Free forever
Software
VLC Media Player
A free, open-source multimedia player for local files, discs, devices and network streams across desktop and mobile platforms.
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Last checked Aug 9, 2026
What is free?
VLC is free and open-source software for playing most multimedia files, DVDs, audio CDs, VCDs, devices and network streams. VideoLAN provides versions for Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS and Android and states that VLC has no ads, spyware or user tracking. There is no paid VLC playback tier or output watermark.
What are the limitations?
“Plays most files” is not a guarantee that every damaged, protected or unusually encoded file will work. Commercial DVD or Blu-ray playback can depend on disc encryption, regional law and components outside the standard application. Media files and streams can carry security risk, so VLC should be kept updated and untrusted files or links treated cautiously.
Who is it best for?
People who want one dependable player for many local audio/video formats and streams without ads, accounts or bundled codec packs.
Muft verdict
A strong default media player because it is broad, cross-platform and genuinely free. Its value is local playback flexibility, not access to paid streaming libraries or a promise to bypass protected media.