# VLC Streamer vs KMPlayer

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: KMPlayer at none against VLC Streamer's 4. KMPlayer also leads on update cadence (every 9 days vs every 3 months) and review sentiment (66% vs 46%). VLC Streamer's advantage is rating (4.5 vs 4.3). On price, ads 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. KMPlayer asks for nothing beyond the download.

VLC Streamer holds the better App Store score, 4.5 against 4.3. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: KMPlayer has 3.2K ratings behind it against 415, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews complicate that: 46% of VLC Streamer's written reviews are positive against 66% of KMPlayer's, so the app with the better star average is not the one people write more warmly about.

VLC Streamer ships an update every 3 months, KMPlayer every 9 days. The most recent releases landed on September 12, 2026 and September 27, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | VLC Streamer | KMPlayer |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[4.5 (415 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/vlc-streamer/id410036516/reviews)** | [4.3 (3.2K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/kmplayer/id835776444/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | 415 | **3.2K** |
| Positive reviews | 45.7% of reviews | **66.2% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | Yes | **No** |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 3 months | **Every 9 days** |
| Monetization | Subscription | **Free** |
| Size | 64 MB | 137 MB |
| Requires iOS | 15.0 | **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 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


### 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 Streamer free?

VLC Streamer 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 Streamer or KMPlayer?

VLC Streamer is rated higher. VLC Streamer averages 4.5 out of 5 from 415 ratings, while KMPlayer averages 4.3 from 3.2K ratings.

### Do VLC Streamer or KMPlayer have ads?

Neither VLC Streamer nor KMPlayer shows ads.

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

VLC Streamer ships an update every 3 months, and KMPlayer every 9 days. Most recently, VLC Streamer was updated on September 12, 2026 and KMPlayer on September 27, 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.*