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For times when you want to the classic view for your favorite media, this program will do it

For times when you want to the classic view for your favorite media, this program will do it

Vote: (567 votes)

Program license: Free

Developer: MPC-HC Team

Version: 2.0.0

Works under: Windows

Also available for Android

Vote:

Program license

(567 votes)

Free

Developer

Version

MPC-HC Team

2.0.0

Works under:

Also available for

Windows

Android

Pros

  • Easy to use
  • Simple and basic user interface
  • Compatible with most leading formats
  • Does not display ads as it runs
  • Uses less space than other media players do

Cons

  • Not as appealing or eye catching as other players
  • Does not work with streaming videos or apps
  • Lacks support for CDs

Media Player Classic is an easy to use tool that is free to use and lets you play all types of media files and formats on your computer.

Though most computers now come with media players already installed, many of those apps have a complicated design and interface that is difficult for some to use. You need to search through your folders to find the right app and then open it before you can play music or a video. Media Player Classic is much easier to use, which makes it popular with both younger and older media lovers.

Depending on how old you are, you might remember using a similar utility tool on a computer that you bought in the late 1990s or early 2000s. Not only is it free to use, but the download takes just a few minutes. Once the download completes, you can go in and start using the tool to both watch videos and listen to music. Some call it the 123 Player because you only need to go through three steps to use it.

Unlike other free media players that come loaded with ads, Media Player Classic never displays ads. You won't see ads popping up when you load a new movie or when you play a new song. It also lacks the bugs that plague other media players. Even if you want to watch a three-hour-long film or play dozens of songs, you don't need to worry about the app crashing or freezing. If you leave in the middle of a file, it will remember that spot and let you pick it up again when you open it later.

The ability to drag and drop files makes this a good choice for those with an extensive library. After opening Media Player Classic, you simply click on the option to export new media. You can then select the folders where you have files stored, click and hold on the folder or file and drag and drop it into the app with your mouse. Media Player Classic will then store those files for future use.

Many users love the Playlist Manager feature too. Do you have playlists stored on other apps and programs that you want to access? This feature is compatible with Windows Media Player and other third-party apps. It lets you transfer those playlists and listen to them in Media Player Classic. This gives you convenient access to the playlists that you use when working out at home and those you want to listen to do while doing homework.

Another reason to like Media Player Classic is that it is compatible with all the leading formats. Nearly every type of media file that you have stored on your computer or external device will play in it, including MP3, MPG, OGG and MOV files. Though it works with both music and video files, Media Player Classic is not compatible with streaming apps. You'll want to look elsewhere to watch movies and shows you downloaded through Netflix and other streaming services.

This utility app has other potential problems that might affect how you use it. It does not offer any support for CDs. Though you can use it to listen to discs if you have a disc drive, it cannot save songs from those discs. Despite the lack of support for CDs, you get some support for other types of discs, including both DVDs and Blu-Rays. If you need more support, you can click the help button from the toolbar or visit the official website. That's where you'll find tutorials that walk you through how to use the features and guides on hidden things you can do with the tool.

Media Player Classic is one of the best free utility tools for fans of music and videos. It has a basic interface with a clear design that helps you find everything you want in seconds and makes it easy for experienced and less experienced people to use. No matter what type of files and file formats you have stored on your computer and external devices, Media Player Classic lets you listen, watch and view them all.

Pros

  • Easy to use
  • Simple and basic user interface
  • Compatible with most leading formats
  • Does not display ads as it runs
  • Uses less space than other media players do

Cons

  • Not as appealing or eye catching as other players
  • Does not work with streaming videos or apps
  • Lacks support for CDs

Pros

  • Plays most audio and video formats without a problem.
  • Clean user interface modeled after Windows Media Player.
  • Easy on hardware resources, players well on most machines.

Cons

  • Streaming support is not available, audio CD support lacking.
  • Advanced features found in competing software are missing here.
  • Classic interface might be seen as ugly by some users.

Media Player Classic is a free audio and video media player for Windows PCs. As the name suggests, this player is modeled after older Windows Media Player versions. Users will encounter a simple, clean user interface and an excellent media player. There's a lot to love in this program, but it exists in a crowded market. Still, an ad-free experience with no price tag is difficult to come by these days. Perhaps Media Player Classic is the right choice for many users when it comes to media players designed for Windows.

Media Player Classic: Clean, Simple, Familiar

Since Media Player Classic is modeled after Windows Media Player, it should feel familiar to the average person. For the most part, this should be considered a positive thing. The user interface is quite simple without cluttered menus and confusing tabs. Users can access whatever function or playback feature they need within seconds. Luckily, only a few minutes are required to become familiar with how this program works.

It doesn't hurt that Media Player Classic supports dozens of audio and video formats. Users shouldn't struggle to play common file types, and obscure formats aren't out of the question either. With that in mind, few free media players offer such widespread format support, so it's nice to see here. Media Player Classic also doesn't bog down minimal hardware, and most Windows PCs will run the program without any stuttering or glitches.

Users won't encounter advertisements while using Media Player Classic, even though the program is 100% free. Without a doubt, you'll want to keep that benefit in mind.

Where Does Media Player Classic Fall Short?

Despite many positives and benefits, Media Player Classic isn't the perfect media player. The software features lackluster support for audio CD playback, and streaming support is non-existent. Other software tend to include advanced features and capabilities, which are missing from Media Player Classic. Finally, not all users will enjoy the classic interface of the program and might prefer something that looks more modern.

Media Player Classic: The Verdict

Typical media player users shouldn't hesitate to download Media Player Classic. In most cases, the program will suit their needs and exceed expectations. More advanced users might prefer something with a broader featureset, though. Media Player Classic is an excellent media player modeled after another excellent media player. Then again, perhaps the program excels beyond the program it attempts to emulate. Wide format support and a simple interface make the program a worthwhile download. While some small features are missing, the average user isn't going to notice such deficiencies.

Media Player Classic is an easy program to recommend.

Pros

  • Plays most audio and video formats without a problem.
  • Clean user interface modeled after Windows Media Player.
  • Easy on hardware resources, players well on most machines.

Cons

  • Streaming support is not available, audio CD support lacking.
  • Advanced features found in competing software are missing here.
  • Classic interface might be seen as ugly by some users.