formats supported, here are the complete lists for each player.
    For VLC:
    http://www.videolan.org/vlc/features.html

    For KMPLayer:
    http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_KMPlayer

    I prefer VLC because I have never had any troubles opening any video file with it. As I mention, both players are compatible with a large array of formats, both audio and video.

    I hope this answers your comments. I don’t believe any player is better than the other. What I gave in this post is a fairly personal opinion, based on my use of both apps. This is not a definitive view and I encourage you to give your opinion on both programs and explain why you like one more.



  4. VLC does, in fact, support subtitles for AVI. I am about to try KMPLayer for the first time. Just wanted to add this since I’m a big fan of VLC.



  5. KMP can play .rmvb (which alot of anime videos use) and .flv (which is what Youtube uses)

    so KMP VS VLC

    KMP WINS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!



  6. i did not find any much difference. both are ok.



  7. the KMPlayer is way superior. but a reason to use vlc is for making streams or to check if a surtan movie plays any better in it. I say use both of them!



  8. […] Porqué alguien que utiliza VLC debería probar KMPlayer? (ni hablar los que usan BSPlayer o WMP o peor, el reproducto de Nero…) […]



  9. Although I was a dedicated VLC user, i must say that KMP (v2.9.3.1428) is way ahead in terms of features. I really love the audio resync, where you can speed or delay the audio up to 20ms.

    KMP is also more stable, point in case being:
    - In KMP you can fast forward flv files, not possible in VLC
    - KMP handles all wmv effortlessly, while some have a problem in VLC
    - KMP handles both .rmvb and .rm files unlike VLC
    - KMP is more flexible for the power user in that you can change/ customize virtually everything.

    I must say that KMP beats VLC in all areas except when it comes to streaming functionality.
    You can compare the two here: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Comparison_of_media_players

    thanks.



  10. I love posters like Jahir that post spam, saying things like blah blah blah is WAY superior, people need to elaborate in the future.

    Personally some site like Kmplayers that can’t even put up a site in english and make it look like something I don’t care anything about.

    No website = CRAP :)



  11. SAR, please get your facts right :). KMP is a Korean developed software. It has actually been translated to English and many other languages because of its tons of features. The “K” of KMP simply indicates the initial character of the developer’s family name (Kang).

    Secondly, KMP does have an English website. Check it here: http://www.kmplayer.com/forums/index.php



  12. Americans can´t make something as great as KMPlayer… for free.

    Sad but true!

    Lack of inteligence??? hehehe



  13. Can anyone determine how to assemble a time-sequenced playlist using either player. Sort of like your cable-TV network programming guide.



  14. @bob
    nonsense : VLC does play .flv and .rm so jus shaddap and dont spam !

    btw i do prefer vlc coz of the simple interface .. love it !



  15. ummm…..
    KMP player supports more video formats thn vlc
    n every reason u gave tht vlc is better thn kmp
    well kmp can do it too



  16. I like KMPlayer because it has loads of audio video controls. VLC is plain shit. Its true it can play most formats too but thats about it.It’s horrible when it comes to full satisfaction and enjoyment.



  17. Both Players do not cover all formats , somethimes get updates by Internet - all format must be in.
    Both Player are looking for Internet connection even for Mp3 - and send some info .
    Vlc play partially or broken archives , fix em , but do not save what fixed.
    All Player are part of a mania for collecting info for us.



  18. I MUCH prefer KMP. For the last couple of years, I have been unable to get sound out of any video in VLC. I gave up a year or so ago.



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