Compare software

VLC media playerRealPlayer
Free

Free software from a non-profit; there is no paid tier and no advertising in the player.

 Free

The desktop player is offered as a free download.

Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS Windows, Android, iOS
  • Plays an unusually wide list of codecs and containers out of the box, including MPEG-1/2, H.264, H.265, VP8/VP9…
  • No spyware, no advertising and no user tracking, stated on the project feature page
  • Video downloader with resolution, codec and audio language choices
  • Records live streams in real time
  • The stable desktop line is still 3.0.23; the 4.0 interface rewrite has not shipped
  • The interface is functional rather than modern, and advanced options are buried in preference dialogs
  • Closed source
  • Downloading from some sites may conflict with their terms of service
Downloadable app Downloadable app
Open source Closed source
License: GPL-2.0 License not stated
No account needed Not stated if an account is needed
Works offline Not stated if it works offline

Checked September 20, 2026

Checked October 2, 2026

Catalog facts only. Anything “not stated” is unconfirmed. Check full listings for details.