What it does
VLC plays local files, discs and network streams across desktop and mobile systems, with many codecs included.
Use VLC to open a file or stream you already have rather than as a subscription catalogue. Its official download page separates Windows, Mac, Linux and mobile builds. Included codecs reduce the need for separate codec packs, but the actual file and hardware still determine playback behaviour.
Strengths
- Local files, discs and network sources share one player.