VLC Media Player has been the go-to media player for millions of users since 2001. It's free, open-source, and plays virtually any file format. However, you might be looking for alternatives due to interface preferences, specific features, or better performance on your system. Here are the best VLC alternatives in 2025.
Best VLC Media Player Alternatives
1. PotPlayer (Best Overall Alternative)
PotPlayer is widely considered the best VLC alternative for Windows users. Developed by the same creator as KMPlayer, it offers superior performance, extensive customization, and support for virtually every media format.
Key Features:
- Hardware acceleration (DXVA, CUDA, QuickSync)
- 3D video support with various output modes
- Built-in codecs - no additional downloads needed
- Extensive subtitle support with real-time sync
- Webcam and screen recording
- Bookmark and chapter support
- Lightweight and fast performance
Platforms: Windows
2. mpv (Best for Power Users)
mpv is a free, open-source, and cross-platform media player loved by power users. It's minimalist by design but incredibly powerful under the hood, with scripting support and extensive configuration options.
Key Features:
- High-quality video output with OpenGL/Vulkan
- Lua scripting for custom functionality
- Command-line and GUI modes
- GPU-accelerated video decoding
- Excellent color management
- Highly customizable via config files
- Active development and community
Platforms: Windows, macOS, Linux
3. MPC-BE (Media Player Classic - Black Edition)
MPC-BE is the successor to the discontinued MPC-HC. It maintains the classic lightweight design while adding modern features and continued development. Perfect for users who want a simple, no-nonsense player.
Key Features:
- Lightweight and fast
- Built-in codecs
- DVD and Blu-ray playback
- Customizable interface with skins
- Subtitle support with styling options
- Audio and video filters
- Regular updates and active development
Platforms: Windows
4. IINA (Best for macOS)
IINA is the modern media player built specifically for macOS. It features a beautiful native interface, Touch Bar support, and Picture-in-Picture mode. If you're on a Mac, IINA is the best VLC alternative.
Key Features:
- Native macOS design with Dark Mode
- Touch Bar and Force Touch support
- Picture-in-Picture mode
- Music mode for audio files
- Online subtitle search
- Based on mpv for excellent playback
- Free and open-source
Platforms: macOS
5. Kodi (Best Media Center)
Kodi (formerly XBMC) is a powerful open-source media center that organizes and plays all your media. It's ideal for home theater setups and supports add-ons for streaming services.
Key Features:
- Beautiful 10-foot interface for TVs
- Extensive add-on library
- Library management with metadata
- Live TV and PVR support
- Music, video, and photo playback
- Remote control apps available
- Highly customizable with skins
Platforms: Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS, Raspberry Pi
6. KMPlayer
KMPlayer is a feature-rich media player that supports 3D, 4K, and UHD playback. It includes built-in codecs and offers both desktop and mobile versions.
Key Features:
- 3D and 4K/UHD video support
- Built-in codecs for all formats
- VR (360°) video playback
- Customizable skins and interface
- Network streaming support
- Subtitle download and sync
- Available on mobile (Android/iOS)
Platforms: Windows, macOS, Android, iOS
7. Plex (Best for Streaming)
Plex is a media server and player that lets you organize your media library and stream it to any device. It's perfect for users with large collections who want to access their media anywhere.
Key Features:
- Media server with transcoding
- Stream to any device
- Automatic metadata and artwork
- Free ad-supported streaming (movies/TV)
- Live TV and DVR (with tuner)
- Mobile sync for offline viewing
- Multi-user support
Platforms: Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS, Smart TVs, Streaming devices
8. Jellyfin (Best Free Plex Alternative)
Jellyfin is a free, open-source media server similar to Plex but without any paid features. It's completely community-driven and respects your privacy.
Key Features:
- 100% free with no premium tier
- No tracking or data collection
- Live TV and DVR support
- Hardware transcoding
- Plugin support
- Multi-user with parental controls
- Active open-source community
Platforms: Windows, macOS, Linux, Docker, Android, iOS
9. SMPlayer
SMPlayer is a free media player with built-in codecs that remembers your playback settings. It's based on mpv/MPlayer and offers a user-friendly interface.
Key Features:
- Remembers settings for all files
- Built-in codecs
- YouTube browser integration
- Chromecast support
- Audio and video filters
- Multiple skins available
- Configurable keyboard shortcuts
Platforms: Windows, Linux
10. GOM Player
GOM Player is a popular media player with built-in codec support and subtitle search functionality. It's known for its ability to play damaged or incomplete files.
Key Features:
- Plays damaged/incomplete AVI files
- Built-in codec finder
- 360° VR video support
- Subtitle search and sync
- Screen capture
- A-B repeat function
- Speed control
Platforms: Windows, macOS
11. DivX Player
DivX Player specializes in high-quality video playback, supporting HEVC, 4K Ultra HD, and HDR content. It's optimized for the best video quality.
Key Features:
- 4K Ultra HD and HDR support
- HEVC (H.265) playback
- Smooth FF/RW with trick play
- Chapter points support
- Stream to DLNA devices
- Loop playback
- Resume playback feature
Platforms: Windows, macOS
12. Windows Media Player (Windows 11)
Microsoft redesigned Media Player for Windows 11 with a modern interface. It's simple, fast, and integrates well with the Windows ecosystem.
Key Features:
- Modern Windows 11 design
- Music library management
- Video playback support
- CD ripping
- OneDrive integration
- Fluent Design interface
- Pre-installed on Windows 11
Platforms: Windows 11
13. RealPlayer
RealPlayer has evolved into a media player with cloud storage and video downloading capabilities. It's useful for organizing and backing up your media.
Key Features:
- RealCloud storage (2GB free)
- Video downloading from web
- Private mode for sensitive content
- Chromecast support
- Auto-organize media library
- Mobile apps for access anywhere
Platforms: Windows, Android, iOS
14. Zoom Player
Zoom Player is a highly customizable media player for Windows that can function as a full home theater PC (HTPC) solution.
Key Features:
- Smart Play technology
- HTPC/Media Center mode
- Extensive plugin support
- Audio equalizer and effects
- 5-mode user interface
- DVD and Blu-ray support
- Customizable skins
Platforms: Windows
15. Clementine (Best for Music)
Clementine is a modern music player focused on audio playback. It's great for managing large music libraries and supports internet radio and cloud storage.
Key Features:
- Library management
- Internet radio (Spotify, SoundCloud, etc.)
- Cloud storage support (Dropbox, Google Drive)
- Audio CD playback and ripping
- Equalizer and crossfade
- Remote control via Android app
- Podcast support
Platforms: Windows, macOS, Linux
Comparison Table
| Player | Best For | Platforms | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| PotPlayer | Overall Windows | Windows | Free |
| mpv | Power Users | Win/Mac/Linux | Free |
| MPC-BE | Lightweight | Windows | Free |
| IINA | macOS Users | macOS | Free |
| Kodi | Media Center | All Platforms | Free |
| KMPlayer | 4K/3D Video | Win/Mac/Mobile | Free |
| Plex | Streaming | All Platforms | Free/Paid |
| Jellyfin | Free Media Server | All Platforms | Free |
| SMPlayer | Remembers Settings | Windows/Linux | Free |
| GOM Player | Damaged Files | Win/Mac | Free |
| DivX | 4K HDR Video | Win/Mac | Free |
| Windows Media Player | Windows Integration | Windows 11 | Free |
| RealPlayer | Cloud Storage | Win/Mobile | Free |
| Zoom Player | HTPC | Windows | Free/Paid |
| Clementine | Music Library | Win/Mac/Linux | Free |
Which VLC Alternative Should You Choose?
- Windows users wanting the best overall: PotPlayer
- macOS users: IINA
- Power users who love customization: mpv
- Home theater setup: Kodi or Plex
- Lightweight and simple: MPC-BE
- Large media library with streaming: Plex or Jellyfin
- Music focused: Clementine
All these players are free to use and offer features that match or exceed VLC in specific areas. Try a few to find the one that best fits your needs!
