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.
First 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.
A 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?
Posted at 11:35 pm on Jan 22nd
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.
Posted at 8:16 pm on Jan 24th
>> 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.
Posted at 12:05 pm on Jan 25th
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.
Posted at 4:26 am on May 25th
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.
Posted at 5:51 pm on Jun 8th
KMP can play .rmvb (which alot of anime videos use) and .flv (which is what Youtube uses)
so KMP VS VLC
KMP WINS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Posted at 12:41 pm on Jun 23rd
i did not find any much difference. both are ok.
Posted at 12:55 pm on Jul 22nd
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!
Posted at 3:18 pm on Jul 24th
[…] Porqué alguien que utiliza VLC debería probar KMPlayer? (ni hablar los que usan BSPlayer o WMP o peor, el reproducto de Nero…) […]
Posted at 3:32 pm on Jan 29th
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.
Posted at 9:16 am on Jan 30th
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
Posted at 10:38 am on Jan 30th
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
Posted at 6:55 am on May 13th
Americans can´t make something as great as KMPlayer… for free.
Sad but true!
Lack of inteligence??? hehehe
Posted at 10:40 pm on Jun 22nd
Can anyone determine how to assemble a time-sequenced playlist using either player. Sort of like your cable-TV network programming guide.
Posted at 10:25 am on Jul 4th
@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 !
Posted at 12:06 am on Jul 17th
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
Posted at 7:47 pm on Jul 20th
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.
Posted at 10:54 am on Jul 28th
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.
Posted at 2:32 am on Aug 2nd
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.
Posted at 2:00 pm on Sep 11th
vlc kept locking up my pc on certain files.been using kmp due to positive posts about it here and so far no problems with pc freezing all in all im impressed with kmp.
Posted at 2:21 pm on Sep 20th
when i play a 3gp video from my phone in vlc the sound dosent work because it is in .amr , and in kmplayer it works !!!!!
Posted at 5:16 am on Oct 22nd
After trying many players over the years and living with Windows Media Player (for some odd reason), I discovered KMPlayer yesterday and was amazed at the overall experience it provides. The interface is sufficient and has an upbeat look, but it doesn’t intrude or distract as so many do, and I tried several skins. I tested all my favorite porn clips as well as a hoard of YouTube downloads in both FLV format and the WMV files I’d converted them to so they’d work in WMP. Then I started on music. There are a few odd but nice touches, and the most important thing, besides the wide range of formats supported, is the ease of use for the novice. KMPlayer is very intuitive; you might use it “out of the box” and never want more, BUT… just a right mouse click away are enough nested menus to keep you busy for a couple hours learning about the multitude of in-depth abilities KMPlayer has: Extensive key commands, filters up the ass, “image processing,” change size or embed into desktop, capture… that just touches the surface.
From my experience, VLC is probably nearly as well-rounded as KMPlayer, but there’s something not quite easy to describe about the all-round “gestalt” of KMPlayer that stands it head and shoulders above ANY other media player!
Posted at 7:53 pm on Oct 31st
I have been using both Mac OSX and Windows for long time, and even though i feel sorry to say it, its simply unpossible (at least for now) to even think of comparing KMP with VLC, once KMP beats VLC with no doubt…
Maybe the only advantage of VLC is the wide range of files that it can handle. But coming to subtitles (like said on the article) Kmp can do anything (resync, fps conversion, put it up down middle or whatever).
I wont get into other sides here, but i cant say im not realy turned of by the fact that -unfortunately- theres no such thing as a KMP replacement for Mac users. Big shame for us.
Posted at 2:02 pm on Nov 15th
well tbh kmplayer is graet for hd content via mvk container and vlc is best for all other formats and streamin eh
Posted at 8:04 pm on Nov 19th
KM player has lot of features and it surpasses VLC player in playing rmvb files. But my KM player2.9.3.1432 in its full screen, hangs/throws error if minimized or backgrounded by other windows while playing.
Thought of letting you know this bug to make KM better.