# VLC Streamer vs Infuse

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.

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.

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.

VLC Streamer ships an update every 3 months, Infuse fortnightly. The most recent releases landed on September 12, 2026 and September 26, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | VLC Streamer | Infuse |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [4.5 (415 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/vlc-streamer/id410036516/reviews) | **[4.7 (28K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/infuse/id1136220934/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | 415 | **28K** |
| Positive reviews | 45.7% of reviews | **60.5% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 3 months | **Fortnightly** |
| Monetization | Subscription | **Free with in-app purchases** |
| Size | 64 MB | 198 MB |
| Requires iOS | **15.0** | 18.0 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | **iPhone, iPad, Mac, Apple TV, Vision Pro** |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Hobbyist Software Limited](https://appshunter.io/developer/291218199) | [Firecore, LLC](https://appshunter.io/developer/577130089) |

## 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


### Infuse

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/infuse/id1136220934)

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:** Family Sharing

**In-app purchases (7)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Infuse Pro - Monthly | $1.99 | per month |
| Infuse Pro - Monthly | $1.99 | per month |
| Infuse Pro - Yearly | $16.99 | per year |
| Infuse Pro - Yearly | $16.99 | per year |
| Dolby Audio | Free | one-time |
| DTS Audio | Free | one-time |
| Infuse Pro - Lifetime | $99.99 | one-time |

**What reviewers like**

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

**What reviewers complain about**

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

**Reported bugs**

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

**Requested features**

- 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


## Frequently asked 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 26, 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.*