SMPlayerLinux
vs
KMPlayerWindows
SMPlayer as a Linux alternative to KMPlayer
Updated
Our verdict
SMPlayer is a strong replacement for KMPlayer users who want a lightweight, ad-free experience without installing codec packs. It handles the same core job: playing diverse video and audio formats with built-in support. While KMPlayer is known for its specific interface and Windows integration, SMPlayer offers a clean, open-source alternative that remembers playback positions and supports subtitles. It is ideal for users migrating from Windows who prioritize stability and format compatibility over proprietary features. You lose some Windows-specific integrations, but gain a player that works consistently across Linux distributions without bloat or ads.
- License
- GPL-2.0-or-later
- Price
- Free
- Latest version
- 25.6.0 (June 8, 2025)
- Rating
- —
What works the same
- Plays a wide range of codecs including AVI, MKV, MP4, and FLV without external packs
- Lightweight design with fast startup times
- Supports subtitles and multiple audio tracks
- User-friendly interface with standard playback controls
What is different
- SMPlayer is open-source (GPL) and ad-free, whereas KMPlayer often includes ads in its free version
- SMPlayer includes built-in YouTube playback and subtitle search features not central to KMPlayer
- SMPlayer is available via native Linux package managers and Flathub, not as a native Windows app
- SMPlayer remembers settings per file automatically, a feature KMPlayer handles differently
Opening your KMPlayer files
SMPlayer opens the same media file formats (AVI, MKV, MP4, etc.) as KMPlayer. There is no specific 'KMPlayer file' format to migrate; you simply point SMPlayer at your existing video files. Playlist files created in KMPlayer may need manual conversion if they use a proprietary format, but standard M3U or PLS playlists are generally supported. Subtitle files (SRT, ASS) are fully compatible.
Switching from KMPlayer to SMPlayer, step by step
- Install SMPlayer via your distribution's package manager or Flathub
- Copy your video and subtitle files to your Linux system
- Open SMPlayer and load your first video file to verify codec support
- Configure subtitle paths and audio track defaults in SMPlayer settings
- Test playing a DVD or VCD image to ensure hardware support is active
Key features of SMPlayer
- Built-in codecs for virtually all video and audio formats
- Remembers playback position and settings for each file
- Supports playing videos directly from YouTube
- Automatic subtitle search and download
- Cast media to external devices like smartphones and tablets
- No external codec packs required
- Available via Flathub and native package managers
How to install SMPlayer on Linux
flatpak install flathub info.smplayer.SMPlayersudo apt install smplayersudo apt install smplayersudo dnf install smplayersudo pacman -S smplayersudo zypper install smplayerFrequently asked questions
Do I need to install extra codecs for SMPlayer?
No. SMPlayer comes with built-in codecs that handle virtually all common video and audio formats out of the box.
Can SMPlayer play DVDs?
Yes, SMPlayer supports DVD playback, provided your Linux system has the necessary hardware drivers and DVD decryption libraries installed.
Is SMPlayer free and ad-free?
Yes, SMPlayer is free, open-source software licensed under GPL-2.0-or-later, and it does not display advertisements.
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