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VLC media player

Free, open-source player from VideoLAN that plays almost any file, disc or stream on every platform.

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About VLC media player

VLC is the default answer when a video won't play. Made by the non-profit VideoLAN project, it ships its own codecs, so it opens nearly every audio and video format, DVDs, network streams and partially downloaded files without installing codec packs. Beyond playback it can convert files, record streams, stream to Chromecast, and handle subtitles, audio tracks and filters, with most of this hidden in menus that take some digging. It is free, open source under the GPL, carries no ads or tracking, and runs on Windows, macOS, Linux, Android and iOS, as well as on Apple TV and other platforms. The interface is plain and has not changed much in years, and settings are spread across dense preference panes, but few players match its compatibility. It suits anyone who wants one dependable player for every device.

Best for: Anyone who wants one free player that opens almost any file on every device.

Pros and cons

What works

  • Plays nearly every format without extra codecs
  • Free and open source, no ads or tracking
  • Available on desktop and mobile platforms

Why people leave

  • 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

Top VLC media player alternatives

See all 6
  1. 1mpv logo
    mpv

    Lighter and scriptable, with better video scaling and HDR output for enthusiasts.

    66.5
  2. 2IINA logo
    IINA

    A Mac-native interface on top of mpv, for Mac users who find VLC clunky.

    62.6
  3. 3PotPlayer logo
    PotPlayer

    Windows player with many more tuning options and fast hardware decoding.

    59.6
  4. 4MPC-HC logo
    MPC-HC

    Lightweight Windows player with a classic, no-frills interface.

    57.2
  5. 5SMPlayer logo
    SMPlayer

    Friendlier front end that remembers settings per file and plays YouTube.

    55.3

Why people left VLC media player

In reviewers' own words, from reviews of the apps they moved to. These are their opinions, not ours.

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VLC media player: common questions

Is VLC media player free?

Yes. VLC media player is free, open-source software.

Is VLC media player open source?

Yes. The source code is on GitHub at videolan/vlc.

What platforms does VLC media player run on?

VLC media player is available for Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS and Android.

What are the best alternatives to VLC media player?

The highest-ranked VLC media player alternatives right now are mpv, IINA and PotPlayer. See the full ranked list for pricing, platforms and verified facts.

See all 6 VLC media player alternatives