Free & Open Source

VLC Media Player

The free and open-source multimedia player that plays everything.

VLC is a powerful, cross-platform multimedia player that plays most multimedia files, DVDs, Audio CDs, VCDs, and various streaming protocols—without needing any codec packs.

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Free & Open Source No Spyware, No Ads Plays Everything

One Player, Every Device

VLC runs seamlessly on Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, and Android. Your favorite media player goes wherever you go, with the same powerful features and intuitive interface across all platforms.

Why Choose VLC?

VLC is simple, fast, and powerful. It plays most codecs out of the box and runs on all major platforms with no spyware or ads.

Plays Everything

Files, Discs, Webcams, Devices, and Streams. One player for all your media.

No Codec Packs Needed

Plays most codecs including MPEG-2, MPEG-4, H.264, MKV, WebM, WMV, MP3, and more.

Cross-Platform

Available for Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android, and more. This page focuses on Windows and macOS.

Completely Free

No spyware, no ads, no user tracking. Truly free and open-source.

Hardware Decoding

GPU-accelerated decoding on most platforms for smooth, efficient playback.

Advanced Filters

Video and audio filters, subtitle synchronization, effects, and more.

Format Conversion

Convert media files into various supported formats easily.

Streaming Support

Stream over networks and the internet with various protocols.

VLC Media Player multimedia interface on Windows

Clean Windows Interface

VLC on Windows offers a straightforward, efficient interface. Play multiple media files, manage playlists, and access all controls from one window. No clutter, no distractions.

Plays Nearly Every Format

VLC supports an extensive range of video and audio codecs, container formats, and streaming protocols.

Video Codecs

MPEG-1 / MPEG-2
MPEG-4, H.264/AVC
H.265/HEVC
DivX, XviD
VP8 / VP9
Theora, WMV
and more

Audio Codecs

MP3, AAC
FLAC, Vorbis
AC3, DTS
WMA, ALAC
Opus
and more

Container Formats

MKV, MP4
AVI, MOV
WMV, FLV
OGG, WebM
and more

Download VLC Media Player

Get VLC for Windows or macOS—completely free, open-source, and available now.

VLC for Windows

Compatible with Windows 10, 11, and earlier versions.

Download for Windows

Version 3.0.21 • 38 MB

VLC for macOS

Compatible with macOS 10.10 and later, including Apple Silicon.

Download for macOS

Version 3.0.21

VLC is also available for Linux, iOS, Android, and other platforms.

See VLC in Action

VLC features a clean, intuitive interface that's easy to use and highly customizable.

VLC Media Player on Windows playing a movie — Windows – Main interface

VLC Media Player UI with multiple media windows on Windows — Windows – Playback

VLC Media Player interface on macOS — macOS – Interface

VLC Media Player music playlist and equalizer on macOS — macOS – Playlist & Equalizer

View All Screenshots

VLC Media Player for home entertainment and TV viewing

Perfect for Home Entertainment

Enjoy your movies, music, and videos on any screen. VLC supports streaming to smart TVs, Chromecast, and other devices, turning your living room into a personal cinema.

About VLC Media Player

What Is VLC Media Player?

VLC Media Player is a free, open-source, cross-platform multimedia player and framework that plays virtually any video or audio format. Whether you need a video player for Windows, a media player for Mac, or an audio player for your favorite music files, VLC handles it all without requiring additional codec packs.

Why Millions Trust VLC

Since its launch, VLC has become one of the most popular free media players worldwide. Users choose VLC for its reliability, versatility, and strong commitment to privacy. The player supports DVDs, Audio CDs, streaming protocols, webcams, and network streams—making it a complete multimedia solution for both casual viewers and power users.

Free, Safe, and Private

VLC is completely free to download and use. There are no ads, no spyware, and no user tracking. The software is maintained by a non-profit organization and a global community of volunteers, and is licensed under the GNU General Public License. When you download VLC for Windows or VLC for Mac, you get a trustworthy media player with no hidden costs or bundled software.

VLC is maintained by a non-profit organization and a community of volunteers dedicated to providing free, open-source multimedia software.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is VLC Media Player?

VLC is a free and open-source cross-platform multimedia player that plays most multimedia files, DVDs, Audio CDs, VCDs, and various streaming protocols. It requires no codec packs.

Is VLC really free?

Yes. VLC is completely free with no ads, no spyware, and no user tracking. It's open-source and licensed under the GNU General Public License.

What formats does VLC support?

VLC supports a wide range of video codecs (MPEG-2, H.264, MKV, WebM, WMV, etc.), audio codecs (MP3, AAC, FLAC, Vorbis, etc.), and container formats (MKV, MP4, AVI, MOV, and more).

Does VLC work on Windows and macOS?

Yes. VLC runs on Windows 10/11 and earlier, and on macOS 10.10 and later (including Apple Silicon). You can download it from this page.

Does VLC contain ads or spyware?

No. VLC has no ads, no spyware, and no user tracking. It's built by a non-profit organization and a community of volunteers.

Can VLC play DVDs and Blu-rays?

VLC can play DVDs. Blu-ray playback may require additional libraries depending on your region and system. VLC supports most disc and file-based media.

How do I customize VLC?

You can customize VLC through the Preferences menu: adjust video and audio effects, change the interface, set hotkeys, and configure streaming and conversion options.

Ready to enjoy the best multimedia experience? Download VLC now.

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