Comparing The 9 Best HLS Video Players in 2023

To start with, we might be aware that HTTP Live Streaming (HLS) is one of the popular video streaming protocols that allows for the smooth and efficient delivery of video content over the web. As the demand for high-quality video content continues to grow, HLS has become an increasingly popular solution for delivering video content online. 

In this article, we will be investigating the top 9 HLS video players available in 2023. But, wait. When it comes to finding the best HLS player, there are a number of factors to consider, including compatibility with various devices and platforms, ease of use, and overall performance.

Fortunately, there are a few HLS video players that are designed especially for online streaming, while others are more adjustable and can be used for both online and offline playback. If you want to create a movie streaming app or stream HLS videos on your website, then choosing the right HLS player would be the first and critical step.

In this blog, we will help you navigate the crowded market of HLS players, highlighting the features and benefits of each one so that you can make an informed selection and find the best HLS video player for your business needs.

What is HLS Streaming?

HLS Streaming, also known as HTTP Live Streaming, is a video streaming protocol that was developed by Apple. Indeed, HLS is an adaptive bitrate streaming protocol that can be used to transmit video content over the internet.

The HLS protocol works by breaking down the video into smaller chunks, which can be further delivered to the viewer in a sequence. This approach allows for smooth playback even if there are any network fluctuations from either side. 

One popular application of HLS is the use of an HLS video player. An HLS player is a software or web-based application that is capable of streaming online video content. When it comes to availability, there are many HLS players available in the market, including standalone applications and web-based HLS video players that can be embedded easily into the websites. 

Always remember that a good HLS video player should provide a seamless viewing experience, with the ability to switch between different quality levels based on the viewer’s network conditions. Some of the best HLS player examples include VPlayed, JW Player, Brid.TV, etc. Apart from this, there are HLS dash players available, which support both HLS and DASH protocols. 

Key Benefits Of Using HLS Video Player

1. Enhanced Compatibility

HLS video players are known for their enhanced compatibility with a wide range of devices and video on demand platforms. This compatibility feature of the HLS video player makes it easy for users to access HLS live streaming content on their preferred devices, including smartphones, tablets, laptops, and smart TVs, without any compatibility issues whatsoever. 

2. Uninterrupted Playback

The HLS video format is designed in a way to provide a seamless playback experience, even on low-bandwidth networks. The HLS player online delivers the content in small chunks, allowing for smooth and uninterrupted playback, without any buffering or delay. So, this creates a win-win situation for content creators and end users alike. 

3. Budget-friendly

As a content owner or distributor, you might have concerns related to pricing, but worry not, as HLS video players are a cost-effective solution for delivering high-quality video content online. The HLS dash player reduces the cost of distributing video content by optimizing the delivery based on network conditions and reducing the load on the server altogether. 

4. Secure Streaming

HLS video players are designed with robust security features to protect your content and ensure that it is only accessible to authorized users only. Apart from this, The HLS player comes with secure streaming options, such as encryption, digital rights management, and secure token authentication. Isn’t that great for a player like an HLS video player? Yes, it is. 

5. Effortless Scalability

HLS video player HTML5 is highly scalable, making it easy to adapt to changing network conditions and support large-scale video distribution. With HLS HTML5 player , you can ensure that your video content can be effortlessly accessed by a large number of viewers or audiences without sacrificing much on quality or performance. 

6. Cross-device Accessibility

The HLS video player supports multiple devices, making it easy for users to access your video content from any geographic location. The low latency HLS feature ensures that your video content can be accessed in real-time, providing a seamless viewing experience on all the network devices. That’s the reason why the HLS streaming player is so popular among streamers. 

7. Dynamic Adaptation

HLS video players provide dynamic adaptation, which means that this low latency HLS player can adjust the quality of the video based on the available bandwidth. This ensures that the video playback is not interrupted and that the end-user has a seamless viewing experience, even on networks that have lower bandwidth. 

8. Customizable User Experience

HLS video players are highly customizable, which means that you can easily play with the player’s appearance and functionality to match your brand or website. This means you can easily create your brand identity with ease. The player’s interface can be tailored to meet the specific needs of your target audience, thereby providing a personalized viewing experience.

Top 9 Best HLS Video Players In 2023 – Reviewed and Rated

Some top HLS video players in 2023 include VPlayed, JW Player, THEOplayer, Brid.TV, VideoJS, Kaltura, FlowPlayer, Radiant Media Player, and Wowza.

These players were ranked based on compatibility, uninterrupted playback, scalability, reliability, budget-friendliness, etc. Let’s look at each of these players in the following listicle.

1. VPlayed 

Are you in the market for the ultimate HLS video streaming solution? End your search with CONTUS VPlayed, the customizable OTT platform that stands out as the best HLS video player on the market. With its customized video player options and sophisticated security mechanisms like DRM, access control, and end-to-end encryption, your content will be highly protected from unauthorized access or usage. 

Take advantage of this self-hosted video on demand solution, perfect for live video and audio streaming with low latency. Say goodbye to ongoing subscription fees, as CONTUS VPlayed requires a one-time license fee with access to complete source code. As a content owner, CONTUS VPlayed allows you to select between on-premise and cloud hosting, giving you the freedom to meet your ongoing business needs.

VPlayed’s Comprehensive Feature Set Are As Follows 

• Features adaptive bitrate streaming for seamless viewing on all network devices. 
• Variety of monetization models, including SVOD, AVOD, TVOD, PPV, and more.
• Comes with multiple payment gateways so that users can easily make payments. 
• Multi-screen support allows for a versatile and convenient viewing experience.
• The platform boasts a powerful HLS video player, ensuring high-quality video streaming. 

2. JW Player

JW Player is a robust and versatile video player designed for publishers and broadcasters, providing a uniform viewing experience across various platforms such as mobile, tablet, websites, etc. With its HTML5 video player, JW Player delivers a captivating video experience to the end-users. Also, this OTT platform offers support for HLS streaming and HLS player HTML5, enabling video playback and advertising on Chromecast-enabled devices. 

The platform also supports multi-screen VAST-compliant advertising, offering an enjoyable, lean-back video viewing experience to the end-users. All in all, companies can utilize JW Player to stream their video content, customize the video-page interactions, and adjust video quality, as well as access multi-language support altogether. 

JW Player’s Comprehensive Feature Set Are As Follows 

• Seamless streaming with an HTML5 video player.
• APIs for efficient delivery and administration.
• A user-friendly dashboard for managing and organizing video content.
• Advanced video intelligence tools to enhance viewer engagement.
• A built-in recommendation engine utilizing native software development kits.

3. THEOplayer

THEOplayer is a leading HTML5-based video player in the market. It is known for its exceptional performance and multi-device compatibility. Indeed, the player uses the latest HTML5 technology and has been recognized as one of the best video players and SDK solutions. The player offers an SDK that supports low latency HLS streaming, making it one of the first vendors in the market to offer such functionality.

In addition to its impressive reach and high performance, THEOplayer also offers great customizability. This makes THEOplayer an ideal choice for medium to large scale enterprises looking to build a custom HTML5 video player. Also, the HLS video player supports HLS media playback, ensuring hassle-free streaming for viewers. Overall, one can say that THEOplayer is a highly versatile option for delivering high-quality content across multiple devices and platforms.

THEOplayer’s Comprehensive Feature Set Are As Follows 

• Provides a range of user engagement features.
• Compatible with multiple platforms and browsers.
• It uses adaptive bitrate streaming to automatically adjust the video quality. 
• Designed to meet the accessibility requirements of people with disabilities.
• Supports various DRM systems, including Widevine, FairPlay, and PlayReady.

4. Brid.TV

Brid.TV is a white label VOD platform, which is perfect for enterprises seeking the best HLS player in the market. The platform offers an effortless way for publishers to monetize their content with a range of different monetization options. Indeed, Brid.TV is fully compatible with all network devices, ensuring a seamless viewing experience for your audience. In addition to its robust monetization options, Brid.TV also boasts a user-friendly video CMS with a clean UI, powerful search functions, and advanced filtering options. 

One of the key features of Brid.TV is its advanced analytics section, providing in-depth insights into device usage, user demographics, location, and video engagement. Plus, with just a few clicks, you can track ad performance and optimize your monetization strategies. While Brid.TV may not offer as many monetization options as other best white label OTT platforms, but it shines in ad-based revenue generation, providing a vast array of complex monetization capabilities. 

Brid.TV’s Comprehensive Feature Set Are As Follows 

• Personalized user analytics.
• Pre, mid, and post roll ad support. 
• A range of monetization options is available for content owners. 
• Convenient tracking of individual videos or the entire playlist.
• The HTML5 player utilizes the latest video ad technology.

5. VideoJS

VideoJS is an HTML5 video player that has been crafted using Javascript and CSS, with a backup option of Flash video player. It offers seamless compatibility with Adobe Flash and provides a hassle free playback experience on both desktops and mobile devices. The player is equipped to handle traditional video formats such as MP4 and WebM, as well as advanced streaming formats such as HLS and DASH. 

Along with these features, there is a specialized user interface for live streaming capabilities. This player is designed to be a strong foundation for developers to build upon and offers a visually appealing interface that can be further customized with a bit of CSS. As an HLS player and HLS dash player, VideoJS provides an all-in-one solution for all video playback needs.

VideoJS’s Comprehensive Feature Set Are As Follows 

• User interface designed for live streaming capabilities.
• Supports traditional video formats like MP4 and WebM.
• Advanced streaming support for HLS and DASH.
• HTML5 video player with a backup option of Flash.
• Visually appealing interface customizable with CSS.

6. Kaltura

Kaltura is one of the premium OTT video streaming platforms designed for businesses, allowing content owners to create their own branded services effectively. Also, it is specifically known for providing high-quality educational video streaming, as well as a platform for media brands looking to offer video streaming solutions.

With its live and on-demand video SaaS offerings, Kaltura can enhance collaboration, training, communication, marketing, etc. 

Along with this, the platform comes with DRM support to protect online video content. For educators looking to stream lectures and classes to students, Kaltura provides a viable option.

With its advanced analytics tools, business owners can track the real-time performance of their videos, both on demand and live streaming. Also, the HLS video player and HLS streaming capabilities help in a great way to make the platform stand in the market. 

Kaltura’s Comprehensive Feature Set Are As Follows 

• Fully modular and compatible with third-party services.
• Open APIs for customization and enhanced flexibility.
• Granular analytics with user-level heatmaps and engagement insights.
• Screen capture and multi-stream recording with PowerPoint synchronization.
• Interactive tools for creating, sharing, and embedding online video content.

7. FlowPlayer

Flowplayer is a popular video player known for its seamless VOD and live streaming capabilities. The player supports the HLS video format, allowing for real-time streaming of videos. This is achieved through its support for HTTP live streaming, or HLS, which is a widely adopted technology for distributing high-quality video content. Also, Flowplayer ensures that the video playback is uninterrupted by any external factors. 

Flowplayer also offers a range of monetization options, including ad media and real-time analytics. The player’s impressive speed play and ad fill rates set it apart from other video players and make it a highly attractive option for monetizing video content.

With the support for header bidding and pay-per-view solutions, Flowplayer can be considered as a dynamic and reliable choice for those looking to stream and monetize their online videos. 

FlowPlayer’s Comprehensive Feature Set Are As Follows 

• Real-time analytics and monetization through ad media.
• Impressive speed play and ad fill rates.
• Advanced customization options for desktop and mobile applications.
• Integrations for header bidding and pay-per-view solutions.
• Adaptive bitrate streaming for high-quality video content.

8. Radiant Media Player 

Radiant Media Player is an advanced HTML5 multimedia player that is capable of playing various audio and video formats, including HLS, DASH, and progressive downloads.

This player uses media source extensions (MSE) and the hls.js library to provide a seamless playback experience for HLS content. Also, this player is designed to support a wide range of content types, including live, DVR, and VOD content, as well as 360° videos and encrypted content.

This powerful player can be easily integrated into any web-based environment, including browsers, mobile devices, and OTT apps. It offers a range of customization options to meet the unique needs of the end-user.

However, the main focus is solely on delivering an exceptional HTML5 player experience, and you will need to encode and host your own video and audio files or seek the help of a third-party service provider.

Radiant Media Player’s Comprehensive Feature Set Are As Follows 

• Cross-device compatibility with HTML5 video & audio.
• Support for HLS, DASH, and progressive download formats.
• Ability to handle live, DVR, and on-demand content.
• Wide range of features, including video advertising and 360° video.
• Customizable player settings for a personalized experience. 

9. Wowza

Wowza is a highly sought-after OTT platform that caters to a diverse range of industries. The platform leverages its own robust content delivery networks (CDNs) to ensure seamless and consistent content delivery globally. One of the key features of Wowza is its ability to offer customizable video formats, delivery options, and video quality, along with its patented software that guarantees a hassle free HLS live streaming experience. 

 Along with this, its Extensible Modular Architecture enables users to instantly scale up the performance of their live video streaming. The platform also supports HLS player android, making it a versatile choice for streaming. To further illustrate the capability of the platform, a real-world HTTP live streaming example can be seen in its ability to deliver high-quality live streams to millions of viewers simultaneously.

Wowza’s Comprehensive Feature Set Are As Follows 

• Secure video streaming is guaranteed.
• Ultra HD and 4K streaming support.
• Efficient brand management & customization.
• Auto archiving for on-demand viewing convenience.
• User-friendly video content management system.
• API integrations for enhanced features and functionalities.

Conclusion

After conducting extensive research and considering the feature set, it’s clear that VPlayed is one of the best HLS video players in 2023. This platform stood out for its versatility, ease of use, and exceptional performance. With a wide range of customizable options and a user-friendly interface, this white label OTT platform makes it easy for users to enjoy high-quality video playback. 

Also, VPlayed’s compatibility with a wide range of network devices makes it an ideal choice for anyone looking for a high-quality video player. If you are a professional content owner, VPlayed has got you all covered. With its exceptional performance, versatility, and user-friendly design, VPlayed can be the ideal choice for anyone who values quality and convenience in their online video streaming offerings.