Table of Contents
| Developer | GOM & Company (South Korea) |
| License | Free |
| Platform | Windows, macOS |
| Official Site | gomplayer.com |
Official download path for GOM Player
Hubkub does not host installers. Use the official vendor/project page first, then use this review to check fit, limits, and safer setup notes.
GOM Player is a free media player from South Korea that distinguishes itself through its Codec Finder — a feature that automatically locates and installs missing codecs, so you can play virtually any video format without hunting for codecs manually. Since its launch, GOM Player has accumulated tens of millions of downloads and earned a loyal following among users who want more customization and codec flexibility than mainstream players offer.
Key takeaways
- Use the official GOM Player download page instead of mirror sites when possible.
- Check the vendor documentation or support page if installation, account, or platform requirements matter for your setup.
- Review release notes before updating on a work machine so you know what changed.
What I verified for this review
- Checked the official download page for the current safe download path.
- Checked official documentation or support pages for setup and platform guidance.
- Checked official release notes, news, or update information where the vendor publishes it.
Official download URL: https://www.gomlab.com/gomplayer-media-player/
Download from Official Site
Use the vendor’s own download page first, then read the official support or release information if you are installing on a work PC.
Official documentation or support · Official release information
Hubkub verification notes for GOM Player
- Official download/support links already cited on this page were checked as the preferred source path for GOM Player.
- Hubkub does not host installer files; the download action points readers back to the official vendor or project source.
- This page separates practical fit, trade-offs, and safety notes so readers can decide whether GOM Player matches their workflow.
What Is GOM Player?
GOM Player is a free media player for Windows developed by GOM, a South Korean software company. It plays a wide range of video and audio formats including AVI, MP4, MKV, FLV, WMV, and more. Its standout feature is the Codec Finder, which automatically detects when a file cannot be played due to a missing codec and offers to download it for you.
GOM Player has been downloaded tens of millions of times worldwide and maintains an active user base across Asia and beyond. The player is particularly popular in South Korea, where it ranks among the most widely used multimedia applications, and has expanded globally through its combination of practical features and zero price tag.
What Is the Codec Finder?
Unlike VLC, which bundles all codecs internally, GOM Player relies on external codecs but helps you find them automatically. When you try to open a file and a codec is missing, GOM Player identifies the specific codec needed and offers a one-click download. This hybrid approach keeps GOM Player lightweight while still offering broad format support. The Codec Finder connects to an online database of codecs maintained by GOM, ensuring that even unusual formats can often be resolved without manual searching.
Why Use GOM Player: Key Benefits
GOM Player offers several advantages that make it a compelling alternative to more mainstream media players:
- Automatic codec resolution: The Codec Finder eliminates the frustration of encountering a “format not supported” error — GOM identifies the problem and solves it with one click.
- Customizable interface: GOM Player supports skins, themes, and a wide range of visual customizations. Users who want a personalized player experience have far more options than VLC offers.
- Subtitle management: GOM Player automatically searches for matching subtitles online when you open a video, and syncs them with minimal manual adjustment.
- Capture tools built-in: Screenshot and video capture are built directly into the player — no third-party tool needed to grab stills or short clips from videos.
- A-B repeat for learning: The loop-section feature is particularly valued by language learners and musicians who need to repeat specific portions of audio or video repeatedly.
- 360-degree video support: GOM Player handles modern VR and 360-degree video content, keeping it relevant as these formats become more common.
For more media player comparisons and free software reviews, visit our software reviews section.
Key Features of GOM Player
Automatic Codec Finder
If GOM Player encounters a file format it cannot play, it displays a Codec Finder prompt. One click downloads and installs the missing codec automatically. This removes the frustration of hunting for codecs across the internet.
360-Degree Video Playback
GOM Player supports 360-degree videos, which are increasingly common on platforms like YouTube. Use your mouse to look around within the video environment.
A-B Repeat
Set a start point (A) and end point (B) within a video or audio file to loop a specific section. Useful for learning music, memorizing dialogue, or analyzing gameplay footage.
Playback Speed Control
Adjust playback speed from 0.1x to 16x. This is helpful for language learning (slowing down speech) or quickly skimming through recorded lectures.
Screenshot and Video Capture
Capture a still frame from any point in the video, or record a portion of the screen as a video file — useful for creating content or sharing moments from a film.
How to Set Up and Use GOM Player
- Download from the official site: Go to gomplayer.com and download the free Windows installer. Decline any bundled software offers during installation.
- Set as default player: During installation, check the option to associate common video and audio file types with GOM Player. This ensures double-clicking any video opens GOM automatically.
- Open a video: Drag and drop a video file onto the GOM Player window, or use File > Open to browse for a file.
- Use the Codec Finder if prompted: If a codec is missing, GOM will display a dialog automatically. Click “Find Codec” to let GOM locate and install the required codec online.
- Enable subtitle search: Go to Subtitles > GOM Subtitle and enable automatic subtitle search. GOM will search its database for matching subtitles for the currently playing file.
- Use A-B repeat: While playing, press [ to set the start point (A) and ] to set the end point (B). The section will loop until you press Esc or clear the markers.
- Adjust playback speed: Right-click the video or go to the control panel and use the speed slider. Press C to increase speed and X to decrease it in increments.
The GOM Player official manual covers all features and keyboard shortcuts in detail.
GOM Player vs VLC
| Feature | GOM Player | VLC |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Free (with ads) | Free, open source |
| Codec Finder | Yes (auto-install) | Built-in codecs |
| 360-degree video | Yes | Yes |
| A-B repeat | Yes | Yes (less intuitive) |
| Subtitle auto-search | Yes | No (manual only) |
| Customization | More options | Basic |
| Ad-supported | Yes | No |
| Platforms | Windows, Mac | All major platforms |
Official Download
Download GOM Player from the official website: gomplayer.com
Note: GOM Player is free for personal use. The Windows version includes occasional bundled software offers during installation — watch the checkboxes carefully and decline anything you do not want.
Where GOM Player works well — and where it may not
✅ Pros
- Codec Finder automatically resolves missing codecs with one click
- Automatic subtitle search saves time finding the right subtitle file
- A-B repeat and speed control ideal for language learners
❌ Cons
- Free version displays ads — removed only with paid GOM Player Plus
- Not open source; cannot verify code for privacy concerns
- Mac version has fewer features than the Windows version
GOM Player download and safety questions
Is GOM Player safe?
Yes. GOM Player is a well-established application from a reputable company. Download it from the official GOM website (gomplayer.com) to ensure you get a legitimate copy. In 2015, a compromised update server was used to distribute malware — this issue was resolved and GOM has since improved its update security significantly.
Does GOM Player have a Mac version?
Yes. GOM Player is available for macOS, though it has fewer features than the Windows version. The Mac version supports the core playback features and the Codec Finder but lacks some of the advanced customization options available on Windows.
Can GOM Player play Blu-ray?
No. GOM Player does not support commercial Blu-ray disc playback. For Blu-ray support, VLC handles some discs, or dedicated tools like MakeMKV can convert Blu-ray content to a playable format.
How do I remove ads from GOM Player?
GOM Player Plus (the paid version) removes advertisements. The cost is modest — check the official GOM website for current pricing. Alternatively, VLC offers the same ad-free experience completely free as an open-source application.
Conclusion: Who Should Use GOM Player?
GOM Player is best suited to specific users rather than everyone. Here are the three key takeaways:
- Ideal for users who encounter obscure formats: The Codec Finder is GOM’s killer feature — if you regularly open unusual video files and don’t want to deal with manual codec hunting, GOM solves this problem automatically.
- Great for language learners and repeat viewers: The A-B repeat, playback speed control, and automatic subtitle search make GOM particularly valuable for anyone studying language or analyzing media in detail.
- Trade-off is ads and privacy: Unlike VLC, GOM Player displays ads and is not open source. Users who prioritize an ad-free, privacy-respecting experience should choose VLC instead.
GOM Player is a capable free media player for Windows that brings something genuinely useful to the table: an automatic Codec Finder that removes the guesswork from playing obscure formats. Explore more media software options in our software reviews collection.
See also: Best Free Software Downloads: The Complete Collection for 2026 — browse all Downloads articles on Hubkub.
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Last Updated: April 13, 2026
