A Guide to HTML5 Video Player (+ Best 15 Video Player)

Remember the good ol’ days when Adobe’s Flash players were pretty much the only option we had to play any type of video content on browsers? All web-based video players that adhered to this defacto standard have taken an almost 360-degree turn for the better after HTML5 came along..

In 2022, Adobe’s browser plug-in Flash player seems almost as ancient as phone booths and dial-up internet connections. HTML5 video players set the new standard for video players. You can think of them as HTML player’s  2.0 version. They play seamlessly across devices, come with many exciting features, and can even be given some credit for the rise in demand for video content of all shapes and forms. 

 HTML5 video players are currently the most popular type of video player in the digital space. Thanks to the highly compatible and flexible nature of these website video players, broadcasters can reach larger audiences with their streams with HTML5 video players.

In this post, we’re going to cover everything broadcasters need to know about HTML5 video players. Understanding what HTML5 video players are and how they compare to Flash players will enable you to maximize your usage of the latest technology. 

We’ll also cover some benefits of HTML5 streaming before we dive into a comparison of the top 15 HTML5 video players for web pages on the market. We will wrap things up by talking about the most convenient way to access an HTML5 video player for professional broadcasting.

What is an HTML5 Video Player?

A video player in HTLM is a digital technology that allows broadcasters to share video content with users over the internet. The HTML5 streaming technology was created as a more widely compatible alternative to Adobe’s Flash player.

The History of the HTML5 Video Player

The need for more compatible web video players arose when Steve Jobs announced in 2012 that Apple devices would never support Flash players. That meant broadcasters would miss out on the huge potential video content offered if their only streaming option was the coveted Flash player.  iPhones and other Apple products were among the most popular mobile devices at the time, and that posed a big challenge. As of the end of 2020, Flash has been somewhat phased out, making HTML5 the only widely supported video player. The HTML5 video player is supported by all major operating systems and browsers, which means it is supported on pretty much any internet-enabled device imaginable.

The Technological Background of HTML5 Video Players

HTML5 video players use the HTTPS Live Streaming (HLS) protocol to receive content from the video CDN or online video player that is hosting the streaming. Initially, HLS was created by Apple specifically for streaming to an HTML5 video player.

Today, most online video platforms support HLS streaming. Some even use HLS ingest, but HLS stream hosting and delivery are most commonly paired with RTMP ingest. The HLS delivery and RTMP ingest combination is the most optimal because it is highly compatible with low latency.

It is important to mention that RTMP was the protocol that was used for delivering content to the Flash video player, and although Flash is dead, RTMP is still very valuable for streaming.

Choosing Between Open-Sourced Versus Paid HTML5 Video Players

The next generation of website video players offers users many choices of HTML5 video players. Mainly, HTML5 video players can be broken down into two main categories, open-sourced web page video players, and commercial or paid web video players. Anyone can simply download open-sourced website media players and stream video content whereas commercial players require a subscription fee.

The paid options offer some additional benefits over their free counterparts such as impressive features and add-ons such as sub-titles, support for multiple file formats, and playback speeds. Whether these extra integrations justify the price tag is another debate, especially since now, many free HTML5 video players offer the same features too.

You’ll be able to make a more informed choice about which HTML5 video player is best for your needs after reviewing our comprehensive comparison of the top 15 players further down this blog post.

Contrary to popular belief, having paid access to website video players doesn’t guarantee quick resolution of any problems or glitches you might have. Thanks to the generous contributions of developers, open-sourced HTML5 video players seem to get issues fixed faster than commercial ones requiring users to contact the IT company and register their complaints. 

Another benefit open-sourced HTML5 video players offer is increased customization and control. The easy availability of the source code means any programmer can develop their own tailored version of the player. Commercial HTML5 video players usually don’t allow such modification. 

Benefits of Streaming with an HTML5 Video Player

The HTML5 video player offers broadcasters the support to reach large audiences efficiently. That’s why it became so popular and continues to be the top choice among broadcasters.

Let’s look at a couple of the top benefits of streaming with an HTML5 video player. 

Control 

Today’s broadcasters and viewers prefer digital tools that give them more control over their viewing and streaming experience. HTML5 video players lend themselves well to modifications and give users more control over their media 

Compatibility

As we mentioned, HTML5 video players are compatible with almost every mainstream operating system and browser. The compatibility alone makes this video player very valuable.

Customizability

HTML5 video players are also straightforward to customize. Broadcasters can add different functions and buttons to their video player and customize the size and aesthetic of video controls. Some HTML5 video players are adaptive or responsive, which is another plus.

Auto-Play

HTML5 video players offer many advanced features but this one deserves its own shout-out. Auto-play may not seem like a big deal to GenZ viewers, but those who aren’t probably know how frustrating it can be to wait for the video to load and then play the buffered video manually.

Auto-play means video content plays without any input or command from the user once loaded. Many browsers don’t allow audio or video content on auto-play as it might distract users. The auto-play feature comes pre-embedded in HTML5 video players.

Affordability

There are many free, open-source HTML5 video players available for broadcasters. HTML5 is also the default video player for most streaming platforms. Making streaming with this type of video player is very affordable and accessible.

Multiple Features

In addition to the above-stated advantages, part of the rise in popularity of HTML5 video players is because of the many features and integrations they offer. Some of its prominent features are multiple playback speeds, voice-to-text subtitles, auto-play, and smooth playing across a wide magnitude of devices and systems.

Users also love the amount of control HTML5 video players give them over video content, both as broadcasters and views. 

Enhanced Security

While no web video player can claim to be completely immune to cybersecurity threats, HTML5 video players offer better protection than Flash code website media players. Most HTML5 players offer secure streaming to their viewers. The good news is that open-sourced players are just as secure, if not more, than the commercial options. 

Top 15 HTML5 Video Players: A Comparison

Now that you know the importance of HTML5 video players for online video streaming, let’s take a look at the top 15 HTML5 video players on the market.

1. THEOplayer

THEOplayer is a powerful HTML5 video player.THEOplayer is a well-known HTML5 player for videos. In addition to its video player, the company offers support for customizing web video players for streaming on SmartTV apps and being an excellent website video playe r option. 

This allows for streaming on SmartTV apps, mobile devices, casting devices, and more, making it an excellent website video player option. This is especially so if you want to provide a wider range of viewership.

THEOplayer is mostly used for OTT streaming and by “PayTV” service providers. It is capable of low-latency streaming with reliable delivery.

Pros:

• SmartTV
• SDKs and APIs
• Low latency streaming
• Clear documentation for developers
• LL-HLS
• LL-DASH
• HESP
• EMSS
• Tools for testing players

Cons:

• It’s expensive. The Starter plan starts at €395/month.

How to Access:

Broadcasters can access THEOplayer by subscribing to the platform. The two pricing options are pay-as-you-go and custom-built, custom-priced plans.

You can also access THEOplayer on several professional online video platforms, including Dacast.

2. jPlayer

jPlayer is a website media player and library with HTML5 audio and video streaming documentation. It is open-source and free to use. It is described as “lightweight” so users don’t need to worry about bogging down their site speed or requiring a ton of data to run this video player.

This video player is completely customizable.

Since jPlayer is free and open source, there is no need to pay for its licensing. Also, contributors are continually developing the platform to make it more refined.

Pros:

• Audio and video player
• Free
• Open-source
• API access
• No licensing restrictions 
• Large community for support

Cons:

• There are no major complaints from users

How to Access:

Users can download the video player right on the jPlayer website.

3. VideoJS

VideoJS is a powerful video player that supports HTML5 streaming. It is highly customizable and it has access to hundreds of plugins for extensive functionality. Among the easy-to-use and download website media players, VideoJS stands out. 

Pros:

• API access
• Well documented
• Hundred of plugins
• Customizable
• HLS streaming

Cons:

• Slightly confusing for some users
• Not compatible with other libraries

How to Access:

Users can download this video player right on the VideoJS website. You can also download components of VideoJS on GitHub.

4. Projekktor

Projekktor is a free, open-source website video player that is thought to break the mold that many HTML5 video players stick to. It is customizable with Javascript API access, and supports pre-roll and post-roll ad insertion.

Pros:

• Free
• Open-source
• Ad insertion
• API access

Cons:

• Some reported issues with themes
• Complications with integrations

How to Access:

Broadcasters can access Projekktor on Drupal.

5. Plyr

Plyr is an HTML5 video player designed to be simple and accessible. This highly customizable website video player supports both audio and video streaming.

PLYR is an HTML5 player for both audio and video content.

Plyr is an HTML5 video player designed to be simple and accessible. This highly customizable website video player supports both audio and video streaming.

Pros:

• Customizable video player
• Supports audio and video 
• Monetization via Vi.ai

Cons:

• No reported drawbacks

How to Access:

Interested users can download PLYR on GitHub.

6. MediaElement.js

MediaElement.js offers an HTML5 video player and HTML5 video player plugins. This technology offers both audio and web video players. It uses the most modern streaming setup with HLS streaming.

MediaElement is also a free and open-source HTML5 video player. Hower, you will need programming skills to make it function. With the right programming knowledge, you can guarantee browser compatibility and integrate it into your website or mobile app.

Companies like WordPress, Mozilla, Canvas, and Rotten Tomatoes are among the top users of this website media player.

Pros:

• Plugins available
• Video and audio streaming
• HLS
• MPEG-DASH
• RTMP
• Well-documented 

Cons:

• A bit complex
• The player is a bit large (in terms of file size)

How to Access:

Users can download the video player and HTML5 plugins from MediaElement.js on the MediaElement.js website.

7. hls.js

hls.js is accessible and customizable.Hls.js is a popular JavaScript HTML5 video player. The code is free to download on GitHub, and it is very well-documented.

All of the information on hls.js is specific to the website media player’s code and customization. There is very little information beyond the code documentation. 

Pros:

• Site for running demos
• HLS streaming
• API access
• Well documented

Cons:

• Not much background is available
• Geared towards users with development experience

How to Access:

Users can download hls.js on GitHub.

8. Cloudinary

Cloudinary offers streaming products, including an HTML5 video player. This embedded video player is a bit more advanced than the others we’ve discussed. It is highly customizable and offers integrations for video analytics and ad insertion.

If you’re using videos to sell goods, you can use features like shoppable videos, multiple players on a single webpage, playlist creation, etc. 

Pros:

• Adaptive video player
• Well-documented
• Video playlists
  • Google Analytics integrations
• Video ads

Cons:

• Not free
• Platform is complicated
• UI is a bit clunky

How to Access:

Users must have a Cloudinary subscription to access the video player. They offer a basic Free Forever plan, and users can upgrade to “Plus” for $99/month or “Advanced” for $249/month.

9. Clappr

Clappr is a basic HTML5 player for highly customizable and extensible videos. It is well-documented, so broadcasters and developers can easily mold it to fit their streaming needs.

Something interesting about Clappr is that users can create their plugins on this free HTLM5 video player.

Pros:

• Simple video player
• Free 
• Highly customizable 
• Well-documented

Cons:

• No reported drawbacks

How to Access:

Users can download Clappr on GitHub.

10. JW Player

JW Player started as part of the original code for the first YouTube video player. However, the embedded video player has since developed to support HTML5 streaming and is now known as one of the best free HTML5 video players out there.

JW Player has evolved from just a project. The company now offers a fully-loaded streaming solution for live and still video assets and on-demand video hosting. The video player is part of this professional offering.

Pros:

• Comes with advanced streaming tools
• Very reliable
• Well-established
• API access

Cons:

• Not free 

How to Access:

Users can access this free HTML5 video player with a subscription to the JW Player online video platform. Basic plans are $10/month, and custom-built Enterprise plans are available for broadcasters with advanced streaming needs.  

11 Flowplayer

Flowplayer is another very reliable HTML5 video player.

Flowplayer is another powerful video player and online video platform. It is performance-focused and equipped with a reliable video player and an array of professional streaming tools.

Flowplayer is known for its speed and compact size, which is great for streaming at the professional level.

This video player provides numerous plugins and features, including an audio-only streaming version, subtitles, captions, social sharing, Chromecast support, and more.

Pros:

• Performance-focused
• One of the most popular web video players in the industry
• The video player is light and fast
• API access
• Free access available

Cons:

• No notable drawbacks 

How to Access:

Users can access Flowplayer with a subscription to the online video platform. Subscriptions start at $49/month. Custom-priced enterprise plans are also available.

For users who simply want access to the video player, it is possible to download Flowplayer on GitHub for free.

12. Kaltura Player

Kaltura is another online video platform that regularly appears on our blog. It is an open-source project that broadcasters use when they need extensive customization for their live streaming needs.

Kaltura Player is the HTML5 video player from Kaltura. It is known to be fast, flexible, and very customizable. 

Pros:

• Easy to customize
• Fast and reliable
• Feature-rich video player
• Monetizable 
• Studio with graphical user interface

Cons:

• Integrations cost money

How to Access:

Users can access this video player by starting a free trial from Kaltura. No other specific costs or information is available.

13. Wistia

We’ve discussed Wistia on our blog many times as part of online video platform round-ups. In addition to its video hosting services, Wistia has a powerful video player for websites that is unique to its platform.

The Wistia video player is highly customizable. Users can easily add functions and aesthetic elements to brand their streams. The video player is also adaptive, creating a more professional broadcasting experience.

Pros:

• Adaptive streaming
• High-resolution video 
• Podcast (audio) player
• Easy embedding 
• Very customizable

Cons:

• Only available with an OVP subscription

How to Access:

Users can access the Wistia video player by subscribing to the Wistia online video streaming platform. The first three videos are free, and Pro plans start at $99/month. Enterprise users with advanced streaming needs can negotiate a custom contract.

14. Elite Video Player

Elite Video Player is a highly customizable HTML5 video player with many professional features. Broadcasters can manipulate this web video player to match their unique brands and streaming setups.

Pros:

• HLS streaming
• Responsive and sticky modes
• M3u8
• 360 VR video support
• Integrate with Google Drive and Dropbox

Cons:

• Not free

How to Access:

Broadcasters can purchase access to Elite Video Player for $59 on CodeCanyon.

15. Ultimate Video Player

The Ultimate Video Player differs slightly from the options we’ve covered. It’s a WordPress Plugin, so you can only use it on WordPress sites. Since it’s a plugin, this video player is simple to use, so it is well-suited for beginner broadcasters hosting their website on WordPress.

Ultimate Video Player has ad insertion support for pre-, mid-, and post-roll.

Pros:

• Ad insertion with Google AdSense
• APIs and SDKs
• Password protection
• Easy to use

Cons:

• WordPress plugin only
• Not suitable for users on other web hosting platforms 

How to Access:

Broadcasters can purchase access to Ultimate Video Player on CodeCanyon for $69.

How to Select the Right HTML5 Video Player for You?

With so many choices of open-sourced and commercial HTML5 video players, it’s overwhelming to select the one that suits your needs. Each one offers different features at different price points. 

Here are some key features, to help you determine which web video players are worth trying out:

Affordability

Choose your video player depending on your budget, usage, and the features you prefer to have. With so many excellent choices of free-to-download and use HTML5 video players, affordability playback quality is no longer an issue for most viewers and broadcasters.

Device Compatibility

Each HTML5 player is created with different devices and systems in mind. If you primarily use your mobile to watch videos, choose a version that plays well on smaller screens. Also, check to see if it’s compatible with IOs or Android, although most HTML5 video players offer versions for both these days. 

Features and Add-Ons

Each video player offers different features; some offer subtitles in multiple languages and a larger range of playback speeds. Select a video player that has the features that you use the most. 

Software Updates

Most HTML5 video players, open-sourced and paid, constantly evolve and regularly release revised versions and system upgrades. Check to see if yours is rolling out any exciting new features, and upgrade your video player as they grow.

How to Access an HTML5 Video Player

As we compared each HTML5 video player, we mentioned where you could access each one of these video players for websites specifically. However, many of these options require technical know-how in coding and development.

The easiest way to access an HTML5 video player for streaming at the professional level is via an online video platform (OVP). Dacast, for example, uses THEOplayer to stream content.

When you stream with an online video platform, embedding your HTML5 video player is as easy as copying and pasting a code generated by the platform. Customizing the video player is also quite easy since most OVPs use a graphical user interface.

Also, professional OVPs give you access to many other features, including secure streaming, bulk video upload, brand customization, video monetization, channels, playlists, and more.

FAQs

1. How does an HTML5 video player work?

HTML video players have a video tag that instructs your browser to load video files from a different source by specifying the location of the video file. Just like with images, the video is not stored in the HTML file. 

The player can use attributes like width and height to dictate how the video gets displayed. You can also include a markup code to specify the location of the video on your browser.

2. What format does an HTML5 video player use?

HTML5 video players support different video file formats including:

• MP4 (MPEG-4)
• WebM
• MOV
• 3GP
• OGG

3. How is HTML5 different from HTML?

Here are a few differences between HTML5 and HTML:

• HTML lacks native audio and video support while HTML5 supports both natively. This is the major difference.
• HTML5 allows users to draw shapes such as triangles and circles while HTML does not.
• HTML5 supports scalable Vector Graphics and other virtual graphics while HTML only supports vector graphics if used with other technologies like Flash.
• HTML markup language uses browser cache and cookies only to store data temporarily while HTML5 uses web SQL databases, local storage, and app cache.
• HTML is compatible with almost all browsers while HTML5 is compatible mostly with newer browsers, as it uses many tags and elements.

4. Is an HTML5 video player free?

HTML5 video players can be free and open source or paid ones. Depending on your budget, you can get a decent HTML5 video player and save on cost, or pay for an HTML5 player and get extra features and add-ons.

5. What is an HTML5 video player?

HTML5 is a markup language with video tags and audio tags to help websites stream video content seamlessly. And HTML5 video players are web-based players that use HTML5 technology to stream videos on websites.

Final Thoughts

 HTML5 video players are practically essential in the current state of the video streaming industry. This type of video player is the most compatible and customizable, which makes it better than the website video players that came before.

Although many HTML5 video players are free and open-source, we recommend accessing an HTML5 video player through a well-established live streaming platform.

Not sure where to start? We invite you to take advantage of Dacast’s free trial to see how you can stream with the powerful THEOplayer. Test our easy embedding, player customizations, and other professional streaming tools.

That’s not all. Dacast offers multiple plans at all price points to suit every budget and has many features to support your broadcasting journey. Sign up for a Dacast account today to start your 14-day risk-free trial. No credit card or binding contracts are required.

Sign up for a Dacast account today to start your 14-day risk-free trial. No credit card or binding contracts are required.

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