No.2 VLC – The Open Source Media Player for macOS Catalina Speaking of a media player, most people would think of VLC media player. Indeed, VLC is the big boss in the media player world. You can play almost everything with it including files, discs, webcams, devices and streams.
- The most popular audio/video player for Mac is VLC Media Player. The VLC player for Macbook has stayed on top of the list for a long time. However, we also have many alternatives for it as more.
- VideoLAN has updated its open-source VLC media player to version 3.0.10 with improved macOS 10.15 Catalina support and fixes for video rendering in macOS. The release now uses a layer-based video output in 10.14 Mojave and later to resolve a size-related glitch and work around OpenGL issues with Macs that have a dedicated Nvidia GPU.
Don’t know which Mac screen and audio recorder you should choose? Actually, high-quality screen and video capture will help you improve efficiency and optimize your recording content. Whether you use it to stream games online, make tutorials, record your singing, or anything else, you need to find a suitable screen and audio recorder for your Mac. In this article, we’ve listed the top 10 Mac screen and audio recorders for you, including free and the advanced features of a paid solution.
TOP 1. Vidmore Screen Recorder
Vidmore Screen Recorder is a versatile video recorder to capture any activity on your screen, record HD video, as well as webcam. With this powerful video and audio recorder, you can record computer screen, exciting gameplay, webcam videos, online lectures, favorite music, or just save a screenshot on your Mac.
This screen and audio recording software for Mac is able to capture different audio sources to meet your needs, like system sounds, microphone voice or both. Separately recorded audio clips also give you more control over the sound of more complex projects. It's also good for only recording audio projects like podcasts or audiobooks and you can save them as MP3, M4A, WMA, or AAC files. The quality of the audio file can be set at your request. You can pre-listen to the recorded audio file before saving it.
Here are some key features:
- Easily record your desktop screen activity and capture your webcam with high quality.
- Capture online videos from YouTube, Dailymotion, Facebook, TED, etc.
- Record any audio from your computer and your voice from the microphone.
- Take a screenshot of the whole screen or of a single window.
- Add text, arrows, and shapes to your recording or screenshot.
- Be able to set output video format, video codec, and video quality.
- Set the task name, starting time and ending time and duration.
TOP 2. QuickTime
QuickTime is the free built-in media player for Mac users. It is a reliable video player, but it’s also a quick and easy screen recorder that you don’t have to pay for. To some extent, it is similar to VLC.
This Mac software is wonderful if you need to record your screen in a pinch. It’s also one of the best video converter apps for macOS. With it, you can also edit your recordings. However, you can’t select a window to record a video. And it can only save 1080pHD video, not support 4K.
TOP 3. VLC
VLC Media Player, a popular Windows Media Player for Mac and Windows, which can play almost any media file format without quality loss. If you only regard VLC as the video player, you may have missed many features from it. It also lets you record any video and audio that is playing with this media player.
You can use VLC to record video from a DVD to your hard drive, capture streaming video from the Internet and record a screen capture video of your computer's desktop. If you are looking for a free recorder, VLC deserves a try. But, you need to pay attention that it can only record without any further editing features. So you have to find another app to edit your recordings if you need it.
Download: VLC(https://www.videolan.org/vlc/index.html) (Free)
TOP 4. AnyMP4 Screen Recorder
AnyMP4 Screen Recorder is a powerful app to record screen and audio for Mac and Windows users. It can record any kind of screen on the computer like online videos, games, Skype calls, Podcast, online conference, webcam videos, webinars, lectures and more.
This screen and audio recorder app is able to capture system sounds, microphone voice or both and save your audio recording as MP3, M4A, WMA, or AAC files. After you finish recording, you can play the recorded video in advance and watch it as well as listen to the audio files directly.
Download: AnyMP4 Screen Recorder(https://www.anymp4.com/screen-recorder/) (Free trial)
TOP 5. OBS
OBS, also named as Open Broadcaster Software, is the free and open-source program for video and audio recording, as well as live streaming. Provided with lots of features and settings, you are able to capture the game screen among the multiple screens and optimize your setup for recording.
This Mac app is a great program for advanced users. It can be configured to your needs as a recording program. However, it is hard to master this recorder for novice users. If you’re willing to put in the time to learn the rules, it’s a great option.
Download: OBS(https://obsproject.com/) (Free)
TOP 6. Bandicam
Bandicam is the video recording software for Mac and Windows that allows you to capture any screen on your computer. You can record lectures, webinars, games and Skype calls with the option to add narration from your microphone and video from your webcam, and share on YouTube or Vimeo.
With it, you can also capture external video devices from webcam, Xbox, IPTV, etc. And it also supports for the schedule recording. Bandicam provides a free version for Mac users to have a try, but you can’t use a full-featured recorder.
Download: Bandicam(https://www.bandicam.com/free-screen-recorder/) (Free trial)
TOP 7. Camtasia
Camtasia is the combination of video/audio recorder and editor on Windows and Mac. You can use it to capture anything on your computer screen–websites, software, video calls, or PowerPoint presentations. With its built-in video editor, you can drag and drop text, transitions, effects, and more.
It can also capture audio from a mic, the system or both. You can also send recordings from your mobile device directly, but admittedly, this it isn’t smooth enough. After recording, you can upload your video to YouTube, Vimeo, Screencast, or your online video course. However, this app does cost a lot – $249. But if you’re looking for a professional one to create your recordings, it might be worth the investment.
Download: Camtasia(https://www.techsmith.com/download/camtasia/) (Free trial)
TOP 8. Movavi Screen Capture Studio
Movavi Screen Capture Studio is the video recording software, which has all the tools you will need to capture a screen on the computer and edit your recordings. You can use it to capture your entire desktop or a specific region, application or window. It's also great for recording streaming video, video games, and more. It can also record your system’s audio or voice through a microphone. However, it can’t share the video recording directly to YouTube, etc. And it doesn’t have the option to lock the window while recording.
Download: Movavi Screen Capture Studio(https://www.movavi.com/screen-recorder-mac/) (Free trial)
TOP 9. Snagit
Snagit is the advanced video recording software and combines some of the best screen recording features in a simple interface. It allows simultaneous recording from screens and webcams. However, you are not able to overlay the videos. Instead, you need to toggle between which one is recorded.
Snagit also allows you to record audio; you can view your past recordings and tag them for finding them quickly in the future. It is featured by a powerful editor with a vast library. This recorder is not friendly to the novice.
Download: Snagit(https://www.techsmith.com/download/snagit/) (Free trial)
TOP 10. ScreenFlow
With ScreenFlow, you can record any part of your screen or the entire monitor while also capturing your video camera, iOS device, microphone or multi-channel audio device, and your computer’s audio. You can creatively edit your video with its built-in editor. And you’re able to share your video directly to YouTube, Vimeo, Facebook, etc. However, the cost is $129, a little bit expensive. You can have a free trial if you need.
Download: ScreenFlow(http://primary.telestream.net/screenflow/) (Free trial)
Conclusion
Which screen and audio recorder is best? All of the above recorders can give you a great video and audio recording experience. All in all, selecting any recorder is up to your requirements and budget.
Summary :
Sometimes, you may need VLC alternatives because of the annoying 'Rebuilding Font Cache' thing or others. This post lists different VLC alternatives for Windows/Mac. Choose the best VLC alternative 2019 depends on your actual situation.
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Have you ever used VLC media player? This post is going to show you some excellent VLC alternatives for Windows/Linux/Mac. You can find a suitable VLC alternative 2019 to play video and audio files.
VLC is a free, open-source, portable, and cross-platform media player and streaming media server developed by the VideoLAN project. It is able to play incomplete, unfinished or damaged video, but it will drive you crazy sometimes.
For example, here is a true story.
I have been using VLC media player for a while and was pleased with it. Then I get a notice about an update, which I did. Now all I get is green lines over the movie. I have tried everything to solve the problem, installing the backup, uninstall and install, with no success. Everything worked great until this update. Does anybody have a solution to this? It is driving me crazy. Please help. Thank you.
In general, a VLC alternative can solve this problem easily. The below are some common problems you might encounter when using the VLC media player.
4 Reasons Why You Need a VLC Alternative
1. VLC is unable to play broken files.
Generally, VLC media player can play unfinished or damaged video. But, sometimes, it cannot play video file and tells you that the file is damaged. Actually, this file is just being downloaded.
2. VLC doesn’t support a few codes and file types.
VLC supports a lot of video and audio codes and formats, but it requires codec settings for a few formats. For many common people, it is a difficult job.
3. VLC crashes without warning.
Sometimes, VLC media player suddenly crashes when you watch some normal files, try to insert subtitle or make it full screen.
4. VLC media player will damage the speakers!
If you are using VLC media player and keep the volume loud for a long time, your speakers could be damaged. Sadly, some manufacturers like Dell say replacing the speakers will not be covered by the hardware warranty. Therefore, please keep the volume down while using VLC.
Now, it is time to look for VLC alternatives to play your video or audio files. No matter you have come across these problems or not, it is a good idea to prepare a suitable alternative to VLC.
You will find many people are searching for VLC alternatives on the Internet. Here, we list different alternatives to VLC media player for Windows/Mac/Linux. Read on and find out which one suits you best.
Part 1. VLC Alternatives 2019 for Windows
VLC is a free video editing software, you might need to look for a VLC alternative because of the unfriendly UI, “Rebuilding Font Cache” thing and other problems. Now, try the following alternatives to VLC media player for Windows.
No 1. Windows Movie Maker
There is no doubt that many people have probably heard of Windows Movie Maker, a video editing tool developed by Microsoft. It not only allows you to watch video, but also lets you edit this video simply, for instance, add text to video.
Related article: How to Add Text to Video in Windows Movie Maker (Step-by-Step Guide).
Now, some users might want to know where to get this tool since it was officially discontinued on January 10, 2017. Fortunately, you can get this Microsoft video editing tool by clicking the following button.
Cons
- It supports playing videos as well as pictures.
- It can edit your videos simply.
- It is able to share your videos on YouTube, Facebook, etc.
Related article: How to Use Movie Maker | Step-by-step Guide for Beginners.
Pros
- Microsoft does not support it now.
- It cannot play music alone.
No 2. 5KPlayer
Vlc Media Player For Mac Catalina
5KPlayer is a mixture of free (MKV) HD video player and music player. This real media player is compatible with Windows as well as Mac OS X. If your VLC crashes suddenly, you can try this alternative.
Pros
- It supports a lot of video formats, including MKV, M2TS, MPEG1/2, WMV/ASF, AVI, MOV, RM, OGV, FLV, MP4, H.264, M4V, WEBM.
- It can play 4K UHD videos without any glitches.
- It is able to play 1080p or 1080i high-definition videos under 10% CPU cost.
- It can play MP3 AAC APE FLAC music perfectly to activate your senses.
- It can download online videos from YouTube, Facebook, Vimeo, etc.
Cons
This alternative to VLC media player for Windows might be confusing for beginners.
No 3. Windows Media Player
Windows media player is another VLC alternative. It allows you to play video and audio files. Besides, it allows previewing images on personal computers running the Microsoft Windows operating system, as well as on Pocket PC and Windows Mobile-based devices.
Pros
- It provides a less cluttered user interface.
- It offers a better music library.
- It supports network sharing.
- It can access to online music services.
Cons
- It cannot handle 4K, 3D and 360-degree video.
- It doesn’t support for VR headsets.
No 4. Photos App
If you are running Windows 10, you have another great VLC alternative 2019 – Photo app. This Windows 10 hidden media player not only can play video but also can play images. Besides, it can help to trim video.
Free Download Vlc Media Player For Mac
Related Article: How to Cut Video Easily and Quickly (The Definitive Guide).
Pros
- It can play videos quickly.
- It has a simple, touch-friendly interface.
- It also supports browsing photo, and is able to create albums automatically.
- It has cool video editing effects.
Cons
- It cannot tag faces.
- It doesn’t support panorama stitching and selective focus.
No 5. KMPlayer
KM player can play video as well as audio in Windows. This alternative to VLC supports almost any format that Windows can play including AVI, ASF, WMV, AVS, FLV, MKV, and many more. With the VLC alternative, you can slow down or increase playback speed, select parts of a video as favorites.
Pros
- It supports many audio and video formats.
- It supports 3D and VR and setting related to that.
- It has extensive subtitle management.
- It can capture audio and video.
Cons
Advertisement (There are no hidden or misleading clauses while installing, but we will be asked whether we want to install Avast Antivirus after installing.)
After learning these different VLC alternatives for Windows, you can take a look of the below wonderful video tool.
No 6. MiniTool Movie Maker
MiniTool Movie Maker, free and simple video tool, lets you review videos, and pictures. Besides, it also lets you create videos and slideshow easily and quickly. For instance, I usually use this simple and free tool to create Facebook Slideshow.
Pros
- It supports a lot of video format including WMV, MP4, AVI, MOV, F4V, MKV, GIF, MP3, and so on.
- It offers wizard-like interfaces. This tool can help you create a movie without requiring professional knowledge and skill.
- It offers movie as well as trailer templates. You are able to easily create cool movies or Hollywood-style movie trailers.
- It allows you to make video with pictures easily and quickly.
- It offers some filters to help you change the color, style, or tone in minutes.
- It offers plenty of useful transition effects to make the presentation, slideshow or movie good looking and impressive.
- It not only can split large video into small parts but also can trim video to remove the unwanted frames from the start or end of a clip. More details can be found in How to Trim Video Easily (Step-by-Step Guide with Pictures).
Cons
It only supports Windows OSs, now.
Part 2. VLC Alternative Mac
Mac users can try the following alternatives when the VLC media player isn’t working.
No 1. QuickTime Player
QuickTime player, the best VLC alternative Mac, is the most familiar media players for Mac users. As the default movie player as Mac, QuickTime player is capable of supporting various formats of videos, music, images, and other media files.
- QuickTime player enables you to set playback from 1/2x to 3x the normal speed.
- This alternative to VLC is capable of watching videos from hard drive and internet.
- This VLC alternative Mac allows you to screen recording your Mac, edit movies and extract audio from a video. However, you need to purchase the QuickTime Pro license key to unlock the recording, editing and extracting features.
No 2. MPlayerX Media Player
MPlayerX, a free and open source media player, is another VLC alternative.
- It can handle any media format in the world without extra plug-ins or codec packages as it is armed by FFmpeg and MPlayer.
- It provides you the easiest way to control the playback as it will follow your gestures.
- It can automatically and seamlessly detect and convert the encoding method of the subtitle file.
No 3. Movist
Movist, a free, simple yet powerful player for Mac, supports QuickTime, FFmpeg as well as subtitles.
- It is easy to use.
- It owns a beautiful and convenient user interface.
- It is available to adjust aspect ratios and configure keyboard shortcuts.
Unfortunately, this VLC alternative Mac doesn't support Apple remote.
Part 3. VLC Alternative Linux
Let’s start with a true example from my best friend.
I've used VLC in Linux for years. But lately, it's been choking and dying for no discernible reasons and attempts to troubleshoot have failed. Are there any other comparable alternatives for media players out there at the moment?
Now, my friend can try the following VLC alternative Linux.
No 1. Bomi Player
The best VLC alternative Linux, Bomi player (known as CM Player), works well on Linux and provides GUI features.
- This easy-to-use VLC alternative Linux provides some powerful features which you will find in the context menu.
- It supports audio file and subtitle at all.
- It allows browsing your old playlist because it generally saves all your playback record.
No 2. SMPlayer
SMPlayer supports for all the default formats as like as other media players.
- This VLC alternative Linux allows you to play YouTube video directly from this player because of its built-in codec.
- This VLC alternative 2019 loads the subtitle of a movie from the internet. And, it saves your all settings when you play video.
- This alternative to VLC is fully resume supported video player.
Your Choice
The above video editing tools are good alternatives to VLC media player. You can choose a suitable one to play your videos.
Which VLC alternatives do you like to choose? Let us know by leaving comments.
Should you have any other good suggestions about VLC alternatives, please share them with us. Thanks in advance!
VLC Alternatives FAQ
- PotPlayer
- KMPlayer
- Media Player Classic – Home Cinema
- ACG Player
- GOM Media Player
- DivX Player
- Kodi
- Plex
- 5KPlayer
- MediaMonkey
Vlc Movie Player Mac
- VLC Player
- PotPlayer
- Media Player Classic – Home Cinema