13 Best AVI Video Players for Mac

Of all of the lossless file formats associated with videos, AVI files are perhaps the best-known among video connoisseurs. These comparatively large video files never deteriorate in quality, making them popular for anyone who wants to preserve high-fidelity videos forever. AVI files are proprietary to the Windows operating system, so attempting to play them on a Mac without third-party software will result in an error. Luckily, we’ve got your AVI needs covered with 13 of the best video players for Mac.

Finding the Best AVI Player for Mac

Top Choice: Elmedia Player

Elmedia Player is the best AVI Player for Mac. In addition to having clear and consistent video and audio playback with all of the features you would expect for manipulating and enjoying your videos, Elmedia Player also offers the option to stream to AirPlay and DLNA devices from within the app. Elmedia can even handle ultra high-definition video, making it perfect for those high-resolution AVI files that cause other media players to stutter.

But Elmedia Player is also so much more than just an AVI file player for Mac users; it can also handle virtually any other video format–including rare ones like FLAC and proprietary ones like WMV–as well as play most audio files. If you’re going to download an AVI player for Mac, this is the one to choose.

Option #2: JustPlay

JustPlay is a relatively simple video player that supports AVI files, along with most other popular video formats. While it lacks some of the shinier attributes of beefier video players, JustPlay can actually handle videos in up to 8K, and it plays content smoothly on a consistent basis.

JustPlay’s controls are appropriately straightforward, with basic audio and speed options along with picture-in-picture nestled away in a toolbar that disappears while your video is playing. If you’ve been looking for a lightweight video player that does more than QuickTime, this is a good place to start.

Option #3: Macgo

Macgo is a media player for Mac AVI files that doubles as a Blu-Ray player as well. This means that, in addition to supporting all of the standard video file types you would expect, Macgo can also open ISO files ripped from Blu-Ray DVDs in high definition.

As a player, Macgo offers lots of flexibility with how you view your videos and control their playback, even including a virtual remote. While it doesn’t have streaming options, Macgo is a good solution for anyone looking to play DVDs or ISO files in addition to the more familiar formats.

Option #4: VLC Media Player

VLC Media Player is, among other things, a free AVI player for Mac. This simple media player has been used frequently across all feasible platforms, so you can trust that it will work reliably. It benefits from frequent updates and community support as well.

Since VLC can handle almost any video file format, it is also a good choice for importing a Windows-based library, making it a strong AVI and WMV player for Mac users who are new to the macOS system.

Option #5: Plex

Plex is actually a service that creates a video library that you can then access on virtually any device through the dedicated media player app. While Plex does require some extra steps–the most notable of which include signing up for the service, creating a library, and adding folders with your video files to the library–the convenience of being able to access your video library when away from home is not to be understated.

Like the rest of the media players on this list, Plex will play most file formats, including your AVI files, without fuss once you have it running.

Option #6: 5KPlayer

5KPlayer is another strong option for an AVI movie player for Mac users. While especially high-definition videos will sometimes play in a lower framerate than is ideal, 5KPlayer generally handles a variety of video formats well, and it stores them in a library so that you can open them from within the app in the future.

Another cool option included in 5KPlayer is the ability to stream and download videos from YouTube. The feature doesn’t always work due to YouTube’s own policies, but it’s a convenient addition.

Option #7: Cisdem Video Player

Cisdem Video Player is a powerhouse of a media player, offering the ability to play almost all video formats and supporting UHD playback in the process. While some ads impact viewing very occasionally–mostly on startup–the free version is perfectly serviceable and has no real limitations if your goal is simply to watch the video files on your computer. The licensed version adds helpful bonus features like file conversion to the app.

Unfortunately, Cisdem’s strength can cause it to eat up battery more than the lighter, better-optimized apps on this list, making it suboptimal for travel or cordless play.

Option #8: Free AVI Player for Mac

Like its name suggests, this video player for AVI files on Mac is free to use. The lack of a price tag belies the power behind this app, which can support up to 8K video playback in almost any popular format. For this reason, Free AVI Player for Mac’s creators recommend using this app on a widescreen monitor if possible.

This player’s controls and settings aren’t going to win any awards, but they’re simple enough to understand immediately and they do what they need to in order to make your videos play in a smooth and convenient manner.

Option #9: IINA Player

IINA is a clear reimagining of Apple’s native QuickTime player, complete with all of the quality-of-life enhancements for which QuickTime is overdue. These include the ability to create a playlist and support for a variety of different video types that QuickTime doesn’t support, AVI included.

Unlike many of the apps on this list, IINA supports Touch Bar use and your Mac’s current light or dark setting, and it’s entirely free to download and use with no ad support built in.

Option #10: OmniPlayer

OmniPlayer lives up to its name by being able to open almost any video or audio format imaginable, regardless of how obscure it is. This app can also stream your video library to a variety of smart and DLNA-capable devices, making it a true jack-of-all-trades when it comes to your viewing experience.

OmniPlayer’s interface is a bit dated and will predictably be a draw on your system’s memory, but those minor drawbacks come with a plethora of other positives such as a detailed but simple set of controls and high-definition playback.

Option #11: Final Video Player

Final Video Player is an extremely simple and lightweight media player that can support a handful of formats such as AVI and MKV. While it has almost no advanced functionality–you’ll generally have access to basic controls to move through a video or playlist at most–it is also entirely free, devoid of advertising, and light enough that your Mac won’t go into overdrive trying to play your videos.

Some people may be put off by the app’s simplified interface and smaller list of supported formats than other apps on this list, but Final Video Player is more than enough to get the job done if you just want an easy player that won’t tank your battery life.

Option #12: Movist

Movist’s main claim to fame is its beautiful interface that has been built to complement the macOS aesthetic, with transparent menus that become available as your mouse appears and a QuickTime-like borderless display. Naturally, it can play all of the most popular video formats, including AVI, and its Pro version will also let you watch online videos in the Movist window.

Movist is also optimized for your Mac’s system settings, allowing it to detect things like light or dark mode, and its CPU usage is much lower than one might expect from a video player.

Option #13: Total Video Player

Total Video Player promises everything you would want to see in a video player: HD playback, a large number of supported formats, intuitive controls, and deinterlacing. At its core, this simple video player can do all of those things, albeit for a fairly steep price in comparison to other apps on this list.

Unfortunately, Total Video Player does not have a particularly serviceable free tutorial, allowing you to play only a limited number of videos per day (each of which only plays part of the way through) before you upgrade.

Conclusion

Now you know what media players play AVI files for Mac. If you ask, a majority of Windows users will tell you that they prefer to use a third-party app instead of sticking to the default video option when playing AVI files. While your Mac can’t play an AVI file without help from an external app, you’ll find that most of the ones on this list don’t just allow you to open AVI videos–they improve the overall viewing experience. Any of these apps will serve you well, but Elmedia Player is a clear winner across the board in terms of features and reliability.