Discord
Gaming
Voice, video and text chat for communities and friends.
Free
Available for Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iPhone & iPad
VLC media player
Plays almost any video or audio file without extra codecs.
Official source: videolan.orgLast verified: awaiting review · How we check softwareDeveloper: VideoLAN
What is VLC media player?
VLC media player is a free, open-source player from VideoLAN, a non-profit organisation. It plays almost any video or audio format without installing extra codec packs, as well as DVDs, network streams and damaged or incomplete files.
VLC is available for Windows, Mac, Linux, Android and iPhone, and it has no adverts or tracking. It can also adjust playback speed, load subtitles, and convert files between formats.
Key features
- Plays nearly every format
- Subtitles and streaming
- Converts media
Who should use VLC media player?
- Everyday usePlays almost any video or audio file you throw at it, with no extra codecs.Build a setup for this
- StudentPlays lecture recordings at adjustable speed and handles subtitle files.Build a setup for this
Supported platforms
| Platform | How to get it |
|---|---|
| WindowsEssential | |
| macOSEssential | |
| LinuxEssential | |
| AndroidEssential | |
| iPhone & iPadEssential |
Pricing & licence
Open Source Free and open source
Open source: the source code is public, so anyone can inspect it, and it's free to use.
Prices change, so check videolan.org for current pricing.
Pros & cons
Pros
- No codec packs needed
- Free, no ads
Cons
- Interface looks dated
Installation
Windows
Windows · Winget
PS> winget install --id VideoLAN.VLC --exact --source wingetInstall VLC media player with the rest of your Windows setup
macOS
Mac · Homebrew
$ brew install --cask vlcLinux
Linux · Flatpak (any distribution)
$ flatpak install flathub org.videolan.VLCLinux · APT (Ubuntu and Debian-based)
$ sudo apt install vlcPackage names were checked against each official package registry, and commands install the same software as the official download. Only run commands you understand.
Alternatives to VLC media player
- IINAModern Mac-native video player.View Alternative
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VLC media player FAQ
Does VLC need codec packs?
No. VLC includes the codecs it needs, so most files play straight away.
Can VLC convert video files?
Yes, using Convert/Save in the Media menu. For more control over quality and file size, HandBrake is designed for conversion.
Is VLC media player free?
Free and open source. It's also open source.
Which platforms does VLC media player support?
VLC media player is available for Windows, macOS, Linux, Android and iPhone & iPad.
Can I install VLC media player with Winget?
Yes. Run "winget install --id VideoLAN.VLC --exact --source winget" in PowerShell or Windows Terminal. The package ID was checked against Microsoft's official Winget repository.
Can I install VLC media player with Homebrew?
Yes. Run "brew install --cask vlc" in Terminal.
What are the alternatives to VLC media player?
Common alternatives include IINA. See the full list of VLC media player alternatives for how they differ.
Where can I download VLC media player safely?
From the official website, videolan.org, or from Google Play and the App Store. Aptorise links only to official sources and never hosts installers.