Kodi and VLC are both popular media players that can be used to play different kinds of audio and video files. However, they have different features and functions. Kodi is open-source software for a media center. It used to be called XBMC (Xbox Media Center). It is meant to be a central place for all kinds of entertainment, with the ability to manage and play media files from many different sources. Kodi works with a wide range of audio, video, and image formats. It can handle local files stored on your device, network-attached storage (NAS) systems, and even streaming content from the internet.
It has a user interface that can be changed, so users can make their media center experience unique by using different skins, themes, and add-ons. Kodi also lets you organize your media, take care of your library, and connect and control other devices in your home theater setup. It works on many platforms, such as Windows, Mac, Linux, Android, iOS, and more.
VideoLAN Client, which is short for “VLC,” is a free and open-source media player. It is known for being able to work with almost any audio or video format you throw at it. VLC has a simple, easy-to-use interface that is focused on making it easy to play media. It can play files on your device, streaming content from the internet, and even DVDs and Blu-rays. VLC also works with subtitle files, filters for audio and video, and advanced playback controls. It is available for Windows, Mac, Linux, Android, and iOS, among other platforms.
Kodi vs VLC Price
Kodi is a free, open-source media player that can be used by anyone. It can be downloaded and installed for free, so users can use all of its features without having to spend any money. Because Kodi is open source, it also benefits from a passionate community of developers who are always working to make it better and better.
The VLC media player is also free and open source. It can be downloaded for free, so users don’t have to pay for a license to play a wide range of audio and video files. Because VLC is open source, developers from all over the world can work together and come up with new ideas. This makes sure that the software is always updated and getting better.
Kodi vs VLC Comparison Table
Features | Kodi | VLC |
---|---|---|
Platform | Available on multiple platforms (Windows, Mac, Linux, Android, iOS, Raspberry Pi, etc.) | Available on multiple platforms (Windows, Mac, Linux, Android, iOS) |
Media Player | Yes | Yes |
Media Library | Yes | Limited functionality |
Media Streaming | Yes (supports local and network streaming) | Yes (supports local and network streaming) |
Customization | Highly customizable with skins and addons | Minimal customization options |
Plug-ins and Add-ons | Extensive collection of add-ons and plug-ins for enhanced functionality | Limited selection of add-ons and plug-ins |
User Interface | Can be complex for beginners | Simple and intuitive |
File Format Support | Wide range of audio and video formats | Wide range of audio and video formats |
Subtitle Support | Yes | Yes |
Playlist Management | Comprehensive playlist management features | Basic playlist functionality |
Internet Radio | Yes | Limited functionality |
Network Sharing | Can act as a media server to share content with other devices | Can stream content from network devices |
Additional Features | PVR (Personal Video Recorder) support for live TV and recording | Advanced video and audio settings |
Price | Free | Free |
Official link | Visit Website | Visit Website |
Kodi vs VLC User interface
People often say that Kodi’s user interface has a lot of features, but it can be harder to use, especially for beginners. It gives you a lot of ways to customize your experience by letting you use different skins and themes. This lets users change how the interface looks and feels to suit their needs. There are also a lot of add-ons and plug-ins for Kodi that can make it work better. But because it has so many features and ways to customize it, it can be hard to use for people who prefer a simpler and more straightforward interface.
On the other hand, VLC’s interface is easier to use and understand. It focuses on being easy to use and easy to navigate. The interface of VLC is designed to be simple and clean, with only the controls you need to play media. Even though VLC doesn’t have as many customization options or skins that look good as Kodi, its simplicity makes it easy for people of all skill levels to use. The interface is made to be quick and easy to use, so users can open and play media files without any trouble.
Kodi vs VLC Platform
Kodi and VLC are both flexible media players that can be used on a number of different platforms. This means that users can enjoy their media content on a number of different devices. Kodi works on many different platforms, such as Windows, Mac, Linux, Android, iOS, Raspberry Pi, and more. Because it works on so many platforms, users can use it no matter what operating system or device they prefer. Because Kodi works on many different platforms, users can easily switch between them while keeping their media library, settings, and add-ons.
It also lets you use Kodi as a media center on dedicated devices like Raspberry Pi or as a software app on most operating systems. In the same way, VLC works on many different platforms, such as Windows, Mac, Linux, Android, and iOS. It works with all of the major operating systems and lets users enjoy their media files on a wide range of devices, from desktop and laptop computers to smartphones and tablets. VLC is available on many different platforms, so users can play media the same way no matter what device they are using.
Kodi vs VLC Customization
Kodi is known for letting you change a lot of things about it. It comes with a wide range of skins, themes, and add-ons that let users change how the interface looks and feels. Users can choose from a number of skins that look good to match their tastes or make their own unique style. Kodi’s add-on ecosystem also has a huge number of plugins and extensions that add to its capabilities. Users can add features like more media sources, streaming services, visualizations, and more. Kodi is a popular choice for people who like to change their media player to fit their needs and style.
On the other hand, you can’t change VLC as much as you can with Kodi. Even though it has some basic customization options, like being able to change the interface theme and the buttons on the toolbar, it doesn’t have as many skins and add-ons as Kodi. VLC’s main goal is to provide a simple and easy-to-use user experience. It puts ease of use and quick media playback ahead of a lot of customization options.
Kodi: Pros and Cons
Pros
- Highly customizable with various skins, themes, and add-ons.
- Extensive media center features like media organization and library management.
- Supports a wide range of platforms and devices.
- Can handle local files, network streaming, and internet content.
- Option to connect and control other devices in a home theater setup.
Cons
- Can be complex for beginners due to the abundance of features.
- Requires some configuration and setup for optimal performance.
- Some add-ons may be unreliable or require regular maintenance.
VLC: Pros and Cons
Pros
- Wide format support, capable of playing almost any audio or video file.
- Simple and intuitive interface, suitable for all user levels.
- Efficient media playback with advanced controls.
- Supports subtitle files and audio/video filters.
- Available on multiple platforms.
Cons
- Limited customization options compared to Kodi.
- Lacks additional media center features found in Kodi.
- Not as visually appealing as some other media players.
- Less emphasis on organizing and managing media libraries.
Which one should you consider?
Kodi is a media center program that can be changed in a lot of ways and has a lot of features. VLC is a versatile media player that can play a lot of different formats and is easy to use. Which one you choose depends on whether you want a lot of ways to customize it and extra media center features (Kodi) or a reliable and easy-to-use media player (VLC).
FAQs
As for our suggestion, if you want a simple and easy-to-use media player, we think you should go with the most popular one, which is VLC Media Player. It may also be the best video player for Windows 10.
KMPlayer is a popular alternative to VLC Player that can be used to play videos on both Windows and OSX. The Android version works with different codecs and lets you cast, among other things. This includes direct streaming from Google Drive and Dropbox, as well as other cloud storage apps.