If you want to play high-resolution videos on your PC or MAC, the AnyMP4 Blu-ray Player could be the right alternative to VLC for you. The program from the AnyMP4 Studio is a professional media player for all common versions of Windows and macOS. Other interesting Mac alternatives to VLC Media Player are Kodi (Free, Open Source), KMPlayer (Free), IINA (Free, Open Source) and MPlayer (Free, Open Source).
by Christine Smith • 2021-04-21 14:09:04 • Proven solutions
Playing video and audio files for entertainment is like the most basic thing users will do on a computer. The most popular audio/video player for Mac is VLC Media Player. The VLC player for Macbook has stayed on top of the list for a long time. However, we also have many alternatives for it as more and more software has developed with more abundant functions than VLC. The Wondershare UniConverter (originally Wondershare Video Converter Ultimate) is a complete video and audio conversion solution which allows you to manipulate the media files according to your requirements. This article will introduce this tool and discuss how to download, install VLC, and make it as your default player on Mac.
Part 1. What is VLC Media Player
The VLC media player, commonly known as VLC, is a free and open-source player developed by VideoLAN. It is available for all the platforms, whether it is Computer or Mobile phones. VLC supports so many audio and video file formats and compression methods, which include DVD-Video, video CD, and multiple streaming protocols. It is compatible with all the formats supported by libav codec and libav format. To take advantage of this player, you can download VLC for Mac easily.
Part 2. How to Download and Install VLC on Mac OS X
The VLC media player is available for multiple platforms and is a very popular choice for Apple users. The software is also free for Mac OS X, and a list of versions are available for download on the official website. The complete guide on installing VLC on Mac OS X is given below along with the download process.
Step 1. Go to the official website of VideoLAN and download the dmg package from the download links available for Mac OS X.
Step 2. Once the package is downloaded, locate the file and execute it. The file will open after verifying the contents of the file.
Step 3. Please select the file and drag it to the Application folder. This will copy the file into the application folder.
Step 4. Now double-click on the file and allow all the permissions required by the VLC. Once the setup is complete, VLC will launch for the first time on your Mac.
Part 3. How to Make VLC as Default Player on Mac
Instead of going through the hassle of choosing the VLC player every time you try to open a video, it is better than making the VLC media player your default media player.
Steps on how to make VLC as the default player on Mac:
Step 1. Select any file that you want to open and right-click on it. When you click, certain options will appear, and you can select the Get Info option.
Step 2. Now, in the Open With section, choose the VLC from the drop-down menu.
Step 3. Then, make sure that you click on Change All option to apply the setting to all the files present on the Mac. And the VLC on your Mac would be the default player now.
Part 4. The Best VLC Alternative Mac to Play Video and Audio Files
If you are looking for the VLC alternative for Mac, then your search ends at Wondershare UniConverter. It is a complete toolbox that allows the users to convert, download, edit, burn video, and audio in more than 1000 formats. It is a tool that gives you the fastest speed of conversion with so many additional features that you will forget there is some other software available on the internet.
Wondershare UniConverter - Your Complete Video Toolbox
- Best VLC Alternative to convert any video/audio in any format, like AVI/MKV/MOV/MP4/MP3/WAV/M4A, etc.
- Convert video to optimized preset for almost all of the devices.
- Compress videos by cropping and trimming.
- Burn video to playable DVD with attractive free DVD templates.
- Download or record videos by pasting URLs from Internet video sites.
- Versatile toolbox includes fixing video metadata, GIF maker, Video Compressor, and screen recorder.
- Supported OS: macOS 11 Big Sur, 10.15 (Catalina), 10.14, 10.13, 10.12, 10.11, 10.10, 10.9, 10.8, 10.7, 10.6, Windows 10/8/7/XP/Vista.
Main functions of the Wondershare UniConverter:
Video/Audio Converter: VLC Alternative to convert video and audio in any format
This is the most attractive function of the Wondershare UniConverter. It can convert any format of video to some other. The list supported by this software is unlimited, e.g. MP4, AVI, MKV, WMV, MPEG-2, MOV, 3GP, HEVC, and many others. The Wondershare UniConverter gives a wide array of conversion processes. It allows the user to convert videos for Social networks, iPhone, iPad, Android devices, and others. It also supports the conversion of DVDs, videos from camcorder, and especially videos to audio. With this software's help, you can also combine multiple videos by merging them and compressing them. The software is very easy to learn, and once you get familiar with the interface and process, you will be able to efficiently operate the software.
Video Editor: Edit video and audio with built-in tools before conversion
The software enables users to edit videos with ease. Editing is the process that allows the users to give a whole new look to the videos by applying multiple effects and filters. With Wondershare UniConverter, the users are free to experiment with their videos by choosing a variety of effects and filters. It allows the users to trim videos, crop videos, apply an effect, add watermark, and add subtitles to the videos. The software ensures that the users get an amazing video editing experience.
Files Download: Download video and audio files by pasting URLs
It usually happens that we wish to download videos that are present on different websites. The Wondershare UniConverter signifies its name and supports almost 10000 websites from which you can easily copy URL and download the video with the best quality. Not only can you download the videos, but also you can edit them right after download. Even if you want to download a whole playlist or convert a video to MP3 and then download it, the software can do it all. The software also provides some download process settings that can ensure that every video you download is of high quality. It has a download task scheduler and also provides priority settings for downloads.
DVD Burning: Burn videos to DVD and Blu-ray Discs Easily
A burn is a term used for the process of writing content to a CD/DVD or any other disc. Usually, the burning of the Videos is done to get them on some external space. The Wondershare UniConverter also provides a burning function for videos. The software makes it possible for the users to burn videos or other supported files to DVD, Blu-ray disc, or to ISO file. Whether you want to burn videos to DVD, Convert DVD to ISO, or Burn ISO to DVD, the software supports them all.
Toolbox: More additional functions related to media
It can help you to fix media metadata automatically and edit it with customization. You can also convert your videos to VR and enjoy on your VR devices. What's more, it has 2 assistant tools named Screen Recorder and GIF Maker.
VLC Media Player is a worldwide media player on multiplatform. You can get comprehensive format support and video streaming/converting/editing functions. There are many positive comments about VLC Media Player. However, some people think VLC Media Player is overpraised. VLC Media Player is not as good as other people describe. Is VLC Media Player the best? You can check the following VLC Media Player review to find your answer. Moreover, you can get some nice VLC Media Player alternatives to play multimedia files smoothly as well.
Part 1: VLC Media Player Review
Here are some unbiased reviews of VLC Media Player software. You can know what VLC Media Player is, what you can/cannot get from VLC Media Player and other questions in details.
VLC Media Player Overview
• Multiplatform
VLC Media Player is a free and open source media player that runs on almost all platforms. You can download VLC Media Player for Windows, Mac, iOS, Android and Linux from its website or official stores safely.
• Multimedia
Thanks to the powerful input media and formats support, you can use VLC Media Player to play most popular media files. In spite of the common video and audio formats, you can use VLC Media Player to play Blu-rays, DVDs, audio CDs, VCDs and other streaming protocols.
• Safe & free to use
VLC Media Player is completely free to use. There is no spyware, bundleware, ads or user tracking before/during/after playing with VLC Media Player.
VLC Media Player Pros
- VLC Player is capable to play media files, discs, webcams, devices and streams for free on multiplatform.
- Play all formats including MPEG-1/2, DivX 1/2/3/4/5/6, MPEG-4, ASP, MPEG Layer 1/2/3, Vorbis, DTS, etc.
- Convert video/audio, sync subtitles, filter video/audio and apply other effects.
- Hardware decoding. The media loading speed is fast.
- Support screen recording with VLC Media Player.
VLC Media Player Cons
- The VLC video player interface is not straightforward.
- VLC cannot play damaged or unfinished videos.
- Still need to download codecs for some video and audio formats.
- VLC Player crashes during playing or subtitle inserting occasionally.
- Playing videos with loud volume using VLC will damage the speakers.
Part 2: Top 5 VLC Media Player Alternatives for Windows and Mac
The user-friendlessness UI and unstable media playing problems makes VLC Media Player not so good. If you want to get smooth audiovisual experience, you can try the following media players as well. These are highly-recommended VLC Media Player for Windows, Mac, iOS and Android alternatives.
Vlc Media Player Download For Mac
Top 1: Vidmore Player – Play Videos and Discs What VLC Cannot Play
VLC cannot play DRM-protected Blu-ray and DVD discs. If you want to get seamless Blu-ray and DVD playback, Vidmore Player can be your best VLC alternative. All kinds of discs, folders and ISO files are supported. You can enjoy DVD and Blu-ray movies with HD image quality and lossless sound effect. The intuitive interface and easy-to-use options are friendly to all users.
- Play the latest Blu-ray or DVD disc, folders and ISO files losslessly.
- Open all types of videos, including 4K UHD and 1080p/720p HD videos.
- Offer navigational menu support and customizable controls to personalize video playback experience.
- Get the surround sound effect with the advanced audio encoding technologies.
- Adjust image effects, take snapshots, change subtitles, switch audio tracks and enjoy smooth playback.
Top 2: Windows Media Player – Burn CD and DVD with VLC Alternative
Windows Media Player is pre-installed on Windows computers and Windows mobile-based devices. You can use Windows Media Player 12 to play video and audio on Windows 7 for free. Moreover, you can burn CDs and DVDs by using Windows Media Player on your Windows computer. This is a new feature that you cannot get from VLC player for Mac or Windows. In addition, you can use Windows Movie Maker as your free VLC video editor alternative for Windows.
Pros:
- Create playlists and mix up songs from different albums.
- Rip a CD for free without installing anything else.
- Play Blu-rays with Windows Media Player.
Cons:
- MP3 and Windows Media Audio are all your choices for output audio formats.
- There are limited sound quality options in Windows Media Player.
Top 3: Photos – VLC Player Free Alternative for Windows 10
The Photos app is a free VLC Media Player for Windows 10 alternative you can consider. You can open not only images, but also videos on Windows 10 within Photos. There is a built-in Video Editor app within Windows 10 Photos app. You can create a videos using your photos in a short time easily. Compared with VLC player, Photos has a better interface.
Pros:
- Play, edit and share videos on Windows 10 for free.
- Trim videos to delete unwanted clips on Windows.
Cons:
- No face tagging feature.
- Lack the panorama stitching or selective focus support.
Top 4: QuickTime Player – A Good Competitor of VLC Media Player for Mac
QuickTime Player can be your free VLC alternative for Mac as well. You can play most videos and music files on Mac directly. Furthermore, the built-in QuickTime screen recording features work better than VLC screen recorder. You can record Mac, iPhone and iPad screen video and audio for free within QuickTime Player.
Pros:
- Play media files with high quality and 1/2/3x faster playback speed.
- Watch the local and online streaming videos on Mac.
Cons:
- Need to upgrade to QuickTime Pro to unlock its video editing and recording features.
- Cannot work with common subtitle files.
Top 5: MPlayerX – Free and Open Source VLC Alternative
Being a free and open source media player, MPlayerX is often compared with VLC. You can watch videos without extra plugins or codecs on multiplatform. The auto subtitle detecting and converting feature can sync your subtitle seamlessly.
Pros:
- A lightweight and free media player alternative to VLC on Windows, Mac, Linux, iOS and Android.
- Be compatible with Apple Remote. You can control the video playback remotely.
Cons:
Vlc Player Replacement For Mac
- The MPlayerX in Mac App Store is outdated. You need to update MPlayerX to the latest version manually.
- MPlayerX download package contains bundled software. You need to be careful and deselect unwanted programs manually.
Alternative Zu Vlc Player Mac
Part 3: FAQs of VLC Media Player
What VLC Media Player portable alternatives to choose?
If you are looking for VLC for mobile alternatives, you can take a look at GOM Player, MX Player, BS Player, GPlayer, Dice Player, Winamp, KMPlayer and more. These video and audio players are alternative to the VLC Media Player app.
How to fix VLC blinking or flickering?
The VLC video flickering problem is quite common on NVIDIA graphic adapters with HDMI connected projectors. To stop VLC screen flashing issues, you can go to Preferences. Choose Video and then change from direct3d11 to direct3d9. Or you can choose Preferences followed by Input/Codecs to disable hw decoding.
Why is VLC not opening and how to fix?
The VLC registering and setup process may not be completed. Delete the VLC installer folder first. Later, you can uninstall and reinstall VLC Media Player. Restart your computer to see if the VLC won’t open problem still exist or not.
Vlc Player Alternative Mac Free
VLC is a free media player and editor that is worth to try. Moreover, there are also many other powerful media players in the market. If you are not satisfied with the VLC disadvantages, you can get a better choice from the above VLC Media Player alternatives.