VLC is often used because it opens a wide range of local files and streams. A replacement should be judged on the media that causes you trouble, not a clean promotional sample.
Build a small test set you are allowed to share: a high-resolution video, a file with multiple audio tracks, one with external subtitles, a network stream, and a partially downloaded file if that matters to you. Compare playback stability, seeking, subtitle timing, audio-track switching, GPU usage, and keyboard controls on your actual device. If you cast or record, test those separately; a smooth local video does not validate those workflows.
Keep a copy of your preferred settings and an unchanged media sample so you can repeat the test after updates. Document the container, codec, subtitle format, operating system, and GPU for any failure. Those details make a recommendation reproducible.
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