VLC Media Player 3.80.0 alpha for Android

Developed by VideoLAN, this free and open-source application eliminates the frustration of unsupported file formats, letting you play almost any media file without hunting for additional codecs or converters.

Whether you're watching movies during your commute, streaming content from your home server, or simply playing music from your local library, VLC handles it all with the same reliability that made the desktop version a household name.

The application recently celebrated over 6 billion downloads across all platforms, cementing its position as the world's most trusted media player.

Key Features

Universal Format Support - Plays virtually any video or audio format including MKV, MP4, AVI, MOV, FLAC, and dozens more without requiring additional codecs. Understanding how decoders and renderers work helps explain why VLC handles formats that other players can't.

Hardware Acceleration - Leverages your device's hardware decoding capabilities for smooth playback while preserving battery life on demanding video formats.

Advanced Subtitle Support - Full support for embedded and external subtitles including SRT, ASS, SSA, and DVD subtitles with customizable appearance settings.

Network Streaming - Stream content directly from network shares, NAS devices, or online sources including HLS, RTSP, and MMS protocols.

Audio Equalizer - Built-in 10-band equalizer with presets lets you fine-tune audio output for headphones, speakers, or your car's audio system.

Chromecast & Display Support - Cast videos to your TV via Chromecast or connect to secondary displays for presentations and larger viewing experiences.

Supported Formats

Video: MKV, MP4, AVI, MOV, WEBM, FLV, WMV, MPEG, 3GP, TS, M2TS

Audio: MP3, FLAC, AAC, OGG, WAV, OPUS, DTS, AC3, WMA

VLC vs Other Android Players

Compared to MX Player, VLC offers completely ad-free playback and superior network streaming capabilities. While MX Player requires custom codecs for DTS and AC3 audio, VLC includes these out of the box.

KMPlayer for Android provides similar format support but includes advertisements in the free version.

BSPlayer for Android offers good performance but lacks VLC's extensive streaming protocol support.

For users primarily interested in music playback, AIMP for Android and GOM Audio for Android provide dedicated audio player experiences with advanced equalizers.

mpv for Android appeals to advanced users who want minimalist design and excellent video rendering, particularly for AV1 codec playback. Stock Android players typically lack MKV support entirely and offer no equalizer or advanced playback controls.

How to Install VLC APK

While VLC is available on the Google Play Store, you may prefer installing the APK directly for testing beta versions or on devices without Play Store access. You can verify any APK's safety using our APK Checker tool.

1. Enable Unknown Sources - Go to Settings → Security → Enable "Install from Unknown Sources" (Android 7 and below) or grant permission per-app on Android 8+.
2. Download the APK - Download VLC for Android from our trusted download page. Choose the version matching your device architecture (ARM64 for most modern devices).
3. Install the Application - Open the downloaded APK file and tap "Install". The installation takes just a few seconds.
4. Grant Permissions - Allow VLC to access your media files when prompted. This lets VLC scan and organize your music and video libraries.

For a complete walkthrough, check out our guide: Getting Started with VLC for Android.

System Requirements

• Android 4.2+ (Jelly Bean) or later.
• 1GB RAM minimum.
• Approximately 50MB storage space.
• Supports ARMv7, ARM64, and x86 architectures.

VLC works on virtually all Android devices including smartphones, tablets, Android TV boxes, and Chromebooks with Android app support. The app automatically optimizes its interface for your device's screen size.

Why Choose VLC for Android?

VLC for Android stands apart from alternatives for several compelling reasons. First, it's completely free with no ads, in-app purchases, or premium tiers - the full experience is available to everyone. This aligns with VideoLAN's non-profit mission to provide accessible media tools.

The application's interface has evolved significantly from its desktop counterpart. The mobile version features a modern, gesture-friendly design with swipe controls for brightness and volume, making one-handed operation intuitive.

The media library automatically organizes your content into categories, displays album art, and remembers playback positions.

Privacy-conscious users appreciate that VLC operates entirely offline (unless you're streaming) and doesn't collect user data or require account creation. Your viewing habits remain private.