Comparison

VLC Remote vs Remote for VLC, PC & Mac

Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.

Head to head
About

VLC Remote

Control your VLC Media Player on Mac or PC from your iPhone or iPad. Manage playback, volume, subtitles, and more, all from your couch. Offers a free version with ads and limited features, with an upgrade option for full functionality.

Highlights
  • Remote control for VLC Media Player
  • Play, pause, stop, and navigate media
  • Control volume and aspect ratio
  • Manage subtitles and audio tracks
  • View cover art and playlist
  • Today widget for quick access
Features
Read full description

VLC Remote® lets you remotely control your VLC Media Player on your Mac or PC. For iPhone iPad! Awarded Gizmodo's “Essential iPhone App” three years running. Awarded T3's “Best iPhone Apps”. The free version is identical to the paid version except for two things: 1) The free version shows adverts. 2) The free version won't let you browse to open files from the remote. You'll have to get up of your sofa and do that manually until you upgrade! “The new VLC Remote app is simply stunning! It works a treat and it feels professional and powerful. Love it.” - Adam, London “The update for the iPhone version is *amazing* - it looks so polished - not that I had any complaints before.” - Rich • Features • — Easily control VLC from your sofa! — Today widget for even faster access to your controls — Works with VLC on your Mac, PC or Linux machine — Automatically scans your local network for VLC players — Universal app fully supported for iPhone and iPad — Stop, Play and Pause — Full DVD controls — Control volume, position, next track and previous track — Turn fullscreen on and off — Use the graphical equaliser — See your cover art — Control subtitles, aspect ratio, audio track and delays — Use the picker control for fine control of volume and position — View the playlist and play files from it — Free setup helper quickly configures VLC for use with the remote VLC is a great, free and popular media player that can handle almost any file format. VLC Remote® lets you sit back enjoy your movies and music while you control things from your easy chair. It is a joy to use - no more reaching for the mouse when you want to pause your show, select the next episode, or play some different music. • Reviews • “Needless to say, we loved this app for everything it’s got.” -AppsTouch.com “Basically, if you use VLC and have an iPhone you will soon find that this is an essential app to enhance your home movie experience.” - T3.com “5/5 Simply put if you have an iPhone or iPod touch and use VLC on your computer then you need this app.” -AppCrunch “As far as I'm concerned, this is a necessary download! ... Works great, setup was super easy and I use this every day. MUST HAVE!!!” -US Reviewer • System Requirements • - Supports VLC on Windows, Mac and Linux - Free setup helper quickly configures VLC for use with the remote - Supports VLC 2.0 and above - Supports Windows, Vista, Windows 7 and Window 8 - Supports Mac OS 10.7 and above. • Response to feedback • -If you do have any problems connecting to VLC, then please just check the help instructions in the app. Feel free to drop me an email (my personal mail is in the app) if you need help. Enjoy! • Languages • VLC Remote is currently translated to 22 languages. If you are willing to translate it to your language, or would like to improve the translations, please head over to http://translate.HobbyistSoftware.com • Subscription Information • VLC Remote is supported through an auto-renewing subscription which you can choose to purchase within the app. • The subscription is called 'VLC Remote Annual Subscription' • It is an annual subscription. It lets you use all commands including browsing for an unlimited number of devices. • Payment will be charged to iTunes Account at confirmation of purchase • Subscription automatically renews unless auto-renew is turned off at least 24-hours before the end of the current period • Account will be charged for renewal within 24-hours prior to the end of the current period • Subscriptions may be managed by the user and auto-renewal may be turned off by going to the user's Account Settings after purchase • Terms of use are available at https://HobbyistSoftware.com/terms • Privacy policy is available at https://HobbyistSoftware.com/privacy

About

Remote for VLC, PC & Mac

Control VLC media player, your computer's mouse, and keyboard remotely from your smartphone or tablet. Browse files, manage playlists, and even control streaming services like Netflix and YouTube without leaving your couch.

Highlights
  • Control VLC Media Player
  • PC and Mac remote control
  • Mouse and keyboard emulation
  • Browse computer files
  • Manage playlists
  • Control YouTube and streaming services
  • Add subtitle files
Features
Read full description

The simplest VLC Remote you'll ever find. Period. But now the simplest VLC Remote is also a complete Mac Remote & PC Remote app. Groping in the dark for keyboard shortcuts whilst watching a movie or racing to your computer in the middle of a steamy date just to change the music track? well, you'll no longer have to do that. Meet VLC media player’s most compatible, up-to-date and user-friendly partner—VLC Mobile Remote for iOS. VLC M Remote is the most convenient way of controlling VLC Player from your smartphones and tablets. No more couch-to-computer workouts. If you watch movies and videos offline or online on your computers, this VLC Remote gives you the awesome power to control VLC Media Player wherever you're seated, whether in the kitchen or in the garden. Just install the app, sit back, relax and remotely control VLC Player, Netflix, YouTube and Amazon Prime from the couch. Works well with VLC running on both Desktops & Laptops based Windows, Mac OS or Linux. "This is the best remote app for VLC and can't even think about watching movies without it" - Vishal "App does everything I need it to with a modern UI and nice features. Setup is very in-depth and simple to understand" - Colby347 Remote for VLC This VLC Remote Control App lets you control VLC Media Player on your desktop or laptop and allows you to browse, play your computer files as well as YouTube videos. + With this VLC Remote App, You don't need to install any software on your PC or Mac! (or alternatively, install our helper app, VMR Connect to your PC/Mac for easy setup) + 'Setup Wizard' step by step guide makes it easy to setup VLC Media Player with this VLC Remote app. + Control VLC from Apple Watches + This VLC Remote App auto connects to VLC Player when you're on same Wi-Fi + Stop, Play and Pause + Control volume, next track and previous track + Seek control, fast forward and fast rewind + Toggle full-screen, Repeat, Shuffle, Loop, Aspect Ratio, Audio Track + Manage Subtitle, playback speed, crop + DVD Controls + Use this app as a PC remote to access all your media files. + Works as a YouTube remote. + Manage playlist + Add subtitle files to currently playing video (supports .srt files only and requires VLC v2.2.0 or up). + Play online media files (Website videos, radio channels etc) + Take screenshot or snap of video frame + Set a folder as 'Home location' + Save favourite folders + Home Screen Widget & Notification controls + Lock screen notification controls/widget + Incoming call handling with soft pause & soft resume options + Use device volume buttons to control VLC volume + Handle multiple files on the saved computer + Fast scrolling on browse & playlists + Switch Audio output devices + Sort Browse list + Save multiple host/computer addresses + Quit VLC Media player directly from the App PC Remote & Mac Remote (Windows & Mac) With VMR Connect on your Windows PC or Mac, it also works as a complete Remote for your PC or Mac. This app is the most convenient way to watch not only offline videos but also online videos from Netflix, YouTube, Amazon Prime, HBO, HotStar etc. + Mouse & Keyboard Remote + System Power Control (Shutdown, restart, sleep etc) + Works as Netflix Remote, Amazon Prime Remote, YouTube Remote. + Remote control for any media player. + Launch and Control Chrome, Firefox or any other internet browser on your PC/Mac. All You Need + VLC Media player ( v2.0 or newer) on your Windows PC, Mac computers or Linux PC + Common local network (LAN or WiFi) connection between your phone & desktop or laptop + Install VMR Connect (Optional) to Windows PC or Mac from https://vlcmobileremote.com/download Supported Operating Systems + Works as a VLC Remote with Windows, OSX/Mac OS and Linux operating systems. + With Windows systems, works as a PC Remote Controller. + Also Works as Mac Remote for Mac OS running devices. Visit our website for more info - https://vlcmobileremote.com/ "Terms of Use: https://vlcmobileremote.com/terms/"

Screenshots

VLC Remote4 screens
Remote for VLC, PC & Mac4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is rating: VLC Remote at 4.7 against Remote for VLC, PC & Mac's 4.1. VLC Remote also leads on ads (none vs shown) and review sentiment (66% vs 52%). On price, ratings volume, in-app purchases and monetization model there is nothing between them.

Scored on Price · Rating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings · Update frequency · Ads · In-app purchases · Monetization · Best chart rank · Devices · Requires iOS

CostPrice · In-app purchases · Ads · Monetization

Both are free to download. VLC Remote sells 1 in-app purchase, starting at $4.99 per year and Remote for VLC, PC & Mac sells 11 in-app purchases, starting at $3.99 per year. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

ReceptionRating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings

VLC Remote holds the better App Store score, 4.7 against 4.1. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 599 and 469 respectively. Written reviews point the same way: 66% of VLC Remote's written reviews are positive against 52% of Remote for VLC, PC & Mac's.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

VLC Remote ships an update monthly, Remote for VLC, PC & Mac every 3 months. The most recent releases landed on October 29, 2026 and October 24, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard5 real differences · 5 level
VLC Remote versus Remote for VLC, PC & Mac: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterVLC RemoteRemote for VLC, PC & Mac
PriceFreeFree
Rating4.7 (599 ratings) — better4.1 (469 ratings)
Positive reviews66.3% of reviews — better51.7% of reviews
Number of ratings599 — better469
Update frequencyMonthly — betterEvery 3 months
AdsNo — betterYes
In-app purchasesYesYes
MonetizationFree with in-app purchasesFree with in-app purchases
DevicesiPhone, iPad, iPodiPhone, iPad, iPod, Apple Watch — better
Requires iOS12.1 — better15.0
Further details — not scored
Size40 MB38 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperHobbyist Software LimitedAdarsh Urs

Customer experience

VLC Remote

All ratings599 ratings
Positive94.2%
Neutral2.3%
Negative3.5%
Written reviews653 reviews
Positive66.3%
Neutral6.9%
Negative26.8%

Remote for VLC, PC & Mac

All ratings435 ratings
Positive77.5%
Neutral5.5%
Negative17.0%
Written reviews209 reviews
Positive51.7%
Neutral8.6%
Negative39.7%

User reviews

VLC Remote

From 599 App Store ratings

What we love

  • 🚀 Easy to set up
  • 👍 Convenient remote control
  • 💡 Ability to browse files and playlists
  • 🚀 Responsive controls
  • 👍 Useful for watching movies from the couch

Room to improve

  • 🐛 Frequent disconnections and crashes
  • 👎 Confusing or outdated interface
  • 🔒 Potential security concerns with required software installation
  • 👎 Limited functionality in free version
  • 💰 Expensive subscription for full version

Remote for VLC, PC & Mac

From 469 App Store ratings

What we love

  • 👍 Convenient remote control
  • 🚀 Works across platforms
  • 💡 Useful features like YouTube control
  • 👍 Easy setup

Room to improve

  • 🐛 Frequent crashes and disconnections
  • 🔋 High battery consumption
  • 💩 Intrusive ads
  • 🤯 Confusing and unintuitive UI

Bugs and requests

VLC Remote

Reported bugs

4 issues
  • Search function not working
  • Playlist not updating correctly
  • Frequent crashes or freezes
  • Incompatibility with newer OS versions

Requested features

4 requests
  • Chromecast support
  • System volume control
  • Headset mode
  • Ability to respond to dialog boxes on the local machine

Remote for VLC, PC & Mac

Reported bugs

4 issues
  • Incompatible with latest iOS/macOS versions
  • Issues with mouse/touch controls
  • Purchased features not working as expected
  • Unexpected behavior when pausing/stopping playback

Requested features

4 requests
  • Dark mode option
  • Ability to control brightness and other system functions
  • Better support for VLC 3.0
  • Customizable themes and colors

In-app purchases

1 purchases

VLC Remote

Subscriptions1
  • Full Control - Annual7 Days trial$4.991 Year
11 purchases

Remote for VLC, PC & Mac

Subscriptions1
  • Full Features (Yearly)7 Days trial$3.991 Year
One-time10
  • Netflix Controls$0.99
  • Power Controls$0.99
  • Chrome/Safari/Firefox Controls$0.99
Show 7 more
  • Amazon Prime Controls$0.99
  • Unlock VLC Features$2.99
  • Unlock VLC Features & No Ads$2.99
  • Mouse & Keyboard Controls$2.99
  • Ad Remover$3.99
  • Full Features (For Lifetime)$5.99
  • All Features Without VLC$7.99

Questions

Is VLC Remote free?
VLC Remote is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Is Remote for VLC, PC & Mac free?
Remote for VLC, PC & Mac is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Which has better reviews, VLC Remote or Remote for VLC, PC & Mac?
VLC Remote is rated higher. VLC Remote averages 4.7 out of 5 from 599 ratings, while Remote for VLC, PC & Mac averages 4.1 from 469 ratings.
Do VLC Remote or Remote for VLC, PC & Mac have ads?
Remote for VLC, PC & Mac shows ads; VLC Remote does not.
Which is updated more often, VLC Remote or Remote for VLC, PC & Mac?
VLC Remote ships an update monthly, and Remote for VLC, PC & Mac every 3 months. Most recently, VLC Remote was updated on October 29, 2026 and Remote for VLC, PC & Mac on October 24, 2026.

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