iTunesApple
Google Play4.7 out of 5130,000,000 ratings
PriceFree
In-app purchases–
Platforms
Age ratingEveryone
iTunes vs VLC for Android vs MX Player: which media player should you choose?
Choose iTunes for a music-focused library and Apple content, VLC for an ad-free player that handles many formats, or MX Player for accessible video playback with subtitles and speed controls.
At a glance
VLC for AndroidVideolabs
Google Play4.1 out of 51,993,853 ratings
PriceFree
In-app purchasesNo
Platforms
Age ratingEveryone
MX PlayerAmazon Mobile LLC
Google Play4.2 out of 514,147,136 ratings
PriceFree
In-app purchasesYes ($0.49 - $239.99 per item)
Platforms
Age ratingEveryone
Ratings, prices and age ratings come from the Google Play listings, read on Nov 7, 2026. Listings change over time.
How we compared them
All three apps play media, but they serve different priorities. iTunes centers on discovering, organizing, and playing music and videos; VLC for Android focuses on broad-format playback without ads; MX Player pairs an approachable video-player interface with subtitle and playback controls.
This comparison covers their standout features, trade-offs, Google Play ratings, and pricing so you can decide which approach fits your media habits.
How we compared them
We compared each app's stated uses and strengths, then considered its Google Play rating, install range, price, ads, and in-app purchases. Store figures were read on November 7, 2026.
The comparison also weighs practical trade-offs such as format support, subtitles, library management, and ads. It does not rely on hands-on testing or performance measurements.
iTunes
Apple
- Google Play
- 4.7 out of 5
- Best for
- discovering and managing a music-centered library
iTunes is the most music-oriented choice of the three, combining music discovery, library organization, playback, and access to Apple content. Its family-sharing options and exclusive releases give it an edge for households and listeners invested in Apple's media ecosystem.
That broader music service comes with trade-offs: full access requires a subscription, and offline listening is limited. Large libraries can also be harder to manage, while some content is restricted by region.
What we like
- Strongest music discovery and library focus
- Family sharing and exclusive releases
- High-quality audio streaming
What to know
- Subscription needed for full access
- Less suited to broad-format video playback than VLC
VLC for Android
Videolabs
- Google Play
- 4.1 out of 5
- Best for
- playing varied media without ads
VLC for Android is the clearest pick for format flexibility: it supports a wide range of video formats, offers customizable playback settings, and can stream content from the web. Unlike MX Player, it has no ads or in-app purchases, and its open-source development is a plus for users who value that approach.
Its interface can take more time to learn than MX Player's, and some controls are tucked away in menus. It also lacks the music-library and discovery emphasis of iTunes, as well as cloud integration for convenient access.
What we like
- Wide video-format support
- No ads or in-app purchases
- Customizable playback and web streaming
What to know
- More complex for new users than MX Player
- No iTunes-style music discovery or library focus
MX Player
Amazon Mobile LLC
- Google Play
- 4.2 out of 5
- Best for
- straightforward video playback with subtitle controls
MX Player combines a user-friendly interface with support for multiple video formats, subtitles, playback-speed control, and hardware acceleration. Those practical viewing controls make it a strong alternative to VLC for people who want video features in an accessible package.
The free version contains ads, and in-app purchases are available; VLC is the simpler choice if avoiding ads and purchases matters. MX Player can also have subtitle-delay issues, and its free version has fewer features than the paid options.
What we like
- Accessible interface for video playback
- Subtitle support and playback-speed control
- Hardware acceleration
What to know
- Ads in the free version, unlike VLC
- Subtitle delays can occur
Which one should you pick?
Best for music discovery and Apple content
iTunes
Best for ad-free, broad-format playback
VLC for Android
Best for subtitles and playback controls
MX Player
FAQ's for Video Players & Editors
Which of these apps is ad-free?
VLC for Android has no ads or in-app purchases. MX Player contains ads, and iTunes is free to download but requires a subscription for full access.
Which app supports the widest range of video formats?
VLC for Android is the strongest choice for broad-format playback, with support for a wide range of video formats.
Which app is best for music?
iTunes is the most music-focused option, with music discovery, library organization, streaming, family sharing, and exclusive releases.
Which app has the most useful subtitle and playback controls?
MX Player offers subtitle support and playback-speed control. VLC also has customizable playback settings, while MX Player's subtitle timing can sometimes be an issue.
About this comparison
FileLocations compares apps independently. We don't make, own or distribute any of these apps and have no affiliation with their developers, Google or Apple. Names, icons and trademarks belong to their owners; store details are shown for reference and can change.