Apple TV has changed the way we explore digital media, offering a seamless and immersive entertainment experience right in our living rooms. While Apple TV comes with its native media player, it is always a good idea to explore third-party options for a more customizable and feature-rich experience. In this article, we will explore the best video player options for Apple TV, each offering unique features to enhance your streaming and media playback experience.
Why I Need A Video Player for Apple TV
As the Apple TV offers high picture quality, better sound effects, intuitive controls, and flawless interaction with your devices then why should I have a video player for my Apple TV? This question might arise in your mind while reading this article, but we are here to answer you.
A feature-rich video player can offer you better services than your Apple TV does. We are here with some key reasons why you should use a third-party video player for your Apple TV.
Importance of Video Players for Apple TV
Format Compatibility: Apple TV’s native player may not support all video formats. Some video players often have broader codec support, allowing you to play a wider range of video files without needing to convert them.
Customization: Some third-party players often offer more customization options, allowing you to tailor your media playback experience to your preferences. You can adjust subtitles, audio settings, and even video playback speed in some cases.
Advanced Features: Many third-party video players come with advanced features such as automatic subtitle downloads, Trakt integration for tracking your watched content, and the ability to fetch metadata like movie posters and descriptions.
Streaming from Different Sources: Third-party video players can often access content from a variety of sources, including network drives, cloud storage, and DLNA-compatible devices. This versatility can be especially useful if you have a diverse media library stored in different locations.
Compatibility: If you have a collection of videos in various formats and codecs, a video player can simplify your media playback experience by ensuring that all your videos play smoothly without the need for constant format conversion.
Enhanced Media Management: Some media players offer robust media library management features, making it easier to organize and categorize your content. This can be particularly useful for users with extensive media collections.
Streaming Services: Some third-party media players also support plugins or integrations with streaming services, allowing you to access additional content beyond what’s available through the native Apple TV apps.
Cross-Platform Support: If you use multiple devices in your home entertainment setup, third-party players may offer cross-platform compatibility, allowing you to maintain a consistent media playback experience across different devices.
Additional Functionality: Certain third-party players can serve as the central hub for all your media needs. For example, Plex can not only play your content but also organize it, provide remote access, and serve as a media server for other devices.
Continuous Development: Third-party players like VLC and Kodi are often open-source projects with active communities. This means that they receive frequent updates and improvements, ensuring compatibility with new video formats and codecs as they emerge.
Top Video Player for Apple TV in 2023
After understanding the requirements of video players for Apple TV, you have to choose the perfect video player for your Apple TV. We have short-listed the top 7 video players for better experience.
VLC Player for Apple TV:
VLC (VideoLAN Client) is a renowned open-source multimedia player that has made its mark across various platforms, and it is no different when it comes to Apple TV. It is known for its versatility and robust feature set and stands out as one of the best third-party video players for Apple TV users.
Key Features:
Wide Format Support: VLC Player is famous for its extensive codec support, making it capable of playing virtually any video format, including 4K, HEVC, and HDR content. This ensures that you can watch your favorite videos without worrying about format compatibility.
Streaming from Various Sources: VLC Player allows you to access media from a variety of sources, including network drives, cloud storage, and even your computer. This versatility means you can seamlessly play content stored across different devices and platforms.
Subtitle and Audio Options: VLC offers robust subtitle support, enabling you to customize subtitle appearance and synchronization. It also provides advanced audio options, such as support for various audio tracks and audio synchronization adjustments.
Playback Control: VLC provides control over playback speed, which is useful for both quick video navigation and slow-motion analysis. You can also set bookmarks to easily return to specific points in your videos.
Network Streaming: VLC can access and play media from online sources via network streaming protocols, making it a handy tool for streaming internet content on your Apple TV.
Cross-Platform Compatibility: VLC is available on multiple platforms, so you can have a consistent media playback experience across your devices.
PlayerXtreme
PlayerXtreme Video & Media Player is a versatile, high-performance, and cross-platform app that lets you enjoy your content in crystal-clear HD quality. With just a click, you can watch movies, listen to music, and stream your favorite content.
Key Features:
Wide Format Support: PlayerXtreme supports more than 40 formats like MKV, MP4, AVI, WMV, etc. You are not required to convert the file format to play your videos.
Subtitle Support: This video player supports different subtitle formats like Closed Captioned (CC), SRT, SMI, TXT, and many more. You are allowed to download the subtitles also. PlayerXtreme lets you change the size and font of the subtitle text.
Hardware Accelerated Plus: Using hardware for playback makes videos look better and sound clearer. Plus, it uses less battery power, so your device lasts longer.
Security: PlayerXtreme prioritizes security and you can set a PIN or passcode in the security settings. When you set a security lock, you need to enter the password every time you open PlayerXtreme to unlock it.
Social Sharing: You can share music, photos, and videos with your friends using popular social platforms like Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Google+ to discover and enjoy more content together.
Infuse 7
Infuse 7 is a cutting-edge media player designed to provide an exceptional and feature-rich experience for Apple TV users. Developed by Firecore, this app takes your Apple TV to the next level by offering a host of advanced features and a user-friendly interface.
Key Features:
Wide Format Compatibility: Infuse 7 is known for its extensive codec support, allowing you to play virtually any video format, including 4K HDR content, without the need for format conversions.
Automatic Metadata Fetching: The app fetches rich metadata for your movies and TV shows, including cover art, cast information, and plot summaries, creating an organized and visually appealing media library.
Subtitle Integration: Infuse 7 seamlessly integrates with subtitle services, providing automatic downloads and customization options for subtitles in various languages.
Library Organization: Infuse 7 offers a well-structured library system, complete with collections, playlists, and the ability to mark your favorites, making it easy to organize and access your media.
Plex, Emby, and Jellyfin: Link up with Plex, Emby, and Jellyfin to seamlessly stream videos whether you’re at home or away. You must ensure your watched history and ratings stay synchronized across these platforms.
UPnP & DLNA: You can leverage UPnP and DLNA capabilities that allow you to explore, stream, and download videos using apps such as Kodi (XBMC), Serviio, and many others.
KM Player
When you are looking for a media player that can handle lots of different audio and video formats, KM Player is the perfect solution. We need a media player that is not just about playing files but also helps us organize our media better. KM player has been getting better and better over the last few years.
It offers a bunch of features for working with audio and video, a good-looking interface, support for playing 3D videos, and a powerful engine for making videos look great.
Key Features:
Wide Format Support: KMPlayer is celebrated for its extensive codec support, enabling it to handle an impressive array of video and audio formats. This includes popular formats like MKV, MP4, AVI, WMV, and many more. This eliminates the need for format conversions, ensuring a seamless playback experience.
User-Friendly Interface: KMPlayer offers an intuitive and user-friendly interface, making it accessible to users of all technical backgrounds. It’s simple navigation and clean design enhance the overall user experience.
Customizable Subtitles: The player provides robust subtitle support, allowing users to customize subtitle appearance, synchronization, and even download subtitles directly from within the app.
Organized Media Library: Most people have their media files scattered around, but some prefer a more organized approach, with separate sections for audio and video. KMPlayer’s Playlist Editor makes it a breeze to keep things neat, whether it’s your music or your videos.
File Splitter: Now and then, when we download a movie online, it comes in separate parts. One way to deal with this is by using a file splitter and joiner app to combine these parts, but it can be quite time-consuming. KMPlayer, however, saves you the hassle of merging video parts by handling it seamlessly for you.
PLEX
PLEX is not just a video player but a comprehensive media streaming and organization platform designed to elevate your home entertainment experience. With its versatile features and user-friendly interface, PLEX has become a popular choice for individuals looking to centralize their media collection and enjoy it seamlessly across various devices.
Key Features:
Media Organization: PLEX allows you to create a well-structured media library, complete with metadata like movie posters, cast information, and plot summaries. It can automatically fetch this data, keeping your collection organized and visually appealing.
Cross-Platform Compatibility: PLEX is available on multiple platforms, including Apple TV, allowing you to enjoy your media collection on various devices such as smartphones, tablets, and smart TVs.
Remote Access: With PLEX, you can access your media library remotely, making it easy to enjoy your content while away from home. This feature is particularly useful for travelers and those with multiple residences.
Streaming Services Integration: PLEX offers integration with popular streaming services like Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, and Disney+, allowing you to centralize all your content in one interface.
Live TV and DVR: PLEX offers Live TV support, allowing you to watch and record live television through a compatible tuner and antenna. This feature transforms your PLEX setup into a comprehensive media hub.
Player Pro
PlayerPro is a versatile video player designed to provide an enhanced media playback experience on your Android device. PlayerPro has gained popularity among users seeking a powerful and user-friendly video player.
Key Features:
Diverse Music Playback: Explore and enjoy your music in various ways, including by albums, artists, album artists, composers, genres, individual songs, playlists, and even folders.
Video Playback: Easily browse and play your video content within the app.
Global Radio Access: Access a wide array of radio stations from around the world and listen to them at your convenience.
Music on the Go: Enjoy your favorite tunes while driving, transforming your car into a mobile music haven.
Music Streaming and Conversion: Stream music, search for music videos, and convert them to MP3 for offline listening.
Enhanced Library Aesthetics: Spruce up your music collection by adding album artwork, artist/composer images, and genre illustrations sourced from a variety of options.
Unrestricted Music Downloads: Download an unlimited number of the most popular music tracks at your disposal.
Customizable Interface: Personalize the player’s appearance by selecting from a range of available skins.
Layout Customization: Tailor the layout to your liking by choosing between Grid or List views for your music library.
Lyric Management: Easily view and edit embedded lyrics in the ID3 tags of your music files, enhancing your overall music experience.
Kodi
Kodi is a powerful and versatile media player that has evolved into a comprehensive media entertainment hub over the years. Originally known as XBMC (Xbox Media Center), Kodi is now available on a wide range of platforms, including Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS, and even Raspberry Pi. It has garnered a dedicated user base due to its extensive features and open-source nature, making it a top choice for those seeking a unified and customizable media playback experience.
Key Features:
Multi-Platform Support: Kodi is available on a wide range of operating systems, ensuring that you can access your media collection on various devices, from computers and smartphones to set-top boxes and more.
Versatile Format Compatibility: Kodi supports a plethora of audio and video formats, making it capable of playing nearly any media file you throw at it, including 4K and HEVC content.
Customizable Skins and Add-Ons: One of Kodi’s standout features is its extensive customization options. You can change its appearance using different skins, and the availability of add-ons and plugins allows you to extend its functionality for various purposes, such as streaming, gaming, and more.
Media Library Management: Kodi offers robust media library organization features, automatically fetching metadata like cover art, cast information, and plot summaries for your movies and TV shows. It also allows you to create custom playlists and tags for efficient content categorization.
Live TV and DVR Integration: Kodi supports Live TV and DVR functionality, enabling you to watch and record live television using compatible hardware and add-ons. This transforms Kodi into a comprehensive media center for both offline and online content.
