13 Best AVI Video Players for Mac
Top Choice: Elmedia Player
Elmedia Player is the best AVI player for Mac. It delivers smooth and consistent video and audio playback while providing all the standard tools you need to manipulate and enjoy your media.
Key features include:
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AirPlay and DLNA streaming directly from the app
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Support for ultra high-definition video, ideal for high-resolution AVI files
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Reliable playback without stuttering, even on demanding formats
Elmedia Player combines powerful functionality with ease of use, making it a top choice for Mac users who frequently work with AVI videos
But Elmedia Player is also so much more than just an AVI file player for Mac users; it can also handle virtually any other video format–including rare ones like FLAC and proprietary ones like WMV–as well as play most audio files. If you’re going to download an AVI player for Mac, this is the one to choose.
Pros:
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Plays almost any video format
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Free to download from your Mac’s App Store
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Supports AirPlay and DLNA streaming
Cons:
- Some features are constrained to the paid version
Price:
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Free
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$19.95 (PRO version)
Supported OS:
- macOS (including Ventura)
Option #2: JustPlay
JustPlay is a relatively simple video player that supports AVI files, along with most other popular video formats. While it lacks some of the shinier attributes of beefier video players, JustPlay can actually handle videos in up to 8K, and it plays content smoothly on a consistent basis.
JustPlay’s controls are appropriately straightforward, with basic audio and speed options along with picture-in-picture nestled away in a toolbar that disappears while your video is playing. If you’ve been looking for a lightweight video player that does more than QuickTime, this is a good place to start.
Pros:
- Lightweight and able to play a wide range of videos
Cons:
- No free version available
Price:
- $4.99
Supported OS:
- macOS (including Ventura)
Option #3: Macgo
Macgo is a media player for Mac AVI files that doubles as a Blu-Ray player as well. This means that, in addition to supporting all of the standard video file types you would expect, Macgo can also open ISO files ripped from Blu-Ray DVDs in high definition.
As a player, Macgo offers lots of flexibility with how you view your videos and control their playback, even including a virtual remote. While it doesn’t have streaming options, Macgo is a good solution for anyone looking to play DVDs or ISO files in addition to the more familiar formats.
Pros:
- Plays ISO files and Blu-Ray DVDs
Cons:
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Full version is very expensive in comparison to other apps
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Free version has a permanent watermark
Price:
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Free
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$39.95
Supported OS:
- macOS (including Ventura)
Option #4: VLC Media Player
VLC Media Player is, among other things, a free AVI player for Mac. This simple media player has been used frequently across all feasible platforms, so you can trust that it will work reliably. It benefits from frequent updates and community support as well.
Since VLC can handle almost any video file format, it is also a good choice for importing a Windows-based library, making it a strong AVI and WMV player for Mac users who are new to the macOS system.
Pros:
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Open source and always free to use
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Can play most file types quickly and in high definition
Cons:
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Some features, like streaming and burning, are too complicated to work consistently
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Eats up a lot of memory and battery life while running
Price:
- Free
Supported OS:
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macOS (including Ventura)
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Windows
Option #5: Plex
Plex is actually a service that creates a video library that you can then access on virtually any device through the dedicated media player app. While Plex does require some extra steps–the most notable of which include signing up for the service, creating a library, and adding folders with your video files to the library–the convenience of being able to access your video library when away from home is not to be understated.
Like the rest of the media players on this list, Plex will play most file formats, including your AVI files, without fuss once you have it running.
Pros:
- Allows you to view your library of videos from any device with Plex installed
Cons:
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Initial setup is far more involved than other apps on this list
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Adding a library folder is the only way to play videos (as opposed to simply opening a file in the app)
Price:
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Free
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$4.99 per month (Plex for Pros)
Supported OS:
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macOS (including Ventura)
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Windows
Option #6: 5KPlayer
5KPlayer is another strong option for an AVI movie player for Mac users. While especially high-definition videos will sometimes play in a lower framerate than is ideal, 5KPlayer generally handles a variety of video formats well, and it stores them in a library so that you can open them from within the app in the future.
Another cool option included in 5KPlayer is the ability to stream and download videos from YouTube. The feature doesn’t always work due to YouTube’s own policies, but it’s a convenient addition.
Pros:
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Includes streaming options, both from services like YouTube and to DLNA and AirPlay devices
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Builds a library folder as you play items so that you can open your files from inside the app
Cons:
- Playback can be choppy
Price:
- Free
Supported OS:
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macOS (including Ventura)
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Windows
Option #7: Cisdem Video Player
Cisdem Video Player is a powerful and versatile media player for Mac, capable of playing almost all video formats with support for UHD playback.
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The free version is fully functional for everyday video watching, though occasional ads may appear, mostly on startup.
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The licensed version unlocks extra features such as file conversion within the app.
Cisdem is an excellent choice if you want a robust video player with broad format support, and its UHD capabilities make it ideal for high-resolution AVI files.
Unfortunately, Cisdem’s strength can cause it to eat up battery more than the lighter, better-optimized apps on this list, making it suboptimal for travel or cordless play.
Pros:
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Supports almost all video and audio formats
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Plays up to UHD videos smoothly
Cons:
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Takes up a lot of memory while running
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Some ads are present in the free version
Price:
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Free
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$9.99 (licensed version)
Supported OS:
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macOS (including Ventura)
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Windows
Option #8: Free AVI Player for Mac
As its name suggests, Free AVI Player for Mac is completely free to use, yet surprisingly powerful.
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Supports up to 8K video playback across nearly all popular video formats.
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Ideal for high-resolution viewing, with creators recommending a widescreen monitor to fully appreciate the display quality.
This app is a strong choice for users who want a no-cost solution capable of handling high-resolution AVI files without compromising performance.
This player’s controls and settings aren’t going to win any awards, but they’re simple enough to understand immediately and they do what they need to in order to make your videos play in a smooth and convenient manner.
Pros:
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Simple-to-use interface
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Smooth and clear playback in UHD
Cons:
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Options may be too simple for some users
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Player is relatively slow to load a video
Price:
- Free
Supported OS:
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macOS (including Ventura)
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Windows
Option #9: IINA Player
IINA is a modern reimagining of Apple’s native QuickTime player, bringing quality-of-life enhancements that QuickTime has long lacked.
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Supports playlists and a variety of video formats, including AVI, that QuickTime cannot handle.
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Offers a clean, intuitive interface while maintaining the core macOS aesthetic.
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Ideal for users who want a lightweight yet versatile media player with additional playback features.
Unlike many of the apps on this list, IINA supports Touch Bar use and your Mac’s current light or dark setting, and it’s entirely free to download and use with no ad support built in.
Pros:
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Clean interface allows you to focus on the video without distractions
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Plenty of options for displaying and customizing your videos
Cons:
- Menus can sometimes disappear if the window is small enough
Price:
- Free
Supported OS:
- macOS (including Ventura)
Option #10: OmniPlayer
OmniPlayer lives up to its name by supporting virtually any video or audio format, including obscure file types.
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Capable of streaming content to smart TVs and DLNA-enabled devices, extending playback beyond your Mac.
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Acts as a versatile all-in-one media player, suitable for users who want broad format support and flexible streaming options.
OmniPlayer’s interface is a bit dated and will predictably be a draw on your system’s memory, but those minor drawbacks come with a plethora of other positives such as a detailed but simple set of controls and high-definition playback.
Pros:
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Plays most file types
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Can stream to a large number of types of devices
Cons:
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Some advertising present
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Some features locked to the ad-free version
Price:
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Free
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$9.00 (ad-free)
Supported OS:
- macOS (including Ventura)
Option #11: Final Video Player
Final Video Player is an extremely lightweight and simple media player for Mac that supports common formats such as AVI and MKV.
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Provides basic playback controls for navigating videos or playlists.
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Completely free and ad-free, making it ideal for users who want a no-frills, reliable video player.
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Its minimal system requirements ensure smooth playback even on older Macs.
Some people may be put off by the app’s simplified interface and smaller list of supported formats than other apps on this list, but Final Video Player is more than enough to get the job done if you just want an easy player that won’t tank your battery life.
Pros:
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Easy to use, lightweight, and fast
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Entirely free with no ads
Cons:
- Limited video controls and displayed options
Price:
- Free
Supported OS:
- macOS (including Ventura)
Option #12: Movist
Movist stands out for its beautiful, macOS-inspired interface, featuring transparent menus that appear when your mouse hovers over them and a borderless, QuickTime-like display.
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Plays all popular video formats, including AVI.
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The Pro version allows you to watch online videos directly in the Movist window.
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Combines elegance with functionality, making it ideal for users who value a polished viewing experience.
Movist is also optimized for your Mac’s system settings, allowing it to detect things like light or dark mode, and its CPU usage is much lower than one might expect from a video player.
Pros:
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Sleek interface encourages uninterrupted watching
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Optimized for macOS settings
Cons:
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No free version
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Overly complex controls
Price:
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$4.99 (Standard version)
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$7.99 (Pro version)
Supported OS:
- macOS (including Ventura)
Option #13: Total Video Player
Total Video Player delivers on the essential features expected from a modern video player:
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High-definition playback with smooth rendering.
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Supports a wide variety of video formats, including AVI.
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Intuitive controls for easy navigation and playback.
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Deinterlacing support for improving video quality.
While it covers all the basics and more, the app comes at a higher price point compared to other AVI players on Mac, which may make it less appealing for budget-conscious users.
Unfortunately, Total Video Player does not have a particularly serviceable free tutorial, allowing you to play only a limited number of videos per day (each of which only plays part of the way through) before you upgrade.
Pros:
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Supports most file formats
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Can play HD videos
Cons:
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No free version except for a limited trial
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Outdated interface
Price:
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$9.99 (App Store)
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$29.99 (Total Video Player website)
Supported OS:
- macOS (including Ventura)
Conclusion
Now you know which media players can handle AVI files on Mac. Unlike Windows, where many users stick to default video players, macOS requires a third-party app to open AVI files. The good news is that most of the apps listed here don’t just allow playback—they enhance your overall viewing experience with features like UHD support, playlists, streaming options, and advanced controls.
While any of these options will serve you well, Elmedia Player stands out as the top choice due to its combination of reliability, extensive features, and smooth performance across all Mac devices. It’s the best all-around solution for watching AVI files on macOS.