Best for Apple music libraries
iTunes vs Google TV vs VLC for Android: which media app should you choose?
Choose iTunes for Apple-centered music, Google TV for finding movies and shows, or VLC for free, flexible playback of media you already have.
At a glance
| App | Google Play rating | Price | In-app purchases | Platforms | Age rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| iTunesApple | 4.7 out of 5130,000,000 ratings | Free | – | Android, iOS | Everyone |
 Google TVGoogle LLC | 3.9 out of 52,879,818 ratings | Free | Yes ($0.01 - $999.99 per item) | Android, iOS | Teen |
 VLC for AndroidVideolabs | 4.1 out of 51,993,853 ratings | Free | No | Android | Everyone |
Ratings, prices and age ratings come from the Google Play listings, read on Nov 8, 2026. Listings change over time.
How we compared them
All three apps handle media, but they solve different problems. iTunes centers on music and Apple-device syncing, Google TV brings movie and show discovery together, and VLC plays local and network media across a wide range of formats.
This comparison weighs their focus, strengths, trade-offs, and Google Play details so you can choose the app that fits how you listen or watch.
How we compared them
We compared each app’s purpose and features, along with its Google Play rating, install count, price, ads, and in-app purchases where applicable. We also considered the strengths and drawbacks of each app for music, video discovery, and media playback.
Store figures were read from Google Play on 2026-11-08. Ratings and install counts are snapshots and can change over time.
Best forApple users who want a managed music library
iTunes is the clearest choice for music-focused listening and organizing, with a broad music library, curated playlists, high-quality streaming, and syncing across Apple devices. Its 4.7 rating from 130,000,000 ratings is the highest of these three apps.
That Apple-centered approach is also its main limitation: compatibility with non-Apple devices is more limited, and subscription costs may be a concern. It is less suited than Google TV to discovering movies and shows or than VLC to playing a wide variety of personal media files.
What we like
- Curated music playlists and a broad library
- Syncs across Apple devices
- Highest rating of the three: 4.7
What to know
- Less compatible with non-Apple devices than VLC
- Subscription costs may be a drawback
Best forviewers who want movie and show discovery in one place
Google TV is the most focused option for finding movies and shows, with personalized recommendations and integration with Google services. Its cross-device synchronization makes it a more natural fit for video discovery than iTunes, while VLC is primarily a player for media you already have.
Some titles require additional subscriptions, and offline viewing is limited. Its 3.9 rating is lower than iTunes and VLC’s, and search can be inconsistent; choose it for discovery rather than as a universal player for downloaded files.
What we like
- Focused on movie and show discovery
- Personalized recommendations
- Integrates with Google services
What to know
- Some content requires extra subscriptions
- Lower rating than iTunes and VLC
Best forpeople playing their own video and music files
VLC for Android is the most flexible player in this comparison for personal media: it supports many formats, handles network streaming, and offers offline playback. Unlike iTunes and Google TV, it is free and open-source, with no ads or in-app purchases.
VLC is a player rather than a built-in media store or discovery service, so it does not provide iTunes’ curated music library or Google TV’s movie and show recommendations. Its interface can also take more effort to navigate, especially for beginners.
What we like
- Plays a wide range of media formats
- Free, open-source, and ad-free
- Supports network and offline playback
What to know
- No built-in media content library
- Interface can be less intuitive than iTunes or Google TV
Which one should you pick?
Frequently Asked Questions
Which app is best for playing downloaded video files?
VLC for Android is the strongest fit. It supports a wide range of formats and offers offline playback, while Google TV focuses on discovering movies and shows.
Which app is best for music?
iTunes is the most music-focused option, with a broad library, curated playlists, and syncing across Apple devices. VLC is a better fit for playing music files you already own.
Is VLC for Android free and ad-free?
Yes. VLC for Android is free, open-source, and has no ads or in-app purchases.
Why might Google TV content require another subscription?
Some movies and shows require an additional subscription. Google TV brings discovery together, but access to every title is not necessarily included.
About this comparison
AppCompare compares apps independently. We don't make, own or distribute any of these apps and have no affiliation with their developers, Google or Apple. Names, icons and trademarks belong to their owners; store details are shown for reference and can change.