Top 4 AV1 Video Players for Smooth Playback

AV1 is becoming a popular video format because it offers better quality with smaller file sizes. However, not all media players support it by default. Some users are surprised to find that even Windows Media Player doesn’t play AV1 videos without extra setup. Unlike older formats, AV1 requires specific software or hardware support to work properly.

If you want to watch AV1 videos without issues, you need the right media player. In this article, you’ll learn about the best AV1 video players for Windows and Android.

Part 1: What is an AV1 Video Codec?

AV1 is a next-generation video codec designed to provide high-quality videos with efficient compression. It reduces file sizes while maintaining excellent visual clarity, making it ideal for streaming and media storage. Unlike older codecs, AV1 is open-source and royalty-free, which encourages widespread adoption across different platforms.

The main advantage of AV1 is its ability to deliver smooth playback even on slower internet connections, as it requires less bandwidth compared to formats like H.264 and VP9. With the growing popularity of AV1 videos, using a compatible media player ensures the best viewing experience.

You can’t miss: Which is a Better Video Codec? AV1 or H264

Part 2: 4 Most Popular AV1 Video Players for Windows and Android

Not all media players can handle AV1 files efficiently. To enjoy seamless playback, it's important to use a player that fully supports the AV1 codec. Whether you're watching on a computer or an Android device, the following players provide great performance and compatibility.

1. VLC Media Player

VLC Media Player is a widely used media player known for its broad format support, including AV1. It is free, open-source, and available across multiple platforms, such as Windows and Android. VLC uses hardware acceleration to ensure smooth playback and offers useful features like subtitle support and customizable playback settings.

VLC is a great choice for those who need a reliable player without additional downloads. Its user-friendly interface makes it suitable for both beginners and experienced users.

Pros

✅Completely free with no ads or hidden costs.

✅Regular updates ensure compatibility with the latest video formats.

✅Works smoothly across multiple operating systems, including Linux.

✅Offers a wide range of plugins for additional functionality.

✅Can stream videos directly from URLs without needing downloads.

Cons

❌The interface can feel outdated compared to modern media players.

❌Some advanced features may be difficult for beginners to find and use.

A comprehensive guide: How to Play AV1 Codec File on VLC Player?

2. PotPlayer

PotPlayer is a feature-rich media player for Windows that supports AV1 playback with excellent performance. It offers advanced customization options, including video enhancements and playback controls. Thanks to its hardware acceleration, PotPlayer ensures smooth playback even for high-resolution AV1 videos.

Its lightweight design makes it efficient without consuming too many system resources, making it a solid option for Windows users who need a powerful yet efficient player.

Pros

✅This player supports a wide range of video output settings for better customization.

✅It allows playback of incomplete or damaged files.

✅Potplayer has a built-in support for 3D and 360-degree videos.

✅Has highly responsive playback, even with large video files.

✅Also has extensive keyboard shortcuts for quick control.

Cons

❌It has Windows-only support, making it unavailable for Android and other platforms.

❌The abundance of settings can be overwhelming for casual viewers.

3. MX Player

MX Player is a top choice for Android users looking for an AV1-compatible media player. It provides a simple interface with powerful playback controls such as gesture-based volume and brightness adjustments. MX Player supports AV1 through software decoding, ensuring compatibility with a wide range of devices.

This player is popular for both offline and online streaming, offering smooth performance for different types of video content.

Pros

✅It is optimized for mobile devices with touch-friendly controls.

✅MX Player supports network streaming with adjustable playback speed.

✅It provides multi-core decoding for improved performance on modern phones.

✅Has customizable subtitle options, including font and color adjustments.

✅This player has an offline file-sharing feature without using mobile data.

Cons

❌Its free version includes ads that may interrupt playback.

❌Some advanced features require a paid version to access.

4. MPV Player

MPV Player is a lightweight, open-source media player that focuses on high-performance video playback. It supports AV1 natively and is designed to work efficiently across Windows and Android platforms. MPV features GPU-based decoding, which helps reduce CPU usage and provides a seamless viewing experience.

Its minimalistic design ensures ease of use, making it a good option for those who want a straightforward player without unnecessary features.

Pros

✅Its minimalistic design with a focus on performance.

✅Has an open-source with strong community support and frequent updates.

✅This player is lightweight and requires minimal system resources.

✅It has advanced scripting capabilities for automation and customization.

✅No installation required; it runs as a portable application.

Cons

❌It lacks a graphical user interface for detailed settings, relying on command-line options.

❌Has a limited built-in playback controls compared to other media players.

Part 3: Common Issues with AV1 Files and How to Fix it?

Even though AV1 offers great benefits, you may face issues when playing AV1 files. Some common problems include:

• Playback Errors: Videos may fail to open due to missing codecs.
• Stuttering or Lag: Slow or choppy playback can occur due to hardware limitations.
• Corrupted Files: Videos may become damaged due to incomplete downloads or file transfer errors.

Are you dealing with corrupted AV1 files? Using a professional repair tool, like Repairit Video Repair can help restore them.

Repairit Video Repair is a powerful tool that helps fix damaged AV1 video files, ensuring smooth playback without glitches. It is designed to detect and repair various video issues, such as distorted visuals, missing frames, and synchronization errors.

The software can handle different types of corruption, no matter the cause. Repairit offers an efficient solution for both minor errors and more complex file damage by using intelligent repair algorithms. Repairit’s compatibility with high-resolution AV1 videos makes it ideal for repairing 4K and even 8K content.

Key Features of Repairit Video Repair:

• Supports Multiple Formats. Repairit works with AV1, MP4, MOV, and other popular video formats.
• Batch Repair. It allows fixing multiple corrupted videos at once.
• Easy to Use. This tool has a simple repair process without technical expertise.
• Advanced Repair Mode. Repairit uses sample files to repair severe damage.
• Cross-Platform Compatibility. It is available for both Windows and Mac.

Step 1. Install and launch Repairit on your device. Hit the +Add button and select the damaged AV1 videos you want to repair.

Step 2. Press Repair, and the tool will automatically fix the video issues.

Step 3. Once the repair is complete, use the built-in preview option to check the results. If the video looks good, click Save.

Conclusion

Choosing the right AV1 video player is essential for a smooth playback experience. Whether you prefer VLC, PotPlayer, MX Player, or MPV, each offers unique features that enhance how you watch AV1 videos.

However, if you encounter playback issues due to file corruption, Repairit Video Repair provides an effective solution to fix and restore your videos. With the right tools, you can enjoy AV1 videos without any hassle.