The current 15 best Adobe Flash Player alternatives (2023)

2020 was a turning point in many ways, one of which was the year Adobe ended support for Flash Player. Since then, Google and Mozilla have stopped supporting the Flash plugins in their web browsers, while Microsoft has completely removed them from themwindow.

However, as once a breakthrough technology for rich media content on the web, Flash still has a rich legacy and never goes out of style. This can leave you wondering what to use instead of Adobe Flash Player and if there is something that can replace it. To help you with that, we have compiled a list of the best Flash Player alternatives so far.

15 Best Flash Player Alternatives in 2022

For the sake of simplicity, the best Flash player alternatives are divided into three sections in this article based on the platforms, browsers and devices you can use to install them. Explore all categories to find a solution or two that better suits your needs.

Flash Player replacement for Windows

Below are some software options that you can use to manipulate Flash files on Windows PC.

1. Light spark

Best for viewing and editing Flash content on Windows and Linux

Lightspark is an open source tool available both as a desktop application and as a browser extension. This player runs all Flash-based formats on Windows and Linux and works well on Chrome, Opera, Firefox and other browsers. Lightspark offers an advanced set of code editing features and also allows viewing H.264 Flash videos on YouTube.You can download it here.

advantages

• Compatible with Windows and Linux
• Works in major browsers
• code editing capabilities

Disadvantages

• none

2. Flashpoint von BlueMaxima

Best for storing and archiving older Flash files

This is another free Flash alternative designed to prevent the disappearance of Flash-made content and preserve it for posterity. Flashpoint is a complete web game preservation project and can serve as your personal archive of Flash-based creations. The tool lets you play and organize Flash content in a personal library for easy access. Aside from its archiving functionality, Flashpoint also allows for code editing.

Other advantages of BlueMaximas Flashpoint are the Apache launcher and its compatibility with major web browsers and various APIs.You can download Flashpoint here.

advantages

• Flash content archiving and data management
• Increased security through the Apache program launcher
• Great compatibility
• User-friendly interface

Disadvantages

• Antivirus programs may mistakenly detect the app as a virus

3. FLV-Mediaplayer

Best for playing downloaded Flash videos on Windows

FLV Media Player is a specialized FLV (Flash) video player that allows you to view Flash content without a browser. It's an easy-to-use and lightweight app for Windows that also supports organizing videos into playlists, managing playback, and taking screen recordings. All in all, it's a classic player that's free and robust in its functionality.You can download it here.

advantages

• Easy to use
• Organizes content into playlists
• Lots of useful features

Disadvantages

• Nothing found

4. SWF-Dateiplayer

Best for opening SWF files directly in Windows

SWF File Player is a free and hassle-free standalone app that lets you open downloaded SWF files instantly without an internet connection. It's a simple, no-frills tool that opens all the classic Flash content and doesn't take up much space on your PC. SWF File Player can also read six different types of file meta tags - which can come in handy.You can download the SWF file player here.

advantages

• Easy
• Easy to install

Disadvantages

Simple looking old school user interface

5.Shubus-Viewer

Best for playing Flash and for easier encoding on Windows

Shubus Viewer is a cool file viewer for running flash games. This lightweight utility lets you play and stream Flash content, create and view HTML pages, run animations, and even edit files. Users can choose between different encoding options to view the text in different formats.

Shubus Viewer works well with various multimedia content and smoothly handles DCR and Unity3D files. Another nice feature of Shubus Viewer is that it integrates with a web browser and Google search.You can download Shubus Viewer here.

advantages

• Easy
• Extensive editing functions
• Creates websites
• Works with different formats

Disadvantages

• Limited compatibility with certain browsers is reported

6. OpenSilver

Best suited for running SWF files and web development for advanced users

OpenSilver is a free, open-source tool that serves as an alternative to Microsoft Silverlight. OpenSilver is more of a development tool than a player, but you can use it to run Flash-based content on your Windows PC. OpenSilver is compatible with both desktop and mobile browsers. Powered by WebAssembly not only supports SWF format, but also allows working with different programming languages ​​for web development.You can download OpenSilver here.

advantages

• Plugin-free

Disadvantages

• For tech-savvy users

Flash Player Alternatives for Mac

Here are some software solutions that can be downloaded and used as standalone players on macOS.

7. Ruffles

Optimal for safety-conscious viewing of Flash content

Ruffle is another free, open-source Flash player emulator that can be used both on a desktop and in a browser via WebAssembly. It is written in the Rust programming language and is compatible with all operating systems, including Mac. Ruffle proves to be very secure and is regularly updated. It is based more on older Flash versions and supports ActionScript 3 only to a limited extent. However, you can certainly use it to run early old-school animations and games made in Flash.You can download Ruffle here.

advantages

• Compatible with Mac
• Regular updates
• Improved security
• Available in Chrome and Mozilla Firefox browsers

Disadvantages

• Does not play ActionScript3 files
• May encounter errors while coding

8. Crunch

Best for viewing Flash content on Mac

Gnash Flash Player is another app that is available as a standalone desktop player and as a web browser plugin. It supports all Flash-based multimedia formats and is a great alternative to Adobe Flash Player for Mac. Gnash is available as a plugin in many popular browsers. However, its version for Windows hasn't received any updates since 2012, so it doesn't support SWF version 10.You can download Gnash here.

advantages

• One of the safest extensions
• Mac compatible

Disadvantages

• The app for Windows is out of date
• Limited support for ActionScript and SWF v10

9. Elmedia-Player

Best for streaming Flash video via AirPlay

Elmedia Player is a media player that supports viewing various video formats on Mac, including FLV and SWF files. Users can stream Flash videos from their macOS devices via AirPlay and cast them on a Smart TV. Elmedia Player also allows playback controls, working with subtitles and lets you watch Flash videos in full screen mode.You can download it here.

advantages

• Works with many video formats on Mac
• Supports any version of SWF files

Disadvantages

• Limited SWF playback on M1 Macs
• Crushes due to the Rosetta Compatibility Layer

Flash Player replacement in web browsers and mobile devices

These are browsers, browser extensions and apps that you can use to interact with Flash content on various types of devices, including smartphones and tablets.

10. SuperNova-Player

Best suited for playing browser-based SWF games

SuperNova Player is a dedicated app for running SWF files in Microsoft Edge and Google Chrome browsers. That means you can easily play SWF games on any website. Although the functionality is fairly limited, this Flash Player alternative is straightforward, which is worth considering. In addition, SuperNova handles graphics-heavy files with ease.

However, the major disadvantage of the SuperNova player is that it triggers antivirus apps, especially McAfee, and appears suspicious. Therefore, you are likely to have trouble opening SuperNova Player when antivirus software is enabled.You can download the SuperNova Player here.

advantages

• A standalone Flash player
• Plays all SWF files

Disadvantages

• Some antivirus systems can block it as malware software

11. Photon Flash Player

Best for running flash files on android devices

Photon Flash Player is the plugin that comes with the Photon browser. It is specially designed to play Flash websites, games and videos on Android devices. You can use the Photon browser on computers, smartphones and tablets and not only view Flash content in its diversity, but also enjoy other features such as full screen support.

advantages

• Supports SWF files
• Works as a player and feature-rich browser
• Allows playing Flash websites and content on Android

Disadvantages

• Sometimes comes with errors

12. Lunar Landscape

Best suited for internet geeks who enjoy browsing Flash websites

Lunascape is a cross-platform web browser developed in Japan. The main differentiator is that users can switch between three rendering engines. Among the many nice features, Lunascape can play flash games, videos, and websites seamlessly. It works on all devices and operating systems and offers great flexibility when navigating the Internet.

Lunascape is quite unique, yet easy to use and free. If you want to go beyond standard browsers and explore the web in a brand new way powered by three different rendering engines, Lunascape is a solid choice.You can download it here.

advantages

• A free browser with great features
• Supports all types of Flash content

Disadvantages

• None recognized when it comes to Flash

13. CheerpX

Best for use in organizations

CheerpX is a Flash player emulator that can handle different programming languages ​​and formats and has wide compatibility with Flash. Not only does it allow users to access Flash content in standard browsers, but it also facilitates advanced features that businesses often need. For example, it is powered by WebAssembly, comes with API compatibility, and can easily run any third-party software. In this way, CheerpX is primarily aimed at businesses and may not be an easy option for personal use.You can download it here.

advantages

• Runs virtually any programming language in a browser
• Extended API compatibility

Disadvantages

• Not for personal use
• May have difficulty reading files on a PC

14. FlashFox-Browser-App

Best suited for streaming Flash games on Android devices

FlashFox Browser App is another browser that still supports Flash. It's great for browser-based gaming and is available on both Windows and macOS, as well as Android devices. Users point out that it is a good option for video streaming, so big Flash fans can seamlessly stream their gaming process from any device. In addition to displaying Flash content, the FlashFox browser offers helpful functions such as bookmarks and cross-device synchronization of open tabs.

advantages

• A smooth display of Flash content.
• Compatible with Android

Disadvantages

• Too many ads
• Rather unstable

15. XMTV-Player

Most suitable for streaming Flash videos to Google Chromecast

XMTV Player is another lightweight flash player alternative that you can use to watch any type of video stored on your Android device. It works well for video streaming to Google Chromecast devices and has other decent features for streamers. For example, XMTV Player allows you to work with subtitles and audio tracks quickly and easily. It also allows creating playlists and has parental controls so your kids have a safe viewing process.

advantages

• Google Chromecast functionality
• Suitable for family use

Disadvantages

• Awkward interface

How to Choose the Best Option Between Adobe Flash Player Alternatives?

It is highly recommended to compare different software items and make sure they are compatible with your operating system. Another point to consider is that while compiling the list of the best Flash alternatives, we read many different product descriptions that contradict each other.

So, it's best to familiarize yourself with relevant user reviews and look at the pros and cons of each tool and learn the actual technical requirements and limitations, like we did for this list. Another suggestion is to look for the tool that updates frequently and offers technical support.

Die beste Flash-Format-Alternative – HTML5

Of Flash Player alternatives in terms of software, let's talk a little about the main alternative in terms of format. One standard that has replaced Flash is HTML5. It offers web developers the ability to create interactive content for the web like they did with Adobe Flash. HTML5 rendering is now implemented in web browsers, making it really easy to maintain and update.

Most importantly, HTML5 finally gave the web a chance to look good on both desktop and mobile devices. This was just in time for the eLearning boom and the increasing use of mobile devices for learning. Web pages, online courses and mini-games created in HTML5 can now automatically adjust to the size of the screen you are viewing them on.

A reliable and easy way to create HTML5 courses

It's never too late to learn how to create HTML5 courses and quizzes for training and educational purposes. Plus, you can create them completely for free. All you need is MS PowerPoint and iSpring Free - a lightweight authoring tool for creating multimedia courses with no special technical background. It's easy to use and free, and you can convert your existing PPT presentations to HTML5. Here's how:

1. Make sure Microsoft PowerPoint is installed on your PC. If you're using a Mac, read our how-to guideInstall Windows on Mac.
2. Download iSpring for freehereand install it.
3. Open a presentation in PowerPoint.
4. Go toiSpring for freeTab.
5. Click onPublishand select one of two main options: HTML5 or SCORM. HTML5 content is designed to be viewed in the browser, while the SCORM version is designed to be uploaded to aLMS.

After the publication is complete, you will receive a fully functional HTML5 version of your presentation.

You can also watch this getting started video which will walk you through each stepiSpring for freein less than 3 minutes:

Flash Player Alternatives FAQ

Here are some more questions and answers that might help you understand how best to choose a suitable Flash replacement.

What should I use instead of Flash Player?

There are still plenty of options for viewing, managing, and even editing Flash content. Among many offerings on the market, you can choose a cross-platform plugin, a standalone tool, or a mobile app.

The format that you can use instead of Flash to create online courses is HTML5. With iSpring and QuizMaker authoring tools, you can easily create HTML5 courses in PowerPoint.

Is it Safe to Use Adobe Flash Player Alternatives?

It really depends on which tool you consider replacing, as some applications can sometimes be mistaken for malware by your antivirus system. Check the information and learn about security experiences of other users when choosing any type of software over the internet. All Flash alternatives mentioned in the above list are considered safe.

What is the best alternative to Adobe Flash Player?

This can be one tool for macOS and another for Windows, and it really depends on your purpose. Flash game streaming is different from FLV video viewing by default. That's why we've broken down the most sensible use of each tool right away. Check out the list and see more specifically what fits your device and purpose.

Will Microsoft Edge replace Adobe Flash Player?

Microsoft Edge does support Flash, and if you're familiar with that browser, you can still use it to interact with Flash-based content at a basic level.

Conclusion

If you're wondering what to someday use instead of Adobe Flash Player, we hope this list will save you time. And if you've ever created eLearning content in Flash, you now know that the HTML5 format is a more practical and widely accessible Flash alternative for education and training. Unleash the power of HTML5 withiSpring for free– Download it for free today!