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Utilities · head to head

GParted vs VLC

GParted logo

GParted

Utilities

Graphical partition editor for disks

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite
VLC logo

VLC

Entertainment

The free and open source media player

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite

The short version

  • Each has a real cost: GParted partition operations risk data loss, and a backup before use is not optional advice; VLC vLC is completely free open source software with no paid tier, ads, or vendor support contract
  • They diverge on capability: GParted covers Graphical partitioning, VLC covers Media playback.
  • Prices and features above were last checked on 30 August 2026.

Where they differ

Only the attributes on which GParted and VLC actually diverge.

Attributes where GParted and VLC differ
AttributeGPartedVLC
Pricing modelOpen source, no licence feefree
PlatformsLinux, Live USBWindows, Mac, Linux, Ios, Android, Web
CategoryUtilitiesEntertainment
FoundedUnknown1998

Identical on both: starting price (Free), free tier (Yes), user rating (Not yet rated).

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 GParted

  • Graphical partitioning
  • Wide filesystem support
  • Live boot image
  • Queued operations

Only in VLC

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

What people use each for

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

GParted

  • Resizing a system partition, booted from the live imagenot VLC
  • Preparing disk layout before installing an operating systemnot VLC
  • Recovering space or repairing partition tables on a failing disknot VLC

VLC

  • Media playbacknot GParted
  • Video conversionnot GParted

Where each one falls short

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

GParted

  • Partition operations risk data loss, and a backup before use is not optional advice
  • Cannot safely modify mounted partitions, so system drives require booting the live image
  • Large move and resize operations can take hours and must not be interrupted
  • The interface is functional rather than reassuring, which matters for an operation this consequential

VLC

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

Pricing, plan by plan

GParted

Free
  • GPartedFree
    • Full functionality
    • No usage limits
    • Community support

VLC

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

Which should you pick?

Choose GParted if

  • You need graphical partitioning.
  • You want to start without paying.
  • You work on Linux, Live USB.
  • You also want wide filesystem support.
GParted 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 GParted or VLC better?
Neither clearly leads. GParted starts at Free and VLC at Free, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
Which is cheaper, GParted or VLC?
GParted starts at Free and VLC at Free.
Does GParted or VLC run on more platforms?
GParted runs on Linux, Live USB. VLC runs on Windows, Mac, Linux, Ios, Android, Web.
Can I use GParted for free?
Both have a free tier, so you can try either at no cost before committing.
What is GParted best used for?
GParted is most often used for resizing a system partition, booted from the live image, preparing disk layout before installing an operating system, recovering space or repairing partition tables on a failing disk. Of those, resizing a system partition, booted from the live image and preparing disk layout before installing an operating system are not what VLC is typically brought in for.
What can GParted do that VLC cannot?
GParted covers Graphical partitioning, Wide filesystem support, Live boot image, Queued operations. VLC covers Media playback, Codec support, Streaming, Conversion.

Answered from the vendors’ own pages

GParted: Is GParted free?

Yes, open source under the GPL.

VLC: Is VLC media player free to use?

Yes. VLC is completely free and open source software with no subscription or licensing fees.

Source
GParted: Can GParted resize my system drive?

Not while it is mounted. Boot the GParted live USB image, which runs independently of the installed system.

VLC: Can VLC be used commercially?

Yes. VLC explicitly states there is no spyware, no ads, and no user tracking. As open-source software under permissive licenses, commercial use is permitted within each license's specific terms.

Source
GParted: Is it safe?

The operations are consequential and interruption during a move or resize can lose data. Back up before using it, every time.

VLC: Does VLC include all features across all platforms without additional purchase?

Yes. All playback features, codecs, cross-platform compatibility, and customization options are included with no additional purchases required for full functionality on Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, and Android.

Source
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