JW Player Review: Is It Still the Best Video Embed Tool in 2025

Part 1: What is JW Player

JW Player is software that allows video-driven websites to add videos directly to their sites. Instead of the more traditional link embedding, where the video that will be played is originally uploaded to a third-party site, JW Player allows businesses to add their videos directly to their websites to promote better monetization and seamless end-to-end video delivery.

Due to JW Player's reliability, many news companies and entertainment sites trust the software to run videos on their websites. Some notable JW Player subscribers are Vice, Fox, Fandom, Eurosport, Univision, and more.

Part 2: Pros of JW Player

Customization

Because the tool supports video embedding on different websites, its customization option is also top-notch. To put it simply, JW Player’s design can be adjusted by changing the display color, logos, and clicking behavior. This makes the tool easy to use no matter what website it is used on.

Analytics

Since JW Player promotes better video monetization, the tool’s analytics system was also developed to be reliable. This was made possible by real-time analytics, reports, and recommendations that can be gathered from videos watched on JW Player. This makes reviewing content and data more convenient.

Versatility

JW Player is versatile enough to support multiple video types for video embedding. Some examples of video formats supported by the tool are Live Broadcasting, HTML5 Videos, and Ad Videos saved in MP4, MOV, WebM, and other commonly used file types. This tool is a solid option, no matter what format you are using. (HTML video no sound?)

Multi-Platform Support

On top of their primary video embedding services, JW Player provides multiple products for different uses. Some of these are their web player, web app, out-stream player, and more, featuring multiple products that are usable on different platforms. The reliability of JW Player takes an additional positive rating.

Part 3: Cons of JW Player

Made for Advanced Usage

Based on the details presented above, we can now conclude that JW Player is made for more advanced usage since it is a video embedding tool at its core. This makes it a subpar option for users who simply want to use video-playing software.

No Clear Pricing

One of this tool's biggest weaknesses is its lack of clear pricing. Although it is confirmed that users can start for free, the lack of premium pricing may make it suspicious for paying consumers.

Complex to Set Up

As a video embedding service, JW Player must be set up by a professional website designer or someone who has experience in basic to advanced web development. It will become even more advanced when partnered with ads and monetization.

Overkill for Basic Video Player Needs

If you are only looking for a simple video player to watch files saved on your device, JW Player is definitely overkill since this tool was made to become a video player for an entirely different medium: websites. For a simpler alternative to JW Player, you can proceed to part 5 of this article.

Part 4: How to Set Up and Embed JW Player on Your Website

If you want to use JW Player to embed videos on your own website, a quick step-by-step guide is provided below using Blogger.com as the example site. Another prerequisite to learning to use JW Player effectively is knowing how to write your own script, which will be used by the tool for embedding.

1. Make sure that JW Player is installed in your web browser. Open a Blogger post and write the content that you want to post.

2. Write the embed script that you will use to add an embedded video.

3. With the script now added, move to the file section and copy and paste the link to the video you want to embed in your Blogger website.

By following these steps, you have successfully embedded a video on your device using the JW Player software.

Part 5: JW Player Pricing: Which Plan is Right for You

JW Player offers mainly 3 price plans for you, and each has different features. Read on to know more detailed information.

Free trial

• • Cost: $0.
• • What you get: A 30-day trial with limited access to features.
• • Best for: Trying out the platform before committing.

Starter

• • Cost: Starts at $10 per month. Some sources list the starting price as $25 per month for annual billing, so pricing may be subject to change or based on specific options.
• • What you get: HTML5 Video Player.
  Video hosting bandwidth (e.g., 150 GB).
  Video streaming bandwidth (e.g., 500 GB).
  Video gallery.
• • Best for: Small businesses, agencies, and users with a relatively low volume of content, such as how-to or training videos.

Enterprise

• • Cost: Custom pricing.
• • What you get: Large-scale video management.
  Features for broadcasters, including live or video-on-demand (VOD) streaming to OTT (over-the-top) and CTV (connected TV).
  Dedicated support.
  Advanced analytics and monetization options.
• • Best for: Large companies, broadcasters, and media publishers with high-volume or specific broadcasting needs.

Part 6: Final Verdict: Is JW Player the Best Choice

JW Player is a top-tier video platform and is an excellent choice for businesses and publishers who prioritize a robust, high-performance, and feature-rich video solution. Its strength lies in its ability to deliver a seamless viewing experience with extensive customization and powerful monetization tools.

However, its high cost and lack of transparent pricing make it a non-starter for small businesses, individual creators, or those with simple video hosting needs. It's an enterprise-grade solution, and for that target audience, its performance, security, and monetization capabilities make it a strong, often premium, choice. For users with simpler needs or tighter budgets, a more affordable and straightforward alternative would be a better choice.

Part 7: JW Player Alternative

If JW Player is too advanced for your liking or if you are looking for an alternative that you can use to watch downloaded videos or Blu-ray DVDs on your computer. Look no further than AnyMP4 Blu-ray Player. A multi-functional media player that supports both digital files and Blu-ray discs built for modern Windows and Mac computers.

To start, this software is ideal for users who want to watch high-quality films and home releases of modern movies launched in DVD or Blu-ray format. This makes the tool extremely versatile and handy in different situations especially since it also supports digital format videos with no problem.

In fact, it can even be used to play music files, which will then be supplemented by their Dolby 5.1 audio system and Dolby 7.1 surround sound for an interactive viewing experience. The tool can also play video files whether they are saved in 4K or 8K quality, making it a high-performance video player that can handle crystal-clear resolutions with no problem.

To experience this powerful alternative that is more straightforward to use than JW Player, click the download link below. Then, enjoy watching your favorite movies with AnyMP4 Blu-ray Player.