How to Play MKV in Chrome? Top 6 Players and More Solutions!
Despite its high-quality video, the MKV format is not always supported by browsers like Google Chrome. It is a frustrating hurdle when you want to play MKV in Chrome directly without needing a desktop player. But don't fret! This article will guide you through various solutions to play MKV in Chrome, featuring the top 6 MKV players, alongside a conversion solution. Say goodbye to compatibility issues now and get ready for an exceptional MKV viewing experience!
Guide List
Why Won't Chrome Play MKV Files Convert MKV to Chrome Support Formats Use an Online MKV Player Install MKV Video Player for Chrome Extension Play MKV with External Media PlayersWhy Won't Chrome Play MKV Files
While Google Chrome is one of the most widely popular web browsers, it's not made to play every media format directly, such as complex containers like MKV. Why won't Chrome play MKV files? Unlike other players, browsers are limited by their support for codecs.
Learn below the six key reasons why Chrome might not play your MKV files:
- 1. No Native MKV Support. While the browser can handle some individual codecs within MKV, Chrome does not have direct support for MKV.
- 2. Unsupported Codecs. Since MKV files contain a vast number of codecs, some are not supported by Chrome. This is why MKV can’t be played on Chrome.
- 3. Security and Performance Issues. Playing MKV files on Chrome directly can pose a security and performance risk. Chrome restricts its support for web-optimized formats, such as MP4, to ensure better performance.
- 4. No File Association. Chrome is not made to open and play standalone files from a media player. Dragging and dropping your MKV file may fail since it does not have a built-in player configured for it.
- 5. Incorrect MIME Type. Web servers must have the correct MME type so that the browser can recognize and play media files properly. If Chrome does not select the correct one for your MKV file, playback may be blocked.
- 6. Lack of Streaming Optimization. The MKV file is not optimized for web streaming. Chrome prefers the ones that support progressive playback for smooth streaming.
Convert MKV to Chrome Support Formats
If you're looking to make your MKV files compatible with Chrome, AnyRec Video Converter can help you convert MKV files to Chrome-compatible formats, such as MP4, MOV, or WebM. Doing so will ensure a smooth streaming and browser compatibility. It simplifies the process with a friendly interface and high-speed conversion, allowing you to quickly convert MKV to Chrome formats. If needed, you can apply simple edits or adjust video parameters to enhance your video to your liking before conversion.
Over a thousand formats are supported, including Chrome-compatible formats.
Convert multiple MKVs in a batch, without losing quality throughout the process.
Built-in video editor to enhance playback appearance before conversion.
Tweak export settings, such as resolution, frame rate, bitrate, quality, and more.
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Step 1.After launching AnyRec Video Converter, click the "Add Files" button or drag and drop your MKV file onto the main screen.
Step 2.Click the "Format" drop-down menu, then select the "Video" tab and convert MKV to MP4 or MOV, both of which are supported by the Chrome browser.
You can tweak the output settings by clicking the "Custom Profile" button, then "Create New" to save all changes.
Step 3.Select a destination folder, rename your output file, and click the "Convert All" button to initiate the conversion from MKV to a Chrome-supported format. Now, your MKV video is ready for playback on Chrome!
Use an Online MKV Player
If you don't wish to install an extra MKV player or just need a quick solution to play MKV files, an online MKV player is your way to go! These web-based tools allow you to upload and stream MKV videos directly in your browser. However, since not all online players support the MKV format effectively, this section will recommend three of the best players worth considering.
1. MKV Player by Jumpshare
Offering a polished MKV player, Jumpshare allows you to upload and play MKV files quickly in the browser without requiring any additional downloads. This online MKV player supports smooth playback and basic controls, but has no advanced features, including audio track selection and subtitle switching. Jumpshare works better for sharing private or professional files.
2. Gumlet MKV Player
Gumlet provides a high-performance MKV playback solution, perfect for media teams and developers. Its online MKV player is made for streaming and speed, handling large files and HD MKV playback with ease. Compared to other first ones, Gumlet is more potent in terms of performance and streaming quality.
Step 1.Visit the Gumlet MKV Player on your web browser. Start by clicking the "Play MKV Now" button. On this page, click the "Upload a Video File" button or drag and drop your MKV video directly.
Step 2.The platform will process and play the MKV file. You can enable the captions, check quality settings, and use the playback controls to navigate through your video.
3. VEED MKV Player
Lastly, VEED's MKV Player is a part of its larger online video editing suite, meaning you can get more than just playback. It covers speed adjustment, subtitles, and basic timeline scrubbing. However, this online MKV player requires you to create an account first for higher-resolution playback and tends to be slower to load large MKV files, in contrast to the first ones.
Install MKV Video Player for Chrome Extension
Another way to play MKV in Chrome is to have a Chrome extension designed primarily for MKV playback. This extension adds support for playing MKV and other formats in browser tabs, making it perfect for viewing files, testing video content, or opening saved media without needing a separate player. See below the steps on how to install and use an MKV video player extension to play MKV in Chrome:
Step 1.Once you're in your Chrome browser, go to the "Chrome Web Store". There, type "MKV Video Player" and then search for reliable options such as Video Player.
Step 2.After choosing the desired extension, click the "Add to Chrome" button and confirm by clicking the "Add Extension" button. Later, click the extension icon to launch the player.
Step 3.Next, drag and drop your MKV video file into the player window or upload it from your device. The extension will then load the video and start the playback from your browser.
Play MKV with External Media Players
Besides an online MKV player, if you want broader codec support, better performance, and more customizable playback, you will need an external MKV player. Below are some of the top external media players that allow you to play MKV files smoothly.
1. VLC Media Player
VLC is among the popular and versatile players available, famous for its wide range of supported formats, including MKV. Unlike other external MKV players, VLC does not require any additional installation to play MKV files. Additionally, it offers support for multiple audio tracks, subtitles, and various streaming options.
Step 1.Start VLC, then click the "Media" menu tab, then select "Open File" to browse and choose your MKV file. Your MKV files will be played without requiring any additional third-party codecs.
Step 2.During the playback, click on the "Subtitle" menu, then "Sub Track" to enable or choose different subtitles. Use the "Audio" menu, then "Audio Track" to switch language tracks.
2. KMPlayer
KMPlayer features a polished interface and excellent support for MKV files, embedded subtitles, and multi-audio streams. This Chrome MKV player also includes features like VR playback and 3D video support. However, it has been criticized for displaying ads and installing optional software during setup.
3. PotPlayer
Meanwhile, PotPlayer is a powerful Windows-only media player known for its advanced playback settings and smooth performance. Using PotPlayer, you can play MKV files very well, and it has better visual performance than VLC, thanks to its hardware acceleration features. But its interface may overwhelm beginners.
Conclusion
Due to the browser's limited support for the MKV format, you may think that playing MKV in Chrome can be challenging. However, today, several effective solutions are available, ranging from online players and extensions to external media players, allowing you to enjoy your MKV videos easily. To ensure that your MKV files play smoothly in Chrome, converting them to MP4 or MOV with AnyRec Video Converter is the most reliable option. Whether it's just one file or an entire library, this tool makes the process easier with high-quality output, preparing you for a smooth, compatible viewing experience in Chrome.
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