VLC Media Player for Mac 3.0.23

VLC Media Player for Mac eliminates macOS compatibility headaches by playing virtually any video or audio file instantly - no additional codecs required, no App Store purchases needed, completely free forever.

Why Download VLC for Mac?

Universal Format Support - VLC plays everything QuickTime can't.

MKV, AVI, HEVC/H.265, WMV, FLAC, OGG, and over 200 other formats work immediately without downloading codec packs or extensions. Stop fighting with macOS compatibility issues.

100% Free Forever - No trial periods, no premium upgrades, no in-app purchases.

VLC is completely free and open-source software that will never ask for payment - unlike the HEVC extension in Apple's ecosystem.

Native macOS Integration - Designed specifically for Mac with full support for macOS Big Sur, Monterey, Ventura, Sequoia, and Apple Silicon (M1/M2/M3/M4) processors.

Runs natively without Rosetta translation on modern Macs.

Advanced Features Included - Stream online content, convert video formats, add subtitles, apply audio and video filters, and customize playback with powerful built-in tools that rival premium software.

What VLC for Mac Plays

Video Formats: MP4, MKV, AVI, MOV, WMV, FLV, MPEG, WebM, HEVC/H.265, H.264, VP9, AV1, and more.

Audio Formats: MP3, FLAC, AAC, OGG, WAV, AIFF, WMA, AC3, DTS, and virtually every audio codec.

Disc Formats: DVD, VCD, and Audio CD playback without additional software.

Streaming: HTTP, RTSP, UDP, and network stream support for IPTV and online media.

For users who need to play HEVC/H.265 files, VLC includes native support without requiring Apple's paid HEVC Video Extension - a significant advantage for Mac users working with modern 4K content.

VLC Across All Your Devices

Windows - Already using a PC? Download VLC Media Player for Windows for the same universal format support on Windows 11, 10, 8, and 7.

Android - Take VLC mobile with VLC for Android. Play any video format on your phone or tablet without codec errors. See our guide on Getting Started with VLC for Android for setup tips.

Cross-Platform Sync - Your media library works seamlessly across Mac, Windows, Linux, and mobile. No format conversion needed when moving files between devices.

Key Features for Mac Users

Hardware Acceleration - VLC leverages Apple's VideoToolbox framework for smooth playback of 4K and HDR content without straining your Mac's processor.

Subtitle Support - Load external subtitle files (SRT, ASS, SSA) or use VLC's VLSub extension to search and download subtitles automatically. Check our Best Player for Subtitles guide for optimization tips.

Video Conversion - Convert videos between formats directly within VLC. Our guide on Mastering Audio and Video File Conversion with VLC walks you through the process.

Network Streaming - Stream videos over your local network or set up VLC as a streaming server. See How to Stream Videos Using VLC for configuration steps.

Audio Equalizer - Fine-tune audio output with VLC's built-in 10-band equalizer and audio effects.

Alternative Mac Media Players

While VLC handles most needs, Mac users have excellent alternatives:

Elmedia Player - Native Mac video player with AirPlay and Chromecast support. Recently added H.266/VVC codec support for future-proof playback.

mpv Player - Lightweight, command-line focused player for power users who prefer minimal interfaces and scripting capabilities.

For users building a complete media workflow, consider HandBrake for video conversion, MakeMKV for disc ripping, and MKVToolNix for MKV file editing - all available for macOS.

System Requirements

Operating System: macOS 10.13 High Sierra or later (including macOS Sequoia).

Processor: Intel or Apple Silicon (M1/M2/M3/M4) - native support for both architectures.

Storage: Approximately 50MB for installation.

RAM: 512MB minimum (2GB+ recommended for 4K playback).

Frequently Asked Questions

Is VLC for Mac really free? Yes, VLC is completely free with no hidden costs, subscriptions, or premium versions. It's open-source software developed by VideoLAN.

Does VLC work on Apple Silicon Macs? Absolutely. VLC runs natively on M1, M2, M3, and M4 Macs without requiring Rosetta translation.

Can VLC play 4K and HDR videos? Yes. VLC handles 4K, 8K, and HDR content smoothly, especially on Macs with hardware acceleration support.

Why use VLC instead of QuickTime? QuickTime supports limited formats and requires paid extensions for HEVC playback. VLC plays everything immediately without additional purchases or codec installations.

Download VLC for Mac

Ready to eliminate video playback problems on your Mac? Download VLC Media Player now and experience why it's the most trusted free media player available for macOS.

Security Note: VLC contains no spyware, no ads, and no user tracking. Download only from the official VideoLAN website or trusted sources like free-codecs.com to ensure you receive legitimate, malware-free software.