Softwr

Entertainment · head to head

Netflix vs VLC

Netflix logo

Netflix

Entertainment

Watch TV shows and movies anytime, anywhere

From
$6.99/month
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite
VLC logo

VLC

Entertainment

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: Netflix the entry plan caps video at 720p and allows one simultaneous stream and one download device; VLC vLC is completely free open source software with no paid tier, ads, or vendor support contract
  • They diverge on capability: Netflix covers Video streaming, VLC covers Media playback.
  • Prices and features above were last checked on 30 August 2026.

Where they differ

Only the attributes on which Netflix and VLC actually diverge.

Attributes where Netflix and VLC differ
AttributeNetflixVLC
Starting price$6.99/monthFree
Pricing modelsubscriptionfree
Free tierNoYes
PlatformsWeb, Ios, Android, Smart-tv, Gaming-consoles, Streaming-devicesWindows, Mac, Linux, Ios, Android, Web
Founded19971998

Identical on both: 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 Netflix

  • Video streaming
  • Offline downloads
  • Multiple profiles
  • Personalized recommendations
  • Original content
  • Multi-device support
  • Parental controls
  • Auto-play next episode

Only in VLC

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

Both cover

  • Web support
  • Ios support
  • Android support

What people use each for

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

Netflix

  • Streaming films and series on demand across TVs, phones and browsersnot VLC
  • Downloading titles for offline viewing on a limited number of devicesnot VLC
  • Playing Netflix mobile games included with a subscriptionnot VLC

VLC

  • Media playbacknot Netflix
  • Video conversionnot Netflix

Where each one falls short

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

Netflix

  • The entry plan caps video at 720p and allows one simultaneous stream and one download device
  • 1080p and two simultaneous streams require the Standard plan
  • 4K Ultra HD, HDR and spatial audio are restricted to the Premium plan, which allows 4 streams and 6 download devices
  • Netflix states an account is for people who live together in a single household, so viewers outside the home need a paid extra member slot
  • Plan prices and availability differ by country and change when Netflix is bought through a partner package or add-on

VLC

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

Pricing, plan by plan

Netflix

$6.99/month
  • Standard with ads$6.99/month
    • All but a few movies and TV shows
    • Unlimited ad-free series and movies
    • Watch on 2 supported devices at a time
  • Standard$15.49/month
    • All Netflix movies and TV shows
    • Watch on 2 supported devices at a time
    • Watch in HD
  • Premium$22.99/month
    • All Netflix movies and TV shows
    • Watch on 4 supported devices at a time
    • Watch in Ultra HD

VLC

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

Which should you pick?

Choose Netflix if

  • You need video streaming.
  • You work on Web, Ios, Android, Smart-tv, Gaming-consoles, Streaming-devices.
  • You also want offline downloads.
Netflix 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 Netflix or VLC better?
Neither clearly leads. Netflix starts at $6.99/month and VLC at Free, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
Which is cheaper, Netflix or VLC?
VLC has a free tier; the other does not. Paid plans start at $6.99/month for Netflix and Free for VLC.
Does Netflix or VLC run on more platforms?
Netflix runs on Web, Ios, Android, Smart-tv, Gaming-consoles, Streaming-devices. 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. Netflix starts at $6.99/month.
What is Netflix best used for?
Netflix is most often used for streaming films and series on demand across tvs, phones and browsers, downloading titles for offline viewing on a limited number of devices, playing netflix mobile games included with a subscription. Of those, streaming films and series on demand across tvs, phones and browsers and downloading titles for offline viewing on a limited number of devices are not what VLC is typically brought in for.
What can Netflix do that VLC cannot?
Netflix covers Video streaming, Offline downloads, Multiple profiles, Personalized recommendations. VLC covers Media playback, Codec support, Streaming, Conversion. Both handle Web support, Ios support, Android 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
Share

Related pages

More on Netflix

More on VLC

Keep looking

Other head to heads