Totem vs KMPlayer: is it a good Linux alternative?

Totem as a Linux alternative to KMPlayer

Updated November 3, 2026

Our verdict

Totem is a solid, lightweight replacement for KMPlayer if you prioritize stability and simplicity over raw codec flexibility. It handles standard formats like MP4, MKV, and AVI well via GStreamer, but you will likely need to install extra codec packs for obscure or proprietary files that KMPlayer plays out of the box. The interface is clean and fast, fitting well within the GNOME environment. It is best for users who want a no-frills, native Linux player and are willing to manage a few dependencies. It is less suitable for power users who rely on KMPlayer’s extensive built-in support for rare formats without extra configuration.

Feature parity75%

License: GPL-2.0+
Price: Free
Latest version: 43.2
Rating: —

Install Totem

What works the same

Supports common video containers like MP4, MKV, and AVI
Lightweight resource usage with fast startup times
Basic playback controls including play, pause, and fullscreen
Subtitle support with automatic encoding detection
Playlist functionality for managing multiple media files

What is different

Totem relies on GStreamer plugins, requiring manual installation for some proprietary codecs
Lacks KMPlayer’s built-in support for a wider variety of obscure or legacy formats
Interface is strictly GTK-based, offering fewer customization options than KMPlayer
No built-in DVD playback without additional libdvdread packages
Less flexible subtitle customization and overlay options compared to KMPlayer

Opening your KMPlayer files

Totem does not use KMPlayer’s proprietary file formats for settings or playlists. You cannot directly open KMPlayer configuration files. However, since both players handle standard media containers, any video or audio files you played in KMPlayer will open in Totem provided the necessary GStreamer codecs are installed. Playlist files in standard M3U or M3U8 formats can be imported into Totem, but KMPlayer-specific playlist extensions will not be recognized.

Switching from KMPlayer to Totem, step by step

Install Totem and the GStreamer plugin packs for your distribution
Install libdvdread and libdvdcss if you need DVD playback
Test a variety of your common video files to identify missing codecs
Install specific GStreamer plugins for any unsupported formats
Import standard M3U playlists into Totem if needed
Configure default subtitle settings in Totem preferences

Key features of Totem

GTK+ interface that matches the GNOME look‑and‑feel
Automatic codec handling via GStreamer plugins
Playlist support and simple drag‑and‑drop
Subtitle display with basic encoding detection
Fullscreen and windowed modes with hotkeys
Integration with GNOME Shell notifications
Remote control via MPRIS/D‑Bus
Simple file browsing through GNOME Files

How to install Totem on Linux

Ubuntu / Mintsudo apt install totem

Debiansudo apt install totem

Fedorasudo dnf install totem

Arch / Manjarosudo pacman -S totem

openSUSEsudo zypper install totem

Frequently asked questions

Why won’t some of my videos play in Totem?

GStreamer requires specific plugins for certain codecs. Install the gstreamer-plugins-ugly or gstreamer-plugins-bad packages to expand codec support.

Can Totem play DVDs?

Yes, but you must install the libdvdread and libdvdcss libraries. Without these, DVD playback will not work.

Is Totem faster than KMPlayer?

Totem is generally very lightweight and starts quickly. Performance is comparable to KMPlayer for standard files, though KMPlayer may handle complex decoding tasks slightly better due to its broader codec integration.