Best VLC Alternatives for Mac | 2025 Tested

VLC Media Player is widely used due to its comprehensive format support, free and open-source licensing, and cross-platform stability. However, as macOS evolves, an increasing number of users report that VLC now suffers from issues such as stuttering during playback, abnormal HDR video display, and an outdated interface that is not compatible with Apple's ecosystem.

Therefore, many users are seeking VLC alternatives for Mac for smooth playback and HD recording. This guide has you covered for HDR playback, handling large files, or even VLC not recording on Mac.

Best VLC Alternative for Mac to Play and Record

Top 1. EaseUS RecExperts for Mac

• OS: macOS 10.13 or later
• Best for: One-stop solution to record and play 4K videos

EaseUS RecExperts for Mac is one of the most powerful and full-featured alternatives to VLC Media Player for macOS. While not just a 4K video player, it's an all-in-one screen recorder and video playback tool tailored for macOS users. Whether you want to play local 4K HDR video, record an online meeting, or create a YouTube tutorial, it can easily do it. You can easily import, export, and manage your playlists. With this tool, you can watch video frame by frame.

Features:

• Runs smoothly on MacBook Air/Pro with M1/M2/M3/M4 processors
• Smooth 1080P or 4K video playback with no lag
• Audio or video player with speed control from 0.5x to 2x
• Built-in trimming and editing tools after recording
• Support various formats, including MP4, AVI, MKV, MOV, and MP3.
• Ability to capture webcam footage alongside screen recording
• Record on Mac with internal audio without complicated configuration

Steps on how to use this Mac VLC alternative to play 4k videos:

Step 1. Launch EaseUS RecExperts, and click "Recordings" on the lower right to open the media player.

Step 2. In this window, you can see all your recorded files, including MP4, MOV, FLV, AVI, MP3, etc.

Step 3. Click the file you want to play to view it immediately. You can also trim the file by clicking the scissor sign on the bottom.

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Top 2. Iina

• Compatible: OS X 10.13+, macOS Ventura & Apple Silicon
• Best for: Pursue a highly native Mac playback experience and flexible control

IINA is one of the most highly rated native video players for macOS VLC alternative. This free and open source media player for Mac is based on the mpv kernel and integrates native functions of the Apple system, such as Dark Mode, Touch Bar support, Trackpad gesture control, picture-in-picture playback, etc. Its plugin system can extend functions through JavaScript to enhance online loading and subtitle performance.

But it is worth noting that its HDR video support is limited, and some users reported that the brightness is dim and the display effect is not ideal.

Features:

• Stress-free playback of MKV, MP4, AVI, H.265, VP9, etc.
• Practical functions such as bookmarks, playlist management, screenshots , etc.
• Customizable user interface
• Play online streams with one click

Top 3. Elmedia Player

• OS: macOS 10.12 or later
• Best for: A VLC alternative for demanding users, especially with multi-device streaming, screen casting, and subtitle control.

Elmedia Player is designed for macOS to play videos smoothly, a highly rated VLC Mac alternative. It supports multimedia formats like MKV, AVI, MP4, FLAC, H. 264, MPEG, etc. This VLC media player alternative offers customizable subtitle features and supports SRT, ASS, and SMIL formats. With it, you can play MOV files on Mac smoothly.

For the played video, you can adjust the brightness, saturation, contrast, clarity, and even reduce noise as needed. Meanwhile, it also supports taking accurate frame rate screenshots.

Features:

• Play 4K/8K HEVC files smoothly without an external codec
• Support AirPlay 2, DLNA, Chromecast
• 10-band audio equalizer + DTS/AC-3 audio track support

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Top 4. Infuse

• Compatibility: macOS 13.0 or later
• Best for: Seamless Apple-device streaming and crisp HDR playback

If you have multiple devices in the Apple ecosystem and want seamless streaming and high-quality HDR video presentation, Infuse is the best choice as an alternative to VLC Media Player. This Mac video player supports cross-device streaming and can play videos directly on Mac/PC/NAS/cloud (Plex, Emby, Jellyfin, etc.), and network disks (Dropbox, Google Drive, Alibaba Cloud Disk, etc.) without requiring synchronization.

Note: Playback of DRM-encrypted movies and TV shows purchased through the iTunes Store is not supported.

Features:

• Support formats like MP4, MKV, M4V and MOV, etc.
• Support for HDR, HDR10+, Dolby Vision, plus Dolby and DTS audio
• Support external subtitles or instant online download
• Offer picture-in-picture playback and spatial audio features

Top 5. 5KPlayer

• Best for: Take into account local playback, online video download, and wireless screen projection

5KPlayer, as a free VLC alternative for Mac, supports HDR 4K or 8K playback. 5KPlayer's clean interface makes browsing playlists and handling audio effortless. This Mac media player is ideal for advanced users who require multi-format playback, video downloading, and screen projection capabilities.

Features:

• Supports multiple playback sources, such as local video, DVD, TV, and Radio
• Supports 4K/5K/8K HEVC, H.264, VP9 playback
• Play MKV, MP4, AVI, MP3, AAC, and WMA with one click.
• Supports Apple AirPlay and DLNA screen projection
• Access various online resources to stream audio or video
• Supports 360° VR video playback

Top 6. QuickTime Player

• Best for: QuickTime is the best lightweight alternative to VLC for users who need a simple media player

Does Mac have a built-in media player? YES! QuickTime Player is a free video player and screen recorder built into macOS, supporting MP4 and MOV playback. Although its functions are limited, its stability and simplicity are still worth affirming for users who only need basic functions. It also offers basic editing capabilities, such as trimming and rotating.

Features:

• Completely free, pre-installed, no ads
• Simple and reliable MP4 and MOV playback
• Easily share media files via email

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Conclusion

This guide walks you through the best VLC alternatives for Mac. If you prefer a media player with an ultimate playback experience, IINA, Elmedia, or Infuse may be more suitable for your needs. If you want to choose a powerful all-in-one media tool, such as playing and recording, EaseUS RecExperts Mac is one of the choices not to be missed.

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Alternative to VLC Mac FAQs

1. Which is the best video player for Mac?

EaseUS RecExperts for Mac is one of the best free Mac players. It has both playback and recording capabilities, similar to those of VLC. It's built-in player supports 4K UHD playback with speed control and trimming tools.

2. What are the Best VLC Alternatives for Mac?

Here are some fantastic alternatives to VLC media player for Mac:

• EaseUS RecExperts for Mac: Supports 4K/60fps video hardware-accelerated playback, an efficient tool that integrates screen recording and playback.
• IINA: An open-source media player natively designed for macOS, featuring a minimalist interface with powerful capabilities — an ideal modern replacement for VLC.
• Elmedia Player: Smoothly plays various audio and video formats without the need for external codecs.
• Infuse: Natively supports macOS 15 and Apple Silicon, offering robust format compatibility, one-click subtitle downloads, and a beautifully refined interface.
• 5KPlayer: Supports over 180 video and 60 audio formats, with built-in AirPlay/DLNA streaming and online video downloading (e.g., YouTube).
• QuickTime Player: A built-in macOS player that is simple and fast, supporting MP4 and MOV playback.

3. What is the best VLC alternative for iOS?

Infuse is the best VLC alternative for iOS and Apple TV users, with comprehensive features, a beautiful interface, and support for HDR and multi-platform cloud synchronization.

4. Is QuickTime Player better than VLC?

Whether QuickTime Player is better than VLC depends on your needs. QuickTime Player comes pre-installed with macOS and is ideal for casual users who require basic playback and recording capabilities with a clean interface. VLC performs better in broad format compatibility, subtitle management, and advanced playback control.