# VLC Streamer vs Video Player

The clearest difference is monetization model: Video Player at free with in-app purchases against VLC Streamer's subscription. Video Player also leads on ratings volume (2.4K vs 417) and review sentiment (62% vs 53%). On price, rating, update cadence and ads there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. VLC Streamer sells 4 in-app purchases, starting at $0.99 per month and Video Player sells 4 in-app purchases, starting at $0.99 per 7 days. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

On the App Store both sit at effectively the same score — 4.5 for VLC Streamer against 4.5 for Video Player. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Video Player has 2.4K ratings behind it against 417, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews are what separate them: 53% of VLC Streamer's written reviews are positive against 62% of Video Player's.

VLC Streamer ships an update every 3 months, Video Player every 2 months. The most recent releases landed on November 1, 2026 and November 3, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | VLC Streamer | Video Player |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [4.5 (417 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/vlc-streamer/id410036516/reviews) | **[4.5 (2.4K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/video-player-hd-and-all-format/id1490422716/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | 417 | **2.4K** |
| Positive reviews | 53.2% of reviews | **61.5% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 3 months | **Every 2 months** |
| Monetization | Subscription | **Free with in-app purchases** |
| Size | 64 MB | 109 MB |
| Requires iOS | **15.0** | 15.6 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Hobbyist Software Limited](https://appshunter.io/developer/291218199) | [Bhalala Hiren Bharatbai](https://appshunter.io/developer/1438302804) |

## 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


### Video Player

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/video-player-hd-and-all-format/id1490422716)

This app is a versatile video player that supports all major formats, including 4K and HD. It offers advanced playback features like subtitle support, hardware decoding, and high-definition sound. Additionally, it includes tools for video editing and a password protector for private videos.

**Highlights:** Supports all video formats (4K, HD, MKV, AVI, MP4), Subtitle support for multiple languages, Hardware decoding for smooth playback, Video editing tools (cutter, maker), Password protection for private videos, Pop-up window and view mode playback

**Features:** Family Sharing

**In-app purchases (4)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| VCL Player - Weekly | $0.99 | per 7 days |
| VCL Player - Monthly | $1.99 | per month |
| VCL Player - Yearly | $9.99 | per year |
| Video Player HD - Remove Ads | $3.99 | one-time |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is VLC Streamer free?

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

### Is Video Player free?

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

### Which has better reviews, VLC Streamer or Video Player?

Video Player is rated higher. VLC Streamer averages 4.5 out of 5 from 417 ratings, while Video Player averages 4.5 from 2.4K ratings.

### Do VLC Streamer or Video Player have ads?

Neither VLC Streamer nor Video Player shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, VLC Streamer or Video Player?

VLC Streamer ships an update every 3 months, and Video Player every 2 months. Most recently, VLC Streamer was updated on November 1, 2026 and Video Player on November 3, 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.*