Mplayer vs Zoom Player: is it a good Linux alternative?

Mplayer as a Linux alternative to Zoom Player

Updated October 18, 2026

Our verdict

MPlayer is a capable replacement for Zoom Player if you prioritize playback flexibility and codec support over polished UI and ease of use. It handles common formats, subtitles, and multiple audio tracks well, and supports hardware acceleration via command-line flags. However, it lacks built-in playlist management, a user-friendly library, or skinning system. Enthusiasts comfortable with terminal commands and configuration files will adapt, but average home-theater users wanting mouse-driven menus and visual customization will find it lacking without a frontend.

Feature parity60%

License: GPL-2.0-or-later
Price: Free
Latest version: 1.5
Rating: 5/5 (1)

Install Mplayer Website ↗

What works the same

Supports nearly all common video and audio codecs without extra installation
Handles embedded and external subtitles, including multiple subtitle tracks
Allows full keyboard and remote control via customizable key bindings
Plays DVDs, Blu-ray (with decryption tools), and network streams
Supports hardware acceleration through VDPAU, VAAPI, and other backends

What is different

No native GUI or skinning system — UI customization requires frontends
No built-in playlist or media library management
Relies on command-line or external frontends for ease of use
No theater-mode with on-screen controls by default
Steeper learning curve due to configuration complexity

Opening your Zoom Player files

MPlayer reads the same media file formats that Zoom Player handles — MP4, MKV, AVI, MP3, AAC, and others — without conversion. It can open individual files and play them directly from the command line. However, MPlayer does not support Zoom Player's proprietary playlist or settings files (like .zpl). You’ll need to recreate playlists in M3U format or use a frontend that imports them. Subtitle files (SRT, ASS) are supported if named correctly and placed in the same directory.

Switching from Zoom Player to Mplayer, step by step

Install MPlayer via your package manager: 'sudo apt install mplayer' on Debian/Ubuntu or 'sudo pacman -S mplayer' on Arch
Copy your media files and subtitles to a shared directory, ensuring matching filenames
Create M3U playlists manually or with a script for your collections
Edit ~/.mplayer/config to set default options like subtitles, audio track, and fullscreen
Use a frontend like SMPlayer or Gnoma if you prefer GUI controls and skinning

Key features of Mplayer

Extensive codec support
Command‑line control
Low resource usage
Customizable key bindings
Video and audio filters
Subtitle handling
DVD, Blu‑ray, and streaming support

How to install Mplayer on Linux

Ubuntu / Mintsudo apt install mplayer

Debiansudo apt install mplayer

Arch / Manjarosudo pacman -S mencoder

Frequently asked questions

Can MPlayer play Blu-ray discs?

Yes, but only if libbluray and AACS decryption libraries are installed. These are not always included due to legal restrictions. You may need to compile MPlayer with support or use additional tools.

Is there a GUI version of MPlayer?

MPlayer itself is command-line, but frontends like SMPlayer, Gnoma, and KMPlayer provide GUIs with skins, playlists, and easier navigation while using MPlayer as the backend.

How do I enable hardware acceleration in MPlayer?

Use the '-vo' option with 'vdpau', 'vaapi', or 'xv' depending on your hardware. For example: 'mplayer -vo vdpau video.mkv'. Check your GPU driver support for compatibility.