Documented features
| Feature | MP95 | VLC |
|---|---|---|
| Reviewed edition | MP95 for iPhone / iPad Source | VLC for iOS / iPadOS Source |
| Payment model | Free tier; Pro monthly, annual or lifetime Source | Free, open source Source |
| Local / offline music | Local files; no MP95 account required Source | Local media library Source |
| Documented formats | MP3, FLAC, ALAC, AAC, WAV, AIFF and more Source | Broad audio/video format support Source |
| File transfer | Files folders, AirDrop and app file sharing Source | Wi-Fi sharing, file sharing and downloads Source |
| Cloud / server sources | Files providers; provider access/download may require internet Source | Cloud providers; SMB, FTP, SFTP, NFS, UPnP Source |
| Gapless | Gapless; matching-rate joins and file metadata matter Source | Not verified |
| Loudness adjustment | ReplayGain track / album tags Source | Not verified |
| Crossfade | No crossfade; optional pauses are separate Source | Not verified |
| Equalizer | 10-band graphic EQ Source | Not verified |
| Headphone crossfeed | BS2B; Pro on Apple Source | Not verified |
| Headphone correction profiles | Import parametric AutoEQ profile Source | Not verified |
| Tag editing | MP3, FLAC and M4A; supported writable files Source | Not verified |
| Visualizer / analyzer | Music-reactive visualizers Source | Not verified |
| Widgets | Home Screen playback widgets; iOS version limits Source | Not verified |
| Car integration | Not verified | CarPlay audio and network streams Source |
| Lyrics | Not verified | Not verified |
| DSD handling | DSF/DFF decoded to PCM; no native DSD or DoP Source | Not verified |
| DAC / output controls | Supported rate matching; bypass processing for unchanged samples Source | Not verified |
| Advertising | No ads in free or paid tier Source | Not verified |
Not verified means this review has not established the feature for the named edition; it does not mean absent. Links beside entries lead to supporting product documentation. Hardware support, app versions, subscriptions and add-ons can change the result.
VLC: documented strengths
VLC is a free, open-source media player with a media library, local file transfers, cloud and server access, and CarPlay audio support. It handles both audio and video.
MP95: capabilities and limits
MP95 plays your own files with a retro interface, EQ, ReplayGain, gapless and optional sound processing. DSD is converted to PCM; native DSD and DoP are not provided. Rate matching depends on the operating system, output route and hardware. Processing must be bypassed when checking unchanged samples.
On Android the app is free. On Apple platforms there is a free tier and optional Pro plans, including a lifetime option. MP95 does not include a streaming music catalogue. External file providers may need their own account or internet connection.
Choosing for your library
Consider VLC if audio, video and network sources belong in one app. Consider MP95 for its music-focused retro presentation, not because VLC lacks a library.
Sources and review scope
Reviewed 17 October 2026. This page is published by the developer of MP95. Competitor entries describe claims in the linked official documentation, not independent hardware tests. We have not tested every feature or configuration.
VLC
Payment models are compared without regional price quotes. Check the store for your country, current terms and any optional purchases.
Frequently asked questions
Does “Not verified” mean the feature is missing?
No. It means this review has not confirmed the feature for the edition shown. Check the linked product documentation or ask the developer before relying on it.
Is this an independent review?
No. MP95 is our app. We link the official sources used for competitor claims, identify the reviewed edition and separate unknowns from documented features.
Can a playlist or protected download move between these apps?
Do not assume so. File permissions, DRM, playlist formats and app databases differ. Keep originals and check each app’s import and export documentation.