Comparing 5 popular streaming app players — honest benchmark

chris_tv

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Feb 25, 2012

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57

• Apr 12, 2024

• #1

Hi everyone! Starting this thread to discuss the topic and hear from others with similar experiences. Happy to answer questions and share more details if needed.

 

jake_m

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Mar 3, 2010

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• Apr 14, 2024

• #2

What players did you include?

 

BufferBuster

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May 2, 2016

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• Apr 18, 2024

• #3

Tested: VLC, MX Player, ExoPlayer-based app, MPV, and the app's native player.

 

sarah_tech

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Jan 9, 2011

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• Apr 15, 2024

• #4

Interested in the battery usage comparison especially.

 

NancyBuffer

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Jun 3, 2019

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• Apr 24, 2024

• #5

Native ExoPlayer apps: most efficient. VLC: heaviest.

 

DorisStream

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Jan 8, 2023

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• Apr 17, 2024

• #6

VLC's battery usage has improved but it's still not ideal on mobile.

 

MaryLogin

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Jan 5, 2019

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• Apr 30, 2024

• #7

MX Player with hardware decoding: very efficient. Close to ExoPlayer apps.

 

BrendaLogin

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• Apr 26, 2024

• #8

What about 4K HDR color accuracy?

 

PatriciaHD

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Mar 28, 2017

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• May 14, 2024

• #9

MPV handles HDR tone mapping best in my testing.

 

GloriaStream

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Jan 5, 2024

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• Apr 30, 2024

• #10

MPV is powerful but the interface is not beginner-friendly.

 

rachel_r

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Jan 25, 2015

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61

• Apr 22, 2024

• #11

Agreed. MPV is for enthusiasts. ExoPlayer-based players win on usability.

 

SharonHD

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Sep 22, 2022

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• May 26, 2024

• #12

4K HDR10+ support is limited on some players.

 

LindaForum

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Sep 21, 2011

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• May 6, 2024

• #13

Dolby Vision support is another differentiator.

 

TomBuffer

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• Jun 3, 2024

• #14

VLC added Dolby Vision support recently. Catching up.

 

SharonHD

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Sep 22, 2022

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• May 24, 2024

• #15

Native player from the app is often best for format support on that specific app.

 

mark_wifi

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Aug 8, 2013

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• Jun 11, 2024

• #16

Good benchmark. Sharing with my streaming setup group.