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Apple TV+ vs VLC

Apple TV+ logo

Apple TV+

Software

Original stories from the most creative minds

From
$9.99/month
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite
VLC logo

VLC

Software

The free and open source media player

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite

The short version

  • Only VLC has a free tier, so it costs nothing to try first.
  • Each has a real cost: Apple TV+ standalone subscription costs 12.99 USD per month after a 7 day free trial, with no lower priced tier; VLC vLC is completely free open source software with no paid tier, ads, or vendor support contract
  • They diverge on capability: Apple TV+ covers Apple Originals, VLC covers Media playback.

Where they differ

Only the attributes on which Apple TV+ and VLC actually diverge.

Attributes where Apple TV+ and VLC differ
AttributeApple TV+VLC
Starting price$9.99/monthFree
Pricing modelsubscriptionfree
Free tierNoYes
PlatformsIos, Macos, Smart-tv, Gaming-consoles, WebWindows, Mac, Linux, Ios, Android, Web
Founded20191998

Identical on both: user rating (Not yet rated), category (Unknown).

What each one covers

Drawn from each product's published feature list. An absence here means we hold no record of it - not that the product lacks it.

Only in Apple TV+

  • Apple Originals
  • 4K HDR
  • Dolby Atmos
  • Family sharing
  • Downloads
  • Apple devices
  • Smart TVs
  • Gaming consoles

Only in VLC

  • Media playback
  • Codec support
  • Streaming
  • Conversion
  • Plugins
  • Network streaming
  • DVD playback
  • Open source

Both cover

  • Ios support
  • Web support

What people use each for

The jobs each tool is most often brought in to do.

Apple TV+

  • Original content streamingnot VLC
  • Family entertainmentnot VLC

VLC

  • Media playbacknot Apple TV+
  • Video conversionnot Apple TV+

Where each one falls short

Documented limitations, not opinions. Every one is a constraint you would hit in normal use.

Apple TV+

  • Standalone subscription costs 12.99 USD per month after a 7 day free trial, with no lower priced tier

VLC

  • VLC is completely free open source software with no paid tier, ads, or vendor support contract

Pricing, plan by plan

Apple TV+

$9.99/month
  • Apple TV+$9.99/month
    • All originals
    • 4K HDR
    • 6 family members

VLC

Free
  • FreeFree
    • All codecs
    • No ads
    • Open source

Which should you pick?

Choose Apple TV+ if

  • You need apple originals.
  • You work on Ios, Macos, Smart-tv, Gaming-consoles, Web.
  • You also want 4k hdr.
Apple TV+ review

Choose VLC if

  • You need media playback.
  • You want to start without paying.
  • You work on Windows, Mac, Linux, Ios, Android, Web.
  • You also want codec support.
VLC review

Questions people ask

Is Apple TV+ or VLC better?
Neither clearly leads. Apple TV+ starts at $9.99/month and VLC at Free, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
Which is cheaper, Apple TV+ or VLC?
VLC has a free tier; the other does not. Paid plans start at $9.99/month for Apple TV+ and Free for VLC.
Does Apple TV+ or VLC run on more platforms?
Apple TV+ runs on Ios, Macos, Smart-tv, Gaming-consoles, Web. VLC runs on Windows, Mac, Linux, Ios, Android, Web.
Can I use VLC for free?
Yes. VLC has a free tier, so you can try it without paying. Apple TV+ starts at $9.99/month.
What is Apple TV+ best used for?
Apple TV+ is most often used for original content streaming, family entertainment. Of those, original content streaming and family entertainment are not what VLC is typically brought in for.
What can Apple TV+ do that VLC cannot?
Apple TV+ covers Apple Originals, 4K HDR, Dolby Atmos, Family sharing. VLC covers Media playback, Codec support, Streaming, Conversion. Both handle Ios support, Web support.
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