Zoom Player

Active

Country: United States (US)
Founded: 2001
Developer: Inmatrix (individual developer)
Pricing: Paid (MAX version); Free (Home version)
Open source: No
Platforms: Windows

Indexes

Video Players

Overview

Zoom Player is a media player for Windows designed for playback of video, audio, and images, with support for streaming from servers like Plex, Emby, Jellyfin, and YouTube.¹² It targets users seeking customizable interfaces, home theater setups, and advanced features such as media libraries, schedulers, and remote control, distinguishing itself through extensive UI customization, API integration, and support for unfinished or locked files.¹²⁵

Key Features

Customizable Control Overlay - Adjust UI elements like buttons, volume bar, timeline, size, color, and transparency on screen.¹²
Media Library - Organize and browse collections with TV/Movie Jukebox modes, backdrop/poster images, and metadata display.²
Streaming Support - Stream from Plex, Emby, Jellyfin, YouTube channels, RSS/ATOM feeds, with EPG, time-shifting, and login support.¹
API and Remote Control - TCP/IP, WinAPI, COM interfaces; Web remote; Android remote with virtual mouse-pad.¹²
Media Scheduler - Automate broadcasting locally or remotely via API.¹²
Image Viewer - Integrated viewer for JPG/PNG/BMP/WEBP with zoom, panning, and rotation.¹²
Play History Privacy - Control storage and display of previously played content.¹²
Chapters/Bookmarks Editing - Edit chapters and bookmarks for any media, including streaming.¹²

Pricing

Plan	Price	Includes
Zoom Player MAX	Paid (license purchase)	Full features for Windows PCs, Home Theater PCs, Tablets; advanced customization and streaming.²
Zoom Player Home	Free	Basic versatile media playback with smart play technology, format support, and some customization.⁵

Platforms & Requirements

Runs on Windows PCs, Home Theater PCs, and Tablets; requires DirectShow-compatible system.² No support for macOS, Linux, iOS, or Android from the official site.¹²

Integrations & Ecosystem

Plex media server
Emby media server
Jellyfin media server
YouTube channels/searches/playlists
RSS/ATOM feeds
DirectShow filters from DLLs
Third-party apps via TCP/IP, WinAPI, COM APIs
Web Remote Interface

Alternatives

App	Difference
VLC Media Player	Free, open-source, cross-platform support unlike Windows-only Zoom Player.⁵
MPC-HC	Lightweight, free Windows player with basic customization, less focus on home theater and streaming libraries.²
Kodi	Open-source media center with extensive plugins, broader platform support but higher resource use.¹
PotPlayer	Free Windows player with strong video features and skins, but less emphasis on API and remote control.⁵

Reputation

Zoom Player is recognized for its deep customization options, stability, and long-term development over 25 years, appealing to advanced users and home theater enthusiasts.¹² Criticisms may include a complex interface for beginners and Windows exclusivity limiting accessibility.⁵ It maintains an active development cycle with beta releases as of v22.⁸

Sources (8)