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Entertainment · head to head

Kodi vs VLC

Kodi logo

Kodi

Entertainment

The ultimate entertainment center

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: Kodi licensed under GPLv2, entirely free and open source with no commercial edition; VLC vLC is completely free open source software with no paid tier, ads, or vendor support contract
  • They diverge on capability: Kodi covers Library management, VLC covers Codec support.
  • Prices and features above were last checked on 30 August 2026.

Where they differ

Only the attributes on which Kodi and VLC actually diverge.

Attributes where Kodi and VLC differ
AttributeKodiVLC
PlatformsWindows, Mac, Linux, Android, Ios, Smart-tvWindows, Mac, Linux, Ios, Android, Web
Founded20031998

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

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 Kodi

  • Library management
  • Add-ons
  • Customization
  • Remote control
  • Smart home
  • Streaming services
  • Add-ons
  • Community audited

Only in VLC

  • Codec support
  • Streaming
  • Conversion
  • Plugins
  • Network streaming
  • DVD playback
  • Regular updates
  • No tracking

Both cover

  • Media playback
  • Open source
  • Windows support
  • Mac support
  • Linux support
  • Android support
  • Ios support

What people use each for

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

Kodi

  • Media centernot VLC
  • Home entertainmentnot VLC

VLC

  • Media playbacknot Kodi
  • Video conversionnot Kodi

Where each one falls short

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

Kodi

  • Licensed under GPLv2, entirely free and open source with no commercial edition

VLC

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

Pricing, plan by plan

Kodi

Free
  • FreeFree
    • Open source
    • All features
    • Add-ons

VLC

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

Which should you pick?

Choose Kodi if

  • You need library management.
  • You want to start without paying.
  • You work on Windows, Mac, Linux, Android, Ios, Smart-tv.
  • You also want add-ons.
Kodi review

Choose VLC if

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

Questions people ask

Is Kodi or VLC better?
Neither clearly leads. Kodi 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, Kodi or VLC?
Kodi starts at Free and VLC at Free.
Does Kodi or VLC run on more platforms?
Kodi runs on Windows, Mac, Linux, Android, Ios, Smart-tv. VLC runs on Windows, Mac, Linux, Ios, Android, Web.
Can I use Kodi for free?
Both have a free tier, so you can try either at no cost before committing.
What is Kodi best used for?
Kodi is most often used for media center, home entertainment. Of those, media center and home entertainment are not what VLC is typically brought in for.
What can Kodi do that VLC cannot?
Kodi covers Library management, Add-ons, Customization, Remote control. VLC covers Codec support, Streaming, Conversion, Plugins. Both handle Media playback, Open source, Windows support, Mac support.

Answered from the vendors’ own pages

VLC: Is VLC media player free to use?

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

Source
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
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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