TotemLinux
vs
VLCWindows
Totem as a Linux alternative to VLC
Updated
Our verdict
Totem can replace VLC for users who need a straightforward GNOME‑styled player and are comfortable with the default codec set provided by GStreamer. It handles the most common audio and video containers out of the box and integrates well with the desktop, but it lacks many of VLC’s advanced features such as extensive streaming protocols, fine‑grained transcoding options, and deep subtitle customization. For casual viewers or GNOME users who mainly watch local files, Totem is a solid choice; power users who rely on VLC’s broad format support and network tools may still prefer to keep VLC alongside it.
- License
- GPL-2.0+
- Price
- Free
- Latest version
- 43.2
- Rating
- —
What works the same
- Plays a wide range of audio and video formats via built‑in codecs
- Supports subtitles with automatic encoding detection
- Provides fullscreen and windowed playback with hotkeys
- Offers basic playlist functionality and drag‑and‑drop
What is different
- VLC includes built‑in network streaming and transcoding tools; Totem relies on external GStreamer plugins
- VLC offers extensive subtitle styling and synchronization options; Totem’s subtitle handling is basic
- VLC provides a large set of command‑line controls and scripting; Totem has limited command‑line options
- VLC works the same across Windows, macOS and Linux; Totem is GNOME‑specific and not cross‑platform
Opening your VLC files
Both players use the same container formats, so any file you can open in VLC will open in Totem as long as the required GStreamer plugins are installed. Totem does not export or convert files; if you need transcoding, you’ll have to use a separate tool such as FFmpeg.
Switching from VLC to Totem, step by step
- Install Totem from your distribution’s repository (e.g., sudo apt install totem)
- Ensure the gstreamer‑plugins‑good, -bad, and -ugly packages are installed for broader codec support
- Open your media files in Totem to verify playback; adjust default applications if needed
- If you use network streams, test them in Totem and fall back to VLC for protocols not supported
Key features of Totem
- GTK+ interface that matches the GNOME look‑and‑feel
- Automatic codec handling via GStreamer plugins
- Playlist support and simple drag‑and‑drop
- Subtitle display with basic encoding detection
- Fullscreen and windowed modes with hotkeys
- Integration with GNOME Shell notifications
- Remote control via MPRIS/D‑Bus
- Simple file browsing through GNOME Files
How to install Totem on Linux
sudo apt install totemsudo apt install totemsudo dnf install totemsudo pacman -S totemsudo zypper install totemFrequently asked questions
Can Totem play DVDs and Blu‑ray discs?
Totem can play DVDs if the appropriate libdvdread and libdvdcss libraries are present, but Blu‑ray support is not provided out of the box.
Does Totem support streaming protocols like RTSP or HLS?
Basic HTTP and local network streams work, but advanced protocols such as RTSP, MMS, or HLS may require additional GStreamer plugins and are less reliable than VLC.
Can I control Totem with keyboard shortcuts?
Yes, Totem includes common shortcuts (space for play/pause, f for fullscreen, arrows for seeking) and can be extended via GNOME Settings or custom keybindings.
4 other alternatives to VLC
mpvmpv is a free, open‑source, cross‑platform media player that plays almost any video or audio format.Open sourceFreeFlatpakmpv vs VLC
CelluloidCelluloid is a lightweight media player for Linux that uses the mpv engine and GTK for a clean GNOME‑style…Open sourceFreeFlatpakCelluloid vs VLC
HarunaHaruna is a GPL‑licensed, open‑source media player that supports local and online playback with extensive…Open sourceFreeFlatpakHaruna vs VLC
SMPlayerSMPlayer is a free, open-source media player with built-in codecs that handles nearly all video and audio…Open sourceFreeFlatpakSMPlayer vs VLC