VLC media player alternatives: 6 apps ranked by verified data
Common reasons people leave VLC media player: interface looks dated and settings are hard to navigate, and library and metadata features are basic. We ranked 6 alternatives by how directly each one replaces VLC media player, then by reviews, real visits and how recently each app's facts were checked against its own website. mpv currently ranks first.
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Show all 6 alternativesThe best VLC media player alternative for…
The highest-ranked app in this list for each need.
Best VLC media player alternative for most people
mpvLighter and scriptable, with better video scaling and HDR output for enthusiasts.
Best VLC media player alternative for a free option
IINAA Mac-native interface on top of mpv, for Mac users who find VLC clunky.
Best VLC media player alternative for a free plan you can upgrade
InfusePolished library and streaming from NAS shares on Apple devices.
Best VLC media player alternative for open source
MPC-HCLightweight Windows player with a classic, no-frills interface.
Best VLC media player alternative for Mac
SMPlayerFriendlier front end that remembers settings per file and plays YouTube.
Best VLC media player alternative for Windows
PotPlayerWindows player with many more tuning options and fast hardware decoding.
Best VLC media player alternative for Linux
mpvLighter and scriptable, with better video scaling and HDR output for enthusiasts.
VLC media player alternatives: common questions
What is the best alternative to VLC media player?
mpv ranks first right now. Lighter and scriptable, with better video scaling and HDR output for enthusiasts. IINA and PotPlayer follow it in our ranking.
Is there a free alternative to VLC media player?
Yes. mpv (open source), IINA (open source), PotPlayer (free) and MPC-HC (open source) have a free option. Check each app's verified facts for current plan limits.
Is there an open-source alternative to VLC media player?
Yes: mpv, IINA, MPC-HC and SMPlayer.
Which VLC media player alternatives work on Linux?
mpv and SMPlayer run on Linux.
Why do people switch from VLC media player?
The complaints we hear most: interface looks dated and settings are hard to navigate; library and metadata features are basic; HDR and high-end video output lag behind mpv-based players.
How is this list ranked?
Every app is scored with the same published formula: how directly it replaces VLC media player, reviews (weighted by verification), visits from AppBreakup, how recently its facts were checked against its own website, and reader votes.