Comparison · Media players
IINA vs mpv: which is better in 2026?
mpv ranks higher in our list of media players (#5 against #6, score 82.5 against 81.0), but the gap is small and the better choice depends on what you need.
- 81.0Editorial score82.5
- 1Platforms3
- YesFree to useYes
- YesOpen sourceYes
Which should you choose?
Choose IINA if you want
A native macOS player with plugins.
A free, open-source player built for macOS, with plugin support and a native look. It runs on Mac only, so it covers fewer systems than VLC.
Choose mpv if you want
Keyboard-driven playback and scripting.
Free and open source with precise keyboard control and scripting on Windows, macOS and Linux. It has no graphical menus by default, so it is harder to learn than VLC.
The main differences
- Only mpv runs on Linux.
- Only mpv runs on Windows.
Side by side
 IINA |  mpv | |
|---|---|---|
| Score | 81.0 | 82.5 |
| Rank in list | #6 of 6 | #5 of 6 |
| Price | Free and open sourceFree and open source under GPL-3.0 | Free and open sourceFree and open source under GPL-2.0 |
| Free to use | Yes | Yes |
| Open source | Yes | Yes |
| Platforms | macOSmacOS | WindowsmacOSLinuxWindows, macOS, Linux |
| Made by | Not stated | Not stated |
| Serves a home library | No | No |
| Best for | A native macOS player with plugins | Keyboard-driven playback and scripting |
| Strengths |
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| Limits |
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| Links | Visit site | Visit site |
Questions about IINA vs mpv
- Is mpv better than IINA?
- mpv ranks higher in our list of media players (#5 against #6, score 82.5 against 81.0), but the gap is small and the better choice depends on what you need. IINA is best for: a native macOS player with plugins. mpv is best for: keyboard-driven playback and scripting.
- Which is cheaper, IINA or mpv?
- IINA: Free and open source under GPL-3.0. mpv: Free and open source under GPL-2.0.
- Do IINA and mpv run on the same platforms?
- IINA supports macOS. mpv supports Windows, macOS, Linux.