A hassle-free, easy to use, and free media player
VLC Media Player is a free multimedia player that lets you play music and video content. You can download this handy program for Mac, Microsoft Windows PC, iOS, and Android devices. While the user interface is straightforward, the platform has dynamic benefits that let you customize your viewing experience.
As an open-source cross-platform multimedia player, it plays most multimedia files as well as various streaming protocols. Safe, powerful, and completely free, the app can play a range of media, including video and music files, in multiple formats directly on your device of choice.
Packed with features and fully customizable
VLC Media Player is available on various platforms As such, you can use the popular media player on several devices. With its simple and clean interface, the platform lets you customize the control panel to give the program a personal touch. You can choose from different skins, depending on your mood and preferences.
What’s the best part about using VLC?
VLC is a feature-packed program, which supports multiple customization options. For instance, you can use the skin editor to create a new look or choose from preset options instead. The application also lets you install extensions for a smoother viewing experience. It can import images from your device as well as synchronize with the Windows Media Player to display all the files in one place.
Since most users are concerned about privacy issues, VideoLAN has tried to make the app safe and secure. The multimedia player doesn’t use spyware or user tracking to read browsing history, emails, or location. If you’re tired of disruptive ads, lack of privacy, and needless subscription plans, VLC is an excellent choice to enjoy your favorite music, videos, and images without compromising.
Does VLC support streaming content?
Most users experience issues related to buffering while playing large-sized video files on outdated media players. AVI files, for example, still need a fast processor to play the file without lags. However, with VLC, you can enjoy smart decoding, which runs videos faster, depending on the complexity of the animation or resolution.
Since the program supports streaming, it can recognize multiple software extensions. You can play files in MKV, FLV, WMV, SWF, and other formats with ease. Other multimedia players usually cause problems with specific codecs. On the other hand, the app comes integrated with the latest codec options to ensure a hassle-free viewing experience.
Compared to other software, the program ensures faster streaming to let you watch videos online. Unfortunately, it doesn’t support cloud services, and you’ll either need to stream from a popular website or play files from the PC or extractable device. Nonetheless, the overall experience won’t be disappointing.
How’s the video quality?
There are times when a video looks pixelated, pauses every now and then, or plays too slowly. Even when a video file offers great quality, the imaging still looks bad in some multimedia players. VLC, however, solves this problem with its offering of excellent features.
For instance, the many codec options and screen rations available on VLC address issues, like a small WMV or 3GP file appearing pixelated or out of focus on a PC screen. Similarly, another problem that VLC manages to solve is when WMH files don’t work properly.
When it comes to MP4 files, which are specifically designed for smartphones and PCs, you will experience amazing quality with VLC. Similarly, MPEG-4, which is the standard format for Blu-ray and DVDs, plays easily on the VLC player. The program’s ability to support a full-HD screen and ‘Surround Sound’ impacts the entire viewing experience for the better.
Lastly, the MPEG-4 file format offers exceptional video quality on VLC Media Player, so much so that you’ll definitely appreciate the crisp colors, amazing contrast, and excellent graphics quality. Moreover, with the hardware decoding features, VLC will leverage your computer’s processing speed to play videos and movies without lags or crashes.
What are the alternatives?
VLC Media Player has everything you’d need in an all-format multimedia player. However, you still might want to compare other players before settling for this one for your Windows desktop or laptop.
For instance, Winamp is a classic choice. It’s a customizable multimedia player, which has been around for generations. Unfortunately, the lack of updates is quite visible from the outdated interface. However, it’s still available for various devices and offers cross-platform synchronization.
Another good option is Kodi, which is ideal for podcasts and video streaming on various platforms. It even has a Personal Video Recorder for live television. The remote interface lets you connect to internet browsers and remote controls.
Last but not least, you could consider GOM Player. If you have an older computer, this will be a much better choice. The program doesn’t take up a lot of system resources and loads video files faster than competing apps. Additionally, it lets you take screenshots and supports subtitles.
Is VLC download free and is it free to use?
VLC is free to download and install. Only a free download is available, although you can donate to the developers in case you want to support the development of the project by VideoLAN. The multimedia program delivers the entire suite of features for free.
Is VLC safe?
The VLC player is an open-source project, which enables you to look into the source code to make sure that the program is safe for you. The open-source nature allows you to modify the code to change the platform to your personal preferences.
Bring your tunes on the road
Through the latest update on the app’s iOS version, it can now be used in cars through Apple CarPlay. Previously inaccessible via direct use, the new update integrates the VLC player with CarPlay, making it possible for users to bring their favorite media on the go. Now, the whole suite of features can be accessed through your car’s interface, allowing you to stream local or online music, create playlists, and more. However, do note that this update is only available for a specific platform version of the app.
A much better choice than other options
The latest version of VLC Media Player is a versatile platform for different operating systems and devices. You can use the program to play videos and audio files conveniently. Moreover, it can reproduce multimedia files and support various codecs. Since the software comes with a simple and clean interface, you’ll have no trouble putting it to use.
