Stream from one device to another with VLC Direct for free

VLC Direct is a mobile video player that allows the user to stream video from their mobile device to a compatible desktop, and from a desktop to their mobile device. It includes, and only works with, its own built-in video player.

Video direct, between machines

VLC Direct is not officially a part of the VLC Media Player family, though other similar software exists that is more endorsed by VLC’s open-source creators. However, it is largely compatible with other VLC software, including retaining your settings if you already use VLC. It works well enough for its stated purposes, though the included video player may be choppy on less powerful devices with weaker video cards, and some video formats, such as .mkv, do not work as well.

A not-so-direct conclusion

Overall, VLC Direct is a solid bit of streaming software that has a few flaws that can bring it down for some customers. If you have a fast device both desktop and mobile, don’t mind ads, and have mostly mainstream file formats, VLC Direct will be perfect for you. Otherwise, it really depends on your use cases for the software.