About VLC Media Player

VLC Media Player is the world's most versatile media player, handling virtually every audio and video format without needing extra codecs. From MKV and FLAC to obscure formats other players refuse, VLC plays them all flawlessly. The open-source player is completely free with no ads, no tracking, and no in-app purchases.

Beyond basic playback, VLC supports network streams (HTTP, RTSP, MMS), subtitle syncing with adjustable timing, audio equalizer, playback speed control, and picture-in-picture mode. Cast videos directly to Chromecast or AirPlay devices. The gesture controls let you adjust volume, brightness, and seek position with intuitive swipes.

VLC includes a built-in file browser for local media, supports SMB and FTP network shares for streaming from a NAS or computer, and handles playlists in M3U and XSPF formats. The video library automatically organizes your media collection with thumbnails and metadata.

Key Features

  • Plays any video/audio format without codecs
  • Network streaming (HTTP, RTSP, FTP, SMB)
  • Chromecast and AirPlay casting
  • Subtitle support with timing adjustment
  • Picture-in-picture mode
  • Gesture controls for volume and brightness
  • Audio equalizer and playback speed control

Pros & Cons

👍 What We Like

  • Plays literally any media format
  • Completely free — no ads or purchases
  • Open source with active community
  • Lightweight yet incredibly powerful

👎 What Could Be Better

  • Interface feels dated compared to modern apps
  • Chromecast support can be unreliable
  • No built-in media downloading
  • Library organization is basic

User Reviews

MediaHoarder_Jack 2025-11-15
★★★★☆ 9/10

VLC is the only media player I trust. It has never failed to play a file — MKV, HEVC, old AVI files, everything works. The network streaming from my NAS is seamless. The fact that it's free and open source with zero ads makes it essential.

MovieBuff_Yuki 2025-10-20
★★★★☆ 9/10

Best video player on mobile, period. Subtitle support is excellent — I watch a lot of foreign films and VLC handles every subtitle format. Gesture controls for brightness and volume are intuitive. Casting to my TV via Chromecast works great.