# VLC Streamer vs zFuse

The clearest difference is monetization model: zFuse at free with in-app purchases against VLC Streamer's subscription. zFuse also leads on review sentiment (80% vs 53%) and update cadence (every 4 weeks vs every 3 months). VLC Streamer's advantage is ads (none vs shown). On price, ratings volume, in-app purchases and device support there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. VLC Streamer sells 4 in-app purchases, starting at $0.99 per month and zFuse sells 1 one-off in-app purchase. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

zFuse holds the better App Store score, 4.7 against 4.5. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 417 and 1.2K respectively. Written reviews point the same way: 53% of VLC Streamer's written reviews are positive against 80% of zFuse's.

VLC Streamer ships an update every 3 months, zFuse every 4 weeks. The most recent releases landed on October 29, 2026 and November 1, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | VLC Streamer | zFuse |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [4.5 (417 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/vlc-streamer/id410036516/reviews) | **[4.7 (1.2K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/zfuse-media-player/id1054505347/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | 417 | **1.2K** |
| Positive reviews | 53.2% of reviews | **80.4% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | **No** | Yes |
| Update frequency | Every 3 months | **Every 4 weeks** |
| Monetization | Subscription | **Free with in-app purchases** |
| Size | 64 MB | 156 MB |
| Requires iOS | **15.0** | 16.1 |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** | iPhone, iPad |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Hobbyist Software Limited](https://appshunter.io/developer/291218199) | [s-joys Co., Ltd.](https://appshunter.io/developer/1252722512) |

## What reviewers say

### VLC Streamer

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/vlc-streamer/id410036516)

Stream your entire movie collection from your PC to your iPhone, iPod, or iPad without conversion. Enjoy your favorite films anywhere in your house with easy setup and customizable controls.

**Highlights:** Stream movies from PC, No conversion needed, Browse local drives and network shares, Customizable gesture controls, Support for multiple resolutions, Live video streaming

**Features:** Family Sharing, Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases (4)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| VLC Streamer Monthly | $0.99 | per month |
| VLC Streamer Monthly | $1.99 | per month |
| VLC Streamer Annual | $2.99 | per year |
| VLC Streamer Annual | $5.99 | per year |

**What reviewers like**

- 👍 Easy to use
- 🚀 Smooth streaming
- 💡 Useful for accessing media library
- 👍 Great customer support

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Frequent crashes
- 🔋 High CPU usage on host computer
- 🔒 Security concerns with open access to computer
- 💸 Aggressive monetization with ads and subscription model

**Reported bugs**

- Inability to detect/connect to host computer
- Inconsistent video quality and buffering issues
- Conversion process causing overheating on host computer

**Requested features**

- Remote access from outside home network
- Improved codec support, especially for MKV files
- Resume playback from last position
- Ability to manage/delete files from mobile device


### zFuse

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/zfuse-media-player/id1054505347)

Play any video format and encoding directly from your device or network storage without conversion. Enjoy advanced subtitle effects, gesture controls, and file management features. Supports media servers, TV casting, and privacy protection.

**Highlights:** Plays all video formats and encodings, Supports ASS/SSA/SUP effect subtitles, Network playback from PC/NAS, Gesture controls for playback and settings, Folder encryption for privacy, File download and decompression, TV casting and media server support

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

**In-app purchases (1)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Remove ads | $9.99 | one-time |

**What reviewers like**

- 🚀 Fast and smooth playback
- 👍 Intuitive and user-friendly interface
- 🔒 No ads or in-app purchases
- 💡 Supports a wide range of video formats
- 🚀 Excellent video decoding and hardware acceleration

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Occasional crashes or freezes
- 🔍 Lacking advanced video settings (color, contrast, etc.)
- 🔍 Limited subtitle support
- 🔍 Inconsistent network file sharing performance
- 🔍 Cluttered UI with too many ads in some versions

**Reported bugs**

- Playback issues with certain video codecs
- Inconsistent behavior when switching between files
- Inability to remember last playback position
- Compatibility problems on older devices

**Requested features**

- Add picture-in-picture mode
- Implement a more robust subtitle management system
- Provide more video customization options
- Improve network file sharing stability and speed
- Optimize UI for better user experience


## Frequently asked questions

### Is VLC Streamer free?

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

### Is zFuse free?

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

### Which has better reviews, VLC Streamer or zFuse?

zFuse is rated higher. VLC Streamer averages 4.5 out of 5 from 417 ratings, while zFuse averages 4.7 from 1.2K ratings.

### Do VLC Streamer or zFuse have ads?

zFuse shows ads; VLC Streamer does not.

### Which is updated more often, VLC Streamer or zFuse?

VLC Streamer ships an update every 3 months, and zFuse every 4 weeks. Most recently, VLC Streamer was updated on October 29, 2026 and zFuse on November 1, 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.*