SMPlayerLinux
vs
MPC-HCWindows
SMPlayer as a Linux alternative to MPC-HC
Updated
Our verdict
SMPlayer is a solid replacement for MPC‑HC for most users. It plays the same wide range of video and audio formats, uses low memory and CPU, remembers per‑file settings, and handles subtitles and external audio streams. The main advantage is the built‑in codecs and YouTube support, eliminating the need for external codec packs. It is ideal for users who want a lightweight player with a few extra features, but it lacks the very small footprint and some advanced playback controls that hardcore MPC‑HC users might rely on.
- License
- GPL-2.0-or-later
- Price
- Free
- Latest version
- 25.6.0 (June 8, 2025)
- Rating
- —
What works the same
- Both support a wide array of common video and audio formats
- Both are lightweight and use modest CPU and memory
- Both remember playback position and settings per file
- Both allow subtitle tracks and external audio streams
- Both are open‑source and free
What is different
- SMPlayer ships with built‑in codecs; MPC‑HC relies on external codec packs
- SMPlayer can play YouTube videos and cast to devices; MPC‑HC does not
- SMPlayer is available as a Flatpak and via native package managers; MPC‑HC is a Windows installer
- SMPlayer’s interface is more modern but may lack some of MPC‑HC’s advanced playback controls
- SMPlayer may use slightly more memory than the minimal MPC‑HC build
Opening your MPC-HC files
SMPlayer can open almost any video file that MPC‑HC can play, including common containers like MP4, MKV, AVI, and audio formats such as MP3, AAC, FLAC. It does not import MPC‑HC project files or playlists directly, so any custom playlist files (.m3u, .m3u8) must be opened manually. Exporting is not required as SMPlayer plays files directly.
Switching from MPC-HC to SMPlayer, step by step
- Install SMPlayer from your distribution’s package manager or Flathub.
- Open the video or audio file you normally play with MPC‑HC to verify format support.
- If you use external subtitle files, place them in the same folder or use SMPlayer’s subtitle search feature.
- Adjust playback settings (volume, speed, video output) and save them; SMPlayer will remember them per file.
- Replace MPC‑HC shortcuts or desktop entries with SMPlayer’s if you prefer quick access.
- Test any custom playlists by opening them in SMPlayer to ensure compatibility.
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
Does SMPlayer need additional codecs to play most videos?
No. SMPlayer includes built‑in codecs for virtually all common video and audio formats, so you don’t need to install separate codec packs.
Can I play YouTube videos with SMPlayer?
Yes. SMPlayer can stream videos directly from YouTube using its built‑in downloader.
Is SMPlayer lightweight enough for low‑end systems?
SMPlayer is designed to be lightweight; it uses modest CPU and memory, comparable to MPC‑HC, making it suitable for older hardware.
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