VLC Media Player
VLC plays local video and music files without making you find a different player for each format.
Developer VideoLAN
Version 3.0.24 · GPL-2.0-only · Windows · macOS · Linux
Looking for an alternative to VLC Media Player?Compare MPC-HC, mpv, SMPlayer, PotPlayer.Compare alternativesVLC plays local video and music files without making you find a different player for each format. Open a file, a folder or a supported network stream. You can load subtitles separately, choose an audio track and adjust playback speed.
VLC is particularly useful if you keep videos from several sources. If the subtitles do not match the audio, adjust their timing. Playlists let you queue several files to play one after another.
Download VLC Media Player
Downloads are available for Windows, macOS, Linux.
No sound or the wrong subtitles?
First check whether the video contains several audio or subtitle tracks. The default track may not be in the language you want. If you use a separate subtitle file, check that it matches the same cut of the film: adjusting the timing will not fix missing scenes. Use a video editor if you want to burn subtitles permanently into the picture.
Compare VLC Media Player with alternatives
For local videos, compare VLC with other players on controls, subtitles and how much configuration you want to do yourself. MPC-HC keeps its Windows interface compact, mpv requires more manual setup, and SMPlayer adds graphical controls around a playback engine. PotPlayer offers extensive settings on Windows. Also check hardware acceleration and support for the formats of your own video files.
| Software | What can it do? | Platform and licence |
|---|---|---|
| VLC Media PlayerYou are viewing this app | Play many audio and video formats and open network streams. VLC includes extensive subtitle, filter and audio settings without requiring a separate collection of codecs. | Windows, macOS, LinuxGPL-2.0-only |
| MPC-HCView this alternative | You get a compact Windows video player with classic interface and extensive codec and subtitle support. The emphasis is on playback of files. | WindowsOpen source |
| mpvView this alternative | You use a minimalist player with many possibilities via configuration and scripts. You choose whether you have enough sober control on the screen. | Windows, macOS, LinuxOpen source |
| SMPlayerView this alternative | You get a graphical interface around a playback engine like mpv, with settings and remembering playback positions. This lowers the threshold compared to single configuration files. | Windows, macOS, LinuxOpen source |
| PotPlayerView this alternative | You use a Windows video player with many image, audio and subtitle settings. The extended menus require more research if you just want to open a movie. | WindowsFree to use |
Choose an alternative to explore its features, system requirements and download options.
Who is it for?
VLC is useful for videos, music and supported network streams. It suits anyone who wants one player for a wide range of local files. Advanced editing, organising a media library and access to a paid streaming subscription require other features or apps.
Getting started
Start by opening one of your own videos and checking the picture, sound and subtitles. If it has several audio tracks, choose the language you want in the audio menu.
Computer requirements
- Windows: VLC runs on Windows XP (Service Pack 3) through Windows 11.
- Windows on ARM: Windows 10 (version 1809) or later is required.
Privacy
You can play local files without a streaming account. Network streams and online metadata do connect to external sources. Check which network options you use when playing confidential recordings. Also consider the list of recently played files if several people share the same computer account.
Good to know
No films or subscriptions are included. VLC is primarily a player; extensive video editing requires an editor.
Please note
Do not install a random codec pack just because one file will not play. Check the file, codec and error message first. VLC does not automatically bypass every form of copy protection. When converting or otherwise processing a file, keep the original and check the output separately.
Advantages
- Built-in support for many media formats.
- Choose the audio and subtitle tracks you need.
- Open local files and supported network sources in the same player.
Things to consider
- Damaged and protected files can still cause problems.
- Advanced playback settings require some understanding of audio and subtitles.
- VLC does not replace a full video editor or a streaming service.
Download VLC Media Player
The download page opens in a new tab.
Provider’s website · www.videolan.org
Version history
3.0.24 Security
You get a big security update with new support for audio, subtitles and video recording.
- VLC and the included libraries together receive more than 130 security corrections. FFmpeg has been updated to 8.1.2.
- You can play ATRAC audio and use CEA-708 subtitles in MP4. SRT gets a listening mode and DirectShow on Windows supports NV12 recording.
- Slowly boot on a summer time change on Windows and a crash in MIDI view on macOS 26 and newer have been fixed.
3.0.23 Security
You get improvements for playback and subtitles from the 3.0.22/3.0.23 updates.
What’s new?
- You get corrections for different media formats and certain subtitles.
- You can choose a dark interface on Windows and Linux.
- On Windows you can rename, move or delete a file that plays.
- You get updated codecs and security corrections.
Report a new version
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Our verdict
VLC Media Player is a strong general-purpose choice for playing local videos and music from different sources. Many codecs are built in, reducing the need for extra codec packs. Its main strengths are format support and playback controls. That does not guarantee it can open every damaged or protected media file.
Choose VLC when playback is your main task and your files contain different audio tracks or subtitles. Organising a large film library or editing a recording calls for a different set of strengths. A useful test is to play one of your own files on the screen and audio equipment you will actually use, with your preferred language selected.
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