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Video Production · head to head

Kdenlive vs mpv

Kdenlive logo

Kdenlive

Video Production

Free, open-source non-linear video editor from the KDE community

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite
mpv logo

mpv

Entertainment

Free open source command line video player with no graphical interface, built for scripting and precision

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite

The short version

  • Each has a real cost: Kdenlive relies on volunteer development so release cadence and bug fixes can be slower than commercial tools.; mpv there is no graphical interface at all by default, so a typical non-technical user will find it unusable without significant setup.
  • They diverge on capability: Kdenlive covers Multi-track timeline, mpv covers Command line control.
  • Prices and features above were last checked on 1 September 2026.

Where they differ

Only the attributes on which Kdenlive and mpv actually diverge.

Attributes where Kdenlive and mpv differ
AttributeKdenlivempv
Pricing modelopen-sourceOpen source, no licence fee
Platformswindows, mac, linuxMac, Windows, Linux
CategoryVideo ProductionEntertainment

Identical on both: starting price (Free), free tier (Yes), user rating (Not yet rated).

What each one covers

Drawn from each product's published feature list. An absence here means we hold no record of it - not that the product lacks it.

Only in Kdenlive

  • Multi-track timeline
  • Proxy editing
  • Wide format support
  • Titler tool
  • Effects and transitions

Only in mpv

  • Command line control
  • Lua and JavaScript scripting
  • Plain text configuration
  • Minimal on-screen overlay
  • Embeddable engine

Both cover

  • Cross-platform

What people use each for

The jobs each tool is most often brought in to do.

Kdenlive

  • Free video editing for hobbyistsnot mpv
  • Linux-native video productionnot mpv
  • Educational video editingnot mpv
  • Community/open-source project video worknot mpv

mpv

  • A developer who wants to script or automate media playback rather than click through a graphical appnot Kdenlive
  • A Linux user who wants a lightweight player without the overhead of a full desktop application shellnot Kdenlive
  • Someone embedding video playback into another tool or workflow rather than using it as a standalone appnot Kdenlive
  • A power user who prefers editing a text config file over navigating a settings panelnot Kdenlive

Where each one falls short

Documented limitations, not opinions. Every one is a constraint you would hit in normal use.

Kdenlive

  • Relies on volunteer development so release cadence and bug fixes can be slower than commercial tools.
  • Lacks built-in advanced VFX/compositing found in tools like DaVinci Resolve.
  • Performance and stability can vary depending on system configuration and GPU drivers.
  • No official cloud collaboration or review features.

mpv

  • There is no graphical interface at all by default, so a typical non-technical user will find it unusable without significant setup.
  • It has no library browser, artwork fetching or organised media collection view, unlike IINA or Infuse.
  • There is no Apple TV, iOS or Android version, so it cannot be used for a living room or mobile streaming setup.
  • Configuration is entirely file and flag based, so getting a specific behaviour set up correctly has a real learning curve compared with a settings panel.
  • Because it is a general-purpose engine rather than a consumer product, there is no dedicated support channel beyond community forums and documentation.

Pricing, plan by plan

Kdenlive

Free
  • FreeFree
    • Full editor
    • All effects and transitions
    • Community support

mpv

Free
  • mpvFree
    • Free and open source under GPL or LGPL depending on build
    • No account, subscription or paid tier
    • Cross-platform, same engine on every OS

Which should you pick?

Choose Kdenlive if

  • You need multi-track timeline.
  • You want to start without paying.
  • You work on windows, mac, linux.
  • You also want proxy editing.
Kdenlive review

Choose mpv if

  • You need command line control.
  • You want to start without paying.
  • You work on Mac, Windows, Linux.
  • You also want lua and javascript scripting.
mpv review

Questions people ask

Is Kdenlive or mpv better?
Neither clearly leads. Kdenlive starts at Free and mpv at Free, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
Which is cheaper, Kdenlive or mpv?
Kdenlive starts at Free and mpv at Free.
Does Kdenlive or mpv run on more platforms?
Kdenlive runs on windows, mac, linux. mpv runs on Mac, Windows, Linux.
Can I use Kdenlive for free?
Both have a free tier, so you can try either at no cost before committing.
What is Kdenlive best used for?
Kdenlive is most often used for free video editing for hobbyists, linux-native video production, educational video editing, community/open-source project video work. Of those, free video editing for hobbyists and linux-native video production are not what mpv is typically brought in for.
What can Kdenlive do that mpv cannot?
Kdenlive covers Multi-track timeline, Proxy editing, Wide format support, Titler tool. mpv covers Command line control, Lua and JavaScript scripting, Plain text configuration, Minimal on-screen overlay. Both handle Cross-platform.

Answered from the vendors’ own pages

Kdenlive: Is Kdenlive free to use?

Yes, Kdenlive is completely free and open source, distributed under the GPL license with no cost to download or use, though donations to KDE e.V. are welcomed.

Source
mpv: Is mpv free?

Yes, entirely, and it is open source with no paid tier of any kind.

Kdenlive: What platforms does Kdenlive support?

Kdenlive runs on Linux, Windows, macOS, and BSD.

Source
mpv: Does mpv have a GUI?

Not by default. It shows the video and a minimal overlay, but there are no menus, library or settings panel; IINA is the graphical Mac interface built on the same engine.

Kdenlive: Where can I get help with Kdenlive?

Users can consult the user manual at docs.kdenlive.org, join the community Matrix channel, or ask on the KDE discussion forum.

Source
mpv: Can mpv play from network shares or cloud storage?

It can play many stream types via command line arguments, but it has no built in browsable network or cloud library the way Infuse does.

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Related pages

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