VLC Media Player for Mac

By VideoLANFreeUser Rating

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Key Details of VLC Media Player

VLC Media Player for Mac - The media player for all your needs
Last updated on June 12, 2024
There have been 7 updates
Virus scan status:
Clean (it's extremely likely that this software program is clean)

The VLC Media Player source code is also available.

Editors' Review

Download.com staffJune 12, 2024

VLC Media Player for Mac - The media player for all your needs

VLC Media Player is a free and open-source media player with a huge fan base among Mac users. It owes its popularity to the wide range of audio and video formats it supports. Be it rare or common file types, VLC will most likely play them all without any problem.

Interface and features

When you first open VLC, you are greeted by a beautiful and useful interface. While it may not have the most visually stunning design, the real secret of VLC is functionality! Playback is very simple and caters to all types of users. The look can be easily customized with various themes and plugins.

Supported formats

VLC supports, MKV, MP4, AVI, MOV, FLAC, MP3, and many more formats, so you don't need to install multiple media playback apps on your Mac.

Ease of use

As mentioned above, VLC is designed to be user-friendly. The controls are simple, and even those who have never used a media player can easily understand the application. VLC also offers advanced features for those who want to enhance their viewing experience. These include video filters, audio settings, and subtitle synchronization options.

Compatibility

VLC is available for various platforms, including macOS, Windows, Linux, iOS and Android. This cross-platform compatibility allows you to enjoy your media seamlessly across different devices. The Mac version integrates well with the operating system, providing a familiar user experience.

Who is it suitable for?

VLC is an excellent choice for anyone who needs a reliable and versatile media player on their Mac. It is especially well-suited for those who work with various audio and video formats. Whether you are a casual user who likes to watch movies or a professional who needs a powerful playback tool, VLC will not disappoint you.

Additional features

Beyond basic playback, VLC offers several additional features that extend its functionality. These include the following:

Streaming: You can stream media from online sources directly from within the player.
Conversion: VLC can convert media files between different formats.
Screen recording: You can record your screen or webcam using VLC.
Webcam and microphone support: VLC can access your webcam and microphone for video calls or recordings.

Bottom Line

VLC Media Player for Mac is a true multimedia application. Its wide format support, user-friendly interface, and additional features make it a valuable asset for every Mac user. Whether you are a movie buff, a music lover, or a professional who works with media regularly, VLC is a reliable and versatile tool that will not disappoint you. Download it now and experience the convenience and power of this exceptional media player.

What's new in version 3.0.21

Two vulnerabilities fixed in VLC media player.

Explore More

Full Specifications

GENERAL

Release: August 14, 2020

Latest update: June 12, 2024

Version: 3.0.21

OPERATING SYSTEMS

Platform: Mac

Operating System: Mac OS X

POPULARITY

Total Downloads: 7,001,556

Downloads Last Week: 394

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User Reviews

4.2/5

339 User Votes

My favorite media software
muffin_man123September 13, 2017
Pros
Loads very quickly, has all the features I need.
Cons
Can't think of any cons.
Summary
A must-have app for every Mac user.
patrickmoore85September 9, 2017
Pros
- Intuitive interface - Minimalistic, no bloat - Runs pretty much everything
Cons
- Not much really.
Summary
VLC is always one of the first apps I download on a fresh Mac installation. Highly recommended.
Simply awesome
HaggstromAugust 14, 2017
Pros
The only player I've found that lets you play all the video file types you need, with all subtitle file types you need, and without stuttering playback. Features subtitle track synchronization and lots of video filter options.
Cons
Not the built-in video player on Windows, but I think that's Microsoft's fault.
Summary
Easy, sufficient
ClavinnicMarch 28, 2017
Pros
Easy and sufficient tool.
Cons
UI needs to be improved.
Summary
powerful media player
pandabearrrMarch 1, 2017
Pros
nice app if you need to playback your videos; supports numerous fotmats
Cons
a little bit messy interface, but you can get used to it
Summary
will stay with VLC, it's free and works smoothly
Destroyed my speakers
wavingflag2016December 26, 2016
Pros
It has most features you need from a video player. I used to love it (emphasis on used to, as I have now uninstalled it).
Cons
VLC has a feature to increase the volume up to 200% which I used to play some movies where the sound was too soft. However there was no warning that this would destroy my speakers. Neither VLC reverted the amplification back to normal when starting to play a new video / audio file. The developers state that the software can't increase the volume beyond what the sound driver can produce. True it won't increase the voltage output beyond 100%. Instead it amplifies the quiet sounds while clipping the louder ones. So instead of a nice smooth sound wave that your speakers were designed to handle it produces a square clipped sound at 200% amplification. And your speakers AREN'T designed to handle that. It's so bad that Dell and other laptop manufacturers will have your warranty voided if they find VLC installed on your computer during repair.
Summary
Amazingly compatible media player
davinkaufMay 14, 2016
Pros
I have been using this player from the start of time. Works great on both Windows and Mac. 1 Amazing compatibility with various different formats 2 Easy enough UI and simple 3 Not many crashes 4 Playlist capability 5 Run full screen and control full screen
Cons
1 Playlist capability could be made easier to use 2 When running in full screen, it would be cool to get a hover over list of files in the playlist.
Summary
Very useful
OJBMay 5, 2016
Pros
Plays stuff that other video players don't know what to do with.
Cons
Interface is a bit clunky.
Summary
If the video file will play in QuickTime Player I will use that but VLC is always there for the tricky stuff.
get rid of it if you installed it
hagan199December 21, 2015
Pros
no pros at all
Cons
i will not use it again
Summary
i have downloaded only cons
i have downloaded only cons,see cons
reesrlong11December 20, 2015
Pros
no pros at all
Cons
i will not use it again
Summary
i have downloaded only cons,see cons

Developer's Description

By VideoLAN

Play nearly any audio or video file without additional codecs.

VLC (initially VideoLAN Client) is a highly portable multimedia player for various audio and video formats, including MPEG-1, MPEG-2, MPEG-4, DivX, MP3, and OGG, as well as for DVDs, VCDs, and various streaming protocols. It also can be used as a server for unicast or multicast streams in IPv4 or IPv6 on a high-bandwidth network.

VLC Media Player for Mac

Key Details of VLC Media Player

Editors' Review

Interface and features

Supported formats

Ease of use

Compatibility

Who is it suitable for?

Additional features

Bottom Line

What's new in version 3.0.21

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Full Specifications

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ReelSmart Motion Blur

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User Reviews

My favorite media software

A must-have app for every Mac user.

Simply awesome

Easy, sufficient

powerful media player

Destroyed my speakers

Amazingly compatible media player

Very useful

get rid of it if you installed it

i have downloaded only cons,see cons

Developer's Description