Media Players

VLC

A free, open source media player for people watching files, discs and streams across devices.

Overview

VLC is a cross-platform multimedia player and framework. It plays most multimedia files, along with DVDs, Audio CDs, VCDs and streaming protocols. You can use VLC on Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS and iPadOS. Community resources include an official FAQ, forums and a troubleshooting guide.

Updated Nov 5, 2026

10 things

What VLC has

Apps

iOS
Android (store page, opens in a new tab)
Windows
macOS
Linux
iPadOS

Support

Real people you can contact when you need help with the tool.

Extras

An online space where users can connect, share tips, and help each other.
A collection of answers to common questions about using a product.
An educational resource that explains a topic and helps readers build their knowledge.

4 features

Key Features

Media playback
VLC plays Files, Discs, Webcams, Devices and Streams.
Hardware decoding
VLC has hardware decoding on most platforms. It supports 0-copy on the GPU and can fallback on software when required.
Playback controls
VLC has the most complete feature-set over the video, subtitle synchronisation, video and audio filters.
Multimedia playback
VLC is a free and open source cross-platform multimedia player and framework that plays most multimedia files as well as DVDs, Audio CDs, VCDs, and various streaming protocols.

Pros and cons

Pros

It is free and open source across desktop and mobile platforms.
Hardware decoding works on most platforms, with software fallback when needed.

You?

Be the first to rate VLC

Your review helps others make better decisions. No account needed. Takes about 10 seconds.

Featured Video

See VLC at work before you try it.

Watch on YouTube

5 questions

FAQs

What does VLC play?

VLC plays most multimedia files, DVDs, Audio CDs, VCDs and streaming protocols. It also handles files, discs, webcams, devices and streams.

Is VLC free and open source?

Yes. VLC is a free and open source cross-platform multimedia player and framework.

Which operating systems support VLC?

VLC has desktop apps for Windows, macOS and Linux, plus mobile apps for Android, iOS and iPadOS.

Does VLC connect with cloud storage services?

Yes. VLC supports file synchronization with Google Drive, Dropbox, OneDrive, Box and iCloud Drive. It also supports iTunes synchronization.

Where can I get help with VLC?

Start with the official FAQ or community troubleshooting guide. Forums and mailing lists are also available, but support is provided by volunteers.

No reviews yet

Community reviews

Sort:Write a review

No written reviews yet. Be the first to share your experience.

Tried this tool? Share your experience.

Write a review

No reviews yet

Community reviews

Sort:Write a review

No written reviews yet. Be the first to share your experience.

Tried this tool? Share your experience.

Write a review

10 things

What VLC has

Apps

iOS
Android (store page, opens in a new tab)
Windows
macOS
Linux
iPadOS

Support

Real people you can contact when you need help with the tool.

Extras

An online space where users can connect, share tips, and help each other.
A collection of answers to common questions about using a product.
An educational resource that explains a topic and helps readers build their knowledge.

4 features

Key Features

Media playback
VLC plays Files, Discs, Webcams, Devices and Streams.
Hardware decoding
VLC has hardware decoding on most platforms. It supports 0-copy on the GPU and can fallback on software when required.
Playback controls
VLC has the most complete feature-set over the video, subtitle synchronisation, video and audio filters.
Multimedia playback
VLC is a free and open source cross-platform multimedia player and framework that plays most multimedia files as well as DVDs, Audio CDs, VCDs, and various streaming protocols.

Pros and cons

Pros

It is free and open source across desktop and mobile platforms.
Hardware decoding works on most platforms, with software fallback when needed.

You?

Be the first to rate VLC

Your review helps others make better decisions. No account needed. Takes about 10 seconds.

Featured Video

See VLC at work before you try it.

Watch on YouTube

5 questions

FAQs

What does VLC play?

VLC plays most multimedia files, DVDs, Audio CDs, VCDs and streaming protocols. It also handles files, discs, webcams, devices and streams.

Is VLC free and open source?

Yes. VLC is a free and open source cross-platform multimedia player and framework.

Which operating systems support VLC?

VLC has desktop apps for Windows, macOS and Linux, plus mobile apps for Android, iOS and iPadOS.

Does VLC connect with cloud storage services?

Yes. VLC supports file synchronization with Google Drive, Dropbox, OneDrive, Box and iCloud Drive. It also supports iTunes synchronization.

Where can I get help with VLC?

Start with the official FAQ or community troubleshooting guide. Forums and mailing lists are also available, but support is provided by volunteers.

VLC

Overview

What VLC has

Apps

Support

Extras

Key Features

Media playback

Hardware decoding

Playback controls

Multimedia playback

Pros and cons

Pros

Be the first to rate VLC

Featured Video

FAQs

What does VLC play?

Is VLC free and open source?

Which operating systems support VLC?

Does VLC connect with cloud storage services?

Where can I get help with VLC?

What VLC has

Apps

Support

Extras

Key Features

Media playback

Hardware decoding

Playback controls

Multimedia playback

Pros and cons

Pros

Be the first to rate VLC

Featured Video

FAQs

What does VLC play?

Is VLC free and open source?

Which operating systems support VLC?

Does VLC connect with cloud storage services?

Where can I get help with VLC?