VLC media player

by VideoLAN · Media players & music

Open sourceWindowsMacLinux

Plays almost any video or audio file without extra codecs.

Official download from videolan.org (opens in a new tab)

Opens videolan.org, VideoLAN's own site. No mirror, no bundle.

Overview

What is VLC media player?

VLC is a free, open-source media player from the non-profit VideoLAN. It plays nearly every format, DVDs and network streams, and can convert files and record the screen.

Key features

  • Plays almost every format without codec packs
  • Subtitles and audio track switching
  • Network streams and DVDs
  • Basic conversion and recording

Best for

  • Playing odd video formats
  • Watching downloaded lectures at 1.5x
  • Old PCs that need a light player

Included in starter kits

Install

How to install VLC media player

  1. 1Open the official VLC media player download page on videolan.org.
  2. 2Pick the build for your system (Windows, Mac, Linux; check x64, ARM or Apple silicon where offered).
  3. 3Run the installer and read each screen; decline anything you did not ask for.
  4. 4Keep it updated from the app's own updater or your package manager.

Install from the command line

  • Windows · winget

    winget install --id VideoLAN.VLC -e --source winget

  • Mac · Homebrew

    brew install --cask vlc

  • Linux · Flatpak (Flathub)

    flatpak install flathub org.videolan.VLC

Package IDs checked against the public winget, Homebrew and Flathub repositories on 1 Nov 2026. Build a script for several apps.

Safety

Download VLC media player safely

  • Check the domain

    The real download lives on videolan.org. Look-alike domains and search ads are the most common trap.

  • Skip mirrors

    Download portals can wrap installers in adware or old versions. You never need them for this app.

  • Verify if you can

    If the publisher lists a checksum, compare it with our in-browser checker before running the file.

  • Watch the installer

    Untick extras, browser changes or trials you did not ask for.

Open the checksum checker

Alternatives

VLC media player alternatives

Other media players & music apps, closest platform match first.

All media

FAQ

VLC media player questions

Where can I download VLC media player safely?

Download VLC media player only from VideoLAN's official site at videolan.org. Avoid mirror and "download portal" sites, which can bundle extra software with the installer.

Is VLC media player free?

Yes. VLC media player is open-source software and free to use.

Does VLC media player work on Windows, Mac and Linux?

VLC media player is available for Windows, Mac, Linux. Check VideoLAN's download page for exact system requirements and whether your processor (x64, ARM or Apple silicon) is supported.

Can I install VLC media player from the command line?

Yes, with winget on Windows (winget install --id VideoLAN.VLC -e); Homebrew on Mac (brew install --cask vlc); Flatpak on Linux (flatpak install flathub org.videolan.VLC). Package managers fetch the publisher's files and make updates easy.

What are good alternatives to VLC media player?

See the alternatives section on this page and the full media players & music list on AltFTool, which shows each app's licence and platforms side by side.