Where to start
VLC
Plays the file you have, with subtitles
Plays the file you have, with subtitles, and stays out of the way.
- Local files
- Subtitles
- HDR
- Network shares
- No account needed
- Works offline
Hand-checked 22 Oct 2026.
Samsung Video Player alternative
Samsung Video Player alternative. Same files. New player.
As of 19 Oct 2026, 9 Android apps can take over from Samsung Video Player. The files on the phone stay. Start with VLC.
What you keep. What changes.
The things people use Samsung Video Player for, and which alternatives do them today. Hand-checked against each maker's own pages.
| Feature | Samsung Video Player | VLC | Next Player | mpv | Nova Video Player |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Play files on the phone | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Subtitles | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| HDR | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Network shares | Limited | ✓ | — | ✓ | ✓ |
| Works without an account | Samsung account | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
Source: each maker's website, read by a person on 22 Oct 2026. "—" means not offered, as far as the maker says.
Every alternative, side by side.
9 video players you can set as the default. Sort by any column.
8 apps · sorted by name
| App ▼ | What it does | Price | Updated ▼ | Min Android ▼ | Get it |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
VLCVideoLAN |
Plays the file you have, with subtitles | Free | 16 Oct 2026 | Android 4.2+ | website |
Nova Video PlayerCourville |
A player that treats your files as a library | Free | 24 May 2025 | Android 6.0+ | website |
Next PlayerAnil Beesetti |
A modern player with a calm layout | Free | 14 Oct 2026 | Android 7.0+ | website |
NekoVideoNKL's |
local video player with folders, private content and DLNA cast | Free | 14 Oct 2026 | Android 11+ | F-Droid |
mpvKtAbdallah Mehiz |
mpv, in a newer Android skin | — | Hand-checked 17 Oct 2026 | — | website |
mpvmpv-android contributors |
Picture quality first | Free | 19 Sept 2026 | Android 6.0+ | website |
KodiXBMC Foundation |
A home media center | Free | 29 Mar 2026 | Android 5.0+ | website |
Just PlayerMartin Broz |
A simple player | Free | 15 Sept 2026 | Android 6.0+ | website |
The first row is pinned and stays on top whatever the sort. Data from F-Droid and hand-checked entries, as of 19 Oct 2026.All 8 Video player apps
Switching, in three steps.
Videos already on the phone stay in Movies, DCIM and Downloads. A new player reads the same folders.
1
Install the new player
Pick one from the table. Keep Samsung Video Player for now.
2
Open a file
VLC, Next Player and mpv open the file you tap. Nova Video Player can also treat the folders as a library.
3
Set it as the default
Open a video, tap Open with, pick the new player, then Always.
Questions, answered.
What is the best Samsung Video Player alternative for Android?
Start with VLC if you want the file you have, with subtitles. Next Player if you want a calmer layout. mpv if picture quality comes first.
Will my videos move?
No. Files stay in Movies, DCIM and Downloads. The new player reads the same folders.
Can I go back to Samsung Video Player?
Yes. Open a video, tap Open with, pick Samsung Video Player, then Always.
Does VLC need an account?
No. VLC, Next Player and mpv work without signing in.
Can it play from a NAS?
VLC, mpv and Nova Video Player can open network shares. Next Player stays on the files on the phone.