Choosing the best media player for Windows 7 is not as difficult as it might seem. To do this, just look at the leaders of the ratings, try out several options and decide for yourself which is better. Pay attention to the ease of use and configuration. You can also make your choice by looking at the program interface.
What is a media player for?
This is a program that is designed to play media content. Now most often they talk about video players. But almost all such programs can play both music and films, so there is no such clear distinction.
The media player helps you listen to music on your computer, play movies and other videos. Previously, this type of program was more popular. Now many users have switched to online services that are equipped with their own player.
Nevertheless, a review of media players for Windows 7 is always relevant, since programs may be needed at any time. Sometimes a standard computer application does not cope with the tasks.
Rating
Finding the best media player for Windows 7 is easy. There are not many similar programs, so just select one of them.
The rating is more complicated. Almost every year it changes, because one or another program receives more profitable updates, redesign, therefore, it attracts the attention of users.
Since rating is a subjective matter, someone may not agree with the participants and the places they occupy. But in a few years, leaders among players have already been established:
- Windows Media Player
- VLC
- Media Player Classic.
- KMPlayer.
- ComboPlayer.
The five best media players for Windows 7 can change places. Some of these programs are slightly outdated, but are popular due to their past achievements. Some are completely new, so they have not yet become known to a wide circle.
Windows Media Player
This is the most popular player. And rather, this is due to the fact that the program is preinstalled in Windows. Many users are already used to it, so they don’t even try to find a better option.
The standard Windows player works with audio and video. Previously, the program was especially popular because it allowed you to rip music from CDs, burn CDs and create playlists.
In addition, the application can synchronize files from players and other devices, purchase music in online stores, work with the Windows Media Format library.
The first version was released in 1998. Last update recorded in September 2017.
Operating and Configuring Windows Media Player
You do not need to install Windows Media Player for Windows 7, because the program is preinstalled. But if for some reason you do not have it, you can download it from the official site. Installation is automatic and requires nothing from the user.
In general, the player is convenient to use. If a CD is installed in the PC, it will start automatic playback. Starting the program, just transfer the files to an empty window. If a smartphone is connected to the computer, then media files ready for playback will be displayed in one of the tabs.
You do not need to configure the player. In the left column is a library that displays all the files on the PC. From here they can be launched. At the bottom of the window is the player itself with volume control, switching between files and pause.
The disadvantage of this option is its limited ability to play formats. He does not support some of them, so you have to look for an alternative. The player came in first place only because it is the most popular.
VLC
At one time, when new video formats appeared, and Windows Media Player stopped dealing with them, it was one of those players that came to the rescue. It can hardly be called the best media player for Windows 7, but it is still used on many PCs.
It is especially pleasant that the developers did not give up work on it. Therefore, now you can install the program not only on Windows, but also on Android, iOS, Linux and Mac OS.
In the application, you can adjust the credits, quickly adjust the volume, listen to Internet radio, synchronize with smartphones, install the plug-in for browsers, play streaming video and much more.
Operation and configuration of VLC
VLC is a media player for Windows 7. It is not much different from others. Of course, its interface is slightly changed. Many consider it obsolete. They especially say that it’s high time to change the bottom control panel of media files.
By 2018, she looks messy. Reminds old versions of Windows that had dull colors and bulky icons. But using the program is convenient.
Easy menu navigation. To configure and run do not need special codecs. The program supports many modern file formats: MPEG, FLV, RMBV, DV, h.263, h.264 MPEG-4 / xVid, WEBM, AC3, Flac, OGG, MP3, WAV, etc.
Installing it is simple. It is enough to download from the official site and run the installation file. By the way, the resource offers a free automatic update of the program.
Media player classic
This program speaks for itself. This is one of the best media players for Windows 7. It is convenient and very simple. It was first released in 2003. The program received a similar interface with Windows Media Player, but was written in completely different code.
At one time, the player was considered one of the most popular. It could be quickly downloaded and installed. He played almost all the necessary files. It was easy to work with.
Operating and Configuring Media Player Classic
The Media Player Classic for Windows 7 has not received an update for a long time. The latter was released back in 2006. Since then, he has not received any support from the developer. Nevertheless, it is still popular.
Some decided to close their eyes to the interface. He remained gray and out of date. Although many believe that it is the most convenient. And in fact it is.
Installing the program is simple. You can download the file and run it. After a quick installation, you can immediately start work. The program does not require any additional downloads.
The interface is very simple and straightforward. Below is the file control panel. At the top there are several tabs that allow you to open the file, add it to the playlist, customize the view or use bookmarks.
You can work with the program using the cmd.exe command line. You can adjust the subtitles or switch to another sound track. You can arbitrarily change the resolution and scaling of the video. It is possible to adjust the brightness and contrast. The player easily copes with damaged AVI files.
Kmplayer
Which media player is better for Windows 7? Here a lot depends on the user's requirements. But it is KMPlayer that often becomes an indispensable assistant. This is a free program from Korean developers. There are so many settings that many are not used at all.
A feature of this program is widespread support for formats. For example, some films with a size of more than 20 GB, presented in MKV format, not every program can play. KMPlayer is up to the challenge. At one time, the program was almost the only one that could play such files.
Since the release, the developers have changed the player’s interface several times. It looks beautiful and concise.
Operation and configuration of KMPlayer
You can download the program on the official website. After that, just run the installation file. The process is fast. The only thing worth being careful during installation.
Since the program is free, the developer implements many other utilities that may be superfluous. Therefore, it’s better not to thoughtlessly click “Next”, but to read and check off where necessary.
The program may contain advertising banners. This is one of the main disadvantages. It is also quite resource-intensive, so it can open for a long time on weak PCs. You do not need to configure anything. After turning on the movie, you can click RMB on the screen and configure the video. For example, here you can remove subtitles, change the soundtrack or scale.
The player allows you to create screenshots, capture video and record sound. To enhance the audio track, you can use an equalizer with 10 bands to adjust the effects.
Comboplayer
Few people know about this media player. He is not the most popular, therefore, and takes fifth place. But over time, when it becomes known to a wider circle of users, it will definitely become the best media player for Windows 7 x64.
A feature of the program is the ability not only to play PC files, but also to watch 20 Russian channels and listen to 400 radio stations. It is also possible to insert a link to a podcast or live broadcast.
The player quickly connects to the channels. Provided a stable Internet connection is not interrupted.
Operation and configuration of ComboPlayer
The program needs to be downloaded from the official site. Installation takes some time: it all depends on the power of the PC. The program independently loads all the necessary files.
You do not need to configure the player. There are three tabs in the left column. The first contains a list of TV channels, the second contains radio stations, and the third contains a line where you need to copy a link to a stream or podcast. When viewing the graph, you can collapse.
At the top there is a menu that allows you to open a file located on the computer. The program receives automatic updates from the official site. There is a version on Android.
A feature is that to watch movies you do not need to download torrent to PC. At the moment, the program plays all available file formats. The disadvantages include a limited number of channels (20 in total). You will have to pay for the rest. Also, the program does not work on Windows XP.