# VLC Remote vs KMPlayer

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: KMPlayer at none against VLC Remote's 1. KMPlayer also leads on update cadence (every 9 days vs monthly) and ratings volume (3.2K vs 594). VLC Remote's advantage is rating (4.7 vs 4.3). On price, review sentiment, ads and device support there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. VLC Remote sells 1 in-app purchase, starting at $4.99 per year. KMPlayer asks for nothing beyond the download.

VLC Remote holds the better App Store score, 4.7 against 4.3. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: KMPlayer has 3.2K ratings behind it against 594, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews split almost evenly too, at 67% and 66% positive.

VLC Remote ships an update monthly, KMPlayer every 9 days. The most recent releases landed on October 6, 2026 and October 12, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | VLC Remote | KMPlayer |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[4.7 (594 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/vlc-remote/id299344206/reviews)** | [4.3 (3.2K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/kmplayer/id835776444/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | 594 | **3.2K** |
| Positive reviews | **66.5% of reviews** | 66.3% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | Yes | **No** |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Monthly | **Every 9 days** |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | **Free** |
| Size | 40 MB | 137 MB |
| Requires iOS | **12.1** | 13.0 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Hobbyist Software Limited](https://appshunter.io/developer/291218199) | [PANDORATV Co.,Ltd](https://appshunter.io/developer/402122835) |

## 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


### KMPlayer

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/kmplayer/id835776444)

A versatile media player that handles all high-resolution video, music, and subtitle formats. Offers advanced playback controls, color adjustments, and subtitle customization.

**Highlights:** Plays all video and music formats, Supports numerous subtitle formats, Bookmark playback sections, Adjust video color and playback speed, Stream videos via URL, Network and cloud storage support

**Features:** Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases:** none

**What reviewers like**

- 👍 Easy to use
- 👍 Well-designed interface
- 🚀 Plays a variety of formats
- 🚀 Excellent media player
- 🚀 Best video player on iOS

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Video playback issues
- 🐛 Crashes and freezes
- 🐛 Compatibility problems with newer iOS versions
- 🐛 Subtitles not working
- 🐛 Brightness issues

**Reported bugs**

- Video playback freezes
- Audio desynchronization issues
- Crashes when playing certain file types
- Network share access problems
- Brightness control malfunctions

**Requested features**

- Add Picture-in-Picture support
- Implement Chromecast/AirPlay integration
- Improve subtitle handling and customization
- Add more aspect ratio options
- Implement a dark mode


## Frequently asked questions

### Is VLC Remote free?

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

### Is KMPlayer free?

KMPlayer is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

### Which has better reviews, VLC Remote or KMPlayer?

VLC Remote is rated higher. VLC Remote averages 4.7 out of 5 from 594 ratings, while KMPlayer averages 4.3 from 3.2K ratings.

### Do VLC Remote or KMPlayer have ads?

Neither VLC Remote nor KMPlayer shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, VLC Remote or KMPlayer?

VLC Remote ships an update monthly, and KMPlayer every 9 days. Most recently, VLC Remote was updated on October 6, 2026 and KMPlayer on October 12, 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.*