Have you encountered limitations with VLC Media Player on mobile devices? Common issues include a nonintuitive mobile interface and inadequate streaming features. If you face these problems, it is advisable to consider alternatives optimized for mobile devices. In this article, we introduce a selection of media player apps that improve upon VLC’s mobile functionality. We based our selection on testing and community feedback.
Why Would You Need an Alternative to VLC?
VLC Media Player, in operation since 2001, is often touted as a versatile alternative to standard Windows or Mac media players. It supports a broad range of media formats, including AVI and MKV files not supported by QuickTime on macOS, and FLAC and OGG formats, which Windows Media Player does not handle. This extensive format support often makes VLC the go-to choice when other players struggle.
Additionally, the desktop version of VLC can automatically repair damaged AVI files. If converted to AVI first, VLC can also repair corrupted MOV video files and other formats. This feature positions VLC as a reliable tool for handling problematic video files that other players cannot process. Additionally, VLC’s ability to change video formats directly in the player eliminates the need for separate conversion tools and improves its utility as a media solution.
Despite VLC’s powerful capabilities on desktop platforms, its mobile versions for iOS and Android have several shortcomings that limit functionality:
- Many users find the mobile interface outdated and cumbersome, which makes navigation and operation difficult.
- Some features available on the desktop, such as the ability to change video formats and the auto-fix function for minor video corruptions, are absent on mobile versions.
- If you add subtitles to video files, the app can crash and often send users back to the directory screen, as reported in user forums.
- The network stream function frequently does not operate correctly.
- VLC does not automatically upload all videos stored on the phone to its interface. If you want to play a video that is not already displayed in VLC, you must manually add it to the application.
4 Best VLC Media Player Alternatives
The limitations and malfunctions of VLC’s mobile version prompted us to research several reliable alternatives. In this section, we will briefly outline four other media players that may be better or more convenient than VLC for mobile use. We have selected options that cater to both iOS and Android users, which guarantees that you will likely find one suitable alternative for your needs.
Note: Unfortunately, during our search, we could not find a mobile app capable of repairing corrupted video files like the desktop version of VLC. However, if you need this feature, we recommend using specialized online tools like Clever Online Video Repair. It allows you to repair videos directly from your phone and provides a practical solution to this task.
Option 1: MX Player
MX Player is as popular as VLC and is a versatile media application. It provides high-definition video playback and allows you to listen to music. In addition to its mobile application, MX Player can work online with Safari, Google Chrome, and Mozilla Firefox browsers, provided your location or region supports them.
Compatibility: Android, iOS.
Advantages:
- Upon first use, MX Player automatically uploads all videos from your device and organizes them into the same folders as they are stored on your phone. It also categorizes videos by type, such as downloaded, slow-motion, or associated with apps like Instagram.
- For iPhone users, it automatically uploads all your playlists from Apple Music. On Android, it synchronizes with your existing music library.
- It has a Kids Lock feature that keeps children using your phone without the risk of them making calls or accessing other apps.
- Unlike VLC, which sometimes struggles to remember the last playback position, MX Player provides seamless network stream playback and retains the last played position even when the stream is reopened.
- Zoom and pan options allow you to fine-tune your finger control over video playback. You can easily zoom in and out by pinching and swiping across the screen.
Price: MX Player offers a free version with features suitable for general use and a premium version priced at approximately $5.99 annually in the United States.
Rating:
- Google Play Store: 4.4/5
- Apple App Store: 4.4/5
Note: While MX Player offers extensive features and capabilities, you should note that the free version comes with advertisements. These ads can occasionally interrupt the viewing experience, which is a common trade-off in many free media applications.
Option 2: KMPlayer
You may already have encountered the next option: KMPlayer. This media player is a powerful alternative to VLC because of its versatile playback capabilities and integration with cloud storage services such as Google Drive, Dropbox, and OneDrive. It supports a wide range of video formats and can play high-resolution videos.
Compatibility: Android, iOS.
Advantages:
- Unlike VLC, which requires manual addition of video files, KMPlayer automatically uploads all files from the phone and organizes them according to the names of the folders where they are stored.
- KMPlayer supports 4K and 8K video playback, which makes it ideal if you need high-definition viewing experiences.
- KMPlayer’s interface might initially appear outdated, but you can switch to a more modern one via the settings. This flexibility allows you to choose between classic and updated options.
- KMPlayer enables you to create GIFs directly from videos.
- KMPlayer allows you to adjust frames per second, which provides smoother playback and improved video quality.
- KMPlayer does not feature any advertisements in its free version and offers an uninterrupted viewing experience.
Price: KMPlayer is free to download and use, and all the features mentioned are available free of charge. However, it offers a premium version, priced at approximately $3.99 per month or $19.99 annually ( the specific price for these premium options varies by region).
Rating:
- Google Play Store: 4.1/5
- Apple App Store: 4.3/5
Note: Recently, the KMPlayer team entered the cryptocurrency market. They promote their token. This feature rewards you with cryptocurrency when you use the application. Although unusual for a media player, this integration is a marketing strategy to attract a new audience interested in currency incentives.
Option 3: PLAYit
The next option to consider is PLAYit, a media player that, while not as widely recognized as some competitors, has over 100 million downloads. PLAYit is a basic media player without specialized features. It concentrates on fundamental media playback functionality.
Compatibility: Android, iOS.
Advantages:
- PLAYit automatically identifies video files on phones and SD cards, making it easier to organize and share media files.
- The app allows you to activate a floating play window, enabling them to continue watching videos or listening to music while interacting with other apps or engaging in chats.
- One of PLAYit’s standout features is the floating play window, which allows you to watch videos or listen to music in a small overlay while using other apps.
- If you are interested only in the audio component of videos, PLAYit provides a video-to-audio conversion feature.
- PLAYit allows you to move personal or sensitive videos to a privacy folder that can be secured with a passcode.
Price: You can download and use PLAYit for free. However, the premium version removes advertisements and costs approximately $3.99 per month or $11.99 annually.
Rating:
- Google Play Store: 4.5/5
- Apple App Store: 4.2/5
Note: Like MX Player, PLAYit includes advertisements in its free version. These ads can appear anytime, whether when you select a video, use other app functions, or during media playback, which can disrupt your viewing.
Option 4: Infuse
We will discuss the final alternative to VLC, Infuse, a powerful media player known for its advanced features. This modern media player stands out for its interface and extensive format support, which provide a seamless viewing experience across various devices.
Compatibility: Infuse is optimized explicitly for iOS devices.
Advantages:
- Infuse plays almost any video file directly without the need for conversion and supports a vast array of formats.
- You can integrate Infuse with cloud services like Plex, Dropbox, and Google Drive. This lets you stream media directly without local storage and keeps devices clutter-free.
- With iCloud integration, Infuse syncs all viewing activities across all Apple devices, which allows you to start watching on one device and seamlessly continue on another.
- Infuse includes audio adjustment tools that improve sound quality and provide synchronization across all types of content.
- Unlike other media players, Infuse offers an ad-free experience in its free version for your satisfaction and content engagement.
Price: Infuse offers a free version that includes basic features suitable for casual viewing. For access to the full suite of advanced features, Infuse Pro is available for an annual subscription of $14.99 or a one-time purchase price of $119.99, which provides lifetime access to all current and future features.
Rating:
- Apple App Store: 4.7/5
Note: Unlike some media players that automatically detect and organize all media files from the device, Infuse requires you to add files to the app, similar to VLC manually. This means you must select and import media into Infuse’s library, which could be a drawback if you prefer automatic media management.
Conclusion
In this article, we examine several mobile media players as alternatives to VLC. Each alternative offers features that improve mobile media consumption. They provide intuitive interfaces, wide format support, and additional capabilities such as cloud connectivity and advanced playback options.
If you need a simple media player for mobile devices, the options discussed offer practical alternatives with multiple benefits. However, for more complex tasks like video editing, format conversion, and detailed file management, VLC’s desktop version or similar software is the superior choice. These programs offer functionalities that mobile versions usually lack.
FAQ
How do these media player alternatives manage privacy and data security compared to VLC?
Media player alternatives to VLC often implement standard data security measures. These measures include encryption for data transmission and storage, adherence to privacy laws, and settings that let you control data sharing. However, unlike VLC, which is open-source and the community widely scrutinizes for security vulnerabilities, some alternatives may not disclose their code for public review. You should review the privacy policies of these alternatives to understand how these platforms manage and protect personal data.
Are there any media players among these alternatives that specialize in podcast or audiobook playback?
No of the VLC alternatives mentioned specialize in podcast or audiobook playback. However, applications like Infuse and MX Player provide functionalities that support audio formats and playlist management, which help manage and play podcasts and audiobooks. If you seek specialized podcast or audiobook features, consider dedicated apps created for these purposes.
Which VLC alternatives provide the best customer support and user community?
Among the alternatives to VLC, Infuse stands out for its customer support and active user community. Infuse’s developers engage with users through forums and social media and address bugs and feature requests. KMPlayer and MX Player also maintain active communities where users can seek help and discuss features.
With over a decade in the tech field, Bogdan blends technical expertise with insights on business innovation in technology.
A regular contributor to TMS Outsource's blog, where you'll find sharp analyses on software development, tech business strategies, and global tech dynamics.
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