VLCLinux
vs
KodiWindows
VLC as a Linux alternative to Kodi
Updated
Our verdict
VLC is not a direct replacement for Kodi if you rely on a 10-foot interface, media library organization, or metadata scraping. It excels at playing nearly any media file with minimal setup and supports streaming and basic playlist functions, making it ideal for users who want quick, reliable playback without a full media center. For lightweight, no-fuss media viewing on Linux, VLC is excellent. But if you use Kodi to manage large libraries, stream from PVRs, or navigate with a remote, VLC alone won’t suffice. Consider it a strong player, not a full media hub.
- License
- GPL-2.0+
- Price
- Free
- Latest version
- 3.0.23 (January 1, 2026)
- Rating
- —
What works the same
- Both are free, open-source and support a wide range of audio and video formats
- Play media from local and network sources
- Support subtitles and streaming protocols
- Run on Linux and other platforms
- Can play DVDs, CDs, and Blu-ray (with add-ons)
What is different
- Kodi has a 10-foot interface designed for TVs; VLC uses a desktop-style UI
- Kodi automatically builds media libraries and fetches metadata; VLC does not
- VLC plays almost any format out of the box; Kodi may need add-ons for less common codecs
- Kodi supports add-ons and plugins for extended functionality; VLC has minimal add-on support
- Kodi can manage podcasts and live TV; VLC lacks built-in podcast or PVR support
Opening your Kodi files
VLC does not import Kodi's .nfo metadata files, library databases, or playlists directly. It can play media files indexed by Kodi if accessible on disk or network. Playlist formats like M3U or XSPF are supported, so exported playlists from Kodi may work if manually transferred. There is no automatic migration of watched statuses, thumbnails, or scraped content. Users must rely on file paths remaining consistent. No tools exist to convert Kodi libraries for VLC use.
Switching from Kodi to VLC, step by step
- Install VLC from your distribution's repository or Flathub
- Copy or mount your media library to a location accessible on Linux
- Use VLC's playlist or drag-and-drop to open individual files or folders
- For network media, use 'Open Network Stream' or browse via SMB
- Export playlists from Kodi as M3U if needed and import into VLC
- Adjust audio/subtitle settings per-file or globally in VLC preferences
Key features of VLC
- Plays virtually any audio or video codec
- Supports DVDs, Audio CDs, VCDs and Blu‑ray (with optional libraries)
- Streams from HTTP, RTSP, RTP, MMS and other protocols
- Built‑in subtitles handling and conversion
- Simple drag‑and‑drop UI with customizable skins
- Command‑line interface for scripting
- Media conversion and basic editing tools
- Network browsing and playlist import
How to install VLC on Linux
flatpak install flathub org.videolan.VLCsudo apt install vlcsudo apt install vlcsudo dnf install vlcsudo pacman -S vlc-plugin-alsasudo zypper install vlcFrequently asked questions
Can VLC replace Kodi for watching movies on my TV?
Only if you don’t need a remote-friendly interface or media library. VLC plays files fine, but lacks Kodi’s organized browsing and metadata.
Does VLC support Kodi add-ons like YouTube or IPTV?
No. VLC doesn’t support Kodi-style add-ons. IPTV streams can be played manually via URL, but not managed through a plugin system.
Can I use VLC with a remote control like Kodi?
Basic keyboard or IR remote control is possible, but VLC has no built-in 10-foot UI or menu system like Kodi for easy navigation.
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