VLC Media Player Alternatives

Often described as the Swiss army knife of video players, VLC is well regarded in the video playback community as a program that'll open practically any audio/video format you can throw at it. From obscure video files to radio stream links and everything in between, VLC can almost assuredly play them back. On top of being open source and available on every major platform, there's a reason it tops as many search results and recommendation articles as it does.

Though VLC is one of the most well known and versatile video players available, those looking for the most efficient or robust players have plenty of viable alternatives to choose from. Whether it's players that focus on low footprint like Media Player Classic and its forks, or players with more customization and variety like KMPlayer, be sure to look at alternatives and explore what would most match your use case for video and audio playback.

VLC Media Player alternatives are mainly Media Players but may also be Audio Players or Internet Radio Services. Filter by these if you want a narrower list of alternatives or looking for a specific functionality of VLC Media Player.

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VLC Media Player

7207

Free • Open Source
Media Player

Mac
Windows
Linux
Android
iPhone
Android Tablet
BSD
iPad
AppImageHub
Apple Watch
Snapcraft
Google Chrome
Apple TV
Flathub
PortableApps.com
F-Droid
Kindle Fire
Haiku
Homebrew
Chocolatey
Android TV

VLC is a free and open source cross-platform multimedia player and framework that plays most multimedia files as well as...

Learn more about VLC Media Player

MPC-HC
Do you think this is a good alternative?
Yes
No
Free • Open Source
Media Player
Audio Player
Windows
PortableApps.com
128 alternatives to MPC-HC
MPC-HC's biggest advantage is arguably just how lightweight it is. Not only is it small in terms of hard drive space, but its CPU and overall system resource use is incredibly small compared to other video players, VLC included.
Suggest and vote on features
MPC-HC Features
1. LightweightMPC-HC consumes less device resources compared to similar apps.
2. Ad-freeMPC-HC doesn't contain any form of external advertising.
3. Support for ThemesYou can use themes and templates to change the look and feel of MPC-HC.
4. Support for 4KMPC-HC supports watching, rendering or exporting 4K content (also know as UHD or Ultra HD).
5. Works OfflineMPC-HC can be used without the need to connect to the internet.
6. No registration requiredYou can use most of the features in MPC-HC without registration.
7. Dark ModeMPC-HC supports dark mode for comfortable usage in low light conditions.
8. PortableMPC-HC can be used from a USB stick or similar with no prior installation.
9. Privacy focusedMPC-HC is considered a privacy friendly alternative.
Stream audio
Webcam recording
MPC-HC vs VLC Media Player opinions
Almost everyone thinks MPC-HC is a great alternative to VLC Media Player.
all • positive • negative relevance • date
RootBoot
Overall it just a better video player. Include basic feature such as click to pause/play, play the next file in folder, after playback task. MPC-HC also render (.ass) subtitle substantially better than any open source alternatives out there and can read .mkv better. Not to mention how light weight MPC is.
Top positive comment•
-1

BIr4
Run everything (with "K-lite mega codec pack" is perfect).
Top positive comment•
13

Diuma
Very good application alternative for VLC! Was using it long time before the VLC Player itself
Positive comment•
0

Guest
In my opinion MPC-HC is the definition of perfect for normal usage. It almost does every thing one can expect from a media player. Considering its performance, its size on the hard-disk as well as its CPU consumption is unbelievably low. Besides one have: Full control of playing screen size by default or cursor-dragging options Full control of video, audio, and playlist Full control of all after-play options

Thank to all people who develop the program.
Positive comment•
3

Guest
Performance is superior to VLC.
Positive comment•
10

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5 of 19 comments
PotPlayer
Do you think this is a good alternative?
Yes
No
Free • Proprietary
Media Player
Audio Player
Windows
115 alternatives to PotPlayer
PotPlayer is a modular video player that also works with most video file formats by default. Many of our users also find that it starts up faster and performs better than VLC, while also including small quality of life features that can be useful in specific contexts (such as support for two subtitle tracks on the same video file in order to help learn a new language).
Suggest and vote on features
PotPlayer Features
1. LightweightPotPlayer consumes less device resources compared to similar apps.
2. Ad-freePotPlayer doesn't contain any form of external advertising.
3. Dark ModePotPlayer supports dark mode for comfortable usage in low light conditions.
4. No registration requiredYou can use most of the features in PotPlayer without registration.
5. Support for 4KPotPlayer supports watching, rendering or exporting 4K content (also know as UHD or Ultra HD).
6. Works OfflinePotPlayer can be used without the need to connect to the internet.
7. PortablePotPlayer can be used from a USB stick or similar with no prior installation.
Customizable
Support for Keyboard Shortcuts
Graphical User Interface
Support for subtitles
Skinnable
Playback speed control
Integrated Codecs
Minimalistic
Thumbnail preview
Capture image from video
Bundleware
Several antivirus detect a potentially unwanted application (adware) PUA.FusionCore in the file F.dll dropped by the installer of PotPlayer in the Temp folder. Once that file is blocked by the antivirus, the program is installed with no problems and ads.

PotPlayer vs VLC Media Player opinions
Almost everyone thinks PotPlayer is a great alternative to VLC Media Player.
all • positive • negative relevance • date
Guest
Looks better! more customizable, easier to use and support add two subtitle files at the same time (useful for the people who learn other language while watching)
Top positive comment•
9

Mayank-Arora
PotPlayer manages the folders and sub-folders sensibly. Import the list you want to play and it's simple to use. It remembers the 2x speed in next video (unlike VLC).
Top positive comment•
0

SethMitchell
I used it and found it very lightweight. Good alternative to VLC
Positive comment•
0

Apollo07
It starts up faster than VLC and just works smoother for me overall
Positive comment•
0

Guest
exactly what i was looking for.
Positive comment•
2

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5 of 24 comments
MPV
Do you think this is a good alternative?
Yes
No
Free • Open Source
Media Player
Audio Player
Mac
Windows
Linux
Android
BSD
Xfce
89 alternatives to MPV
MPV is an MPlayer-based video player that is available on all major desktop operating systems. Linux users in particular cite MPV as one of the best alternatives to VLC. Its interface is extremely minimal, though with that comes extraordinary stability.
Suggest and vote on features
MPV Features
1. LightweightMPV consumes less device resources compared to similar apps.
2. Extensible by Plugins/ExtensionsMPV can be extended with add-ons, plugins and extensions.
3. Command line interfaceMPV either have CLI support or is a CLI-only app.
4. Ad-freeMPV doesn't contain any form of external advertising.
Minimalistic
Integrated Codecs
Low resource footprint
FOSS
Drag and Drop
GNU/linux-libre
Lua scripting
HDR source support
Configurable
Video playback
MPV vs VLC Media Player opinions
Almost everyone thinks MPV is a great alternative to VLC Media Player.
all • positive • negative relevance • date
Shuunen
finally seeking in a video is smooth <3
Top positive comment•
2

JohnFastman
There was a time when VLC was justifiably considered the best open-source cross-platform movie player. MPV has closed the gap substantially and is likely to work out-of-the-box in a minority of cases where VLC gets stuck. Excellent software. Open souce (trustworthy) and free, of course.
Top positive comment•
11

salvadormoraleslen
It does not have similar interface.
Top negative comment•
0

Fireryyo
Because mpv is lightweight,customizable,doesn't suck and FOSS
Positive comment•
-1

awvalenti
Very minimal, indeed, and very fast. Has many keyboard shortcuts and displays album art for songs. I decided not to use it because I need global hotkeys (play/pause, next, previous) to work, and they didn't (at least on Windows).
Comment•
0

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5 of 22 comments
SMPlayer
Do you think this is a good alternative?
Yes
No
Free • Open Source
Media Player
Audio Player
Windows
Linux
BSD
mpv
PortableApps.com
Haiku
MPlayer
Mac
113 alternatives to SMPlayer
Like MPV, SMPlayer is based off of MPlayer, but unlike MPV, it's more focused on accessibility with its user interface. Out of the box, users cite SMPlayer as having the versatility and stability of MPV with the ease of use of players like VLC. It also supports add-ons such as a YouTube search.
Suggest and vote on features
SMPlayer Features
1. LightweightSMPlayer consumes less device resources compared to similar apps.
2. Ad-freeSMPlayer doesn't contain any form of external advertising.
3. Works OfflineSMPlayer can be used without the need to connect to the internet.
4. PortableSMPlayer can be used from a USB stick or similar with no prior installation.
5. Chromecast SupportCast your content to a Chromecast connected device with SMPlayer.
Customizable
Support for subtitles
Multiplatform
Skin customization
Youtube support
Integrated Codecs
Built-in subtitle search
Multiple languages
Support for Keyboard Shortcuts
HDR source support
SMPlayer vs VLC Media Player opinions
Almost everyone thinks SMPlayer is a great alternative to VLC Media Player.
all • positive • negative relevance • date
Guest
It is the best mpv frontend in my opinion. having such powerful media player engine such as mpv + a user friendly ui. built-in subtitle search engine makes you like a lot easier too.
Top positive comment•
3

armyn
It has beautiful skins and is suitable for weak systems.
Top positive comment•
2

awvalenti
Highly configurable, but lacks stability, at least on Windows. Freezes sometimes, even after switching between back-end players.
Top negative comment•
-1

Mayank-Arora
I have stopped using VLC, since I came across SMPlayer. It works seamlessly on all my devices. I once made keyboard shortcuts, and saved it on cloud. Now, it is very easy to copy that file and have same settings and same shortcuts across all devices. For me, this is better than VLC media player and it is so easy to set aspect ratio, increase and decrease volume, manage video speeds and sync audio/subtitles.
Positive comment•
0

danydube
Remember the configuration of each file (audio track, subtitles,). Remember position in time Storing a subtitle from a video including support for automatically forced subtitles. Lightness of the program and high reactivity.
Positive comment•
2

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MX Player
Do you think this is a good alternative?
Yes
No
Freemium • Proprietary
Media Player
Android
Android Tablet
138 alternatives to MX Player
Though MX Player only supports Android devices, it is often cited as one of the platform's best video players. Featuring extensive customization options, an Android-optimized design, and plenty of supported video formats, MX Player is worth checking out on your Android phone or tablet if you're looking for a simple, optimized video player.
Suggest and vote on features
MX Player Features
1. Hardware AcceleratedMX Player can use the GPU and CPU to speed up rendering, conversion, and overall performance.
Customizable
Multiple languages
Audio playback
Playlists management
Support for subtitles
MX Player vs VLC Media Player opinions
Most users think MX Player is a great alternative to VLC Media Player.
Guest
Powerful, Support lots of formats. Easy to use
Positive comment•
6

salvadormoraleslen
Some missing features but almost similar to VLC player
Positive comment•
0

HurDugggio
Really does a good job of playing a video with maximized settings. Looks gorgeous.
Positive comment•
4

aalooksth
Fully customisable, very easy to use interface, modern design, very powerful
Positive comment•
1
MPC-BE
Do you think this is a good alternative?
Yes
No
Free • Open Source
Media Player
Audio Player
Windows
104 alternatives to MPC-BE
MPC-BE is another fork of Media Player Classic (specifically of the Home Cinema fork) with a focus on bug fixes and for automatically mounting ISO images. It is actively updated and performs really well for video playback. Users do not recommend it for music playback, as it lacks support for playlist looping and includes odd behaviors for shuffling media playback.
Suggest and vote on features
MPC-BE Features
1. Dark ModeMPC-BE supports dark mode for comfortable usage in low light conditions.
2. LightweightMPC-BE consumes less device resources compared to similar apps.
3. PortableMPC-BE can be used from a USB stick or similar with no prior installation.
4. Works OfflineMPC-BE can be used without the need to connect to the internet.
5. Ad-freeMPC-BE doesn't contain any form of external advertising.
Thumbnails
Customizable
Integrated Youtube support
MPC-BE vs VLC Media Player opinions
Almost everyone thinks MPC-BE is a great alternative to VLC Media Player.
Guest
thumbnail view, available on MS store
Positive comment•
-1

rapheal21
I haven't tried it until now but will try it soon and will update the reviews too.

thanks!
Positive comment•
-2
Kodi
Do you think this is a good alternative?
Yes
No
Free • Open Source
Media Center
Media Player
Audio Player
Mac
Windows
Linux
Android
iPhone
Android Tablet
BSD
iPad
Raspberry Pi
Fire TV
Flathub
Flatpak
69 alternatives to Kodi
Though Kodi can function as an alternative to VLC, its strengths lie in its robust cataloging of media and robust sorting and organization options for TV shows, movies, and music. Its media server capabilities are front and center, its playback functionality is nothing to sneeze at, and it can be used for that exact purpose.
Suggest and vote on features
Kodi Features
1. Ad-freeKodi doesn't contain any form of external advertising.
2. PortableKodi can be used from a USB stick or similar with no prior installation.
3. AirPlay SupportKodi can stream or share content to your Mac, Apple TV, or compatible smart TV.
4. Support for 4KKodi supports watching, rendering or exporting 4K content (also know as UHD or Ultra HD).
5. Dark ModeKodi supports dark mode for comfortable usage in low light conditions.
6. Works OfflineKodi can be used without the need to connect to the internet.
7. Extensible by Plugins/ExtensionsKodi can be extended with add-ons, plugins and extensions.
Media Streaming
TV Shows meta data support
Video library
Media library
Automatic subtitles download
Built-in Media Downloader
Support for subtitles
Music Library
DNLA Server
Built-in Media converter
Kodi vs VLC Media Player opinions
Some users think Kodi is a great alternative to VLC Media Player, some don't.
Guest
Kody is more oriented to being a fullscreen video/music cataloguing application, but it has an internal video/audio/iptv playing system with very good decoding capabilities like VLC and can be windowed as well
Top positive comment•
5

Guest
Can also play many formats, and can organize video libraries, playing over UPnP, FTP, and many other protocols
Top positive comment•
-3

Guest
Kodi, formerly XBMC, is a software media center.
Top negative comment•
18

LesterCovax
Kodi is a media server first and foremost. It's like comparing Google Docs to Microsoft Office.
Negative comment•
3

Guest
Kodi is a fullscreen media library manager, a whole home theater frontend. Slower for the purpose, with more complex navigation.
Negative comment•
5
KMPlayer
Do you think this is a good alternative?
Yes
No
Free • Proprietary
Media Player
Audio Player
Mac
Windows
Android
iPhone
Android Tablet
iPad
149 alternatives to KMPlayer
KMPlayer is often praised for its interface, which has been described as more functional and user-friendly than VLC or Media Player Classic Home Cinema. Its playlist manager is more akin to WinAmp's than it is to VLC or other video players, which makes it desirable for those with vast multimedia catalogs. It also includes very granular customization options.
Suggest and vote on features
KMPlayer Features
1. Support for 4KKMPlayer supports watching, rendering or exporting 4K content (also know as UHD or Ultra HD).
2. Hardware AcceleratedKMPlayer can use the GPU and CPU to speed up rendering, conversion, and overall performance.
Supports H265 Codec
Support for Batch Mode
Bundleware
Be careful during installation. https://alternativeto.net/discussions/applications/11718/be-careful-in-the-installation/

KMPlayer vs VLC Media Player opinions
Most users think KMPlayer is a great alternative to VLC Media Player.
james_hunt
Better interface and more features. For instance, KMP can skip one frame backwards, which VLC can't
Positive comment•
1
IINA
Do you think this is a good alternative?
Yes
No
Free • Open Source
Media Player
Audio Player
Mac
mpv
26 alternatives to IINA
Though it's exclusive to macOS, IINA's users swear by it for being lightweight, efficient, and performative. Minor annoyances such as performance-based audio-video-subtitle desyncs that can be found on VLC are not a problem when using IINA. Additionally, its interface is neat clean, with clearly labelled settings. This ease of use combined with its excellent performance makes it an easy recommendation for macOS users looking for a media player.
Suggest and vote on features
IINA Features
1. LightweightIINA consumes less device resources compared to similar apps.
2. Picture in PictureIINA allows you to put a video, web page or app in a floating window (always on top of other windows).
Clean design
Automatic subtitles download
Support for subtitles
Touchbar integration
Built-in themes
Automatic conversion to multiple formats
Media Streaming
Play web video
IINA vs VLC Media Player opinions
Almost everyone thinks IINA is a great alternative to VLC Media Player.
all • positive • negative relevance • date
POX
Great alternative to VLC if you're on macOS. It's lightweight, the UI is very clean, and has even more functionalities than VLC.
Top positive comment•
4

nicolaspatate
IINA is the best modern player out there
Top positive comment•
2

Guest
Lean (simple), mean (versatile) player, void of the bad audio-video-sub sync as in VLC of late (i.e. at least for me).
Positive comment•
1

Guest
Great integration with Mac touchbar & gestures, PiP, and looks like a native app instead of something cobbled together.
Positive comment•
1

Guest
Best video player for macOS. Lightweight, clean user interface, many features...
Positive comment•
2

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5 of 7 comments
Media Player Classic
Do you think this is a good alternative?
Yes
No
Free • Open Source
Media Player
Windows
124 alternatives to Media Player Classic
Though it's been discontinued and almost entirely superseded by successors like Media Player Classic Home Cinema, some users still swear by it as a sort of "old reliable" video player that can play most files people throw at it with no issue. However, it's been 10 years since its last release, so it's highly recommended to look at MPC-HC and other forks actively in development.
Suggest and vote on features
Media Player Classic Features
Support for subtitles
Discontinued
The project is no longer developed. The currently active fork is MPC-HC . Latest version, 6.4.9.1, released in April 2011, can be still downloaded from FreeCodec.com

Media Player Classic vs VLC Media Player opinions
Most users think Media Player Classic is a great alternative to VLC Media Player.
Guest
It doesn't feature an online streamer...
Negative comment•
4