mpv

by mpv project · Media players & music

Open sourceWindowsMacLinux

Minimal, keyboard-driven video player with excellent playback quality.

Official download from mpv.io (opens in a new tab)

Opens mpv.io, mpv project's own site. No mirror, no bundle.

Overview

What is mpv?

mpv has almost no interface: you drop a file in and control it with the keyboard. It is known for high-quality scaling, GPU decoding and scripting through Lua.

Key features

  • High-quality video scaling
  • Hardware decoding
  • Lua and JavaScript scripts
  • Config-file customisation

Best for

  • Anime and high-quality video playback
  • Keyboard-first users
  • Scripting custom playback

Install

How to install mpv

  1. 1Open the official mpv download page on mpv.io.
  2. 2Pick the build for your system (Windows, Mac, Linux; check x64, ARM or Apple silicon where offered).
  3. 3Run the installer and read each screen; decline anything you did not ask for.
  4. 4Keep it updated from the app's own updater or your package manager.

Install from the command line

  • Linux · Flatpak (Flathub)

    flatpak install flathub io.mpv.Mpv

Package IDs checked against the public winget, Homebrew and Flathub repositories on 1 Nov 2026. Build a script for several apps.

Safety

Download mpv safely

  • Check the domain

    The real download lives on mpv.io. Look-alike domains and search ads are the most common trap.

  • Skip mirrors

    Download portals can wrap installers in adware or old versions. You never need them for this app.

  • Verify if you can

    If the publisher lists a checksum, compare it with our in-browser checker before running the file.

  • Watch the installer

    Untick extras, browser changes or trials you did not ask for.

Open the checksum checker

Alternatives

mpv alternatives

Other media players & music apps, closest platform match first.

All media

FAQ

mpv questions

Where can I download mpv safely?

Download mpv only from mpv project's official site at mpv.io. Avoid mirror and "download portal" sites, which can bundle extra software with the installer.

Is mpv free?

Yes. mpv is open-source software and free to use.

Does mpv work on Windows, Mac and Linux?

mpv is available for Windows, Mac, Linux. Check mpv project's download page for exact system requirements and whether your processor (x64, ARM or Apple silicon) is supported.

Can I install mpv from the command line?

Yes, with Flatpak on Linux (flatpak install flathub io.mpv.Mpv). Package managers fetch the publisher's files and make updates easy.

What are good alternatives to mpv?

See the alternatives section on this page and the full media players & music list on AltFTool, which shows each app's licence and platforms side by side.