Alternative Vlc Player
Even though streaming services are widely gaining popularity for watching videos and listening to music in today’s world of technology, we still use some local media player to play media files once in a while. When it comes to local or offline media players, VLC Media Player is one of the most popular choices among the majority of users across the world. VLC Media Player supports a wide range of video and audio formats, which undoubtedly is a big reason among other cool functionalities, behind its immense popularity among the users. Just like the moon too has scars, nothing in the world is perfect, and VLC Media Player too has some problems. VLC Media Player has problems dealing with corrupted video files. But that’s not the only issue.
Here are the top 5 VLC media player alternatives you have to take into consideration. Top 1: Free Blu-Ray Player – Best Free VLC Media Player. Whether you need to play videos, DVDs or Blu-Ray disc, Free Blu-ray Player is the best VLC media player alternative for free. It supports commercial DVD, home made DVD, Blu-Ray disc/folders/ISO files. The No.11 alternative to VLC can help you to do that. As its name implies, Dziobas RAR Player allows you to play videos compressed in RAR format without extracting. Besides RAR files, Dziobas also supports playing videos and audio in various digital formats, including AVI, MPEG, RMVB, OGG, MP3, MKA and some niche media formats.
The colour reproduction on VLC Media Player isn’t that great, and sometimes the buttons might not respond, which might be a reason to look for some alternatives of VLC Media Player for Windows, in the first place. Just like the cloud has a silver lining, there are tons of media players, which can replace VLC Media Player as the default media player on your Windows 10/8/7 computer. Thus, I will be discussing the top 10 alternatives to VLC Media Player for Windows, in this article. All the apps might not be exactly similar to VLC Media Player, but you can undoubtedly use each of them as an alternative to VLC Media Player. Some might not have the advanced features, which VLC Media Player has to offer, but that isn’t going to be a deal breaker for most users.
So with further delay, let’s get started with the top 10 alternatives to VLC Media Player.
Contents
Windows Media Player Classic – Home Cinema
Not the most beautiful media player out there, but Windows Media Player Classic is one of the best media players out there if you are looking for comprehensive support for different audio and video files along with some advanced customization options. If you are looking for additional controls over the media files you will be playing on your computer, Windows Media Player Classic has a range of offerings, and you can play some part of the media files within a time range, have control over colour management, VSync, GPU and audio or video decoder control, and everything else you can think of.
Windows Media Player Classic is a very lightweight VLC alternative media player, and you can run this program to play audio and video files at ease, with no lags or problems at all, even on computers with not so powerful hardware. Though Windows Media Player Classic has support for almost all the major audio and video formats you can think of, you can expand the support for additional using 3rd party codec packs like K-Lite Codec Pack and others.
KMPlayer
If you are looking for a more power-packed alternative to VLC Media Player on Windows, KMPlayer is the best alternative to get you whole nine yards of video playback. With support for a plethora of video formats and URL playback feature, KMPlayer will be the one-stop media player for all your media playing needs. Some handy features of KMPlayer include the ability to control playback speed, extraction frame-by-frame, subtitle settings, and everything else when it comes to tweaking your audio and video playback.
That’s not just it. Talking about some of the unique features, which KMPlayer has to offer, you can even experience your regular videos in 3D or on VR view, which is my personal favourite when it comes to KMPlayer. KMPlayer features a different yet very user-friendly interface, which is handy for all types of user out there. For a better experience of listening to audio files, KMPlayer features an equalizer to fine-tune your music, exactly the way, your ears are longing for. So KMPlayer is undoubtedly worth giving a try.
GOM Player
If you are looking for a light-weight media player for all your requirements, GOM Player is the one, which is worth the few megabytes on your system. With support for all the major video and audio formats along with support for some streaming video formats, GOM Player can be the perfect mate for your everyday media playing requirements. GOM Player features a very easy and intuitive user interface with a dark background that most users appreciate.
The ability to control playback on GOM Player from different portable devices running like mobile phones with the remote control app is something that gives GOM Player some bonus points among users who want to enjoy media files like a pro. GOM Player is one of the best alternatives to VLC Media Player, and the completely free media player is compatible with most major versions of Windows. Even after offering the neat bouquet of features for a different class of users, GOM Player is very light-weight, which means, you can even run it on older systems without any problems, at all.
RealPlayer
For users, looking for more than just video playback, RealPlayer is the best media player you can choose, which offer more than just playing videos you can access locally. With support for most video formats like WMV, WMA, MP3, MP4, FLV, 3GP, MKV, AVI, etc. you can even play popular video files available across the internet with RealPlayer for Windows. RealPlayer can also help you download videos from the web, and store some videos privately with the help of it if multiple users use the same computer.
With RealPlayer, managing your media files is a dime a dozen, and you can even stream the media contents to your TV with popular streaming services like Chromecast, Roku, etc. RealPlayer can even make your tasks easier by offering you a platform to convert your videos files to a variety of formats or extract the audio out of it or burn your media files to optical drives, as well. Thus, RealPlayer is the perfect media organization package that will hardly leave you disappointed. With the Plus and Premium subscription of Real Player, you can even get extra functionalities, like the ability to store media files to the cloud, share videos through social media sites, and everything else to make media playback and media organization a breeze.
UMPlayer
UMPlayer is one of the best alternatives to VLC Media Player and a set of other media player program for Windows, with support for almost all the audio and video formats you can think of. With support for over 250 audio and video codecs, you can use UMPlayer to run almost all the media files you have access to, needless to say, with a wide range of customization options. Besides audio and video files available locally, UMPlayer can also stream and record videos from YouTube or TV and radio cards attached to your computer.
UMPlayer comes with almost all the basic tools you will need for everyday usage, and it has support for skins to make UMPlayer look like exactly what you want it to be. You can even customize the hotkeys to be a keyboard ninja when it comes to controlling the audio and video playback on UMPlayer. UMPlayer can automatically download subtitles for your movies in your preferred language, which is unquestionably great for movie geeks. Everything said the free and open-source UMPlayer can be the best alternative to VLC Media Player for newbies, as well as power users.
DivX Player
The DivX Player is here for quite some time now, and it has updated itself to fit the needs of the generation quite well. DivX Player is more than just a mere video player with support for almost all kinds of formats you throw at it. Just organize the media files like a pro, and cast it to your TV or anywhere else, which undoubtedly is something, most users appreciate. The features of DivX Player doesn’t end here. DivX Player can also play 4K videos like a charm, which is something great for users, who want to enjoy their videos in their full glory.
With the premium version of DivX Player, you will get everything you expect from a full-fledged media player. With the premium version, you can access media files from different cloud storage services and can get professional audio quality, which is going to be too satisfying for your ears, if you have a compatible audio device. DivX Player features a very beautiful and unique user interface, which though might not be everybody’s favourite, but is cool unquestionably.
PotPlayer
If you are looking for the closest alternative to VLC Media Player on Windows, I will name PotPlayer, which has support for basic to advanced functionalities to suit the needs of every class of users. With support for enhanced hardware acceleration and a wide variety of audio video formats, you can use PotPlayer like a swiss knife, when it comes to playing media files. If you have multiple audio output devices, you can configure PotPlayer to skip the default audio device and use any other audio device you have access to for audio playback.
Apart from support for almost all the audio and video formats, PotPlayer support all the major subtitle formats from different sources so that you can enjoy all your movies in different languages at ease. There are wide customization options, and you can customize the complete look and feel of PotPlayer with a set of different skins. Just like any other great media player nowadays, PotPlayer also has support for watching streaming videos and an equalizer to finetune the audio playback among other handy things.
Kodi
If you are looking for a media player which has support for setting up a home media server, as well, Kodi is the perfect app for all your needs. Kodi is open-source, and it will give you a cool media centre like user interface just like the Windows Media Center on Windows Vista and Windows 7. Not completely the same, but both are close to each other. With Kodi, you can even stream your media files to other computer, smartphones or any other devices that support UPnP.
Apart from streaming media files, Kodi features a store, where you can download 3rd party add-ons to watch live TV, stream video files from different sources on the internet, play games, and everything else to entertain yourself with no nuisances at all. Just download the appropriate add-on, grab a bucket of popcorn and start enjoying your movies sitting on the couch. Thus, Kodi is undoubtedly more than just a media player or a mere alternative for VLC Media Player on Windows.
See: Best Free & Open source Home Media Server Software
5KPlayer
5KPlayer is another great alternative of VLC Media Player that features a minimal user interface and comes with a wide range built-in functionalities most users look for, nowadays. Needless to say, it has support for a wide variety of audio and video codecs, and you can even stream the media files to other devices using DLNA or AirPlay. You can even watch 360 degrees VR videos on 5KPlayer with no lags, at all. Just open 5KPlayer, and click on YouTube to watch YouTube videos directly on 5KPlayer. That might not be a great feature, but it is cool to play all streaming, as well as local videos in just a single piece of app.
The features of 5KPlayer also extend to the ability to download videos from different streaming service websites like YouTube and DailyMotion. Just paste the link and download the videos with just a single click. 5KPlayer has a number of other features, which you can find, once you start using the program. 5KPlayer can also deal with corrupted audio and video files better than how VLC Media Player deal with them. 5KPlayer might not be the perfect alternative to VLC Media Player on Windows, but it undoubtedly offers some functionalities, which VLC Media Player don’t have to offer.
SMPlayer
Support for multiple audio and video formats, a wide range of customization options, and support for streaming media files from different sources are some features that literally sum up SMPlayer for Windows. With a very user-friendly user interface, the lightweight media player is the perfect alternative for VLC Media Player for Windows that directs all the problems you might face, using VLC Media Player. Just like Media Player Classic, UM Player doesn’t offer a very beautiful user interface, which isn’t a deal breaker, however.
The not so beautiful yet simple user interface make is highly compatible even with computers that don’t have powerful hardware, which eventually helps SMPlayer play all audio and video files without lags or any sort of issues. SMPlayer is open-source and you can even search for and play videos directly from YouTube, on SMPlayer, just like other great media players available today as the best alternatives to VLC Media Player. SMPlayer also features a wide range of filters which can be handy if you want to watch your already seen videos with a small twist.
When it comes to media playback, the only thing the majority of users will look for is buttery smooth and lag-free playback. VLC Media Player can handle video playback quite well, but if you are more into organizing your media files besides just playing them, almost all the media players or the alternatives to VLC Media Players I have mentioned here will come in handy. Depending upon what exactly you need from your media player, you should choose the most appropriate media player judiciously and try maintaining a balance between playback and the secondary functionalities.
Hope the list of top 10 alternatives of VLC Media Player for Windows was useful for you. Did I miss out any great media player? Don’t forget to name it in the comment section down below.
Summary :
Sometimes, you may need VLC alternatives because of the annoying 'Rebuilding Font Cache' thing or others. This post lists different VLC alternatives for Windows/Mac. Choose the best VLC alternative 2019 depends on your actual situation.
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Have you ever used VLC media player? This post is going to show you some excellent VLC alternatives for Windows/Linux/Mac. You can find a suitable VLC alternative 2019 to play video and audio files.
VLC is a free, open-source, portable, and cross-platform media player and streaming media server developed by the VideoLAN project. It is able to play incomplete, unfinished or damaged video, but it will drive you crazy sometimes.
For example, here is a true story.
I have been using VLC media player for a while and was pleased with it. Then I get a notice about an update, which I did. Now all I get is green lines over the movie. I have tried everything to solve the problem, installing the backup, uninstall and install, with no success. Everything worked great until this update. Does anybody have a solution to this? It is driving me crazy. Please help. Thank you.
In general, a VLC alternative can solve this problem easily. The below are some common problems you might encounter when using the VLC media player.
4 Reasons Why You Need a VLC Alternative
1. VLC is unable to play broken files.
Generally, VLC media player can play unfinished or damaged video. But, sometimes, it cannot play video file and tells you that the file is damaged. Actually, this file is just being downloaded.
2. VLC doesn’t support a few codes and file types.
VLC supports a lot of video and audio codes and formats, but it requires codec settings for a few formats. For many common people, it is a difficult job.
3. VLC crashes without warning.
Sometimes, VLC media player suddenly crashes when you watch some normal files, try to insert subtitle or make it full screen.
4. VLC media player will damage the speakers!
If you are using VLC media player and keep the volume loud for a long time, your speakers could be damaged. Sadly, some manufacturers like Dell say replacing the speakers will not be covered by the hardware warranty. Therefore, please keep the volume down while using VLC.
Now, it is time to look for VLC alternatives to play your video or audio files. No matter you have come across these problems or not, it is a good idea to prepare a suitable alternative to VLC.
You will find many people are searching for VLC alternatives on the Internet. Here, we list different alternatives to VLC media player for Windows/Mac/Linux. Read on and find out which one suits you best.
Part 1. VLC Alternatives 2019 for Windows
VLC is a free video editing software, you might need to look for a VLC alternative because of the unfriendly UI, “Rebuilding Font Cache” thing and other problems. Now, try the following alternatives to VLC media player for Windows.
No 1. Windows Movie Maker
There is no doubt that many people have probably heard of Windows Movie Maker, a video editing tool developed by Microsoft. It not only allows you to watch video, but also lets you edit this video simply, for instance, add text to video.
Related article: How to Add Text to Video in Windows Movie Maker (Step-by-Step Guide).
Now, some users might want to know where to get this tool since it was officially discontinued on January 10, 2017. Fortunately, you can get this Microsoft video editing tool by clicking the following button.
Cons
- It supports playing videos as well as pictures.
- It can edit your videos simply.
- It is able to share your videos on YouTube, Facebook, etc.
Related article: How to Use Movie Maker Step-by-step Guide for Beginners.
Pros
- Microsoft does not support it now.
- It cannot play music alone.
No 2. 5KPlayer
5KPlayer is a mixture of free (MKV) HD video player and music player. This real media player is compatible with Windows as well as Mac OS X. If your VLC crashes suddenly, you can try this alternative.
Pros
- It supports a lot of video formats, including MKV, M2TS, MPEG1/2, WMV/ASF, AVI, MOV, RM, OGV, FLV, MP4, H.264, M4V, WEBM.
- It can play 4K UHD videos without any glitches.
- It is able to play 1080p or 1080i high-definition videos under 10% CPU cost.
- It can play MP3 AAC APE FLAC music perfectly to activate your senses.
- It can download online videos from YouTube, Facebook, Vimeo, etc.
Cons
This alternative to VLC media player for Windows might be confusing for beginners.
No 3. Windows Media Player
Windows media player is another VLC alternative. It allows you to play video and audio files. Besides, it allows previewing images on personal computers running the Microsoft Windows operating system, as well as on Pocket PC and Windows Mobile-based devices.
Pros
- It provides a less cluttered user interface.
- It offers a better music library.
- It supports network sharing.
- It can access to online music services.
Alternative To Vlc Player
Cons
- It cannot handle 4K, 3D and 360-degree video.
- It doesn’t support for VR headsets.
No 4. Photos App
If you are running Windows 10, you have another great VLC alternative 2019 – Photo app. This Windows 10 hidden media player not only can play video but also can play images. Besides, it can help to trim video.
Related Article: How to Cut Video Easily and Quickly (The Definitive Guide).
Pros
- It can play videos quickly.
- It has a simple, touch-friendly interface.
- It also supports browsing photo, and is able to create albums automatically.
- It has cool video editing effects.
Cons
- It cannot tag faces.
- It doesn’t support panorama stitching and selective focus.
No 5. KMPlayer
KM player can play video as well as audio in Windows. This alternative to VLC supports almost any format that Windows can play including AVI, ASF, WMV, AVS, FLV, MKV, and many more. With the VLC alternative, you can slow down or increase playback speed, select parts of a video as favorites.
Pros
- It supports many audio and video formats.
- It supports 3D and VR and setting related to that.
- It has extensive subtitle management.
- It can capture audio and video.
Cons
Advertisement (There are no hidden or misleading clauses while installing, but we will be asked whether we want to install Avast Antivirus after installing.)
After learning these different VLC alternatives for Windows, you can take a look of the below wonderful video tool.
No 6. MiniTool Movie Maker
MiniTool Movie Maker, free and simple video tool, lets you review videos, and pictures. Besides, it also lets you create videos and slideshow easily and quickly. For instance, I usually use this simple and free tool to create Facebook Slideshow.
Pros
- It supports a lot of video format including WMV, MP4, AVI, MOV, F4V, MKV, GIF, MP3, and so on.
- It offers wizard-like interfaces. This tool can help you create a movie without requiring professional knowledge and skill.
- It offers movie as well as trailer templates. You are able to easily create cool movies or Hollywood-style movie trailers.
- It allows you to make video with pictures easily and quickly.
- It offers some filters to help you change the color, style, or tone in minutes.
- It offers plenty of useful transition effects to make the presentation, slideshow or movie good looking and impressive.
- It not only can split large video into small parts but also can trim video to remove the unwanted frames from the start or end of a clip. More details can be found in How to Trim Video Easily (Step-by-Step Guide with Pictures).
Cons
It only supports Windows OSs, now.
Part 2. VLC Alternative Mac
Mac users can try the following alternatives when the VLC media player isn’t working.
No 1. QuickTime Player
QuickTime player, the best VLC alternative Mac, is the most familiar media players for Mac users. As the default movie player as Mac, QuickTime player is capable of supporting various formats of videos, music, images, and other media files.
- QuickTime player enables you to set playback from 1/2x to 3x the normal speed.
- This alternative to VLC is capable of watching videos from hard drive and internet.
- This VLC alternative Mac allows you to screen recording your Mac, edit movies and extract audio from a video. However, you need to purchase the QuickTime Pro license key to unlock the recording, editing and extracting features.
No 2. MPlayerX Media Player
MPlayerX, a free and open source media player, is another VLC alternative.
- It can handle any media format in the world without extra plug-ins or codec packages as it is armed by FFmpeg and MPlayer.
- It provides you the easiest way to control the playback as it will follow your gestures.
- It can automatically and seamlessly detect and convert the encoding method of the subtitle file.
No 3. Movist
Movist, a free, simple yet powerful player for Mac, supports QuickTime, FFmpeg as well as subtitles.
- It is easy to use.
- It owns a beautiful and convenient user interface.
- It is available to adjust aspect ratios and configure keyboard shortcuts.
Unfortunately, this VLC alternative Mac doesn't support Apple remote.
Part 3. VLC Alternative Linux
Let’s start with a true example from my best friend.
I've used VLC in Linux for years. But lately, it's been choking and dying for no discernible reasons and attempts to troubleshoot have failed. Are there any other comparable alternatives for media players out there at the moment?
Now, my friend can try the following VLC alternative Linux.
No 1. Bomi Player
The best VLC alternative Linux, Bomi player (known as CM Player), works well on Linux and provides GUI features.
- This easy-to-use VLC alternative Linux provides some powerful features which you will find in the context menu.
- It supports audio file and subtitle at all.
- It allows browsing your old playlist because it generally saves all your playback record.
No 2. SMPlayer
SMPlayer supports for all the default formats as like as other media players.
- This VLC alternative Linux allows you to play YouTube video directly from this player because of its built-in codec.
- This VLC alternative 2019 loads the subtitle of a movie from the internet. And, it saves your all settings when you play video.
- This alternative to VLC is fully resume supported video player.
Your Choice
The above video editing tools are good alternatives to VLC media player. You can choose a suitable one to play your videos.
Which VLC alternatives do you like to choose? Let us know by leaving comments.
Should you have any other good suggestions about VLC alternatives, please share them with us. Thanks in advance!
Vlc Alternative Mac
VLC Alternatives FAQ
Vlc Player Free Download 2016
Alternative For Vlc Player
- PotPlayer
- KMPlayer
- Media Player Classic – Home Cinema
- ACG Player
- GOM Media Player
- DivX Player
- Kodi
- Plex
- 5KPlayer
- MediaMonkey
- VLC Player
- PotPlayer
- Media Player Classic – Home Cinema