Top 8 VLC Alternatives in 2024 [Free]

Alin updated on Apr 19, 2024 to Screen Recording Utility

VLC Media Player goes wrong sometimes when you record or play videos. If you can't fix it, then using a VLC alternative is a good choice. This list gives you some of the best ones. Let's dive in!

VLC Media Player is widely used by people around the world. This free and open-source cross-platform multimedia player plays most multimedia files and DVDs, Audio CDs, and VCDs. Then, why would people like a VLC alternative? Well, some people find it lagging when playing videos. Some others say it went to pixelated or grey during a video-playing process. In this list, we will introduce some feasible VLC alternatives to you. Let's dive in!

Best 3 VLC alternatives for PC

1. EaseUS RecExperts Media Player

Compatible with: Windows 11/10/8.1/8/7

EaseUS RecExperts is a media player for Windows 11/10/8.1/8/7. It plays videos in various formats, including MP4, MOV, AVI, FLV, and MKV. It plays your videos from 0.5x to 2.0x speed. Some video editing features are also available. Everyone can handle it without a hassle since it provides users with a user-friendly interface.

Besides, this media player for Windows 10 is also a capable screen recorder for Windows and Mac users. This is why we recommend it - it offers both playing and recording functions(just like VLC Media Player). With this tool, you can record MP4 on a Mac or Windows PC and play them within the software for free.

Download it to play videos on your Windows computer right now!

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Expert's Rating:

Pros

  • Play video and audio files without lag
  • It generates subtitles for your videos
  • No need to install extra codecs

Cons

  • Only compatible with Windows and Mac currently
  • Only support MP4, MOV, AVI, FLV, and MKV formats for now

Techradar Verdict

EaseUS RecExperts isn't the cheapest screen recording software around, but it boasts a wide range of features like 4k resolution, 60 fps recording, and audio capture.

Editor's Opinion

Although EaseUS RecExperts is mainly a screen recorder, it offers fair media playing functions. The speed-changing feature and the 4K video-playing quality it offers are both reasons why we recommend it.

2. PotPlayer

Compatible with: Win 10/8.1/7/Vista

PotPlayer is another free VLC alternative for Windows systems. It plays files of various audio and video formats, including MP4, AVI, MKV, H.264, etc., without any extra codecs. The play quality of your videos is high enough to give you a satisfying experience.

Moreover, this media player manages your media files from local storage, URLs, DVDs, Blu-rays, and more. Even 3D content and Blu-ray movie playback are both supported. One thing to note is that the June 2019 version is the last without pop-up ads.

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Expert's Rating:

Pros

  • Compatible with most Windows system versions
  • It downloads subtitles
  • The playing shortcuts save your time

Cons

  • It doesn't compatible with Mac devices currently
  • It's not so novice-friendly

G2 Verdict

PotPlayer is the only software I use to watch videos on my PC. It is faster than VLC media player. It supports almost all video formats and has various shortcut keys and variations.

Editor's Opinion

This is one of the best media players for Windows users. No fatal disadvantages. However, if you are using a Mac computer, you may choose another one.

3. KMPlayer

Compatible with: Win 7 or later & iOS 11.0 or later & iPadOS 11.0 or later & visionOS 1.0 or later & Android 5.0 or higher

KMPlayer is a cross-platform video player. It can be used on Windows, macOS, Android, iOS, and even Apple Vision. It plays multimedia files in AVI, MP3, MOV, MP4, RMVB, MKV, TS, MPG, etc., formats. And DVD, DVB, SSA/ASS Subtitle Track, etc., are all available.

The best thing is this AVI player supports HD resolution. You can always trust it to bring a satisfying view experience. Moreover, it allows users to resize, add bookmarks, adjust playback speed, and more. Check more information below.

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Expert's Rating:

Pros

  • It views and downloads streaming videos
  • Users can create a playlist of their own
  • Play online videos with easy operations

Cons

  • The pop-up windows may stop video playing
  • Green screen issue happens sometimes

MouthShut Verdict

This software looks good, but it's not for lower-processor computers. I have installed it many times, but the result is the same for me all the time. After a few weeks, it will be slow. So that is the borrowing me. But this software's graphics are very good. You can play anything on this software. Streaming is not good for me because it will not work well on a slow network. Design and style are good for this software. You can download this software.

Editor's Opinion

This video player is compatible with most devices and supports most file formats. You may have a try on it. But make sure you have the codec it needs.

Top 3 VLC alternatives for Mac

1. EaseUS RecExperts for Mac

Compatible with: macOS 10.13 or later

If you want a video player with speed control for your Mac computer, EaseUS RecExperts is a good option. It plays both the video files it recorded and from your local folders. No extra codec is needed. And you don't have to spend much time exploring this software.

It can be used to play MP4, MP3, MOV, WMA, WAV, and play AVI files on Mac. In this case, you can use it to play online lessons, movies, TV series..., without a black screen or lag. Have a try on it if you want an intuitive Mac video player.

Download it from the button below right now!

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Expert's Rating:

Pros

  • Support more than 10 common file formats
  • Import as many videos as you like
  • Compatible with most macOS system versions

Cons

  • Not compatible with the versions before macOS 10.13
  • Updates to the Mac version of this software lag behind the Windows version

Mac App Store Verdict

It supports previewing the recording with the built-in media player. No need to have any player installed

Editor's Opinion

EaseUS RecExperts for Mac supports playing videos from QuickTime Player and other sources. It is compatible with almost all the common file formats. Have a try by yourself.

2. 5KPlayer

Compatible with: Windows 10/8/7/Vista/XP & macOS Sierra

5KPlayer is one of the best free video players that can replace VLC Media Player. It supports hundreds of audio-video codecs. Moreover, 5KPlayer provides access to most of the video download sites, including YouTube, Facebook, Yahoo, DailyMotion, Vimeo, Vevo, Vine, UStream, MTV, etc. After downloading, you can play them within the software without a hassle. For instance, you can play MKV, MP4, AVI, MP3, AAC, and WMA with one click.

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Expert's Rating:

Pros

  • Help to play and download videos
  • Play 4K/8K UHD films
  • AirPlay streaming video from iPhone/iPad to a computer

Cons

  • Only 3 video formats are supported
  • You can't access certain options until you sign up

Trustpilot Verdict

It associated itself with all types of media files without asking. To revert the associations, one needs to untick every single file type. There is no "select none" option.

Editor's Opinion

There are both good and bad user reviews of 5KPlayer. You may try it once for yourself and decide to keep using it or not.

3. QuickTime Player

Compatible with: Mac OS X v10.5 or later

QuickTime Player is a well-known Mac media player. It lets you open and play MOV files with simple clicks. Moreover, it lets you trim, rearrange, and rotate the original video files. You can also split a video into multiple clips. After that, you can edit and manage each clip individually. One thing to note is that QuickTime Player supports playing only those MOV files encoded with H264/MPEG4 video and AAC audio.

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Expert's Rating:

Pros

  • Rotate, trim, and split video files
  • Support various video and audio formats
  • It is the official Mac media player

Cons

  • It only opens MOV files
  • It is not updated for a long time

CNET Verdict

QuickTime Pro isn't a full-fledged video editor like Apple iMovie or Pinnacle Studio DV, but it offers rudimentary tools for patching together streaming clips.

Editor's Opinion

QuickTime Player is a good option if you don't want to download and install thord-party video players on your Mac. Of course, it has disadvantages. But it is a fair tool if you only need basic video-playing functions.

VLC alternatives for Android

Compatible with: Android & iOS

MX Player is another VLC alternative for Android devices. It offers many trending TV series and videos for its users. Also, it plays your local videos with easy operation. You just need to go to the settings and click on "Add" to import videos from your Android phone. This app supports various languages, including Hindi, English, Marathi, and more.

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Expert's Rating:

Pros

  • Users can set preferred language audio
  • The interface is user-friendly
  • It plays both video and audio

Cons

  • It may collect user's data
  • Annoying Ads exist

Google Play Verdict

This is one of, if not the most useful media player I have found. However, every time the program is started it copies data from the device's clipboard. An insidious method of collecting data. User Names? Copied. Passwords? Copied. Phone Numbers? Copied. Private Images? Copied. Copy something useless or clear the clipboard before starting this program. I would give it four stars except the data theft thing.

Editor's Opinion

This is an all-in-one multimedia player as it plays not only your local file but online video and suido files. Download and experience it on your own.

VLC alternatives for Linux

Compatible with: the latest released Linux versions

MPV is also a free and open-source video player that is compatible with Linux, Windows, and Mac. It is neat and lightweight. Most people think it is easy to use. It supports a wide range of file formats. VDPAU, VAAPI, DXVA2, VDA, and VideoToolbox video decoding acceleration are all supported. You can even use it to play from DVDs, CDs, and Blu-Ray discs.

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Expert's Rating:

Pros

  • It is free and open-source
  • It offers high-quality video playing service
  • Users can adjust subtitles when playing

Cons

  • The website can be chaotic
  • No so easy to understand for novices

Capterra Verdict

I have been using MPV player for a while now and it has been a great experience. The player is very lightweight and has a lot of features that other players don't have. The player is also very customizable, which is great.

Editor's Opinion

If you are willing to spend time getting familiar with the functions and interface, this is a fair media player for Linux users.

VLC alternative FAQs

1. Is VLC still the best?

In most people's eyes, VLC is still pretty good. It runs almost all files successfully. However, it has its own feedback. It may lag sometimes. Other video players also keep improving themselves. Therefore, there are always better products with the development of technology.

2. Is VLC Media Player good in 2023?

Yes, VLC Media Player is still a very good multimedia player to use. It supports almost all common video files and provides users with fair performance. You can have a try on it if you need a capable video player.

3. Is VLC better than MX Player?

Both the VLC Media Player and MX Player have their own advantages and disadvantages. VLC may support more formats than MX, while MX may not bring pixelated issues. You may choose one of them based on your specific needs.

The Bottom Line

Now, you have learned the basic information about 8 VLC Media Player alternatives. You can choose one or two from the list to play videos on your Windows, Mac, Android, or iOS devices. Among all the players, EaseUS RecExperts is a good choice for Windows and Mac users. Click the button below to download it now!