VLC media player 3.0.21

VideoLAN Team ❘ 40.1MB ❘ Freeware ❘
Android iOS Windows Mac Linux
out of 1929 votes ❘
Rank 1 among competitors

Latest Version
3.0.21 Safe to install

VLC Media Player: The Ultimate Multimedia Player

David Fischer

04/01/2025

VLC Media Player is a versatile and reliable software application for playing all your media files with ease.

VLC Media Player Review

VLC media player is a free and open-source cross-platform multimedia player created by the VideoLAN project. It is widely known for its versatility, as it can play almost any type of multimedia file, including DVDs, audio CDs, and streaming protocols.

Key Features:

Supports a wide range of audio and video formats, including MPEG-1, MPEG-2, MPEG-4, H.264, MP3, AAC, DVD, and Blu-Ray.
Ability to stream media over a network or the internet using various protocols.
Offers customizable skins and a variety of plugins to enhance the user experience.
Can be used to convert media files from one format to another.
Supports subtitles and closed captions for videos.

Upsides:

Free to download and use, with no hidden costs or ads.
Cross-platform compatibility, available for Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, and iOS.
User-friendly interface that is easy to navigate.
Lightweight software that does not consume a lot of system resources.
Regular updates and improvements from the VideoLAN team.

Downsides:

The user interface may seem outdated compared to other media players.
Advanced features may not be intuitive for novice users.

VLC media player is a powerful and reliable multimedia player that offers a wide range of features for both casual and advanced users. With its ability to play almost any type of media file and its cross-platform compatibility, VLC is a top choice for anyone looking for a versatile media player without breaking the bank.

Overview

VLC media player is a Freeware software in the category Audio & Multimedia developed by VideoLAN Team.

The users of our client application UpdateStar have checked VLC media player for updates 101,976 times during the last month.

The latest version of VLC media player is 3.0.21, released on 06/10/2024. It was initially added to our database on 08/24/2007. The most prevalent version is 3.0.21, which is used by 46% of all installations.

VLC media player runs on the following operating systems: Android/iOS/Windows/Mac/Linux. The download file has a size of 40.1MB.

Users of VLC media player gave it a rating of 4 out of 5 stars.

Pros

Plays a wide variety of media formats including DVD, Audio CD, and streaming protocols
Offers advanced playback options such as equalizer, video effects, and subtitle synchronization
Cross-platform compatibility with support for Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, and iOS
Open-source software with no ads or spyware
Capable of streaming media from online sources like YouTube, Vimeo, and Dailymotion

Cons

User interface can be overwhelming for beginners due to the extensive customization options
Lacks some advanced features found in more specialized media players
Occasional bugs or performance issues may arise during usage
Settings can be complex to navigate for casual users

FAQ

What is VLC media player?

VLC media player is a free and open-source multimedia player created by VideoLAN, a project that develops multimedia software for desktop and mobile platforms.

What file formats does VLC support?

VLC can play a vast range of multimedia file formats, including MPEG-1, MPEG-2, MPEG-4, AVI, MP3, DVD, Blu-ray, FLAC, and many more.

Is VLC available for multiple platforms?

Yes, VLC media player is available for Windows, Mac OS X, Linux, Android, iOS, and other platforms.

Can I customize the user interface of VLC?

Yes, VLC media player allows you to customize its user interface by changing skins and creating new ones. It also has numerous options and settings that can be adjusted to suit your preferences.

Does VLC support subtitles?

Yes, VLC media player supports a wide range of subtitle formats such as SRT, ASS, and SSA. It also allows you to adjust the timing and position of subtitles.

Can I use VLC to stream media over a network?

Yes, VLC media player can act as a media server, allowing you to stream multimedia content over a network. It also supports various streaming protocols such as HTTP, RTP, and RTSP.

Is VLC media player free?

Yes, VLC media player is completely free to download and use, without any hidden costs or fees. It is also an open-source software, meaning anyone can access its source code and make modifications.

How can I update VLC to the latest version?

You can update VLC media player manually by downloading the latest version from the official VideoLAN website and installing it. Alternatively, you can enable automatic updates in the application's settings.

Is VLC media player secure?

VLC media player is generally considered a safe and secure software. However, as with any software, there's always a small risk of security vulnerabilities. It is recommended to keep your VLC version up-to-date and use caution when downloading files from untrusted sources.

Can I play copyrighted material on VLC?

Technically, VLC media player can play copyrighted material. However, it is against the law to do so without the permission of the copyright owner, so it is not recommended.

David Fischer

I am a technology writer for UpdateStar, covering software, security, and privacy as well as research and innovation in information security. I worked as an editor for German computer magazines for more than a decade before joining the UpdateStar team. With over a decade of editorial experience in the tech industry, I bring a wealth of knowledge and expertise to my current role at UpdateStar. At UpdateStar, I focus on the critical areas of software, security, and privacy, ensuring our readers stay informed about the latest developments and best practices.

Latest Reviews by David Fischer

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Installations

101,976 users of UpdateStar had VLC media player installed last month.

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