The Best Free VLC Media Player AlternativesTop Audio & Media Players like VLC Media Player

The best free alternative to VLC Media Player is MPC-HC, which is also Open Source. If that doesn't suit you, our users have ranked more than 100 alternatives to VLC Media Player and loads of them is free so hopefully you can find a suitable replacement. Other interesting free alternatives to VLC Media Player are MPV, PotPlayer, SMPlayer and IINA.

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VLC Media Player alternatives are mainly Media Players but may also be Audio Players or Internet Radio Services.  Filter by these or use the filter bar below if you want a narrower list of alternatives or looking for a specific functionality of VLC Media Player.
VLC Media Player iconVLC Media Player
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VLC is a free and open source cross-platform multimedia player and framework. Owned by the non-profit organization VideoLAN.

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VLC Media Player alternatives page was last updated Dec 8, 2024
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  1. MPC-HC icon
    MPC-HC icon

    MPC-HC

     1278 likes
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    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.

    137 MPC-HC alternatives
    MPC-HC screenshot 1

    License model

    • Free • Open Source

    Application types

    Platforms

    • Windows
    • PortableApps.com
    MPC-HC screenshot 1
    MPC-HC screenshot 2
    +5
    MPC-HC screenshot 3

    Properties

    1.  Lightweight
    2.  Support for Themes
    3.  Privacy focused

    Features

    1.  Ad-free
    2.  Dark Mode
    3.  Works Offline
    4.  Stream audio
    5.  No registration required
    6.  Support for 4K
    7.  Portable
    8.  Extensible by Plugins/Extensions
    9.  Webcam recording
    MPC-HC iconVLC Media Player Icon

    MPC-HC VS VLC Media Player

    Is MPC-HC a good alternative to VLC Media Player?
     
    Comments about MPC-HC as an Alternative to VLC Media Player
     
       
    Comment summary: MPC-HC is highly praised as a lightweight and superior alternative to VLC Media Player. Users commend its efficient performance, especially in handling subtitles and various formats like .mkv and HEVC, without the need for external codecs. Its interface is noted for being clean and user-friendly, although less customizable than VLC's. MPC-HC is appreciated for better streaming, compatibility with modern codecs, and seamless playback on less stable networks, making it the go-to choice over VLC for many users.
    Paul Karpo

    Very light-weight. With super easy interface and without any bugs.

    Top positive comment •Mar 20, 2019
    11
    veddev

    Its light-weight, included with the K-Lite codec pack... so awesome media player!

    Positive comment •Dec 2, 2024
    0
    TPN

    Anyone can point me to the .exe download? How yall running this thing? I dont see a program to run.

    Positive comment •Jan 7, 2024
    1
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    3 of 21 comments
    VLC Media Player Icon
    MPC-HC icon

    • Almost everyone thinks MPC-HC is a great VLC Media Player alternative.

    • MPC-HC is the most popular Windows alternative to VLC Media Player.

    • MPC-HC is the most popular Open Source & free alternative to VLC Media Player.

    • MPC-HC is Free and Open SourceVLC Media Player is also Free and Open Source
    • MPC-HC is Lightweight and Privacy focusedVLC Media Player is not according to our users
  2. MPV icon
    MPV icon

    MPV

     498 likes
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    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.

    103 MPV alternatives
    MPV screenshot 1

    License model

    • Free • Open Source

    Application types

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • Windows
    • Linux
    • Android
    • BSD
    • Xfce
    MPV screenshot 1

    Properties

    1.  Lightweight
    2.  Minimalistic
    3.  Configurable

    Features

    1.  Integrated Codecs
    2.  Low resource footprint
    3.  Command line interface
    4.  Extensible by Plugins/Extensions
    5.  Video playback
    6.  Drag and Drop
    7.  Lua scripting
    8.  HDR source support
    9.  GNU/linux-libre
    10.  Ad-free
    11.  Portable
    12.  Hardware Accelerated
    13.  Works Offline
    14.  Download YouTube Playlist
    15.  Dark Mode
    16.  Support for 4K
    17.  Support for subtitles
    18.  No registration required
    MPV iconVLC Media Player Icon

    MPV VS VLC Media Player

    Is MPV a good alternative to VLC Media Player?
     
    Comments about MPV as an Alternative to VLC Media Player
     
       
    Comment summary: MPV is frequently praised as a lightweight, customizable, and reliable alternative to VLC Media Player. Users note that it handles AV1 encoded videos and other formats more smoothly, overcomes playback stuttering issues, and offers better battery usage. Its minimalistic design with practical shortcuts is favored, though some users miss a conventional UI. Despite VLC's established reputation, MPV is recognized for its strong performance on multiple platforms.
    kfua

    I tried to play a movie encoded to 1080p av1 but vlc was struggling on my device. I used this website to find an alternative MPV plays av1 encoded movies smoothly.

    Top positive comment •Jul 8, 2024
    1
    Guest

    In Linux, VLC sometime struggles playing MP4 videos & navigating within those MP4 videos. Celluloid (MPV frontend) works better in these regards.

    Positive comment •Dec 8, 2024
    0
    0x6A7232

    VLC was having stuttering problems for whatever reason. Installed MPV and bam! Also love the UI, really well integrated for playing movies which is great.

    Positive comment •Feb 21, 2024
    0
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    3 of 25 comments
    VLC Media Player Icon
    MPV icon

    • Almost everyone thinks MPV is a great VLC Media Player alternative.

    • MPV is the most popular Android, Mac & Linux alternative to VLC Media Player.

    • MPV is Free and Open SourceVLC Media Player is also Free and Open Source
    • MPV is Lightweight and MinimalisticVLC Media Player is not according to our users
  4. PotPlayer icon
    PotPlayer icon

    PotPlayer

     673 likes
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    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 ...

    125 PotPlayer alternatives
    PotPlayer screenshot 1

    License model

    • Free Personal • Proprietary

    Application types

    Platforms

    • Windows

    Properties

    1.  Customizable
    2.  Lightweight
    3.  Minimalistic

    Features

    1.  Support for Keyboard Shortcuts
    2.  Graphical User Interface
    3.  Support for subtitles
    4.  Playback speed control
    5.  Skinnable
    6.  Ad-free
    7.  Integrated Codecs
    8.  Dark Mode
    9.  Thumbnail preview
    10.  Video playback
    11.  Capture image from video
    12.  No registration required
    13.  Works Offline
    14.  Playlists management
    15.  Full keyboard shortcuts
    16.  Double subtitle support
    17.  Built-in Equalizer
    18.  Built-in subtitle search
    19.  Album shuffle mode
    PotPlayer iconVLC Media Player Icon

    PotPlayer VS VLC Media Player

    Is PotPlayer a good alternative to VLC Media Player?
     
    Comments about PotPlayer as an Alternative to VLC Media Player
     
       
    Comment summary: PotPlayer is highly praised for its light weight, speed, and smooth performance compared to VLC Media Player. Users appreciate its extensive customization options, superior user interface, and feature-rich capabilities. PotPlayer is also noted for its effective management of media files and convenience features like remembering playback settings. Some users find the settings complex but rewarding for experienced individuals, making it an excellent alternative for Windows users.
    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 •Nov 27, 2017
    9
    Seth Mitchell

    I used it and found it very lightweight. Good alternative to VLC

    Positive comment •Apr 1, 2023
    0
    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).

    Positive comment •Mar 6, 2023
    0
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    3 of 24 comments
    VLC Media Player Icon
    PotPlayer icon

    • Almost everyone thinks PotPlayer is a great VLC Media Player alternative.

    • PotPlayer is Free Personal and ProprietaryVLC Media Player is Free and Open Source
    • PotPlayer is Customizable, Lightweight and MinimalisticVLC Media Player is not according to our users
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  6. SMPlayer icon
    SMPlayer icon

    SMPlayer

     447 likes
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    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.

    123 SMPlayer alternatives
    Playing video - Default Skin

    License model

    • Free • Open Source

    Application types

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • Windows
    • Linux
    • BSD
    • mpv
    • PortableApps.com
    • Haiku
    • MPlayer
    Main Window - Dark Skin
    Option - Tablet Mode
    +4
    SMPlayer on a GNU/Linux Machine

    Properties

    1.  Customizable
    2.  Lightweight

    Features

    1.  Support for subtitles
    2.  Ad-free
    3.  Multiplatform
    4.  Skin customization
    5.  Youtube support
    6.  Integrated Codecs
    7.  Built-in subtitle search
    8.  Support for Keyboard Shortcuts
    9.  Works Offline
    10.  Portable
    11.  Multiple languages
    12.  No registration required
    13.  HDR source support
    14.  Chromecast Support
    15.  3D Support
    16.  Command Line Options
    SMPlayer iconVLC Media Player Icon

    SMPlayer VS VLC Media Player

    Is SMPlayer a good alternative to VLC Media Player?
     
    Comments about SMPlayer as an Alternative to VLC Media Player
     
       
    Comment summary: Comments highlight SMPlayer's advantages over VLC Media Player, emphasizing ease of use, customization, and versatility. Users appreciate its ability to sync settings across devices, intuitive GUI, and handling of subtitles and incomplete files better than VLC. While generally viewed as superior, a concern over stability on Windows is noted. SMPlayer is praised for being resource-efficient, supporting diverse video files, and providing enhanced playback quality.
    Armin

    It has beautiful skins and is suitable for weak systems.

    Top positive comment •Jul 17, 2021
    2
    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 •Mar 6, 2023
    0
    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.

    Positive comment •Apr 18, 2022
    3
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    3 of 18 comments
    VLC Media Player Icon
    SMPlayer icon

    • Almost everyone thinks SMPlayer is a great VLC Media Player alternative.

    • SMPlayer is Free and Open SourceVLC Media Player is also Free and Open Source
    • SMPlayer is Customizable and LightweightVLC Media Player is not according to our users
  7. IINA icon
    IINA icon

    IINA

     117 likes
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    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 set...

    36 IINA alternatives
    IINA screenshot 1

    License model

    • Free • Open Source

    Application types

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • mpv
    IINA screenshot 1
    IINA screenshot 2

    Properties

    1.  Lightweight
    2.  Clean design

    Features

    1.  Picture in Picture
    2.  Automatic subtitles download
    3.  Support for subtitles
    4.  No registration required
    5.  Ad-free
    6.  Dark Mode
    7.  Works Offline
    8.  Support for 4K
    9.  Lossless Audio
    10.  Touchbar integration
    11.  Play web video
    12.  Built-in themes
    13.  Automatic conversion to multiple formats
    14.  Media Streaming
    IINA iconVLC Media Player Icon

    IINA VS VLC Media Player

    Is IINA a good alternative to VLC Media Player?
     
    Comments about IINA as an Alternative to VLC Media Player
     
       
    Paul

    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 •Oct 31, 2017
    5
    Lai Curaga

    still no RTSP support (for local webcam/small cctv)

    Top negative comment •Aug 4, 2024
    0
    nicolaspatate

    IINA is the best modern player out there

    Positive comment •Jun 7, 2020
    2
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    3 of 8 comments
    VLC Media Player Icon
    IINA icon

    • Almost everyone thinks IINA is a great VLC Media Player alternative.

    • IINA is Free and Open SourceVLC Media Player is also Free and Open Source
    • IINA is LightweightVLC Media Player is not according to our users
  8. MX Player icon
    MX Player icon

    MX Player

     191 likes
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    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...

    140 MX Player alternatives
    MX Player screenshot 1

    License model

    • Freemium • Proprietary

    Application types

    Platforms

    • Android
    • Android Tablet
    MX Player screenshot 1
    MX Player screenshot 2
    +5
    MX Player screenshot 3

    Properties

    1.  Support for Themes

    Features

    1.  Hardware Accelerated
    2.  Multiple languages
    3.  Audio playback
    4.  Support for subtitles
    5.  Works Offline
    6.  Dark Mode
    7.  Support for 4K
    8.  Lossless Audio
    9.  Ad-free
    10.  Extensible by Plugins/Extensions
    11.  Personalized Recommendations
    12.  Chromecast Support
    13.  Playlists management
    MX Player iconVLC Media Player Icon

    MX Player VS VLC Media Player

    Is MX Player a good alternative to VLC Media Player?
     
    Comments about MX Player as an Alternative to VLC Media Player
     
       
    Guest

    Powerful, Support lots of formats. Easy to use

    Positive comment •Aug 12, 2016
    6
    Salvador

    Some missing features but almost similar to VLC player

    Positive comment •Jun 27, 2022
    0
    HurDugggio

    Really does a good job of playing a video with maximized settings. Looks gorgeous.

    Positive comment •Dec 15, 2016
    4
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    3 of 4 comments
    VLC Media Player Icon
    MX Player icon

    • Most users think MX Player is a great VLC Media Player alternative.

    • MX Player is the most popular Android Tablet alternative to VLC Media Player.

    • MX Player is Freemium and ProprietaryVLC Media Player is Free and Open Source
  10. Kodi icon
    Kodi icon

    Kodi

     1493 likes
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    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 th...

    75 Kodi alternatives
    Kodi screenshot 1

    License model

    • Free • Open Source

    Application types

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • Windows
    • Linux
    • Android
    • iPhone
    • Android Tablet
    • BSD
    • iPad
    • Flathub
    • Flatpak
    • Raspberry Pi
    • Fire TV
    Kodi screenshot 1
    Kodi screenshot 2
    +5
    Kodi screenshot 3

    Top Kodi Features

    1.  Media Streaming
    2.  TV Shows meta data support
    3.  Video library
    4.  Media Center
    5.  Media library
    6.  Support for IPTV
    7.  Media Server
    8.  Automatic subtitles download
    9.  Built-in Media Downloader
    10.  Ad-free
    11.  Portable
    12.  AirPlay Support
    13.  Support for subtitles
    14.  Music Library
    15.  Extensible by Plugins/Extensions
    16.  Support for 4K
    17.  Works Offline
    18.  Music collection
    19.  Built-in Media converter
    20.  Support for DLNA
    21.  Dark Mode
    Kodi iconVLC Media Player Icon

    Kodi VS VLC Media Player

    Is Kodi a good alternative to VLC Media Player?
     
    Comments about Kodi as an Alternative to VLC Media Player
     
       
    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 •Sep 8, 2015
    6
    Lester Covax

    Kodi is a media server first and foremost. It's like comparing Google Docs to Microsoft Office.

    Top negative comment •Feb 8, 2021
    5
    Guest

    Kodi is a fullscreen media library manager, a whole home theater frontend. Slower for the purpose, with more complex navigation.

    Negative comment •May 21, 2020
    5
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    3 of 5 comments
    VLC Media Player Icon
    Kodi icon

    • Most users think Kodi is a great VLC Media Player alternative.

    • Kodi is the most popular iPhone & iPad alternative to VLC Media Player.

    • Kodi is Free and Open SourceVLC Media Player is also Free and Open Source
7 of 257 VLC Media Player alternatives