An MKV player is a media player that is capable of supporting the MKV and MKA file formats. Both of these file formats are based on the Matroska Media Container that allows audio and video clips to not only be run independently but also as one synchronized file. MKV is used for Matroska video files while MKA is used for Matroska audio files, but both file formats are usually referred to as simply MKV. The following is a list of media players that are capable of playing MKV files.

VLC Media Player
VLC Media Player is an open source program that is made specifically to be accessible in many different file formats. One such file format is, of course, MKV. VLC Media Player will display MKV files without needing any other program or codec and it will do so with the highest levels of quality and speed. VLC Media Player is also good for conversions as it allows the user to convert files between a wide variety of file formats.

Windows Media Player + K-Lite Codec Pack
Another great source for playing MKV files is Windows Media Player. Windows Media Player is the default media player on all Windows-based computers and provides just as much quality as VLC or any other media player. The usual problem with Windows Media Player is that the program lacks the preprogrammed codecs that many other programs already have. This can be easily repaired, however, by downloading and installing the K-Lite Codec Pack. The K-Lite Codec Pack contains dozens of codecs for many different file formats and when installed, every media player on the user’s computer will automatically be updated. With the K-Lite Codec Pack, Windows Media Player can play just about any media format known to man.

Windows Media Player Classic
Some people naturally hold a grudge against Windows Media Player due to its many upgrades over the years. Some people prefer it just the way it was. Fortunately for these people, they can use Windows Media Player Classic to play anything that Windows Media Player can. In fact, Windows Media Player Classic should already be able to play MKV files but just in case it doesn’t, the K-Lite Codec Pack comes in handy once again.

FantasyDVD Player
FantasyDVD Player is an excellent program for playing DVDs and movies that gives the user the full DVD player experience. It allows the user to take control of their movies and viewing habits on a proactive level directly from their computer. Most importantly, however, FantasyDVD Player is capable of playing over 70 different media formats including MKV, MKA, and MKS (Matroska subtitles). Unfortunately the program requires that the user pay about $30, although it does offer a 30 minute free trial.

SMPlayer
SMPlayer is a very powerful media player that plays a number of formats including avi, DVDs, and, of course, MKV. The program’s main features include the ability to adjust subtitles to a specific size, font, and color, a video equalizer that allows the user to adjust the quality of the video, the ability to adjust the speed of the video (including slow motion), and the ability to create playlists. The software also allows the user to adjust a tremendous amount of settings, rewind and fastforward the film using the mouse’s scrollwheel, and even automatically search for subtitles from within the program.

BS Player
BS Player is a completely free program that plays just about any audio, video, or container format. The program is used by more than 70 million users worldwide and it has already been translated into 90 different languages. It plays all Matroska files and uses very little CPU which means that user can watch larger movies, play audio soundtracks, and use third-party subtitle programs at the same time. The program is also known for its extremely high quality for both video and audio and has its own subtitle search and playback software built directly into it.

Zoom Player
Zoom Player is a media player that tries to create a bridge between the common user and the advanced user. While the basic functionality of the program is incredibly easy to use, the software includes a large collection of advanced tools, features, and settings that allows the elite video screener to get the most out of the software. The software recognizes dozens of formats including MKV. The program can be downloaded on a trial basis but, unfortunately, it requires registration and stops working if the user doesn’t pay for it.