When someone asks how to play a DVD on Windows, the first answer in every forum, Reddit thread, and tech article is the same: “just use VLC.” And that is fair advice — VLC is free, open-source, and plays nearly every media format that exists. It has earned its reputation over two decades.
But “plays everything” and “best experience for playing DVDs” are not the same thing. VLC is a cross-platform, open-source media player. MediaPlay DVD Player is a Windows app with a disc-first workflow plus local-media, streaming, and conversion tools. Their feature sets overlap, but they approach setup and everyday use differently.
This comparison is honest about both. VLC is an excellent piece of software. MediaPlay is a more focused tool. Here is where each one fits.
Short version: If you want a free, open-source player that handles every media format and you are comfortable navigating disc playback settings when needed, VLC is a proven choice. If you want a player built specifically for DVD disc playback on Windows with automatic disc detection and a simpler interface, MediaPlay DVD Player is designed for that use case.
What each app is designed to do
VLC media player
VLC is a free, open-source multimedia player developed by the VideoLAN project. The current version (3.0.x) runs on Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS, and several other platforms. It plays virtually every media format — video files, audio files, DVDs, network streams, and more — without requiring additional codec packs.
VLC is built as a universal player. Its design philosophy is “play everything, everywhere, for free.” It includes advanced features like streaming, transcoding, recording, subtitle synchronization, audio and video filters, and an equalizer. The interface exposes these capabilities through menus and preferences panels.
DVD playback is one of VLC’s many capabilities. It includes MPEG-2 decoding and DVD navigation support for standard movie discs. To play a DVD in VLC, you typically go to Media → Open Disc, select your DVD drive, and click Play.
VLC is not designed specifically for DVD playback — it is designed for everything. DVDs are one item on a very long list.
MediaPlay DVD Player
MediaPlay DVD Player is a Windows app from the Microsoft Store built around straightforward disc playback on Windows 10 and Windows 11. It plays CSS-protected DVD discs, DVD folders, and VIDEO_TS folders with familiar DVD menu controls. It supports 150+ video and audio formats, plays HEVC without a separate extension, and can play the main movie from unprotected Blu-ray discs and folders. It also includes streaming, internet radio, a media library, and tools for video conversion, compression, and audio extraction.
The app is free to use in its basic version (supported by ads), with an optional $12.99 one-time upgrade in the US to remove ads and unlock additional features. No subscription, no account required.
MediaPlay is built around the assumption that disc playback should remain simple even when the same app also handles local files and media tools. The interface, setup flow, and disc-detection behavior stay oriented around getting a movie playing without extra codec packs.
Feature comparison
| Feature | MediaPlay DVD Player | VLC media player |
|---|---|---|
| DVD disc playback | Yes — CSS-protected discs, menu controls, and automatic detection | Yes — via Media → Open Disc menu |
| DVD and VIDEO_TS folders | Yes | Yes |
| Blu-ray playback | Main movie from unprotected discs and folders; compatible drive required for discs | Limited and setup-dependent; not a dependable choice for protected Blu-ray discs |
| Local media files | Yes — 150+ video and audio formats, including HEVC without a separate extension | Yes — virtually every format |
| Price | Free with optional $12.99 one-time upgrade | Free |
| Open source | No | Yes — open source |
| Cross-platform | Windows only | Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS, and more |
| Streaming support | Yes | Yes |
| DVD disc detection | Automatic — detects disc on insert | Manual — Open Disc dialog, may need to select drive |
| Subtitle support | Embedded and external subtitles, available subtitle downloads, timing adjustment, and audio sync | Embedded and external subtitles, timing adjustment, and audio sync |
| Media tools | Video conversion, compression, and audio extraction | Transcoding, recording, and extensive playback tools |
| Account required | No | No |
| Install source | Microsoft Store | videolan.org download or Microsoft Store |
| Platform | Windows 10 and Windows 11 | Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS, others |
The DVD playback experience
The feature table shows what each app can do. This section is about what it feels like to use each one for the specific task of playing a DVD disc.
Getting a disc to play
With MediaPlay, the typical experience is: insert disc, movie starts. With MediaPlay set as the AutoPlay action, Windows hands the disc to it automatically; if the app is already open, it detects the disc and begins playback right away. Playback can also be started manually. For users who just want to watch, this is the relevant workflow — it mirrors how a standalone DVD player works.
With VLC, the typical experience is: insert disc, open VLC, go to Media → Open Disc, confirm the disc device is correct in the dropdown, click Play. This works reliably, but it adds steps. On some systems, VLC detects the drive automatically. On others — particularly with external USB drives — you may need to manually select the drive letter from the disc device dropdown. If you have used VLC before, this is a minor detail. If you are setting up DVD playback for the first time, it can feel like an unnecessary hurdle.
Subtitle and audio track selection
Both apps let you switch subtitle and audio tracks during playback, open external subtitle files, adjust subtitle timing, and correct audio sync. MediaPlay also offers subtitle download when a matching subtitle is available. VLC provides additional detailed subtitle-rendering options through its preferences.
Who VLC is for
VLC is the better choice if your needs extend beyond DVD playback:
You play many types of media. If your daily use includes MKV files, FLAC audio, network streams, YouTube URLs, and the occasional DVD, VLC handles all of that in a single app. It is genuinely a universal player, and having one tool for everything has real value.
You use multiple operating systems. VLC runs on Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, and iOS. If you switch between a Windows desktop and a Mac laptop, VLC provides a consistent experience across both. MediaPlay is Windows only.
You want completely free software. VLC costs nothing, shows no ads, collects no data, and is distributed under open-source licenses. If principle matters — if you prefer open-source software when a good option exists — VLC is the clear choice on those grounds.
You are comfortable with settings. VLC’s preferences menu is extensive. Audio filters, video output modules, codec priorities, network caching, subtitle rendering — it is all configurable. If you are the kind of user who wants to adjust deinterlacing modes or set a custom subtitle font, VLC gives you that control.
You want advanced features. VLC can record streams, transcode media between formats, play network URLs, capture screen recordings, and more. None of this relates to DVD playback, but if you might need any of it, VLC already includes it.
Who MediaPlay DVD Player is for
MediaPlay is the better choice if DVD disc playback is your primary need and simplicity matters:
You mainly play DVDs. If you bought an external DVD drive and your goal is to watch your disc collection on Windows, MediaPlay is purpose-built for this. You do not need to learn a general-purpose media player’s interface to accomplish a specific task.
You also have unprotected Blu-ray discs or folders. MediaPlay can play the main movie from unprotected Blu-ray media when you have a compatible drive for discs. It does not support protected Blu-ray playback.
You want broad Windows media support without another codec purchase. MediaPlay opens more than 150 video and audio formats and plays HEVC (H.265) without requiring a separate HEVC extension.
You prefer a cleaner interface. This is not a criticism of VLC — its interface reflects its capabilities. But for users who do not need deep configuration, VLC’s preferences panels and nested menus can feel like visual noise. MediaPlay’s interface is cleaner and shows what you need for everyday playback without burying you in configuration options.
You want automatic disc detection. If “insert disc and it plays” is the experience you expect from a DVD player, MediaPlay is closer to that than VLC’s “insert disc, open menu, select disc, click play” workflow. For technically comfortable users, the difference is trivial. For less technical users, it is the difference between working and not working.
You prefer the Microsoft Store. MediaPlay installs from the Microsoft Store with automatic updates, sandboxed permissions, and a familiar installation process. VLC is also available on the Microsoft Store, but many users download VLC directly from videolan.org, which involves running a downloaded installer — something less technical users are sometimes uncomfortable with.
You do not need cross-platform. If you only use Windows and want one app for discs, local video and music, streams, and practical conversion tools, VLC’s cross-platform breadth may be less important. MediaPlay is designed specifically for that Windows workflow.
Pricing at a glance
Both apps are free to start. VLC is completely free — no ads, no paid tier, funded by donations and distributed under open-source licenses. MediaPlay is free with ads, with an optional $12.99 one-time upgrade in the US to remove them. Neither requires a subscription or an account. Prices may vary by market; check the current in-app Microsoft Store offer.
FAQ
Is VLC better than MediaPlay DVD Player?
VLC is more versatile across operating systems and remains fully open-source, with advanced features such as transcoding and screen recording. MediaPlay combines a simpler Windows DVD workflow with 150+ formats, unprotected Blu-ray main-movie playback, enhancement controls, and practical media tools. “Better” depends on the platform and workflow you need.
Can VLC play DVDs on Windows 11?
Yes. VLC includes MPEG-2 decoding and DVD navigation support. You may need to use the Media → Open Disc menu and manually select your DVD drive, especially with external USB drives, but it handles DVD playback without additional software.
Why does VLC not detect my DVD automatically?
VLC is a general-purpose player and does not always auto-detect DVD discs, particularly with external USB drives. If inserting a disc does not start playback, open VLC, go to Media → Open Disc, and check that the correct drive letter is selected in the disc device field. This is the expected workflow for disc playback in VLC.
Is MediaPlay DVD Player free?
Yes. The basic version is free and supported by ads. In the US, an optional $12.99 one-time upgrade removes ads and unlocks additional features. No subscription, no account required.
Can I use both VLC and MediaPlay on the same computer?
Yes. They are independent applications and do not conflict. Some users install VLC for general media playback and use MediaPlay specifically for DVD discs.
Can MediaPlay play Blu-ray discs?
MediaPlay can play the main movie from unprotected Blu-ray discs and Blu-ray folders. A compatible Blu-ray drive is required for discs. It does not support protected Blu-ray playback.
Does MediaPlay need the paid HEVC extension?
No. MediaPlay can play HEVC (H.265) video without a separate HEVC extension. Hardware acceleration is available on supported graphics cards.
Trademark notice
VLC and VLC media player are trademarks internationally registered by the VideoLAN non-profit organization. This comparison is independent and is not affiliated with, sponsored by, or endorsed by VideoLAN.
Sources
- VLC media player: videolan.org
- VLC features: videolan.org/vlc/features
- MediaPlay DVD Player: Microsoft Store listing
Final takeaway
VLC is an outstanding media player. It plays everything, costs nothing, and runs everywhere. If you need a Swiss army knife for media files, VLC is hard to beat.
But if your priority is straightforward DVD playback on Windows, alongside local formats, HEVC, unprotected Blu-ray main-movie playback, and practical media tools, MediaPlay DVD Player is built for that workflow. VLC still leads on open-source, cross-platform breadth; MediaPlay emphasizes a clearer Windows disc experience.
