WMV Players for Mac: Top 8 in 2023

In some cases, it can be difficult to determine the best video players to use on a Mac. However, when it comes to playing Windows Media Video–or WMV–files on a Mac, there are fewer options than usual. Because WMV files are made for Windows users, there is no official Apple WMV player for Mac; QuickTime cannot play WMV files. This leads users who want to view WMV files to search for a media player for WMV files on Mac. Here, you will find the best video players for Mac users who want to view WMV files.

List of Best WMV Players on Mac

Best Option: Elmedia Player

Elmedia Player is, without a doubt, the best WMV player for Mac users. While Elmedia Player can play a variety of different video types, WMV is included without the need to install codecs or updates. Elmedia users are able to play almost any video type with all of the standard video controls and options available to them from the start in the free version with few interruptions along the way. Because of this, Elmedia is one of the few options on this list that is a WMV player for Mac with a free download.

Additionally, Elmedia’s Pro version allows users to take screenshots, enjoy picture-in-picture viewing, tune audio, and a few more advanced features, all without detracting from the free version’s usability. This makes Elmedia far more convenient than other media players with free versions on this list.

Option #2: VLC

VLC is a completely free WMV player for Mac and Windows that is also open-source and consistently updated, meaning that it will almost always run on the most recent version of your Mac’s operating system.

VLC can also support almost any file type and will usually play videos smoothly, making VLC a strong choice for a media player for WMV files on your Mac.

One common complaint about VLC is that its advanced video options can be confusing to use through the menu bar, and its built-in streaming options leave a lot to be desired in comparison to other options on this list.

Option #3: Cisdem

Cisdem is a WMV player for Mac that comes with a free download along with the option to upgrade to an ad-free experience. The free version does plenty, allowing users to play a variety of video formats and audio files with a simple, easy-to-use set of controls.

While Cisdem is easy to use and contains all of the basic video player necessities one expects to find, its ads are frequent and potentially intrusive. Users can pay a small fee for a single user to remove the ads and gain access to tech support.

Option #4: IINA

IINA is another WMV player for Mac that is completely free. It doesn’t give the user a ton of options for playback, but its easy-to-use interface, ability to play lots of different types of videos, and lack of obtrusive ads or pop-ups make it a strong option for anyone trying to play WMV videos on their Mac.

Like VLC, IINA has a fairly straightforward interface with some complex menu bar options and playlist creation abilities. IINA can also create libraries from your video folders on your Mac, allowing you to select from files within IINA’s interface rather than adding files to the player each time you want to play them.

Option #5: 5KPlayer

5KPlayer is a combination video player and media library that also allows users to stream videos via AirPlay and DLNA. In addition to playing WMV files, it can play a long list of different video formats; 5KPlayer can also stream from sites like YouTube and DailyMotion.

Unfortunately, 5KPlayer has some drawbacks, including spammy ads and pop-ups in the free version and a tendency to cause videos to lag or freeze while playing. 5KPlayer also has a relatively dated interface that does not always work.

Option #6: OmniPlayer

OmniPlayer is a free MKV player that also supports a variety of additional file types, including WMV. You can download OmniPlayer directly from your Mac’s App Store as well, adding some credibility to the app.

OmniPlayer allows the user to play multiple videos at once, use picture-in-picture, and cast videos to supported devices. Users can even adjust the speed at which videos play and the rate at which subtitles appear, giving a lot of control to the user for such a simple app.

Option #7: Switch Player

Switch Player is a multiformat video player and editor that includes the ability to watch WMV files on your Mac, albeit with some caveats. In order to access the free trial version of Switch Player, you must first sign up for emails and the trial copy on the Switch Player main site. Once you do that, Switch Player will download automatically.

Unfortunately, even the free version doesn’t allow for exports of over 30 seconds, and the player itself won’t open WMV files due to licensing issues. In order to use Switch Player to view WMV files on your Mac, you will have to purchase the basic version for $19.95, making it the only mandatory purchase on this list.

Option #8: UniConverter Desktop Video Converter

UniConverter Desktop Video Converter is a unique entry on this list in that it has a variety of tools built into its video player. While UniConverter does play WMV files–in addition to a variety of other file types–it also gives you the ability to edit, convert, and more.

UniConverter does significantly restrict your options for use in the free trial, but gives users the option to either buy an annual license or pay a one-time fee to own the software forever.

Conclusion

There are plenty of high-quality WMV-viewing options available for you to try. Elmedia Player is our top choice due to its ease of use and ability to play virtually any video file on your Mac, making any other video players redundant. It also runs natively on the Apple M1 and M2 chips for ease of integration into your Mac’s everyday use. However, any option on this list should make it easy for you to view WMV videos on your Mac, and some will even allow you to edit, stream, or convert your WMV files.