The AVI (Audio Video Interleave) format is one of the most popular video file types, known for its high-quality sound and visuals. However, not all video players support AVI files, which can make watching videos frustrating if the player can't handle the format properly. Choosing the right AVI player is important because it ensures smooth playback without glitches or errors. The right player will also offer features like subtitles, multiple audio tracks, and customization options for the best viewing experience. This article aims to help you find the best AVI player by reviewing the top options that work well with AVI files. Whether on Windows, Mac, or mobile, we'll guide you through the best choices to ensure you can enjoy your videos without hassle.
Understanding AVI Format
What is AVI?
Audio Video Interleave, or AVI, is a multimedia container format created by Microsoft in 1992. It holds video and audio data in a single file. Additionally, it uses a container structure to organize different types of media. This allows AVI to support multiple codecs, meaning various video and audio compression types can be used within the same file. Furthermore, AVI is widely used because it can handle different types of video and audio content, making it versatile.
Advantages of AVI
One major advantage of using AVI files is its high-quality video and audio. The format supports uncompressed and compressed data, ensuring crisp visuals and sound. AVI is also compatible with many devices, making it a reliable choice for video playback across different platforms. This includes Windows and various media players.
Limitations of AVI
Despite its benefits, AVI does have some limitations. One key drawback is its larger file size compared to newer formats like MP4. This can make AVI less ideal for streaming or sharing, especially when file storage and bandwidth are concerns. Additionally, because AVI is an older format, some modern devices or platforms may not natively support it without the right codecs.
Features to Look for AVI Video Player
Here are the important features you must look for when finding the best AVI file player.
- AVI Format Support - Ensure the player natively supports AVI files without requiring extra codecs or plugins.
- Smooth Playback - Look for a player that offers seamless playback without lag or stuttering, even with large files or high-resolution videos.
- Codec Compatibility - Since AVI files can use various video and audio codecs, the player should support different codecs for versatile playback.
- Subtitle Support - A good AVI player should allow you to load and customize subtitles (SRT, SUB, etc.) for an enhanced viewing experience.
- Multiple Audio Tracks - Find a player that allows you to switch between different audio tracks within the same video is essential for multilingual content.
- Customization Options - Features like adjusting playback speed, video quality settings, and screen aspect ratio can enhance control over the viewing experience.
- Cross-Platform Compatibility - To ensure flexibility, look for players that work on multiple operating systems (Windows, macOS) or devices (smartphones, tablets).
- Lightweight and Fast - The player should load quickly and run efficiently without using too many system resources.
Review of the Top 12 AVI Players
| AVI Players | Unique Feature | Streaming Support |
|---|---|---|
| PotPlayer | Supports various 3D glasses for immersive 3D viewing | No |
| 5KPlayer | Built-in DLNA and AirPlay for seamless streaming | Yes (DLNA, AirPlay) |
| VLC Media Player | Completely free with no ads or tracking | Yes |
| DivX | Supports studio-quality DTS HD audio and HEVC conversion | Yes (DLNA) |
| Elmedia Player | Advanced streaming and subtitle embedding options | Yes |
| RealPlayer | Download videos from 1000+ sites and organize them in playlists | Yes |
| GOM Player | Supports 360-degree VR video playback | No |
| KMPlayer | Wireless file transfer between mobile and PC | No |
| MX Player | Hardware acceleration and multi-core decoding for smooth playback | No |
| PlayerXtreme | Multiple audio track support and advanced customization options | Yes |
| Free Online AVI Player by VEED | Edit and enhance AVI videos with options like splitting and voiceovers | No |
| Free Online AVI Player by Jumpshare | AES-256 encryption and auto-deletion of files after 24 hours | No |
3.1 Best AVI Movie Player for Windows and Mac
1. PotPlayer
The first AVI player we’ll present is the PotPlayer. It is a lightweight media player for Windows with many features. One of the useful features of this player is that it supports almost all of the multimedia formats. This includes MP4, AVI, MOV, MKV, MP3, and many more, which means this player can also be your free MOV player for your MOV files. Aside from that, the advantage of this tool over others is that it supports OpenCodec, which means you can easily add any codec you want. Furthermore, PotPlayer also supports various subtitle formats like SMI, SRT, Blu-ray subtitles, ASS, SSA, etc. Moreover, you can enjoy watching 3D movies here as it supports multiple 3D glasses for an immersive 3D viewing experience.
2. 5KPlayer
Suppose you are looking for an all-in-one media player, media streamer, and video downloader. Why don’t you try the 5KPlayer? It is a versatile player that supports high quality playback up to 4K/8K resolution. Also, aside from video, this player supports audio playback. In addition, this free 4K player supports various multimedia formats such as AVI, MOV, MKV, MP4, and more. What makes this tool ahead is that it has built-in DLNA and AirPlay that allow you to stream. This player is also boosted by various hardware acceleration technologies such as NVIDIA, Intel, and DXVA 2.0 to have a smooth full HD playback. Furthermore, this tool can also be your downloader as it lets you download videos from 300+ sites such as Vimeo, Dailymotion, YouTube, and more.
3. VLC Media Player
Another well-known open source media player in today's world is the VLC Media Player. This cross-platform media player helps you play AVI files on Mac, Windows, Linux, and mobile devices. Like the 5KPlayer, VLC supports almost all codecs without installing additional packs. These are MPEG-4, MPEG-2, MKV, WMV, AVI, H.264, and more. In addition, this tool has advantages over others as it can play everything, like CDs. DVDs, streams, video, audio, etc. Besides, it is completely free, meaning the tool has no spyware, ads, or user tracking. Furthermore, VLC can also support subtitles in various formats such as SRT, SSA, ASS, etc. Moreover, it also provides additional features that help you to edit, convert, change playback speed, record videos, and more.
4. DivX
DivX is a video player that helps you play high-quality videos up to 4K with a variety of formats, such as MP4, WebM, AVI, and more. It lets you stream videos with DLNA devices like gaming consoles, smart TVs, Chromecast, and more. Furthermore, you can experience studio quality sound as it supports DTS HD audio. Aside from playing AVI files, this tool can also be your converter as it enables you to convert videos in DivX, HEVC, MP4, and H.264 to experience smooth playback, which makes it ahead of others. Likewise, it allows you to import or download videos directly from your cloud storage, such as Dropbox and Google Drive. However, some of these features are only available on DivX Pro.
5. Elmedia Player
Elmedia is a media player for Mac operating systems that offers advanced playback and streaming options. It is compatible with 70+ video and audio formats, including FLV, AVI, SWP, MP4, MP3, and more. Likewise, it allows you to stream local files with 4k quality on Apple TV, Chromecast, AirPlay, and more. Furthermore, you can embed subtitles in various formats for a complete streaming experience. Aside from that, Elmedia also provides advanced playback settings that help you to play, pause, adjust volume, change playback speed, and more. Additionally, this player has the advantage over others because it allows you to create a playlist from your logical files and stream them to other devices. Also, it has a screenshot feature, which lets you capture unlimited screenshots of the playing video.
6. RealPlayer
Another AVI format player that is available on Windows and mobile devices is RealPlayer. It is a cross-platform media player that RealNetworks develops. It supports numerous multimedia formats, such as AVI, MPEG, MOV, and AVI, as well as CD and DVD playback. Furthermore, it provides multiple playback settings to help you to play, pause, stop, rewind, fast forward, and more. What sets this tool apart is that it supports downloading videos from 1000+ streaming sites with your choice of video quality up to 4K resolution. Not only that, but you can also cast videos from your PC and mobile devices easily. Moreover, RealPlayer allows you to easily organize and create playlists to find the specific file you want.
3.2 AVI Players for Android and iPhone
1. GOM Player
GOM Player is a player that supports video and audio playback in numerous fonts, including AVI, MP4, MKV, MOV, and more. It also lets you experience high-quality playback with up to 8K resolutions without hassle. Aside from regular videos, this player also supports 360-degree VR videos without any issues that make this tool ahead of others. Furthermore, it offers customization options that help you modify the video, audio, and filter and automatically sync subtitles. Moreover, GOM Player allows you to repeat the playback on your favorite scene by setting the time and the number of repetitive plays you want. Not only that, this tool is perfect for K-POP fans as this player supports Korean vocalization.
2. KMPlayer
Another AVI video viewer with robust features is KMPlayer, which is available on Android and iPhone devices. One of the features that makes it advantageous to other players is that it allows you to share your AVI files from mobile to PC by connecting them on the same WI-Fi connection. Apart from that, the tool lets you create your own playlist and organize them. In addition, aside from being an AVI player, you can also use this tool as an MP4, MKV, MOV, WebM, and WMV player. Besides, it supports various subtitle formats and allows you to change the color, font, and size to your liking. Moreover, you can enjoy the additional features of KMPlayer, such as bookmarks, timers, equalizers, speed control, and more.
3. MX Player
One of the best AVI players for mobile devices is none other than MX Player. It is known for its multi-core decoding and hardware acceleration, which helps you to have smooth playback and easily open AVI files and other formats without any issues. In addition, it provides advanced playback customization as it allows you to zoom in/out, change the subtitle text size, and move the subtitle text from bottom to top or vice versa. Moreover, MX Player's supported video, audio, and subtitle formats are MP4, AVI, MKV, MP3, SSA, SRT, TXT, VTT, and more. Furthermore, this player has a lock feature, which is useful for parents who allow their kids to watch with their phones. By that, parents can't worry if their kids can make unnecessary touch on the screen.
4. PlayerXtreme
PlayerXtreme is a popular multimedia player known for its wide array of features and versatility. It can easily open files in various formats, including AVI, MP4, MKV, MOV, and more, without needing additional codecs. In addition, it uses hardware acceleration, which helps you to have a smooth playback in high-definition. What sets apart PlayerXtreme is that it allows you to switch between multiple audio tracks in videos, which is great for multilingual content. Furthermore, it lets you adjust playback speed, aspect ratio, audio equalizer settings, and more for a personalized viewing experience. Moreover, the app supports a variety of subtitle formats like SRT and ASS, with options to adjust font size, color, and sync.
3.3 Top 2 Online AVI Players
1. Free Online AVI Player by VEED
Suppose you don’t want to install any software or app on your computer or mobile devices. In that case, try the Free Online AVI player by VEED. It is an online-based AVI player that can easily play and open AVI videos. Aside from being a player, this online player allows you to edit the videos if you want to. This is also the reason why it is ahead of other tools. You can add audio and text, detect and translate subtitles, and record the AVI video. Furthermore, when you upload and open AVI file, you will see numerous editing options on your screen, including split, voiceover, filters, transitions, and more. These options help you to enhance the AVI file you uploaded. Besides, VEED doesn't require registering or creating an account before using it.
2. Free Online AVI Player by Jumpshare
Another online AVI player accessible on any browser, such as Chrome, Firefox, and Edge, is the Free Online AVI Player by Jumpshare. It can effortlessly play the AVI files anywhere you are with your available device. In addition, it has an advantage over other AVI players in terms of security. This is because Jumpshare is protected by AES-256 military-grade technology and deletes your AVI file on the server after 24 hours. Aside from playing videos, this online tool provides basic editing features, which help you trim and cut unwanted clips. Furthermore, you can also enjoy using this online AVI player with its additional features, such as custom thumbnails, creating a link, and embedding the AVI file in any website.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why can’t I play AVI files on my computer?
You might not have the right media player or the necessary codecs installed to support AVI files. Some default media players, especially on newer systems, don’t have built-in support for AVI. Installing a player like VLC or updating your codecs can fix this issue.
Which is better, AVI or MP4?
MP4 is generally better for modern use because it creates smaller files while keeping good quality. On the other hand, AVI files are larger and less widely supported on mobile devices or streaming. If you need better compatibility and smaller file sizes, MP4 is often the better choice.
Does converting AVI to MP4 lose quality?
Converting AVI to MP4 can lead to some quality loss, especially if the settings compress the file further. However, you can minimize this by choosing high-quality conversion settings. In most cases, the difference is small and may not be noticeable for regular use.
Conclusion
In this review, we explored some of the top AVI players. For Windows and Mac, we have PotPlayer, 5KPlayer, VLC, DivX, Elmedia, and RealPlayer. For mobile devices, we have GOM Player, KMPlayer, MX Player, and PlayerXtreme. Lastly, we have online AVI Players by VEED and Jumpshare. Each player offers unique features such as wide format support, hardware acceleration, streaming capabilities, and advanced playback options. When choosing an AVI player, consider your specific needs, such as the device you're using, streaming requirements, or whether you need advanced features like subtitle support or video downloading. This will help you select the right player to enjoy smooth, high-quality video playback tailored to your preferences.
