The in - built video participant on the Chromebook is extremely limited in functionality . It does n’t have any keyboard shortcuts , can not show subtitle , convert the audio track , or even open two TV side - by - side . Not to mention , it also does not support democratic file formats like MKV and AVI . So a third - party video player is a must on Chromebook if you need to watch picture without feel frustrated . Here are the best video player for Chromebooks to essay between Chrome , Android , and Linux apps .
Best Video Players for Chromebook
All the players in this inclination support a broad potpourri of video file formats and common keyboard shortcuts . Most importantly , each app on the inclination takes vantage of the horizontal desktop layout of Chromebook .
Let me start with the one that I prefer and use on my Chromebook .
1. InBasic MediaPlayer Chrome Extension
This is a Chrome extension that can play both local and on-line television . It is mil ahead compare to Chromebook ’s in - built video player . You get all the feature that you would expect in a telecasting histrion like keyboard shortcuts , subtitles , picture - in - picture modal value , loop , shuffle , Chromecast , changing audio track if the TV file supports , etc .
It is built on top of the well-knownvideo.js projectand aims to bring VLC - like medium playing experience to Chrome extension . It also suffer audio files and display wave visuals while playing them .
But it comes with its own set of disadvantages too . It is n’t an app , so not available in the app draftsman nor can you arrange it as the default video player . You have to manually open up the Chrome web browser app and launch the MediaPlayer extension and before launch the video filing cabinet to play it . It also lacks features like ability to correct aspect ratio , syncing video , and subtitles , etc . One of the good video player for Chromebooks out there .
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AddInBasic MediaPlayerto Chrome
2. MX Player Android App
MX Player is one of the upright video musician for Chromebooks and also the most feature - rich Android app that has got you handle with almost everything you may take . Starting from keyboard shortcuts to the equalizer , changing playback speed , syncing subtitles , etc . Unlike the InBasic Chrome extension , you’re able to directly give it from the app drawer and set it as the default picture thespian . The primary vantage of the MX Player is its customizations .
But it also comes with a catch . The app is made for devices with touch - input — smartphones . So it is inconvenient to control with a mouse . For instance , you wo n’t see controls on - screen upon moving the cursor . You want to left - chatter on the screenland to see them . Also , the control disappear rather cursorily . Few feature like adjusting soar only exercise with touch controls . None of them are major event as most Chromebooks sport a pinch covert , but can be quite inconvenient to carry on with a shiner .
DownloadMX Player
3. VLC Player Android App
There ’s a lot common in VLC and MX Players on Chromebooks . Both are feature - rich and support most video file formats . Features like sleep timer , playback speed , keyboard shortcuts , conform view proportion , etc . also form on VLC just like on MX Player .
The difference lies in customizations that are useable on the MX player , but not on the VLC . For representative , you may switch the functionality of actions like exploit on the silver screen , disable few features completely on the histrion , color of the progress cake , subtitle , etc . On the insolent side , VLC is much more polished with better reply and is ad - free . VLC can also be used for audio and photos . So it can be your one - stop media app . Additionally , it also can convert video recording file . For example , you could convert MKV to MP4 and play it even in - built media player .
The shiner controls on VLC are just as same as MX Player . Control buttons are n’t visible when you move the cursor . You need to left - tap the CRT screen . It instantly quits full - projection screen mode to expose video recording controls which can be annoying .
DownloadVLC Player
4. VLC Player Linux App
VLC Linux app solves all the problems that you confront with the VLC Android app . It lick gravid with the mouse , has all features , and support most video data format including MKV . After all , we are using one of the best screen background - form video musician for Chromebooks of all time .
Installing the Linux version of VLC is a mo tedious . First , enable Linux on Chromebook , then launch the pole by bid Ctrl+Alt+T. Now typesudo apt - get install vlcin the terminal to add the Linux interlingual rendition of VLC Player . The only drawback is that you’re able to not lay out Linux apps as default option on Chromebook as they turn tail in their own virtual environment .
Wrap Up: Best Video Players for Chromebook
The television player situation on Chromebooks is a hitting or miss . Each app come with its own advantages and disadvantages . It ’s more about which video instrumentalist app works better for you . Both MX Player and VLC Player Android apps are feature - rich but have problems with the shiner . VLC Linux app is all you need , but it ’s heavy software to run on most Chromebooks . So I finally nail down for InBasic MediaPlayer that ’s lite and has enough features to get the occupation done .
Also checkout counter , Miro Linux Video Player , Local Video Player Chrome Extension , and Haruna Linux video player . They are just as honorable as the unity remark here but do n’t differ in any major path .
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