When comparing MPC-HC vs aqualung, the Slant community recommends MPC-HC for most people. In the question“What are the best audio players for Windows?” MPC-HC is ranked 17th while aqualung is ranked 33rd.
Ranked in these QuestionsQuestion Ranking
Pros
Pro Supports H.265, and has for over 5 years
Pro Is actively developed by clsid2 on github
Pro Supports frame stepping with Ctrl+Left/Right
Useful for game development frame debugging. Your average user won't need this. VLC has frame advance, but it's hidden and non-intuitive; not clear if VLC can step backwards.
Pro Gapless playback
Aqualung offers continuous, gap-free playback of consecutive tracks. Your ears get exactly what's in the files – no silence inserted in-between.
Pro LADSPA plugin support
You can use any suitable LADSPA plugin to enhance the music you are listening to. There are many different plugins out there, including equalizers, spatial enhancers, tube pre-amp simulators, etc.
Pro JACK Audio Server support
Pro Multiple skin support
There's support for multiple skins in aqualung; changing them is possible at any time.
Cons
Con Discontinued
It's been discontinued since 2017.
Con Windows only
MPC-HC supports only Windows operating systems.