Get to Know 3 Best M3U8 Chrome Extensions for M3U8 Files

Unable to play M3U8 files on Chrome? You may need a M3U8 Chrome extension to help you easily watch the videos in this special code on the internet. It can also ensure smooth and uninterrupted playback while managing the technical intricacies of M3U8 files can sometimes be troublesome. With that, this article provides 3 best M3U8 Chrome extensions with their features, pros, and cons. Keep reading to know more and choose the best one.

Part 1. What is M3U8 Chrome Extension? Why You Need One?

M3U8 is the file format for HTTP Live Streaming (HLS), the technology used by most streaming platforms. And M3U8 Chrome Extension is a helpful tool added to your Google Chrome web browser to play and enjoy videos in M3U8 format. These M3U8 Chrome extensions decode streams directly in your browser, eliminating buffering and compatibility issues. Then, you can watch your best-loved TV shows and videos smoothly over the internet. These extensions provide additional features and functionalities to Chrome's native capabilities:

◆ Decode HLS streams directly in your browser.

◆ Eliminate buffering and playback issues.

◆ Provide quality selection and playback controls.

◆ Enable streams that would normally require external players.

Part 2. Detailed Reviews on the 3 Best M3U8 Chrome Extensions

This section introduces the 3 top-notch M3U8 player Chrome extension. Get to know more about their features, pros, cons, and how to install the extension on your browser.

1. HLS Player - M3U8 Streaming Player: Best for Basic Playback

HLS Player - M3U8 Streaming Player is a simple M3U8 Google Chrome extension designed to enable playback of HLS streams, which are often delivered through M3U8 playlists. The extension would provide a convenient way to watch M3U8 streaming content directly within the Chrome browser without needing external players or plugins.

Features:

◆ It offers basic playback controls such as play, pause, volume adjustment, etc.

◆ Ability to enter M3U8 URLs directly for playback.

◆ Very lightweight with less than 2MB memory usage.

2. Reproductor M3U8 - HLS + DASH Player: Play M3U8 with Controls

Reproductor M3U8 - HLS + DASH Player is another Chrome extension allowing you to play HLS and DASH URLs. You can also watch streams or videos in M3U8 format. The extension aims to offer a seamless and integrated way to watch streaming content delivered through these protocols directly within the Chrome browser.

Features:

◆ Dual support for HLS and DASH streaming protocols.

◆ Selection of quality for adaptive streaming.

◆ Provides playback speed option from 0.5x to 2x.

3. Native HLS Playback: Best for Simple Integration

Native HLS Playback is a free Chrome extension to enable you to play M3u8 natively on your browser. In other words, you can play your videos without any additional plugins or software on your web. But note that this extension can only play the M3U8 links you click but not the M3U8 video yet. You can also watch the M3U8 link if you paste it in the search bar.

Features:

◆ Play embedded as a video HTML element by clicking the extension icon.

◆ Switch between native and zoom video size using the options.

◆ It supports playing M3U8 files with subtitles.

More Tips to Install the Extension in Chrome

If you’re looking for ways on how to install the M3U8 Chrome extensions and access to them quickly, follow the basic steps below:

Step 1To start, open the Chrome browser on your computer. Click Customize and control Google Chrome at the top-right corner. Then, click Extension and Visit Chrome Web Store to find all M3U8 chrome extensions.

Step 2Next, find the M3U8 Chrome extension you want and add it in Chrome by searching it in the Search the store box.

Step 3Subsequently, click the name of the extension to see more details. Then, click the Add to Chrome button.

Step 4When the dialog box appears, click Add extension. Wait until the extension has been added successfully. Now, you can access it from Chrome Extension tab at the top-right corner.

Part 3. Bonus Tip: How to Play M3U8 Video Offline on Computer

Want to enhance your offline M3U8 playback experience on your computer? Use AVAide Blu-ray Player now. It is designed with a straightforward interface and powerful features allowing you to enjoy high-quality Blu-ray movies and videos offline. Moreover, it supports a great variety of media formats, such as DVD, Blu-ray, MP4, MPG, 3GP, WMV, VOB, etc. It ensures smooth playback of your favorite content from your computer’s storage. On top of that, with its advanced decoding technology that sharpens visuals and immerses audio, you’ll have a cinematic experience from the comfort of your home.

Step 1To begin with, launch AVAide Blu-ray Player on your computer. Choose the video file you want to watch from your computer by clicking Open File.

Step 2When the video file is successfully loaded, the program will play it automatically. To customize the watching experience, you can also use the playback control provided.

Part 4. FAQs About M3U8 Chrome Extension

Is M3U8 better than MP4?

MP4 and M3U8 serve different purposes. M3U8 is primarily used for adaptive streaming over the internet, while MP4 is commonly used for storing and playing back media files locally. However, if you need a universal format compatible with nearly all media players, MP4 is the one you can turn to.

Does Firefox support playing M3U8 videos?

Yes. Firefox does support playing M3U8 videos. But you still need an extension for Firefox to play M3U8 files.

What browsers support M3U8?

M3U8 streaming is primarily associated with HTTP Live Streaming (HLS), which is an adaptive streaming protocol developed by Apple. Many browsers, including Safari, Google Chrome, and Mozilla Firefox, support HLS.

Are M3U and M3U8 the same format?

M3U and M3U8 are playlist file formats that stream audio and video content. These two formats are most likely the same, yet, they differ in usability. Since M3U8 is used for streaming media content over the internet, while M3U can be used in general playlist media file format.

By Bryan Simmonds on Aug 08, 2025