VLC (VideoLan Client) is a great media player and streaming service for Mac users. It supports several video formats, including well-known ones like MP4 and MKV as well as lesser-known ones like VCD (Video Compact Disc) and SVCD (Super Video Compact Disc).
It also has a limited range of plugins and codecs, which makes it easy to play certain media files. However, the VLC player isn’t the only video player for Mac that provides these functionalities. Many VLC alternatives for Mac available in the market can offer you more features and better compatibility with certain formats.
In this article, we will look at 7 of the best VLC alternatives for Mac in 2023. Each of these VLC alternatives has its own unique set of features and advantages over VLC on Mac. Let’s take a look at what these VLC alternatives have to offer.
VLC Alternatives for Mac
1. 5KPlayer
5kPlayer is a free video player for Mac designed with 4K/5K video playback in mind, and it has support for various popular video formats like MP4, MKV, AAC, APC, and FLAC, including some special formats such as H265 HEVC.
It has the 5kPlayer menu which gives you quick access to features such as a video player, music player, DVD player, Radio, and YouTube Downloader. The software also features the AirPlay menu and the Library tab which lets you manage music, videos, downloads, and playlists without any hassle.
The only issue you’d likely face with this app is the unnecessary invasion of ads. Otherwise, this is an amazing alternative to VLC.
5kPlayer Key Features
- Supports Apple AirPlay
- Satellite radio playback
- Can download videos from popular streaming platforms.
- Supports 5k playback
2. GOM Player
GOM Player for Mac is also a good VLC alternative for Mac that’s easy to install and comes with an intuitive interface and minimalistic design. With more than basic media player capabilities, it allows you to enjoy a wide array of downloading media items from both your Mac or PC.
With GomPlayer, you can play video in Ultra HD, 4k, and 360 degrees with no issues. You also don’t need to worry about subtitles when watching videos on GOMPlayer as the software can automatically detect and sync subtitles of videos being played.
The video player’s free plan comes with ads but you can subscribe to the pro version to watch video ads free.
GOM top Features:
- Supports 360-degree VR Playback.
- Play videos in multiple media formats.
- Automatically detect and sync subtitles.
3. Movist
Movist is a VLC substitute for Mac that offers a simple, interactive user interface and lots of features. An interesting feature of Movist is its HDR tone mapping. This feature allows you to use the full range of colors on your Mac screen.
The UI consists of two panels – one to show the list of videos and another to display the current video – making it easy to play, pause, and switch between videos. Movist is great for those who need a VLC alternative with more features and customization options.
Movist also supports Apple Remote. So you can control your viewing experience from the comfort of your couch.
Movist Top Features
- Supports smi and srt subtitle formats
- Supports QuickTime and FFmpeg
- Media playback control
4. Elmedia Player
Elmedia comes with an impressive feature set, including 4K and 5K video playback, streaming capabilities, and AirPlay support.
It also has varieties of customization options to make your viewing experience more tailored. You can adjust subtitle settings, sound effects levels, color adjustments, screen size adjustments, and more.
Elmedia is also one more VLC alternative for Mac with support for the Apple Remote. You can easily control your media playback from your bed or couch comfortably.
Elmedia main features
- Supports 4K and 5K video playback
- Streaming capabilities
- Customizable color theme
- Bookmarks
- Adjustable speed
- Wide language library for subtitles
5. MPlayerX Media Player
Another media player that tops the list of VLC alternatives is MPlayerX. This is a featherweight player that stands out mostly for its autonomous viewing. It is user-friendly and easy to set up. MPlayerX has buttons and controls boldly displayed for quick access and better playback.
MPlayerX automatically detects similar files and creates a particular folder for them. So, if you have your favorite movie episodes on your Mac, as long as they carry the same file name, MPlayerX will arrange them accordingly.
MPlayerX Media Player
- Full gesture control
- Well organized playlist
- Audio/Subtitles merge
- Modern playback options
6. IINA
IINA is an open-source player that supports all audio and video formats out there. It accommodates Split mode, Picture in Picture and so much more.
This media player can be well customized according to your taste. You can adjust keyboard shortcuts, liven your user interface with different themes, and move features around to suit you.
IINA even has a dark mode feature if you are the nocturnal type. This is one characteristic VLC lacks.
IINA key features
- Gesture mode
- Dark theme
- PiP mode
- Customizable user interface
- Netflix and Airplay support
7. DivX
What do you think about putting passwords on your videos? This is an outstanding feature DivX gives its users access to. You can now protect certain videos from being accessed by strangers.
DivX has both a free and paid version. The version consumers subscribe to features additional functionalities like Variable bit rate encoding, video transfers and subtitles.
You can play both HD and Blu-ray videos on this app. It can play different types of multimedia files. Another unique attribute of this app is how you can broadcast DLNA-compatible devices on your local network.
DivX major features
- Play from Google Drive or Dropbox
- DLNA streaming
- Media library
Wrap up
Though you may miss using VLC after you change to a different video player, you will be exposed to a couple of other alternatives to VLC player for your Mac come #023. Which one did you love the most? Drop your thoughts in the comment section.
