react-native-video vs react-native-video-controls vs react-native-video-player
React Native Video Libraries Comparison
1 Year
react-native-videoreact-native-video-controlsreact-native-video-player
What's React Native Video Libraries?

These libraries provide various functionalities for integrating video playback capabilities into React Native applications. They allow developers to easily embed video content, control playback, and customize the user interface for a better user experience. Each library offers unique features catering to different needs, from basic video playback to advanced controls and styling options.

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react-native-video260,9517,407906 kB17619 days agoMIT
react-native-video-controls14,44264496.3 kB56-MIT
react-native-video-player6,880597215 kB11a month agoMIT
Feature Comparison: react-native-video vs react-native-video-controls vs react-native-video-player

Customization

  • react-native-video:

    react-native-video offers extensive customization options, allowing developers to modify the player’s appearance and behavior. You can customize controls, overlays, and event handling, making it suitable for complex applications that require tailored video experiences.

  • react-native-video-controls:

    react-native-video-controls provides a set of pre-defined controls that can be easily integrated into your application. While it allows some customization, it is primarily designed for developers who prefer a ready-to-use solution with standard controls.

  • react-native-video-player:

    react-native-video-player focuses on simplicity and provides limited customization options. It is intended for straightforward use cases where advanced customization is not a priority.

Ease of Use

  • react-native-video:

    react-native-video has a steeper learning curve due to its extensive features and customization capabilities. Developers may need to invest time in understanding its API to fully utilize its potential.

  • react-native-video-controls:

    react-native-video-controls is user-friendly and easy to set up. It is designed for quick integration, making it an excellent choice for developers who want to add video functionality without a steep learning curve.

  • react-native-video-player:

    react-native-video-player is also easy to use, providing a simple API for basic video playback. It is suitable for developers looking for a straightforward solution without complex configurations.

Performance

  • react-native-video:

    react-native-video is optimized for performance and can handle high-resolution videos efficiently. It supports various buffering strategies and allows for smooth playback even with large video files.

  • react-native-video-controls:

    react-native-video-controls maintains good performance for standard video playback scenarios. However, its performance may vary depending on the extent of customization applied to the controls.

  • react-native-video-player:

    react-native-video-player is lightweight and performs well for basic video playback. It is suitable for applications that do not require heavy video processing or advanced features.

Community Support

  • react-native-video:

    react-native-video has a large and active community, providing ample resources, documentation, and third-party plugins. This makes it easier for developers to find support and solutions to issues they may encounter.

  • react-native-video-controls:

    react-native-video-controls has a smaller community compared to react-native-video, but it still offers decent support and documentation for common use cases. It is suitable for developers who prefer a simpler library with adequate community resources.

  • react-native-video-player:

    react-native-video-player has limited community support and fewer resources available. It may be challenging to find solutions for specific issues, making it less ideal for complex projects.

Features

  • react-native-video:

    react-native-video supports a wide range of features, including live streaming, multiple video formats, and advanced playback controls. It is suitable for applications that require comprehensive video capabilities.

  • react-native-video-controls:

    react-native-video-controls includes essential playback features like play, pause, seek, and volume control, making it ideal for standard video playback scenarios without additional complexity.

  • react-native-video-player:

    react-native-video-player offers basic playback features, focusing on simplicity. It is best suited for applications that require minimal video functionality without advanced features.

How to Choose: react-native-video vs react-native-video-controls vs react-native-video-player
  • react-native-video:

    Choose react-native-video if you need a robust and flexible video player that supports a wide range of video formats and streaming protocols. It is ideal for applications requiring extensive customization and integration with other components.

  • react-native-video-controls:

    Opt for react-native-video-controls if you want a simple and easy-to-use video player with built-in controls. This package is suitable for developers who prefer a quick setup with standard playback features without extensive customization.

  • react-native-video-player:

    Select react-native-video-player if you are looking for a straightforward video player with a focus on simplicity and ease of use. It is best for projects that require basic video playback functionality with minimal setup.

README for react-native-video

React Native Video Component

The most battle-tested open-source video player component for React Native with support for DRM, offline playback, HLS/DASH streaming, and more.

🔍 Features

  • 📱 Plays all video formats natively supported by iOS/Android
  • ▶️ Local and remote playback
  • 🔁 Streaming: HLS • DASH • SmoothStreaming
  • 🔐 DRM: Widevine & FairPlay (See free DRM stream example)
  • 📴 Offline playback, video download, support for side-tracks and side-captions (via optional SDK)
  • 🎚️ Fine-grained control over tracks, buffering & events
  • 🧩 Expo plugin support
  • 🌐 Basic Web Support
  • 📱 Picture in Picture
  • 📺 TV Support

✨ Project Status

| Version | State | Architecture | |---------|-------|--------------| | v5 and lower | ❌ End-of-life Commercial Support Available | Old Architecture | | v6 | 🛠 Maintained (community + TWG) | Old + New (Interop Layer) | | v7 | 🚀 Active Development | Old + New (Full Support) |

react-native-video v7 introduces full support for the new React Native architecture, unlocking better performance, improved consistency, and modern native modules.


📚 Documentation & Examples

🚀 Quick Start

Install

# Install dependencies
yarn add react-native-video

# Install pods
cd ios && pod install

Usage

import Video from 'react-native-video';

export default () => (
  <Video
    source={{ uri: 'https://www.w3schools.com/html/mov_bbb.mp4' }}
    style={{ width: '100%', aspectRatio: 16 / 9 }}
    controls
  />
);

🧩 Plugins

Offline SDK Preview

1 · 📥 Offline SDK

Enable offline streaming with full control over downloads, license lifecycle, secure storage, and media access.

  • Track selection (bitrate, audio, subtitles)
  • Pause / resume & background queueing
  • Expiration & auto-cleanup
  • Built for Android & iOS
  • Read the SDK Docs

2 · 🧪 Architecture

Write your own plugins to extend library logic, attach analytics or add custom workflows - without forking the core SDK.
Plugin documentation


💼 TWG Services & Products

| Offering | Description | |----------|-------------| | Professional Support Packages | Priority bug-fixes, guaranteed SLAs, roadmap influence | | Issue Booster | Fast-track urgent fixes with a pay‑per‑issue model | | Offline Video SDK | Plug‑and‑play secure download solution for iOS & Android | | Integration Support | Hands‑on help integrating video, DRM & offline into your app | | Free DRM Token Generator | Generate Widevine / FairPlay tokens for testing | | Ready Boilerplates | Ready-to-use apps with offline HLS/DASH DRM, video frame scrubbing, TikTok-style video feed, background uploads, Skia-based frame processor (R&D phase), and more | | React Native Video Upgrade Guide | Common upgrade pitfalls & how to solve them |

See how TWG helped Learnn ship a world‑class player in record time - case study.

Contact us at hi@thewidlarzgroup.com

🌍 Social

📰 Community & Media

  • 🗽 React Summit US – How TWG helped Learnn boost video performance on React Native.
    Watch the talk »

  • 🧨 v7 deep dive – Why we’re building v7 with Nitro Modules Watch on X »

  • 🛠️ Well-maintained open-source library - What does it truly mean? - Bart's talk for React Native Warsaw Watch here »

  • 📺 “Over the Top” Panel - Building Streaming Apps for Mobile, Web, and Smart TVs - Bart giving his insights on the industry Watch here »