SMPlayer 16.4

In many respects, SMPlayer is like many other media players available. However, it has the great advantage of not demanding the installation of additional codecs. This is because the program is a graphical user interface for MPlayer and Mpv, which use built-in codecs that allow playing almost all video and audio formats.

Another advantage of SMPlayer has to do with its being open-source software, which means that it can benefit from an ample community of developers. Therefore, updated versions are likely to be released more often, with support of newly developed codecs.

Regarding media playback, SMPlayer remembers all your preferences. Something that I find particularly useful in this regard is the possibility to resume playback exactly where I left it. More than just that, it has multiple other features, like applying audio and video filters, synchronizing audio, video and subtitles and equalizing audio. Also, another valuable feature is YouTube video playback, without the need to download the complete clip.

If you’re into watching movies in their original language, you would be pleased to know that the application can connect to open subtitle databases and offer to download a match for the movie you are playing.

I would not say the application’s interface is totally unattractive. Yet, even when there are various skins to choose from, I do think its design looks rather old-fashioned compared to those of similar applications.