11 AVI Players for Mac: Our Top List in 2024

Best AVI Video Players

Since AVI is a Microsoft proprietary format, a default macOS installation does not support it. The issue can be resolved by using a video player for Mac, of which there are plenty. A third-party multimedia app can be downloaded as a .dmg or found on the App Store. Either way, you don’t just want to get a random player – it’s wise to pick out the best combination of features. The cost is also a significant factor to consider.

User situation:

How do I play an .avi file? Since reimagine my mac and updating, I can no longer play .avi moviesApple Support Community

1. Free AVI Player for Mac: Elmedia Player

Elmedia Player is the ideal tool for playing AVI files, as well as a wide range of other file types. Elmedia Mac AVI player lets you customize your playback with a selection of settings to fine tune your content. In addition, it’s compatible with AirPlay, meaning that you can easily play videos and audio on an external screen. It handles a huge range of different file types, and all without any need for conversion, letting you easily access all your content.

Once downloaded from the official website you can quickly start playing files thanks to an easy and intuitive setup. Elmedia is available from the App Store, in both free and paid versions, both of which handle the same range of files. For full usability, invest in the PRO version for a selection of additional features such as automatic screenshots, playlist exporting and more.

Elmedia as an AVI player for Mac

Pros:
  • Huge range of supported file types
  • Compatible with external devices
  • Customizable playback
  • Screenshot option
  • Easy file and folder management
Cons:
  • Only PRO version has complete range of features.

Top features:

  • Compatible with most media formats, including AVI
  • One-click streaming over AirPlay and DLNA
  • Opens external audio and subtitles with sync
  • Playback options, such as playback speed
  • Advanced audio and video configuration

License: free version available, PRO can be purchased for $19.99

Platforms: macOS only

Rating on Mac App Store: 4.5 out of 5

2. JustPlay

JustPlay is a simple, inexpensive player, but it’s practical and well-designed. Playlists, bookmarks, audio visualization, external audio, subtitles, and detailed audio/video options are all included. Play MOV, WMV, MKV, and many more codecs. It works as an MP4 player Mac app as well.

JustPlay is perfectly capable of HD playback. If you need to find subtitles, there’s a built-in search function. The app will remember any options you chose for a given file – like added tracks and the previous position on the timeline.

JustPlay supports AVI on Mac

Pros:
  • Handles wide range of different file types
  • Selection of subtitle options
  • Effective playback speeds
Cons:
  • No export features
  • Basic Blu-ray playback

Top features:

  • Supports nearly any media file
  • Video tuner with color correction and brightness
  • 10-band audio equalizer with presets
  • Saves playlists and bookmarks

License: costs $4.99

Platforms: macOS

Rating on Mac App Store: 4.3 out of 5

3. Aiseesoft Free Mac AVI Player

Aiseesoft is a straightforward AVI file player for Mac that offers a range of different tools for playing audio and video. The settings are fairly limited compared to some of the other options we’ve checked out, but it does offer basic playlist and management settings, as well as some customizable playback options.

Unfortunately, there are some limits with the free version. If you want compatibility with all file types, you’ll need to invest in the paid version. It does also offer a good range of settings for Blu-ray playback.

Aiseesoft Free Mac AVI Player

Pros:
  • Blu-ray supported
  • Snapshot feature available
  • Supported in a range of different languages
Cons:
  • Free version can only handle a limited selection of different file formats

Top features:

  • Blu-ray compatibility
  • Full HD, Ultra HD playback
  • Lossless audio functionality

License: free trial version, $15.60 per month

Platforms: Mac, Windows

Rating on Mac App Store: 2.4 out of 5

4. VLC Media Player

VLC is one of the best known media players, with good reason. As an open source player, it’s been modded by developers all over the world, and today it has compatibility with a range of additional plugins to customize use. It’s also available completely free. VLC handles a huge range of different file types, works with AVI for Mac, and offers users plenty of playback features to customize your content. It’s also compatible with a few different external devices such as AirPlay.

In addition, VLC lets you stream content directly from online sources, removing the need to download or convert audio and video. The only drawback about VLC is the fact that it’s not great on usability, with a display that isn’t especially user-friendly and at times confusing.

VLC Media Player

Pros:
  • Handles massive range of file types
  • Available completely free
  • Stream from online sources
Cons:
  • Display can be confusing at times

Top features:

  • Wide range of plugins lets you customize depending on what you need
  • Functions as a video downloader, letting you save content
  • Plays internet radio and podcasts
  • Audio normalization lets you balance audio playback

License: free

Platforms: Mac, Windows, Linux

Rating on Trustpilot: 2.5 out of 5

5. Macgo Free AVI Video Player for Mac

Macgo is a basic AVI media player Mac option that doesn’t offer as much as you might hope for given how much it costs. The player has increased its price recently, and you may want to choose a different option. Macgo has plenty of basic features available in free version, which will let you play a number of different file types.

They also claim they have removed AVI protections, so you will have no problems playing AVI files. Another drawback of Macgo is the fact that it uses up a large amount of CPU. Add to that the fact that it doesn’t have a feature for adjusting power usage, and you may want to look into other player options.

Macgo Free AVI Video Player for Mac

Pros:
  • Easy to use
  • Compatible with Blu-ray
  • Easy to adjust playback options
Cons:
  • Expensive
  • High CPU usage
  • No power adjustment

Top features:

  • AVI protection removal
  • DVD menu support

License: free, lifetime license costs $29.95

Platforms: Mac, Windows

Rating on Mac App Store: 4.3 out of 5

6. Movist

Movist is an affordable, effective player that you can get for just $5. You get a lot for your money, with an effective interface that lets you make the most out of the player. There are plenty of customization options, including subtitles and playback levels. File and folder management are straightforward, and you can create playlists easily.

There are a few extra features that can’t be accessed from the free version. If you want to stream content directly from websites you’ll need to invest in the full version, and the same goes for the network server option. Otherwise, it’s got pretty much everything you need, and works fine with AVI files.

Movist is an easy-to-use movie player

Pros:
  • Easy to use
  • File management is straightforward
  • Range of different subtitle options
Cons:
  • Full list of features is only available with paid version

Top features:

  • Extensive subtitle configuration
  • Playlist auto-filling and export
  • Unique, robust interface

License: $4.99 on the App Store

Platforms: macOS

Rating on Mac App Store: 4.3 out of 5

7. 5KPlayer

5KPlayer is another one of the AVI video player for Mac options that have been around for a pretty long time. You can download it for free and immediately start playing a wide range of different file formats. 5K is also compatible with some online streaming services, meaning that you can use it to play videos directly from YouTube. A conversion tool is available, though given the player can automatically handle most file types, it’s generally not necessary.

We have to mention that many users have complained of how intrusive 5K is, with endless popups. In addition, for some reason it’s extremely difficult to remove it from your system if you want to get rid of it. You may want to check out some of the other player options we’ve looked at.

Movist is an easy-to-use movie player

Pros:
  • Handles plenty of file types
  • Play directly from streaming services
  • Conversion tool
Cons:
  • Very hard to remove from system
  • Irritating popups

Top features:

  • Wireless streaming to Airplay and DLNA
  • Play online radio and DVDs
  • Download videos directly to your device

License: free

Platforms: macOS, Windows

Rating on Trustpilot: 2.6 out of 5

8. Cisdem Video Player

Cisdem is a fairly straightforward free AVI player for Mac that handles plenty of different file types. Playlists can be put together and organized, and playback settings can be managed independently, useful when listening to music. Cisdem also offers a screenshot facility, letting you save images of the video you’re playing.

And advanced hardware acceleration ensure smooth playback. While you get a certain amount of usability for free, you do still need to pay if you want the full version. On top of that, some users have reported that there have been problems with the subtitle options on the player. The other thing to mention is that Cisdem has a conversion tool, which some users might find handy.

Cisdem Video Player for Mac

Pros:
  • Lots of file types
  • Removable playback bar
  • Conversion tool
Cons:
  • Issues with subtitle functions
  • Full features are only available with paid version

Top features:

  • Plays many formats
  • Media file conversion

License: free, $19.99 for a full lifetime license

Platforms: macOS, Windows

Rating on Mac App Store: 4.1 out of 5

9. Total Video Player

Total Video Player offers a number of basic features, as well as some extra options that you don’t really find with other players. One of the most notable of these is the ability to play broken or incomplete files, something that marks it out from the competition.

In addition, it plays a number of different file formats. It also supports Retina, which makes for smooth playback. And in addition it’s able to play UHD films and automatically open subtitles allocated to your videos.

Total Video Player

Pros:
  • Handles broken and incomplete files
  • Automatic subtitles feature
  • Plenty of different file types
Cons:
  • No autoplay option
  • No slow motion or fast forward
  • No Blu-ray compatibility

Top features:

  • Opens damaged files
  • Automatic subtitle opening

License: $9.99

Platforms: macOS, Windows

Rating on Mac App Store: 4.1 out of 5

10. IINA

IINA strives to emulate the macOS experience – it supports every feature you’d find on a MacBook: Retina, Touch Bar, Gestures, Picture-in-Picture, and Dark Mode. Placing the timeline at the top of the player window is a bold move, too.

As a VLC competitor, IINA can play AVI and any other file compatible with FFmpeg. Its UI is customizable, meaning that you can adapt it to suit your needs. Also, it has a plug-in framework, meaning that the player can be enhanced further by its users.

IINA modern media player for macOS

Pros:
  • Dark mode for night watching
  • Huge range of file types
  • Stream directly from online sources
  • Completely free and open source
Cons:
  • Some users report support is no longer being provided for certain versions
  • Occasional issues with video playback and pixelation

Top features:

  • All MacBook features supported
  • Customizable, innovative UI
  • A promising plug-in system

License: totally free

Platforms: macOS only

Rating on MacUpdate: 4.4 out of 5

11. Plex

Plex is a streaming platform, but it can handle your AVI files, too. You do need an account to use it, but, on the upside, you get to use the Plex Library, which is powerful and useful for media sorting and collecting. It is more limited in comparison to dedicated players, like VLC or IINA.

For instance, there are no options for playback speed. Overall, Plex is better used for streaming, rather than using it as a free AVI player for Mac.

Plex

Pros:
  • Designed for optimal playback on external devices
  • Effective search engine
  • Range of different files supported
Cons:
  • Poor updates and support
  • Compatibility issues with Mac
  • Hard to navigate

Top features:

  • Library with scanning and sorting
  • Network syncing

License: free, $4.99 monthly for Plex Pass

Platforms: macOS, Windows, iOS, Android

Rating on Mac App Store: 4.6 out of 5

Features to Consider When Choosing Best AVI Player

The best AVI player should have the following features to provide a comprehensive and satisfying user experience:

  • Smooth playback. The player should provide smooth and uninterrupted playback of AVI files, even at high resolutions and bitrates.
  • User interface. The player’s interface should be user-friendly and intuitive, making it easy to navigate and control playback.
  • Compatibility. Make sure the AVI video player you choose is compatible with your operating system (Windows, macOS or Linux). Regular updates are also important to ensure that the apps are compatible with the latest OS releases.
  • Customizable playback settings. Users should be able to customize playback settings such as playback speed, subtitles, audio tracks, and so on.
  • Sound and video enhancement. Built-in sound and video enhancement features such as equalizers, filters, and visual effects enhance your watching experience.
  • Performance and resource utilization. A quality AVI video player runs smoothly and does not cause system slowdown.
  • Security and absence of advertising.

What is an AVI?

AVI stands for Audio Video Interleave. It’s a file type developed by Microsoft in the early 90s, and has become one of the most widely used audio video file formats. AVI was designed to compress small videos to a size that could be easily used, without losing excessive amounts of quality. AVI files were initially designed as a way to store short video and audio files, and were used extensively from the nineties onwards.

Today, some new technologies have emerged to replace AVI. That said, the format is still widely used. You can play AVI files on Mac by making use of a suitably player such as Elmedia.

What is an AVI file format

ProsCons
Widespread codec that’s easy to playCompression is less efficient than newer formats
High quality achievable; recommended for master filesLossy format with artifacts appearing at high compression levels
Useful for DVD encodingMetadata is limited; interactivity is absent
Natively supported on WindowsAspect ratio issues may appear

Conclusion

That’s pretty much everything you need to know about the options when it comes to playing AVI files on Mac. As we’ve mentioned, Elmedia is one of the best AVI players for Mac out there. It’s a versatile player with plenty of great features and a lot to offer just about any user. In addition to AVI files, it also functions as a MKV player for Mac, and can support a wide range of other formats. We recommend you give it a look.

FAQ

The default players supplied with Mac devices do not support the AVI file type. In order to play one of these files, you will need to get a QuickTime alternative for Mac that is compatible with them.

As we’ve mentioned, a player such as Elmedia can easily handle AVI files on Mac. The other option is to convert your AVI files to a more suitable file type.

We recommend our readers try the Elmedia Player. It’s got top compatibility with Mac, and can play AVI files with zero difficulty.

You can play AVI files on Mac using any player described in the article, or by converting the file to a format supported by your player.

I am an internationally certified Freelance Technical Author/Embedded System Developer. I briefly studied computer science before starting a career in freelance software development. My expertise extends into Mac and iOS app development. Having worked extensively with iOS technologies, I’ve contributed to projects ranging from app development to system optimization, gaining a reputation as a versatile and knowledgeable professional in the tech industry. Fascination with Apple products eventually led me to pursue a career in technical writing. My commitment to delivering accurate and accessible content laid the foundation for my success. Now I'm actively engaged in the development and improvement of projects related to virtual COM ports as well as working on USB over Ethernet technology, Embedded Systems and Multimedia Software. I follow tech-related YouTubers, and frequently watch their webinars and lectures to expand my knowledge and stay updated on upcoming major changes in the digital world. Besides, I use online platforms that offer valuable information for tech writing. I write on varied topics including Electronics, Computers, Technology, Mac software and Apple devices.