Comparison · Media players
Plex vs VLC media player: which is better in 2026?
VLC media player ranks higher in our list of media players (#1 against #2, score 91.5 against 89.0), but the gap is small and the better choice depends on what you need.
Choose Plex if you want
Streaming a home library to phones and browsers.
Streams a personal library to phones and browsers with free movies and live channels available too. Plex Pass is paid for premium features, and the code is closed.
Choose VLC media player if you want
Playing almost any file on any computer.
Plays nearly any audio or video format on Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS and Android, and it is free and open source under GPL-2.0. It does not serve a library to other devices.
The main differences
- Only VLC media player runs on Linux.
- Only Plex runs on Web.
- VLC media player is open source; Plex is not.
Side by side
 Plex |  VLC media player | |
|---|---|---|
| Score | 89.0 | 91.5 |
| Rank in list | #2 of 6 | #1 of 6 |
| Price | Free plan, paid upgradesFree apps and free catalog; Plex Pass subscription or lifetime option | Free and open sourceFree and open source; no ads or spyware, per its download page |
| Free to use | Yes | Yes |
| Open source | No | Yes |
| Platforms | WebWindowsmacOSiOSAndroidSelf-hostedWeb, Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, Self-hosted | WindowsmacOSLinuxiOSAndroidWindows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android |
| Made by | Not stated | VideoLAN |
| Serves a home library | Yes | No |
| Best for | Streaming a home library to phones and browsers | Playing almost any file on any computer |
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| Links | Visit site | Visit site |
Questions about Plex vs VLC media player
- Is VLC media player better than Plex?
- VLC media player ranks higher in our list of media players (#1 against #2, score 91.5 against 89.0), but the gap is small and the better choice depends on what you need. Plex is best for: streaming a home library to phones and browsers. VLC media player is best for: playing almost any file on any computer.
- Which is cheaper, Plex or VLC media player?
- Plex: Free apps and free catalog; Plex Pass subscription or lifetime option. VLC media player: Free and open source; no ads or spyware, per its download page.
- Do Plex and VLC media player run on the same platforms?
- Plex supports Web, Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, Self-hosted. VLC media player supports Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android.