Free, open source media player that plays almost any file
VLC is a free and open source media player from the VideoLAN non-profit that handles most video and audio formats, DVDs, audio CDs and network streams without installing extra codecs. It supports subtitles, hardware decoding, filters, format conversion and streaming, and can be extended with add-ons and skins. It runs on desktop and mobile platforms, with no ads, tracking or paid tier.
- features
- 5
- alternatives
- 9
- platforms
- 5
- Updated
- Oct 12, 2026
Features
Our take
Pros
- Plays almost any file, disc or stream without extra codecs
- Free and open source, with no ads or tracking
- Available on desktop and mobile platforms
Cons
- Interface looks dated next to more modern players
- Advanced settings are buried in complex preference menus
Editorial assessment by the Alternatives.tools team, based on what the product is known for. Not a user review.
Best VLC media player alternatives
See all 9 alternatives
mpvFreeOpen sourceMinimalist, scriptable media player for the command line
37.3Kstars
PotPlayerFreeFree Windows media player with built-in codecs and deep settings
MPC-HCFreeOpen sourceLightweight, open source media player for Windows
15.9Kstars
IINAFreeOpen sourceModern open source video player designed for macOS
46.7Kstars
KodiFreeOpen sourceOpen source media center for your TV and media library
21.3Kstars
InfuseFreemiumVideo player for Apple devices that streams from your servers and shares
4.7(28.4K) · App Store
User reviews
No reviews yet. Be the first to share your experience with VLC media player.