Comparison

TMPGEnc PGMX PLAYER vs Areena

Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.

Head to head
About

TMPGEnc PGMX PLAYER

This application plays proprietary PGMX files, which can contain multiple video clips, menus, and chapters in a single file. It supports high-resolution videos and offers flexible playback controls with subtitle and audio selection.

Highlights
  • Plays PGMX files
  • Supports multiple video clips and menus
  • High-resolution video playback (up to 4K)
  • Customizable subtitle and audio selection
  • Resume playback function
  • File information display
Read full description

TMPGEnc PGMX PLAYER is software for playing Pegasys' Next Generation file format "PGMX" files that stores multiple video clips, menus and chapters all in one file*. -What is a PGMX File?- PGMX is short for Pegasys Multimedia Box. Developed by Pegasys, it can store both menu and video content into a single file (.pgmx / .mkv). The video stream is H.264/AVC, and since the file does not depend on physical media such as DVD and Blu-ray discs, it is not limited to certain video characteristics. For example, you can use MP4 video from your smartphone which typically may not be DVD or Blu-ray compliant, or you can even use videos in 4K resolution (4096×2304). PGMX files give you the freedom to keep your videos at a quality level and resolution of your choosing. PGMX files can also utilize a navigational menu system that can link to multiple videos within the file. Since both the menu and videos are combined into one file, there is no complex folder structure like those found in the DVD-Video and Blu-ray formats. -Simple Playback Controls- The playback controls utilize a simple design so anyone familiar with playing a video can use it. You can lock the controls so they are always visible, or set them to automatically hide. Furthermore, TMPGEnc PGMX PLAYER supports "swiping" to move to the previous/next pages and also "pinch-out" to zoom for easy tapping**. -Multiple Subtitles and Audio Selection Support- A PGMX file can store several audio streams and subtitles. TMPGEnc PGMX PLAYER allows you to switch between the stored audio streams at anytime. Also, when the stored subtitles are in "Text subtitles" format (a "T" icon appears on the screen), you can switch between your preferred settings for the font size, color, border, and more. -File Information Display- PGMX files can store data such as the artist name, comments, and more. In TMPGEnc PGMX PLAYER, you can display the information stored in any file by tapping and holding in the File List Page. - Resume Playback Function - Even though there is a menu, resuming playback from where you left off can be cumbersome. However, because TMPGEnc PGMX PLAYER has a resume playback function, you can start playback from the same scene whenever you want. *PGMX file creation requires "TMPGEnc PGMX CREATOR (Sold separately, only for Windows)" **The swipe function only supports files which are created in TMPGEnc PGMX CREATOR ver.1.0.4.5 and later. Other Notification - Resolutions over 2K in size or interlaced files may not be playable on all devices.

About

Areena

Features
Read full description

Areena Player turns your own IPTV playlist into a fast, clean and comfortable viewing experience on iPhone, iPad and Mac. It ships with no channels and no content. You bring your own M3U or Xtream Codes playlist from your provider, and Areena Player does the rest: organizing it, remembering where you stopped, and playing it smoothly. LIVE, MOVIES AND SERIES Live channels organized into clean categories with instant search Movies and series with full detail pages: poster, plot, seasons and episodes Continue Watching, Watchlist, Favorites and Recently Watched A PLAYER BUILT FOR COMFORT Smooth playback with playback-speed control Multiple audio and subtitle tracks Picture in Picture and a floating mini player Sleep timer, screen lock and aspect-ratio control Touch gestures: double-tap to skip, swipe for volume and seeking BUILT FOR APPLE DEVICES One app for iPhone, iPad and Mac Native, modern design that stays out of your way Full English and Arabic interface with complete right-to-left support PRIVACY FIRST No ads, ever No accounts and no sign-up Your playlist details stay on your device IMPORTANT Areena Player is a media player only. It does not include, host, provide or promote any channels, movies, series or playlists, and it is not affiliated with any content provider. A valid playlist from a service you are legally subscribed to is required. Questions or feedback: areenaplayer.com

Screenshots

TMPGEnc PGMX PLAYER4 screens
Areena4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is ads: TMPGEnc PGMX PLAYER at none against Areena's shown. TMPGEnc PGMX PLAYER also leads on iOS requirement (8.0 vs 15.0). Areena's advantage is update cadence (weekly vs monthly). On price, in-app purchases and device support there is nothing between them.

Scored on Price · Rating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings · Update frequency · Ads · In-app purchases · Monetization · Best chart rank · Devices · Requires iOS

CostPrice · In-app purchases · Ads · Monetization

Both are free to download. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

TMPGEnc PGMX PLAYER ships an update monthly, Areena weekly. The most recent releases landed on October 16, 2026 and October 19, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard3 real differences · 7 level
TMPGEnc PGMX PLAYER versus Areena: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterTMPGEnc PGMX PLAYERAreena
PriceFreeFree
Rating3.0 (3 ratings) — better—
Positive reviews0.0% of reviews—
Number of ratings3 — better—
Update frequencyMonthlyWeekly — better
AdsNo — betterYes
In-app purchasesNoNo
MonetizationFree—
DevicesiPhone, iPad, iPodiPhone, iPad, iPod, Mac — better
Requires iOS8.0 — better15.0
Further details — not scored
Size9 MB69 MB
Age rating4+12+
DeveloperPegasys Inc.Amr Atef

In-app purchases

None

TMPGEnc PGMX PLAYER

No in-app purchases

None

Areena

No in-app purchases

Questions

Is TMPGEnc PGMX PLAYER free?
TMPGEnc PGMX PLAYER is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Is Areena free?
Areena is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Do TMPGEnc PGMX PLAYER or Areena have ads?
Areena shows ads; TMPGEnc PGMX PLAYER does not.
Which is updated more often, TMPGEnc PGMX PLAYER or Areena?
TMPGEnc PGMX PLAYER ships an update monthly, and Areena weekly. Most recently, TMPGEnc PGMX PLAYER was updated on October 16, 2026 and Areena on October 19, 2026.

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