Our verdict: 5KPlayer is a free player that adds things most players lack: an AirPlay receiver for mirroring an iPhone or iPad, DLNA streaming and an online video downloader. For plain local playback VLC or MPC-HC are lighter and less pushy. Pick 5KPlayer if AirPlay to a Windows PC is what you need.
About 5KPlayer
5KPlayer is made by Digiarty Software, the company behind WinX DVD and VideoProc. It plays local video up to 4K and 8K, including HEVC, AV1, VP9, MKV and 360° clips, as well as DVDs, IPTV links, internet radio and music in MP3, AAC, FLAC, APE and other formats. Hardware decoding uses NVIDIA, AMD, Intel Quick Sync and DXVA 2.0.
Built-in AirPlay lets an iPhone or iPad mirror its screen or send video and music to the PC, and the mirrored screen can be recorded. A DLNA server and controller share the media library with smart TVs and consoles, and a downloader saves video and audio from sites such as Vimeo and Dailymotion. The player is free; the website and app promote Digiarty's paid products.
What it does well
- 4K and 8K playback. Plays HEVC, AV1, VP9, MKV and 360° video with hardware decoding.
- AirPlay receiver. Mirrors an iPhone or iPad screen on the PC and can record the mirrored screen.
- DLNA streaming. Shares videos and music with DLNA TVs, consoles and Android devices.
- Online video downloader. Saves video or audio from sites like Vimeo and Dailymotion and converts to MP3.
- Subtitles and rotation. Loads SRT, ASS, SSA and other subtitles and rotates or flips sideways clips.
Who it is for
Good fit
People who want to mirror or stream an iPhone or iPad to a Windows PC and play local media in the same app.
Look elsewhere
Users who want a lightweight, ad-free player with no prompts for other paid software.
Pros and cons
Pros
- AirPlay mirroring to a Windows PC
- DLNA server and controller built in
- Plays 4K, 8K and DVD
- Free with no time limit
Cons
- Promotes Digiarty's paid products in the app and site
- Heavier than simple players like MPC-HC
- Downloader support depends on each site's changes
How to install 5KPlayer
The 64-bit installer is the button above; a 32-bit build is on the download page. The setup and the app promote Digiarty's other products, so skip offers you do not need. Allow 5KPlayer through Windows Firewall on private networks if you want AirPlay and DLNA to find your devices.
Questions about 5KPlayer
Is 5KPlayer free?
Yes. 5KPlayer is free to download and use, with no time limit. Digiarty earns money from its other products, which the player and website promote.
Can 5KPlayer mirror an iPhone to a PC?
Yes. Its AirPlay receiver lets an iPhone or iPad on the same network mirror its screen or send video and music to the PC, and the mirrored screen can be recorded.
Does 5KPlayer play DVDs?
Yes. It plays DVD discs as well as local video files, IPTV links and internet radio.
