Parole as a Linux alternative to Windows Media Player
Updated
Our verdict
Parole is a good replacement for Windows Media Player if you need a lightweight, no-frills player for local media. It handles MP3, MP4, AVI, MKV, and FLAC out of the box using GStreamer, and the interface is straightforward with basic playback controls and playlist support. It’s especially suitable for Xfce users who value speed and simplicity. However, it lacks advanced features like library management or CD ripping. If you only play files occasionally and prefer minimalism, Parole works well. For more control or format support, consider VLC.
- License
- GPL-2.0
- Price
- Free
- Latest version
- 4.20.0
- Rating
- —
What works the same
- Plays common local audio and video formats including MP3, MP4, AVI, and MKV
- Provides basic playback controls: play, pause, stop, and seek
- Features a simple, clean interface designed for ease of use
- Supports drag-and-drop of media files into the window
- Includes fullscreen mode for video playback
What is different
- No built-in library organization or media database
- Does not support CD or DVD playback by default
- Lacks equalizer or advanced audio settings
- Fewer customization options compared to Windows Media Player
- Tightly integrated with Xfce, less common on other desktops
Opening your Windows Media Player files
Parole uses GStreamer, so it supports most file types that Windows Media Player handles, including MP3, MP4, AVI, MKV, and FLAC. WMV playback depends on having the right GStreamer plugins installed, which may not be present by default on all systems. Users might need to install additional codec packages on Debian, Fedora, or similar to ensure full compatibility. Once those are in place, Parole can open and play the same local media files without conversion.
Switching from Windows Media Player to Parole, step by step
- Install Parole using your distribution's package manager (e.g., sudo apt install parole on Debian/Ubuntu)
- Install GStreamer codec packages (e.g., gstreamer-plugins-bad, gstreamer-plugins-ugly) for full format support
- Drag and drop your media files into Parole or use 'Open File' from the menu
- Use the built-in playlist to organize multiple files
- Enable fullscreen mode with F11 or the button for video watching
Key features of Parole
- Plays common audio and video formats via GStreamer
- Simple, clean interface with playlist support
- Supports drag-and-drop of media files
- Basic playback controls (play, pause, stop, seek)
- Fullscreen mode for video
- Lightweight and fast startup
- Integrated with Xfce desktop environment
- Displays basic media information
How to install Parole on Linux
sudo apt install parolesudo apt install parolesudo dnf install parolesudo pacman -S parolesudo zypper install paroleFrequently asked questions
Can Parole play WMV files?
Yes, if the required GStreamer plugins are installed. On most distributions, you need to install additional codec packages like gstreamer1-plugins-ugly to support WMV.
Is Parole available outside the Xfce desktop?
Yes, it runs on any Linux desktop, but it's designed for Xfce and may not integrate as well with GNOME or KDE.
Does Parole support subtitles?
Yes, it supports common subtitle formats like SRT when they are named correctly and placed in the same directory as the video.
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