CelluloidLinux
vs
Windows Media Player LegacyWindows
Celluloid as a Linux alternative to Windows Media Player Legacy
Updated
Our verdict
Celluloid is a solid, no-nonsense replacement for Windows Media Player Legacy. It handles common audio and video files without fuss, thanks to the mpv engine. The interface is clean and follows GNOME standards, which might feel different if you are used to the classic Windows look, but it is intuitive. It supports playlists and drag-and-drop, covering the core needs of a basic media player. You do not need to install extra codecs for most files. It is ideal for users who want a lightweight, free player that just works, without the bloat or ads found in some other options.
- License
- GPL-3.0+
- Price
- Free
- Latest version
- 0.30 (March 28, 2026)
- Rating
- —
What works the same
- Plays common audio formats like MP3, AAC, and WMA
- Plays common video formats including MP4, AVI, and MKV
- Supports playlist management and media browsing
- Provides simple play, pause, and seek controls
- Lightweight and focused on playback rather than complex library management
What is different
- Uses GTK and GNOME HIG design, which differs visually from the classic Windows interface
- Does not include a built-in DVD menu navigation UI by default, though mpv can handle discs
- Lacks the extensive online store and integration features of the original WMP
- Relies on the mpv engine, which may handle some obscure legacy codecs differently than WMP
Opening your Windows Media Player Legacy files
Celluloid plays standard media files (MP3, MP4, MKV, etc.) directly, which is the primary use case for most WMP users. If you have a legacy WPL (Windows Media Player) playlist file, Celluloid does not natively open it. You will need to convert it to a standard M3U or M3U8 playlist using a text editor or conversion tool before importing it into Celluloid. Media files themselves are fully compatible as long as the codecs are supported by mpv.
Switching from Windows Media Player Legacy to Celluloid, step by step
- Install Celluloid via your distribution's package manager or Flathub
- Copy your media files to a local folder on your Linux system
- Convert any .wpl playlist files to .m3u8 format using a text editor
- Open Celluloid and drag your media folders or playlist files into the window
- Configure keyboard shortcuts in the settings if you prefer specific key bindings
- Test playback of a few files to ensure audio and video sync correctly
Key features of Celluloid
- mpv‑based playback engine
- GTK+ interface following GNOME HIG
- Drag‑and‑drop playlist support
- External mpv config file loading
- MPRIS2 D‑Bus control
- Keyboard shortcuts for play/pause, seek, volume
- Playlist management
- MPRIS2 media player controls
How to install Celluloid on Linux
flatpak install flathub io.github.celluloid_player.Celluloidsudo apt install celluloidsudo apt install celluloidsudo dnf install celluloidsudo pacman -S celluloidsudo zypper install celluloidFrequently asked questions
Can Celluloid play DVD discs?
Yes, it can play DVD video content because it uses the mpv engine, which supports DVD playback. However, it does not provide a graphical DVD menu interface by default; you will usually need to start playback directly or use mpv's built-in menu options.
Do I need to install extra codecs?
For most common formats like MP3, MP4, and MKV, no. Celluloid relies on mpv, which bundles or links to necessary libraries. If you encounter issues with rare or proprietary formats, you may need to install additional codec packages specific to your Linux distribution.
Is the interface too different from Windows Media Player?
Yes, it looks different. It follows GNOME design guidelines, so it will look native to Linux desktops like GNOME or KDE. It is not a pixel-perfect clone of WMP, but the core controls (play, pause, volume, seek) are in familiar positions and function similarly.
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