VLC

While the default video player in Android does a pretty decent job, if you are an avid movie watcher or you come across a video in an unsupported format, you will start searching for alternatives. Due to the large number of media file formats supported, VLC has been a top choice for many desktop users over the years. While still in beta, the mobile version can already compete head-to-head against any other Android player.

Easy-to-use GUI with onscreen controls

Despite the powerful features it packs, the desktop version of VLC won't win any visual design awards. This fact changes however with the mobile version. The user interface is clean, stylish and fully functional.

While watching videos, you can quickly adjust the volume by swiping on the right side of the screen and the brightness by swiping on the left. When tapping the screen, in addition to the playback controls, the app also displays the battery level, which is a nice touch.

Sleek media player that supports a wide variety of formats

When you run VLC, you are greeted with a funny message that warns you the you are dealing with an unstable, beta version. Don't get scared though, as in the performed tests the app didn't crash even once.

Once you get past this message, VLC will automatically scan your device for video and audio files, saving you valuable time. If your media files reside in a location not indexed by default, you can use the built-in file browser to navigate to that folder.

In the case of videos with dual audio, you can switch between the tracks at any time from the playback screen. Subtitles are also supported, even styled ones, no matter if they are embedded in the video or from an external file.

Even though VLC truly shines as a video player, the audio player does a good job as well. You can create playlists, view album art and fine-tune the sound using the built-in 10-band equalizer. The audio player can also be controlled from the notification area and the lock screen, and in the latter case it even displays the album art. And, if you want to fall asleep to your favorite music, there's a built-in sleep timer just for that.

Given the fact that VLC used to stand for VideoLAN Client, it comes natural that it can also play network streams. The http, mms and rtsp protocols are supported and everything worked as expected. An option to bookmark the MRLs would have made a welcome addition though.

Add to watchlist:

Video sharingStreamingPlayerDownloader

• Tunnel Vision 1.0.0
• musical.ly 1.0.3
• Legend - Animate Text in Video 1.4.1
• Listen on Repeat 2.3.36
• KineMaster 3.1.0.6928.FREE

Portable version:

• VLC for iOS
• VLC for Windows Phone