# VLC Remote vs Fast Player

The clearest difference is ads: VLC Remote at none against Fast Player's shown. VLC Remote also leads on iOS requirement (12.1 vs 15.0). Fast Player's advantage is ratings volume (5K vs 594). On price, rating, review sentiment and update cadence there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. VLC Remote sells 1 in-app purchase, starting at $4.99 per year and Fast Player sells 5 in-app purchases, starting at $3.99 per year. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

VLC Remote holds the better App Store score, 4.7 against 4.5. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Fast Player has 5K ratings behind it against 594, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews complicate that: 67% of VLC Remote's written reviews are positive against 68% of Fast Player's, so the app with the better star average is not the one people write more warmly about.

VLC Remote ships an update monthly, Fast Player every 3 weeks. The most recent releases landed on October 19, 2026 and October 21, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | VLC Remote | Fast Player |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[4.7 (594 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/vlc-remote/id299344206/reviews)** | [4.5 (5K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/fast-player-video-player/id1320554555/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | 594 | **5K** |
| Positive reviews | 66.5% of reviews | **67.9% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | **No** | Yes |
| Update frequency | Monthly | **Every 3 weeks** |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | Free with in-app purchases |
| Size | 40 MB | 161 MB |
| Requires iOS | **12.1** | 15.0 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Age rating | 4+ | 17+ |
| Developer | [Hobbyist Software Limited](https://appshunter.io/developer/291218199) | [章健 杨](https://appshunter.io/developer/1566849627) |

## What reviewers say

### VLC Remote

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/vlc-remote/id299344206)

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:** Family Sharing, Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases (1)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Full Control - Annual | $4.99 | per year |

**What reviewers like**

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

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 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

**Reported bugs**

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

**Requested features**

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


### Fast Player

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/fast-player-video-player/id1320554555)

This app plays nearly all audio and video formats, including M3U8 playlists and streaming videos. It offers advanced playback controls, custom subtitle support, and multiple file transfer methods. Secure your media with password protection and enjoy casting to your TV.

**Highlights:** Plays all audio/video formats, M3U8 playlist and IPTV support, Custom subtitle downloads, Multiple file transfer options, Cloud drive integration, Casting to TV (Chromecast, AirPlay), Archive file support, Password protection for privacy

**Features:** macOS Compatibility, Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases (5)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Annual professional version | $3.99 | per year |
| Compress / unzip the file | $0.99 | one-time |
| Remove Ads | $0.99 | one-time |
| Passcode Lock | $0.99 | one-time |
| Professional Version | $5.99 | one-time |

**What reviewers like**

- 🚀 Fast and user-friendly
- 👍 Versatile and plays various file formats
- 💡 Useful for transferring and managing media files
- 👍 Simple and intuitive interface

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Occasional freezing and crashing issues
- 🔋 High battery consumption
- 📢 Intrusive ads in free version
- 🔒 Concerns about data privacy and sharing

**Reported bugs**

- Videos not playing correctly or only showing audio
- App failing to remember playback position
- Issues with file format compatibility
- Unexpected app crashes and freezes

**Requested features**

- Add shuffle and repeat options
- Implement picture-in-picture mode
- Improve playlist management and file ordering
- Provide better Bluetooth/AirPlay support


## Frequently asked questions

### Is VLC Remote free?

VLC Remote is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Is Fast Player free?

Fast Player is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Which has better reviews, VLC Remote or Fast Player?

VLC Remote is rated higher. VLC Remote averages 4.7 out of 5 from 594 ratings, while Fast Player averages 4.5 from 5K ratings.

### Do VLC Remote or Fast Player have ads?

Fast Player shows ads; VLC Remote does not.

### Which is updated more often, VLC Remote or Fast Player?

VLC Remote ships an update monthly, and Fast Player every 3 weeks. Most recently, VLC Remote was updated on October 19, 2026 and Fast Player on October 21, 2026.

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*Compared by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/) from daily US App Store data. Review summaries are generated from verbatim App Store reviews.*