Freezing / stuttering playback – but plays perfect with controls showing



So noticed this a lot with Kodi 21 not just on one device either. But when experiencing it on an android box decided to switch to a mini pc with a bit more power.

It’s very bizarre, so very stable connection (Ethernet connected) with top end speeds so nothing there.
Tried both with VPN & without to eliminate any throttling issues from ISP

So imagine my surprise when the stuttering issue is resolved by keeping the control menu on screen (progress / pause / play, etc) the moment it auto hides, the stuttering returns.

Making it clear it’s not system power, connection speed or anything else.

Can recreate this on the android device too when I play something that stutters.

Also noticed that subtitles have an effect on performance too. But with the above both of these were happening with subs disabled.

Any ideas? Seen lots of complaints about Kodi 21 performance with many suggesting dropping back to 18 or 19, but none seem to have described exact same symptoms I’ve had.

Thanks