VLC media player
FreeVLC is a free, open source media player that plays most video, audio, disc and streaming formats without extra codec packs.
About VLC media player
VLC is a free and open source cross-platform multimedia player and framework from the VideoLAN project. It plays most video and audio files, DVDs, audio CDs and many network streaming protocols, and ships with its own codecs so you rarely need to install anything extra.
The player runs on Windows, macOS, Linux, Android and iOS. The Android listing shows more than 500 million downloads, which makes it one of the most widely installed media apps. Beyond playback it can convert files, stream media over a network, and handle subtitles, playlists and a range of filters.
It suits anyone who wants a reliable player that handles odd formats, from casual users to people who work with video files. VLC has no ads, no subscription and no account requirement, and the source code is public under the GPL. The store listings carry the usual caveat that mobile versions differ a little from the desktop one, and App Store ratings are noticeably lower than Android's.
The desktop and mobile versions follow different release numbers, so do not expect identical features everywhere.
Version history
2 releases tracked- Windows: Bug fixes and performance improvements
- iOS: Stability improvements
- Fixed expansion of playlists stored on the network
Frequently asked
Is VLC free?
Yes. It is free and open source, with no ads or paid version.
Does it work offline?
Yes. Local files play without a connection, while streams naturally need one.
Does it need an account?
No.
Where does the download link go?
Directly to videolan.org or the official app store for your platform. PlanetSofts never rehosts installers or adds wrappers, and these links were last verified Oct 6, 2026.