Is VLC really free with no ads?
Yes, VLC is completely free and open-source with zero advertisements or in-app purchases. It's developed by volunteers and funded through donations. Your privacy is guaranteed with no data tracking.
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VLC Media Player – Free Universal Multimedia Player
Free and open source multimedia player
VLC is a free, open-source multimedia player supporting all video and audio formats with advanced playback features.
About VLC for Android / VLC media player for iOS
VLC is a free, open-source cross-platform multimedia player that plays most multimedia files as well as discs, devices, and network streaming protocols without requiring separate codec downloads. It supports all major formats including MKV, MP4, AVI, MOV, Ogg, FLAC, and more.
VLC for Android serves as a complete audio and video player with an integrated media library, equalizer, audio filters, and network streaming capabilities. It enables playback from local storage, network shares, DVD ISOs, and internet streams while offering advanced gesture controls and subtitle synchronization.
Features Of VLC for Android / VLC media player for iOS
- Plays all video and audio formats including MKV, MP4, AVI, MOV, FLAC, and TS files
- Built-in support for subtitles in multiple formats with full synchronization controls
- Gesture-based controls for volume, brightness, seeking, and playback adjustments
- Multi-track audio and subtitle support for complex media files
- Network streaming from SMB, FTP, SFTP, NFS, and UPnP/DLNA media servers
- Complete audio library with equalizer and audio filter customization options
- Playlist management with media library browsing and organization
- Chromecast and media server integration for seamless content sharing
Premium Features in the Paid Plan
- Advanced bookmarking and navigation for quick access to content sections
- Playback speed adjustment for customized viewing and listening preferences
- AV1 codec support for next-generation video formats
- Subtitle download integration from online databases
- Remote access feature for network-based playback control
- Parental control options for family-safe viewing
- Wi-Fi file sharing between devices and computers
- Hardware-accelerated decoding for smooth 4K playback
Free - No ads, no in-app purchases, completely open source
Free vs Premium Comparison
| Feature | Free | Premium |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | Completely free with no hidden fees | No premium tier - free version includes all features |
| Format Support | All formats including MKV, MP4, FLAC, TS, AVI | Same comprehensive format support as free |
| Advertisements | Zero ads or sponsored content | No ads in any version - completely ad-free |
| Subtitle Features | Multiple format support with sync adjustment | Full SSA compatibility and advanced rendering |
| Network Streaming | SMB, FTP, SFTP, NFS, UPnP/DLNA support | Same capabilities plus advanced remote features |
| Data Collection | Zero tracking or personal data collection | Fully privacy-respecting across all features |
Frequently Asked Questions
What video formats does VLC support?
VLC supports virtually all popular formats including MP4, MKV, AVI, MOV, FLV, WEBM, OGG, and many others. All necessary codecs are built-in, so no additional downloads are required for compatibility.
Can I stream content from network servers?
Yes, VLC supports streaming from SMB, FTP, SFTP, NFS, and UPnP/DLNA media servers. You can access files stored on computers, NAS drives, and network shares directly through the app.
How do I adjust subtitle synchronization?
During playback, access the playback controls and look for subtitle settings. VLC allows you to adjust subtitle delay in milliseconds or disable them entirely. Settings are available in the video options menu.
Does VLC work on all devices?
VLC is available for Android 5.0+, iOS 9.0+, Android TV, and multiple other platforms. It's designed to work on phones, tablets, smart TVs, and even older devices with minimal hardware requirements.
Can I download videos for offline viewing?
VLC doesn't download from streaming services due to copyright restrictions. However, you can copy media files to your device storage and play them offline without any limitations or internet connection.
