Our verdict: KMPlayer plays almost any file and has a deep set of options, but the experience around it is noisy: the website is full of ads and the classic edition includes advertising. Choose KMPlayer 64X, which the developer says is ad-free, or pick an open-source player instead.
About KMPlayer
KMPlayer has been around since 2002 and is now published by Pandora.TV of South Korea. There are two Windows editions: KMPlayer 64X for modern 64-bit PCs, and the classic KMPlayer (32-bit and 64-bit) for older or low-end machines.
KMPlayer 64X includes codecs for HEVC (H.265), H.264 and VP9, plays DVD and Blu-ray content, and supports hardware acceleration. The developer describes 64X as free with no ads, while the classic edition lists content and advertisement among its features.
What it does well
- Up to 8K playback. Plays 4K, 8K and 60 fps video using hardware acceleration.
- Built-in codecs. Includes HEVC, H.264, VP9 and many older codecs; third-party codecs can be added.
- Wide subtitle support. Reads SRT, ASS, SMI, SUB/IDX, SUP and other subtitle formats.
- GIF and clip capture. Captures a chosen section of a video, including as an animated GIF.
- URL playback. Plays and downloads videos from YouTube and other sites by entering the URL.
Who it is for
Good fit
Users who want one player with many playback and subtitle options on a 64-bit Windows PC.
Look elsewhere
People who dislike ad-heavy websites and installers, or who prefer open-source players.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Plays almost any format
- Up to 8K and 60 fps playback
- Many subtitle and audio options
Cons
- The classic edition and the website show ads
- Two Windows editions are easy to confuse
- Closed source
How to install KMPlayer
On kmplayer.com pick KMPlayer 64X for a modern 64-bit PC; the classic KMPlayer is for older or low-end machines and includes advertising. The download page shows advertising around the button, so make sure the file you save comes from dn.kmplayer.com. Read every setup screen and untick any extra offers.
Questions about KMPlayer
Is KMPlayer free?
Yes. Both Windows editions are free. The developer says KMPlayer 64X has no ads; the classic KMPlayer includes advertising.
KMPlayer or KMPlayer 64X?
Choose KMPlayer 64X on a 64-bit Windows 10 or 11 PC. The classic KMPlayer is meant for older or low-end systems.
What are the system requirements for KMPlayer 64X?
The developer recommends 64-bit Windows 10 or 11 with DirectX 9 or higher and about 150 MB of disk space. It also supports 64-bit Windows Vista as a minimum.
