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Software · head to head

Disney+ vs VLC

Disney+ logo

Disney+

Software

Stream Disney, Pixar, Marvel, Star Wars, and more

From
$7.99/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: Disney+ streaming is limited to up to 4 screens simultaneously on compatible devices; VLC vLC is completely free open source software with no paid tier, ads, or vendor support contract
  • They diverge on capability: Disney+ covers Downloads, VLC covers Media playback.

Where they differ

Only the attributes on which Disney+ and VLC actually diverge.

Attributes where Disney+ and VLC differ
AttributeDisney+VLC
Starting price$7.99/monthFree
Pricing modelsubscriptionfree
Free tierNoYes
PlatformsWeb, Ios, Android, Smart-tv, Gaming-consolesWindows, 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 Disney+

  • Downloads
  • Profiles
  • GroupWatch
  • IMAX Enhanced
  • Smart TVs
  • Gaming consoles
  • Mobile devices
  • Profile PINs

Only in VLC

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

Both cover

  • Streaming
  • Web support
  • Ios support
  • Android support

What people use each for

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

Disney+

  • Family entertainmentnot VLC
  • Movie streamingnot VLC
  • Kids contentnot VLC

VLC

  • Media playbacknot Disney+
  • Video conversionnot Disney+

Where each one falls short

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

Disney+

  • Streaming is limited to up to 4 screens simultaneously on compatible devices

VLC

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

Pricing, plan by plan

Disney+

$7.99/month
  • Disney+ Basic$7.99/month
    • Full HD
    • Ad-supported
    • 2 devices
  • Disney+ Premium$13.99/month
    • 4K UHD
    • HDR
    • Ad-free

VLC

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

Which should you pick?

Choose Disney+ if

  • You need downloads.
  • You work on Web, Ios, Android, Smart-tv, Gaming-consoles.
  • You also want profiles.
Disney+ 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 Disney+ or VLC better?
Neither clearly leads. Disney+ starts at $7.99/month and VLC at Free, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
Which is cheaper, Disney+ or VLC?
VLC has a free tier; the other does not. Paid plans start at $7.99/month for Disney+ and Free for VLC.
Does Disney+ or VLC run on more platforms?
Disney+ runs on Web, Ios, Android, Smart-tv, Gaming-consoles. 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. Disney+ starts at $7.99/month.
What is Disney+ best used for?
Disney+ is most often used for family entertainment, movie streaming, kids content. Of those, family entertainment and movie streaming are not what VLC is typically brought in for.
What can Disney+ do that VLC cannot?
Disney+ covers Downloads, Profiles, GroupWatch, IMAX Enhanced. VLC covers Media playback, Codec support, Conversion, Plugins. Both handle Streaming, Web support, Ios support, Android support.
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