9 Best MKV Video Players for Mac
MKV files are widely used because they can store a large amount of data, including subtitles, multiple video tracks, and audio streams. However, as a sizable container format, they aren’t supported by every device or computer by default. This guide is designed to help you find the best MKV player for Mac, ensuring you can easily open and play these files.
Elmedia Player
One of the top video players for Mac is the versatile and professional Elmedia Player. Simple to install and use, it’s an excellent choice for Mac or MacBook users, capable of recognizing and playing nearly any non-native file—either directly on your Mac or via screencasting.
Opening files is straightforward: you can drag and drop them into the player or use Elmedia’s built-in file browser to locate the MKV file you want to play.
Elmedia Player also offers advanced playback features that many other media players lack. You can adjust playback speed, watch videos frame by frame, and use the timeline preview to scrub through content. Additional tools include bookmarking and a wide range of audio functions, such as an equalizer, giving you full control over your viewing experience.
Pros:
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4K casting on a variety of devices
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Easy to use for beginners and advanced users
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Multilingual support
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Audio and video settings such as EQ
Cons:
- Features like color correction require the PRO version
Pricing plans:
- Free ($23.94 for PRO version)
Supported OS:
- macOS
VLC Media Player
VLC Media Player often appears on lists of the best free video players for Mac due to its excellent compatibility and zero cost, making it a great choice for users who want to watch or convert videos without spending money.
VLC handles MKV files effortlessly and also includes conversion capabilities. Despite being free, it receives regular updates, making it one of the best video players for Macs with M1 and even M2 chips.
While VLC’s interface is relatively basic compared to some other players, it still offers useful features such as scrubbing through videos and adjusting playback speed.
Pros:
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Totally free donationware
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Excellent compatibility with many Mac versions
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No ads, no user-tracking
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File conversion option
Cons:
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VLC casting is difficult and requires some extra workarounds
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Limited support due to being freeware
Pricing plans:
- Free
Supported OS:
- macOS, Windows, Linux, iOS, Android
Macgo
Macgo was initially developed as a Blu-ray player for Mac, but it has since evolved into one of the most versatile video players for Mac in 2022, even as Blu-ray sales decline and most users prefer downloading or streaming content.
This Mac video player is fast and takes advantage of your hardware to deliver smooth playback, supporting 1080P and even up to 4K videos. You can play media directly from a disc, your hard drive, or portable storage.
However, there is a notable drawback. The free version of the video player offers very limited features. The “Mac Blu-Ray Player” is more affordable than the Pro version but does not support MKV files. To play MKV files, you’ll need Macgo’s “Mac Blu-Ray Player Pro.”
Pros:
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Free limited version is available
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Simple to use
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4K support on Pro version
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Dolby Atmos and other Dolby audio support
Cons:
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Pro version is required for playback of MKVs
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More expensive than some video players for Mac
Pricing plans:
- Free ($79.95 for Pro version)
Supported OS:
- macOS
Plex
Plex is a very impressive piece of software and one of the best video player options for Mac available. It’s free to download, and while it works well as a video player, many users primarily use it to organize their media libraries and subscribe to content such as podcasts and streams.
It also offers the ability to stream media files across different devices and can be installed on platforms like Roku and more. You can stream content directly through the Plex app and enjoy a wide range of shows, or expand your collection by adding files from your personal library, including MKV files. Additionally, Plex has the capability to convert files into other formats.
Pros:
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Supports subtitles
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Excellent support for many video file types
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Stream files to devices such as televisions
Cons:
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Needs users to install and understand the Plex server
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Plex Pass is needed to unlock full features
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Tough for newbies to configure
Pricing plans:
- Free, $4.99 monthly for Plex Pass
Supported OS:
- macOS, Windows, Linux, iOS, Android
MPlayerX
MPlayerX is one of the more affordable media players for Mac, yet it still offers a solid range of features and functionality for users who want to play various file types, including MKV files.
In addition to allowing Mac users to play videos from their hard drive, MPlayerX supports streaming and playback from HTTP feeds, as well as casting to Smart TVs.
It provides strong compatibility with Mac devices and is clearly designed with Mac users in mind. You can even use the Mac remote to control playback, making it a great option for use with Apple TV. It also automatically remembers the playback position if there is any interruption. However, a major drawback is that it is not regularly updated to support the latest versions of macOS.
Pros:
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Affordable
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Built with Mac users in mind
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Stream to Smart TVs and use an Apple remote control (bought separately)
Cons:
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Not as many features as some other players
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Not regularly supported and updated
Pricing plans:
- $1.99
Supported OS:
- macOS
Movist
Movist is an affordable, no-frills video player for Mac that supports MKV files. While its functionality doesn’t match some of the top-tier players, it delivers performance that aligns well with its lower price point.
Movist is designed to work efficiently on newer Mac models, including those powered by Apple Silicon chips.
Movist Pro adds extra features such as web-based media streaming and picture-in-picture mode. The standard version is sufficient for basic file playback and also includes hotkey controls, allowing you to quickly navigate the software once you become familiar with them.
Pros:
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Easy to use hotkeys
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Supports a lot of different media files including MKV
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Simple interface, even for beginners
Cons:
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No free trial to see if you like the software
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No conversion option
Pricing plans:
- $4.99 for standard, $7.99 for pro
Supported OS:
- macOS
5KPlayer
5KPlayer is a solid choice for HD playback and streaming, offering a simple interface along with a wide range of features. It supports 4K video playback and also allows users to rip and play DVDs.
The player includes support for AirPlay and DLNA streaming, and it can handle MKV files, even in UHD formats.
However, one of the main drawbacks is that the app is ad-supported, with advertisements appearing as soon as you launch it. Many users find this frustrating and would prefer a paid version without constant ads.
Pros:
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Supports HD and UHD files
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Totally free
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Stream and play from your hard drive
Cons:
- Annoying ads
Pricing plans:
- Free
Supported OS:
- macOS, Windows
IINA
IINA is one of the best free video players for Mac and offers an intuitive experience that fits well within the macOS environment. Like others on this list, it reliably supports MKV files along with many other formats.
IINA includes HDR support and performs well on the latest generation of Macs, including those powered by Apple Silicon chips. It also provides a variety of cropping options and aspect ratios to choose from. Additionally, the app can function as a plugin for browsers like Firefox or Chrome.
Pros:
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Excellent add-on for Firefox or Chrome
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Simple to use
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Totally open source
Cons:
- No conversion or advanced features
Pricing plans:
- Free
Supported OS:
- macOS
DivX
DivX is a commercial media player focused primarily on the .divx format. The Pro version includes additional tools such as a converter, a CD burner, and an audio enhancer, but it lacks basic features like video effects or an equalizer.
Despite its limited feature set, the player still displays ads unless you upgrade to the Pro version. Additionally, while it may not be a major issue, the interface appears somewhat outdated, suggesting that DivX Player has not received significant updates in recent years.
Pros:
- Free to use (somewhat)
Cons:
-
Limited functionality
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Ads in the free version
Pricing plans:
- Free, Pro version $19.99
Supported OS:
- macOS, Windows
How to open MKV file on Mac
Once you’ve downloaded software for Mac that supports MKV files, there are usually a couple of ways to open them.
From Finder, you can navigate to the file, right-click on it, select “Open With,” and then choose the software you installed.
Alternatively, you can open the media player first. Some applications allow you to drag and drop the file directly into the player, while others let you click “File” and then “Open” to browse and select the MKV file.
Conclusion
MKV files are not natively supported on Macs, but they are widely used. That’s why it’s a good idea to have a reliable option for playing them. All of the MKV players for Mac mentioned in this guide provide a way to open and enjoy MKV files, along with many other video and container formats.