Gom Player

GOM Player is a free, safe multimedia player that offers more than just basic movie and music playback. It can play damaged or incomplete files and even lets you stream YouTube videos directly from the app. It provides various playback modes and configurations, offering different ways to enjoy your media.

Beyond its simple interface, GOM Player includes several advanced features, such as codec searches, a YouTube player, and subtitle support. However, its file management capabilities are lacking, as the app functions more like a browser. A significant portion of its use revolves around watching YouTube videos, which you could easily do with other apps.

Versatility

One unique feature is the GOM remote, allowing you to control the software from your smartphone. While GOM offers some niche features, such as 360 VR mode, the effect may not always be satisfying. For instance, if your device has less than 8GB of RAM, you'll likely experience a pixelated, spinning screen. The VR feature works better with videos specifically created in 360 mode, but it's not highly effective otherwise.

The interface is sleek and easy to navigate, with most configurations accessible via a right-click, making it more user-friendly than competitors like Winamp and PotPlayer.

Playback and File Management

GOM supports a wide range of file types, such as MP3, MP4, AVI, MKV, WMV, and ASX, and can handle files exclusive to other programs. However, it converts all files into the ASX format when saved. If you use multiple media players, it’s best to stick to one default file extension. Also, GOM doesn’t automatically play from a set folder, requiring you to manually select your media files each time. Worse, once you close the app, your files are erased unless saved in a playlist, adding extra steps for regular use.

Configurations

GOM offers extensive customization options, including the ability to adjust the app’s aspect ratio and play files at specific frame rates. These features can be useful for security footage or voice clips but don’t significantly improve playback quality. All these settings are easily accessible with a right-click, keeping the interface clean and uncluttered.

The 360 VR mode could be a great feature, but it doesn't perform well, often resulting in a pixelated experience unless you’re watching a 360 video, which can be better handled by other apps.

Performance and Issues

Despite its customization options, GOM suffers from poor performance. The playback quality doesn’t match that of other popular media players like VLC or WMP, especially in terms of audio, which lacks bass and clarity. Streaming YouTube videos through GOM is also inefficient, consuming significant data and slowing down your device.

Another downside is the presence of pop-up ads when closing the player. Although these can be disabled in the settings, they are still an annoyance.

Redundancy

GOM’s biggest flaw is its excess of features, many of which go unused, making it overly complex for simple tasks. While apps like VLC or Groove Music are preferred for their simplicity, GOM requires more system resources, leading to lag if you’re running other tasks simultaneously.

The free version of GOM may also come with additional software, such as GOM Audio, GOM Mix, and GOM Encoder. It's advisable not to install these, as they can clutter your device with unnecessary applications.

Overall, GOM Player offers plenty of customization and playback options, but for users who want straightforward media playback, there are simpler and better alternatives.