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VLC vs Apple TV+

VLC logo

VLC

Software

The free and open source media player

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite
Apple TV+ logo

Apple TV+

Software

Original stories from the most creative minds

From
$9.99/month
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite

The short version

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

Where they differ

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

Attributes where VLC and Apple TV+ differ
AttributeVLCApple TV+
Starting priceFree$9.99/month
Pricing modelfreesubscription
Free tierYesNo
PlatformsWindows, Mac, Linux, Ios, Android, WebIos, Macos, Smart-tv, Gaming-consoles, Web
Founded19982019

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 VLC

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

Only in Apple TV+

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

Both cover

  • Ios support
  • Web support

What people use each for

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

VLC

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

Apple TV+

  • Original content streamingnot VLC
  • Family entertainmentnot VLC

Where each one falls short

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

VLC

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

Apple TV+

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

Pricing, plan by plan

VLC

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

Apple TV+

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

Which should you pick?

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

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

Questions people ask

Is VLC or Apple TV+ better?
Neither clearly leads. VLC starts at Free and Apple TV+ at $9.99/month, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
Which is cheaper, VLC or Apple TV+?
VLC has a free tier; the other does not. Paid plans start at Free for VLC and $9.99/month for Apple TV+.
Does VLC or Apple TV+ run on more platforms?
VLC runs on Windows, Mac, Linux, Ios, Android, Web. Apple TV+ runs on Ios, Macos, Smart-tv, Gaming-consoles, 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 VLC best used for?
VLC is most often used for media playback, video conversion. Of those, media playback and video conversion are not what Apple TV+ is typically brought in for.
What can VLC do that Apple TV+ cannot?
VLC covers Media playback, Codec support, Streaming, Conversion. Apple TV+ covers Apple Originals, 4K HDR, Dolby Atmos, Family sharing. Both handle Ios support, Web support.
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