Comparison

VLC Streamer vs Infuse

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

Head to head
About

VLC Streamer

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
Read full description

Sit anywhere in your house and watch movies or TV shows on your iPhone, iPod or iPad. VLC Streamer streams movies from your computer to your iDevice. Winner *Best Entertainment App* Chip.de. You can watch anything from your movie collection. No need for complex conversion processes. No need to manually transfer programs to your device. “Can these guys do no wrong? Seriously, if only other app devs knew how to make apps as well as these guys, the world would be a better place. Or at least my device would be less buggy. I was just watching a Full HD copy of Avatar Extended Edition being streamed from my PC on my iPod Touch 2nd Generation and it looked and played amazingly.” - UK Reviewer “…it's as good as having the original VLC player on your iOS device…” - CallingAllGeeks.org “…Setup is a snap and literally takes 2 seconds. You can browse through all your movies from your device and click any one to start playing. It even works if you have the movies stored on a USB drive connected to the host computer.” -The Times of India “Took me seconds to setup to stream from a secondary drive in my home office. Going straight out to get a cable for my TV.” - USA Reviewer “….This sucker can stream off the pc and plays virtually anything you throw at it. Download it now!” - TaxiDriver at Blippy.com There are a huge number of movie formats, and VLC can convert most of them - but it can't convert everything. If you have any doubts, then please try the free version of this application first. • Features include • - Free helper app gets you streaming quickly and allows you to browse local drives, and Windows network shares - Stream over wifi directly from your computer - Customisable gesture controls - Support for multiple resolutions and streaming quality levels - Live streaming of video after a few seconds of processing (assumes a reasonably powered computer) • System Requirements • - VLC Streamer will not play DRM protected videos. Videos from the iTunes store do include DRM. - VLC Streamer is designed to work on your local network, and the free helper app has to run on your Mac or PC.    - Supports Windows, Vista, Windows 7 and Window 8 - Supports Mac OS 10.7 and above. • Response to feedback • -If you do have any problems streaming movies, 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. • Subscription Information • VLC Streamer is supported through an auto-renewing subscription which you can choose to purchase within the app. • The subscription is called 'VLC Streamer Annual Subscription ' • It is an annual subscription. It gets rid of the adverts and unlocks all functions, including downloading movies to your device • 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 Enjoy!

About

Infuse

A versatile video player that supports a vast array of formats and streaming options. Enjoy smooth playback, HDR, and Dolby audio, with integrated subtitle downloads and Trakt sync. Stream content from various devices and cloud services without conversion.

Highlights
  • Plays virtually any video format
  • Stream from Mac, PC, NAS, and cloud services
  • Supports HDR, Dolby Vision, and Dolby/DTS audio
  • Integrated subtitle downloads
  • Trakt 2-way sync
  • AirPlay & Google Cast support
Features
Read full description

Ignite your video content with Infuse – the beautiful way to watch almost any video format on your iPhone, iPad, Apple TV, Mac, and Vision. No need to convert files! Infuse is optimized for iOS 27, with powerful streaming options, Trakt sync, and unmatched AirPlay & subtitle support. Gorgeous interface. Precise controls. And silky-smooth playback. - PLAY MORE VIDEO TYPES A powerful video player that plays just about anything, including MP4, MKV, M4V and MOV – plus many others. Includes support for HDR, HDR10+, Dolby Vision, plus Dolby and DTS audio. - STREAM FROM OTHER DEVICES Browse and play videos stored on your Mac, PC, NAS, Wi-Fi hard drive, apps like Plex, Emby, and Jellyfin, or from cloud services like Dropbox, Google Drive, OneDrive, Box, pCloud, Yandex.Disk, MEGA, Aliyun Drive, and others – no syncing required! - AIRPLAY & GOOGLE CAST OPTIONS Stream a wide variety of videos types such as MKV, MP4, M4V, and others over AirPlay & Google Cast with full surround sound and subtitles. - TRAKT 2-WAY SYNC Connect with Trakt to sync watched history, submit ratings and post comments. - OPTIMIZED SUBTITLES POWERED BY OPENSUBTITLES Bring your own subtitles, or download them on the fly (for free) in virtually any language. ===== “Looks great, plays anything you throw at it...surprisingly powerful” - Lifehacker “The best media player for iPhone and iPad...superior to VLC.” - Cult of Mac “I can't give the UI high enough praise. It's great.” - 9to5Mac “I see no reason whatsoever to remove Infuse from my Home screen anytime soon.” - iDownloadBlog “A beautiful UI.” - Trakt co-founder “A mini Kodi!” - Infuse user ===== MORE THAN JUST A PRETTY FACE THE BASICS - Silky-smooth video player (plays full 4K w/ HDR & Dolby Vision) - Stream from a Mac, PC, NAS or Wi-Fi enabled hard drive - Connect with Plex, Emby, Jellyfin, Kodi (XBMC), WMC and other media servers - Beautiful layout with quick access to video info - Artwork and metadata added automatically - Split View & PIP - Spatial audio SUPPORTED FORMATS - Video: 33GP, AVI, AV1, ASF, BDMV, DIVX, DVDMEDIA, DVR-MS, FLV, H.264 (AVC), H.265 (HEVC), ISO/IMG, M4V, MKV, MOV, MP4, MPEG, MTS/M2TS, MXF, OGM, OGV, RMVB, TS, VC1, VIDEO_TS, VOB, VP9, WEBM, WMV, WTV - Audio: AAC, AC3/E-AC3, DOLBY TRUEHD, DTS, DTS-HD MA, FLAC, MP3, OGG, PCM, WMA - Subtitles: DVB, DVDSUB, MICRODVD, MPL2, PGS, SMI, SSA/ASS, SRT, SUB, SUP, TIMED TEXT, TXT, VOBSUB, VTT, XSUB PLAYER FEATURES - Multiple audio tracks - Chapters - Gesture controls - 8 video zoom options - Continuous playback - TV out via HDMI or VGA adapter - Deinterlacing EXTRAS - Folders - One-click subtitle downloads from OpenSubtitles - Scrobble plays to Trakt - Download videos from networked devices - Drag and drop uploads via web browser - Get extra onboard storage with SanDisk iXpand and other USB drives GET MORE WITH INFUSE PRO! - Play even more video formats - Stream video trailers for movies and TV shows - Enjoy high-resolution Dolby® and DTS® audio - Access videos stored in cloud services like Dropbox, Google Drive, Box, OneDrive, pCloud, Yandex.Disk, MEGA, Aliyun Drive, and more - Stream a wide variety of video types over AirPlay and Google Cast - Sync libraries, settings, watched history, and playback progress between devices ==== Note: DRM-protected movies & TV shows purchased from the iTunes store are not supported. Metadata and artwork provided by TMDB, which is a community maintained movie and TV show database. ==== Infuse Pro is available as a optional subscription, and includes a free trial period that begins once your purchase has been confirmed with your iTunes Account. When the trial period concludes, your subscription will start and renew automatically. Your iTunes Account will be charged for the upcoming period unless you disable auto-renew or cancel your subscription in your Account Settings at least 24-hours prior to the end of the current period. Visit firecore.com/terms-privacy for full terms and privacy policy.

Screenshots

VLC Streamer4 screens
Infuse4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is monetization model: Infuse at free with in-app purchases against VLC Streamer's subscription. Infuse also leads on update cadence (fortnightly vs every 3 months) and ratings volume (28K vs 415). VLC Streamer's advantage is iOS requirement (15.0 vs 18.0). On price, ads and in-app purchases 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 Streamer sells 4 in-app purchases, starting at $0.99 per month and Infuse sells 7 in-app purchases, starting at $1.99 per month. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

ReceptionRating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings

Infuse holds the better App Store score, 4.7 against 4.5. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Infuse has 28K ratings behind it against 415, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews point the same way: 46% of VLC Streamer's written reviews are positive against 60% of Infuse's.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

VLC Streamer ships an update every 3 months, Infuse fortnightly. The most recent releases landed on September 12, 2026 and September 25, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard7 real differences · 3 level
VLC Streamer versus Infuse: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterVLC StreamerInfuse
PriceFreeFree
Rating4.5 (415 ratings)4.7 (28K ratings) — better
Positive reviews45.7% of reviews60.5% of reviews — better
Number of ratings41528K — better
Update frequencyEvery 3 monthsFortnightly — better
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesYesYes
MonetizationSubscriptionFree with in-app purchases — better
DevicesiPhone, iPad, iPodiPhone, iPad, Mac, Apple TV, Vision Pro — better
Requires iOS15.0 — better18.0
Further details — not scored
Size64 MB198 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperHobbyist Software LimitedFirecore, LLC

Customer experience

VLC Streamer

All ratings415 ratings
Positive86.7%
Neutral4.1%
Negative9.2%
Written reviews376 reviews
Positive45.7%
Neutral8.8%
Negative45.5%

Infuse

All ratings28,172 ratings
Positive92.2%
Neutral2.1%
Negative5.7%
Written reviews2,652 reviews
Positive60.5%
Neutral8.1%
Negative31.4%

User reviews

VLC Streamer

From 415 App Store ratings

What we love

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

Room to improve

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

Infuse

From 28K App Store ratings

What we love

  • 🚀 Excellent video playback
  • 🔍 Automatic metadata fetching
  • 👍 Seamless integration with Apple devices
  • 🔊 Supports high-quality audio formats
  • 📂 Easy file management and organization

Room to improve

  • 🔒 Subscription model
  • 🐛 Metadata issues and incorrect tagging
  • ⏱️ Slow library loading and indexing
  • 🔍 Limited customization options
  • 🤔 Confusing user interface

Bugs and requests

VLC Streamer

Reported bugs

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

Requested features

4 requests
  • 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

Infuse

Reported bugs

5 issues
  • Frequent crashes and freezes
  • Connectivity issues with network shares
  • Playback problems with certain video formats
  • Sync issues between devices
  • Unreliable subtitle downloads

Requested features

5 requests
  • Ability to edit metadata manually
  • Support for more media file types (photos, music)
  • Improved TV show organization and episode handling
  • Picture-in-picture controls and gestures
  • Customizable library views and sorting options

In-app purchases

4 purchases

VLC Streamer

Subscriptions4
  • VLC Streamer Monthly7 Days trial$0.991 Month
  • VLC Streamer Monthly7 Days trial$1.991 Month
  • VLC Streamer Annual7 Days trial$2.991 Year
Show 1 more
  • VLC Streamer Annual7 Days trial$5.991 Year
7 purchases

Infuse

Subscriptions4
  • Infuse Pro - Monthly3 Days trial$1.991 Month
  • Infuse Pro - Monthly1 Month trial$1.991 Month
  • Infuse Pro - Yearly7 Days trial$16.991 Year
Show 1 more
  • Infuse Pro - Yearly1 Year trial$16.991 Year
One-time3
  • Dolby AudioFree
  • DTS AudioFree
  • Infuse Pro - Lifetime$99.99

Questions

Is VLC Streamer free?
VLC Streamer is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Is Infuse free?
Infuse is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Which has better reviews, VLC Streamer or Infuse?
Infuse is rated higher. VLC Streamer averages 4.5 out of 5 from 415 ratings, while Infuse averages 4.7 from 28K ratings.
Do VLC Streamer or Infuse have ads?
Neither VLC Streamer nor Infuse shows ads.
Which is updated more often, VLC Streamer or Infuse?
VLC Streamer ships an update every 3 months, and Infuse fortnightly. Most recently, VLC Streamer was updated on September 12, 2026 and Infuse on September 25, 2026.

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