There was a time when DVDs were the heart of movie nights. You’d slide the disc into a player, sit back, and let the film roll. These days, the discs still work. On the other hand, the DVD players are a different issue. Even laptops don’t always come with DVD drives, and old hardware breaks down. That’s where software comes in.
A good DVD playback software lets you watch your collection without needing anything extra. This guide breaks down the best options in 2025 so you can get reliable playback on modern systems without spending a cent.

In this article
Part 1: Bonus: Recommended Video Editor
Before anything else, if you plan to burn your DVDs, you’ll need more than just a DVD player. You’ll need a solid video editor. One that’s easy to use but powerful enough to deliver clean, polished results. That’s where Wondershare Filmora stands out. It’s a strong pick for anyone looking to prep high-quality videos before burning them to disc.
Filmora gives you all the essential editing tools in a layout that’s easy to learn, even if you’ve never edited a video before. Trim clips, cut unwanted parts, add smooth transitions, and drop in music or titles with just a few clicks. The interface is clean, but the features go deep.

What makes it ideal for DVD production is its flexible export options. Filmora supports export resolutions up to 4K, so your videos will stay sharp whether you watch them on a laptop or a big-screen TV. Here are some other key features to watch out for:
- 4K Export Resolution. Export your videos in ultra-high definition, perfect for preserving quality when played on modern TVs or projectors.
- Multiple Export Formats. Choose from formats like MP4, MOV, AVI, and more, making it easier to work with DVD authoring tools.
- Custom Bitrate Control. Adjust the video bitrate to balance quality and file size, which is ideal for fitting longer videos onto a standard DVD.
- Audio Sync and Clean-Up Tools. Ensure voice and background audio are synced and clean, which is essential for professional DVD playback.
- Chapter Marker Support. Set up chapter points to make navigation easier once the video is burned onto a disc.
In short, if you're creating content for DVDs in 2025, Filmora gives you the tools to do it right without the steep learning curve. It’s the perfect match for anyone who wants clean, professional-looking results without spending hours figuring out how to get there.
Learn more details about How to Burn Videos to DVDs >>
Part 2: Best Free DVD Players in 2025
Looking for DVD player software in 2025 can be a big trouble. Since DVDs are declining in popularity, many developers have stopped supporting them, and other options can cause anxiety about having malware in the package. Thus, this list compiles all the best DVD player programs you can use for your computer.
For a quick overview of the tools, here’s a table you can use as a visual guide as you download each tool. You can also scroll past it for more details regarding the DVD player software listed below.
Video Player | Platforms | Hardware Acceleration | Key Codec Support | Free Trial/Free Version |
PowerDVD 22 | Windows, Mac | Yes (TrueTheater) | 8K, 4K HDR, Blu-ray, DVD | 30-day free trial |
PotPlayer | Windows | Yes (Direct3D9 Ex FlipMode) | DVD, Blu-ray, 3D, VR | Completely free |
VLC Media Player | Windows, Mac, Linux, Android, iOS | Yes (Hardware decoding) | Nearly all media formats | 100% free |
GOM Player | Windows | Yes | DVD, VR, 360-degree | Free version with ads |
Vidmore Player | Windows, Mac | Yes (4K UHD support) | Blu-ray/DVD discs, folders, ISO, 4k UHD | Free trial version |
KMPlayer | Windows | Yes | DVD, Blu-ray, 3D, VR | Free with ads |
AnyMP4 Blu-Ray Player | Windows | Yes (GPU Acceleration) | Blu-ray/DVD discs, ISO | Free trial version |
PowerDVD 22
First on our list is PowerDVD 22. It isn’t just a basic DVD player. It’s a full-featured media hub designed for home theater setups. It plays DVDs, Blu-rays, and even 8K or 4K HDR content with smooth, cinema-like quality. If you’re looking for something beyond simple DVD playback software, PowerDVD 22 delivers high-end visuals, enhanced audio, and seamless playback across different devices.

Key Features
- Ultra HD Playback (8K and 4K HDR video)
- TrueTheater® Enhancements
- Offline YouTube Support.
- Multi-Device Sync
Who It’s For/Use-Cases
PowerDVD 22 is ideal for users building a home theater or anyone who wants a free DVD player for Windows 11 that feels professional. It’s also great for those who still collect Blu-rays and want high-end playback without switching between tools.
PotPlayer
PotPlayer is a lightweight yet feature-packed DVD player program for users who like control and customization. It supports DVD and Blu-ray playback out of the box but also includes 3D, VR, and subtitle tweaking tools. It's an excellent fit for power users, supporting nearly every format and advanced settings.

Key Features
- DVD and Blu-ray Playback
- 3D and VR Video Support
- Advanced Subtitle Controls (ASS, SSA, Blu-ray)
- Scene Preview and Screenshot Tools
Who It’s For/Use-Cases
PotPlayer is best for advanced users looking for a free Windows 10 or 11 DVD player with deep customization. It’s also a good fit for those working with subtitles or experimenting with VR and 3D content.
VLC Media Player
VLC Media Player is one of the most popular open-source tools for DVD playback or video playing. It plays nearly every file format without needing extra plugins or codecs. It’s simple, lightweight, and free, with no ads, spyware, or hidden restrictions. For anyone who wants a reliable, no-fuss solution, VLC will still hold up in 2025.

Key Features
- DVD, disc, stream, and device playback
- Hardware decoding
- Advanced subtitle synchronization
- Supports all popular media formats and conversion
Who It’s For/Use-Cases
VLC is perfect for anyone who wants a dependable free DVD player without bells and whistles. It benefits people working across multiple platforms or dealing with uncommon video formats.
GOM Player
GOM Player is a flexible media player that supports DVDs, VR, and 360-degree video out of the box. It’s designed for users who want advanced playback control without needing extra downloads. It also comes with a built-in codec finder, which helps when dealing with rare or unsupported formats.

Key Features
- Built-in codec finders
- VR and 360-degree video support
- Advanced playback customizations
- Subtitle syncing and search
Who It’s For
GOM Player is great for users who want a free DVD player for Windows 11 that can also handle VR content and rare formats. It’s also smart for people who regularly use subtitles or customize playback settings.
Vidmore Player
Vidmore Player is a clean, high-performance tool for playing Blu-ray and DVD content with minimal fuss. It supports multiple disc formats, including ISO files, and delivers sharp 4K visuals with smooth playback. With lossless audio and Dolby/DTS support, it’s built for users who care about sound and picture quality.

Key Features
- Plays DVD, Blu-ray discs, folders, and ISO files
- Supports 4K UHD and 1080p HD video
- Dolby and DTS audio support
Who It’s For
Vidmore Player is best for users who want reliable, high-quality playback of discs, especially on home theater setups. It’s a solid DVD player download and a free option for those needing Dolby audio and smooth 4K video.
KMPlayer
KMPlayer is a versatile media player designed for users who want comprehensive control over their viewing experience. Thanks to its built-in codec support, it excels at playing DVD, Blu-ray, and 3D content without requiring additional software. KMPlayer's cloud playback and remote control capabilities make it stand out, allowing you to access media from various sources.

Key Features
- SMB, FTP, and UPNP support for remote media access
- VR & 3D playback capabilities
- DVD, Blu-ray, and 3D playback support
Who It’s For/Use-Cases
KMPlayer is perfect for users who need effective playlist management and media library customization and for professionals and home users accessing media through network protocols.
AnyMP4 Blu-Ray Player
AnyMP4 Blu-Ray Player is a specialized media player optimized for high-quality Blu-ray and DVD playback. This professional-grade software delivers cinema-quality visuals and audio, supporting 4K and 1080p HD content with exceptional clarity. The player incorporates Dolby Digital and DTS surround sound support for immersive audio experiences.

Key Features
- Supports 4K and 1080p HD playback
- Dolby Digital and DTS surround sound support
- Smart playlist management
Who It’s For/Use-Cases
AnyMP4 Blu-Ray Player is ideal for home theater enthusiasts who demand cinema-quality playback of their Blu-ray and DVD collections. Thanks to its region-free compatibility, it serves viewers who work with media from different regions.
Conclusion
This list shows you all the possible DVD and Blu-ray playback software you can use, especially if you are a media enthusiast. From VLC’s free, open-source versatility to PowerDVD’s premium features, users can find solutions related to their specific needs in this article. Most of these options offer hardware acceleration and support for various formats.
If you want to edit content from these discs or produce content that can be placed on the discs, then Filmora is an excellent choice. Its intuitive interface and powerful editing capabilities give you the power to create extraordinary experiences through video and audio.
FAQs
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Here are some FAQs to take note of:
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Can VLC play DVD files?
Yes. VLC Media Player fully supports DVD playback, including discs, ISO files, and DVD folders. It can handle menus, chapters, and subtitles without requiring additional codecs. -
Does Windows 10 have DVD player software?
Windows 10 doesn't include free DVD playback software. The Windows DVD Player app is available for purchase from the Microsoft Store, or you can use third-party options. -
What is the best DVD-making software?
Filmora is highly recommended for DVD editing and creation, offering intuitive tools for customizing menus, adding effects, and burning high-quality DVDs with professional results. -
Can VLC player rip a DVD?
Yes, VLC can rip DVDs by using its convert/save function. Navigate to Media > Convert/Save, select your DVD, choose your output format and destination, and convert the content.