3 Best 8K Video Players for PC in 2025
- Last updated on 2025-05-27
Table Of Content
Introduction
As ultra-high-definition content becomes more common, 8K video is gaining traction in both professional and personal viewing. However, to fully enjoy the breathtaking details of 8K footage, you need a powerful and compatible 8K video player for PC.
In this article, we'll explore the 3 best 8K video players compatible with PCs, and offer a bonus tip to enhance video quality to 8K using AI.
What is 8K resolution?
8K is a display resolution boasting roughly 8000 horizontal pixels, which amounts to a total resolution of approximately 7680 × 4320 pixels. This resolution contains four times the pixel count of 4K and a whopping sixteen times that of Full HD or 1080p, delivering exceptionally sharp and detailed visuals.
There are numerous advantages to viewing videos in 8K resolution. 8K video has sharp and detailed images, enhanced clarity and a sense of realism, as well as the ability to watch content on larger screens without any degradation in quality. 8K resolution offers an immersive viewing experience, making it especially well-suited for genres such as nature documentaries, sports events, and high-quality cinematic productions. However, streaming 8K videos demands a substantial amount of bandwidth, and currently, not all streaming services offer support for 8K resolution. As a result, it may be necessary to download the videos and play them using 8K video players to get the best experience.
3 Best 8K Video Players for PC in 2025
PotPlayer
Supported OS: Windows
PotPlayer is a powerful 8K video player that supports multi-display configurations, enabling video output to multiple screens. This feature is particularly beneficial when displaying 8K videos on large screens, offering a more impressive visual experience. If the software encounters a file format it doesn't initially support, PotPlayer automatically downloads the necessary codecs.
Moreover, PotPlayer features smooth playback performance. It is highly optimized for decoding 8K videos and consumes minimal system resources, ensuring smooth operation even on computers with lower configurations.
Pros
Lightweight software with fast loading speed and efficient resource utilization
Customizable video playback options.
Great hardware acceleration, and full GPU utilization.
Built-in high-quality audio decoder, excellent sound.
Cons
It only supports the Windows system.
The interface can be a bit tricky to navigate.
The update frequency is relatively low.
VLC Media Player
Supported OS: Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS
VLC Media Player is a free and open-source 8K video player. It satisfies everyday media playback requirements and also delivers a high-quality HD video experience. Due to its wide codec compatibility, it supports numerous formats, including 8K videos. This flexible and robust 8K video player for PCs enables you to decode and play high-resolution videos using the GPU, ensuring smooth and stable 8K video playback and preventing stuttering and frame drops.
👉For more information about VLC Media Player: VLC Upscale
Pros
Available across platforms, including Windows, macOS, and Linux.
Capable of downloading videos from YouTube.
Can play nearly any video file format.
Plugin support is available.
Cons
The hardware acceleration may occasionally malfunction
There is a steep learning curve
Many customization tools are concealed within the interface.
KMPlayer
Supported OS: Windows
KMPlayer is a customizable 8K video player designed for Windows 10 and Mac users. It has many advanced features including support for 3D and VR content, compatibility with external codecs, and the option to capture videos or record the screen. The player allows users to apply different skins and themes to suit their preferences. Moreover, it supports media streaming across a network through DLNA, making it a versatile choice for media enthusiasts.
Pros
Supports external codecs.
DLNA-enabled for media streaming.
Remote control via smartphone.
Sleek, customizable interface with themes.
Cons
Frequent pop-up ads disrupt playback.
Requires extra software installation.
Resource-heavy for standard videos.
Occasional video playback freezes.
May collect user data.
Bonus Tip: How to Upscale Videos to 8K with AI
Want to enjoy clear visuals on your 8K video player, but stuck with low-resolution videos? Fret not! AI Video Enhancer by UniFab is here to transform your viewing experience and banish those resolution worries.
Transform Low-Resolution Footage into Stunning 8K!
- Enhance Clarity While Preserving Every Detail
- Universal & Animation AI Models for All Video Types
- 30-Day Free Trial for Full Features – No Watermark
UniFab AI Video Upscaler is the most promising 8K video enhancer. It can upscale any low-resolution video to HD, 4K, 8K, or even 16K without losing its original data. It offers two dedicated models: Universal and Animation. It can upscale any video by analyzing each frame and adding missing details.
How to Use UniFab to Upscale Video to 8K
UniFab All-In-One is a powerful suite of tools, including Video Converter, Upscaler, Denoise, Deinterlace, Smoother, Remover & Upmix AI. Choose the mode that fits your requirements, and then proceed with these straightforward instructions:
30-day free trial for full feature, without watermark!
Launch UniFab and navigate to All Features. Select the "Upscaler" mode, then upload the low-resolution video you want to enhance.
Customize your preferences — choose the target 8K resolution, select the AI model, and set the desired format, quality, and other output parameters.
Click the Start button to begin the upscaling process.
Conclusion
PotPlayer, VLC Media Player, and KM Player are excellent 8K video players for PCs, delivering outstanding performance. Moreover, by utilizing a professional video quality enhancer like UniFab Al, you can elevate video quality to unprecedented levels. These tools will enhance your 8K video viewing experience significantly.
FAQs about 8K Video Player
Is there an 8K player?
Yes, you can play 8K videos on a PC using advanced media players like PotPlayer, VLC Media Player, and KMPlayer. These players support 8K resolution and offer features such as GPU acceleration, external codec support, and smooth playback optimization.
Can I play 8K video on PC?
Yes, you can play 8K videos on a PC. However, to ensure smooth playback, you'll need a robust CPU and a dedicated GPU for processing and decoding the video. Additionally, sufficient RAM is essential, and you should select a media player that supports hardware acceleration and is capable of playing 8K videos.
Can I upscale my videos to 8K?
Yes, you can upscale videos to 8K using an AI Video Upscaler like UniFab AI Video Enhancer. It employs AI algorithms to not only increase your video's resolution to 8K but also to boost detail and clarity for a more refined display.