Video converters are useful when a video does not play on a particular device, has an unnecessarily large file size, or needs to be converted to a different format. They can also help convert videos for phones, TVs, social media platforms, editing applications, and older devices.
The best video converter depends on what you need. Some tools are designed for simple format conversion, while others provide compression, editing, DVD support, batch conversion, subtitles, and hardware acceleration.
Below are 16 of the best video converters for Windows and Mac. Most are free or offer a useful free version, while some provide additional features through paid editions.
1. HandBrake
HandBrake is one of the most popular free and open-source video converters available for Windows and Mac. It is particularly useful for converting and compressing large video files.
It supports many popular input formats and provides presets for common devices and platforms.
Key Features
- Free and open-source
- Windows and macOS support
- H.264, H.265, AV1, and other codecs
- Video compression
- Batch processing
- Subtitle support
- Custom encoding settings
- Hardware-accelerated encoding on supported systems
HandBrake is an excellent choice when you want a powerful converter without paying for professional software.
2. VLC Media Player
VLC is primarily known as a media player, but it also includes video conversion capabilities.
You can use its Convert/Save feature to convert videos between supported formats.
Key Features
- Free and open-source
- Windows and Mac support
- Supports many video formats
- Built-in media player
- Basic conversion tools
- Streaming support
- No subscription
VLC is particularly convenient if you already have it installed and only occasionally need to convert a video.
3. FFmpeg
FFmpeg is a powerful command-line multimedia framework used for converting, recording, processing, and streaming video and audio.
It supports an enormous number of codecs and containers and gives advanced users detailed control over the conversion process.
Key Features
- Free and open-source
- Windows and macOS support
- Extensive codec support
- Batch conversion
- Advanced encoding controls
- Audio and video processing
- Command-line automation
FFmpeg is not the easiest option for beginners, but it is one of the most capable choices for experienced users.
4. Shutter Encoder
Shutter Encoder is a free video conversion and media-processing application based heavily on FFmpeg.
It provides a graphical interface, making many FFmpeg operations easier for users who do not want to work with command-line commands.
Key Features
- Free
- Windows and macOS support
- FFmpeg-based processing
- Video conversion
- Compression
- Batch processing
- Subtitle tools
- Audio conversion
- Media analysis
It is a particularly good choice for users who want advanced conversion features without dealing directly with FFmpeg commands.
5. Avidemux
Avidemux is a lightweight video processing application available for Windows and Mac.
It is designed primarily for simple cutting, filtering, and encoding tasks rather than professional video editing.
Key Features
- Free and open-source
- Lightweight
- Video conversion
- Simple cutting
- Encoding
- Filtering
- Multiple video formats
Avidemux is useful when you want a relatively simple application that does not consume excessive system resources.
6. Freemake Video Converter
Freemake Video Converter provides a graphical interface designed for straightforward video conversion.
It supports many common video formats and provides presets for various devices.
Key Features
- Easy-to-use interface
- Multiple input and output formats
- Device presets
- Video conversion
- Basic editing
- DVD-related features
- Online video-related tools
Freemake is aimed primarily at beginners who prefer a visual interface instead of complicated encoding options.
Before installing any free software, download it from the developer’s official website and review the installer options carefully.
7. Any Video Converter
Any Video Converter is designed to convert videos between a wide range of formats.
It provides both simple presets and additional controls for users who want more control over output settings.
Key Features
- Windows and Mac support
- Multiple video formats
- Device presets
- Batch conversion
- Video downloading features in supported versions
- Basic editing
- Video compression
It is a good general-purpose converter for users who frequently work with different video formats.
8. WinX HD Video Converter
WinX HD Video Converter is designed for converting and compressing high-definition and 4K video.
The software focuses on fast processing and supports hardware acceleration on compatible systems.
Key Features
- 4K video support
- Video compression
- Batch conversion
- Hardware acceleration
- Device presets
- Basic editing
- Windows and Mac versions
It can be useful for converting large smartphone, camera, and action-camera recordings.
9. MacX Video Converter Pro
MacX Video Converter Pro is particularly focused on macOS users and supports a wide range of video conversion and processing tasks.
It supports high-resolution video and includes tools for compression and editing.
Key Features
- macOS support
- High-resolution video conversion
- 4K and other HD formats
- Video compression
- Batch processing
- Basic editing
- Hardware acceleration
It is worth considering if you primarily work with video on a Mac and want more features than a basic converter provides.
10. FFQueue
FFQueue is a graphical front end for FFmpeg that can make complex conversion workflows easier to manage.
Because it relies on FFmpeg, it provides access to many advanced encoding options.
Key Features
- FFmpeg-based
- Free and open-source
- Batch processing
- Queue management
- Custom encoding settings
- Multiple output formats
FFQueue is better suited to technically experienced users than complete beginners.
11. MediaCoder
MediaCoder is a powerful media transcoding application that supports a wide variety of video and audio formats.
It provides extensive encoding options and can be useful for advanced conversion tasks.
Key Features
- Advanced encoding controls
- Batch processing
- Video and audio conversion
- Codec configuration
- Hardware acceleration
- Multiple format support
MediaCoder has a more technical interface than beginner-oriented converters, but it provides considerable control over the conversion process.
12. Movavi Video Converter
Movavi Video Converter provides a simple interface for converting, compressing, and processing video files.
It supports common formats and provides presets intended to make conversion easier for less experienced users.
Key Features
- Windows and Mac support
- Fast conversion
- Batch processing
- Video compression
- Device presets
- Basic editing
- User-friendly interface
Movavi is a good choice if ease of use is more important to you than having every advanced encoding option available.
13. Cisdem Video Converter
Cisdem Video Converter is a macOS-oriented application that combines video conversion with basic editing and downloading features.
It is designed for users who want a relatively simple workflow.
Key Features
- macOS support
- Video conversion
- Audio conversion
- Batch processing
- Video editing
- Device presets
- Common format support
Its straightforward interface makes it suitable for Mac users who do not want to configure complicated encoding parameters.
14. Format Factory
Format Factory is a popular Windows multimedia conversion utility that supports video, audio, and image conversion.
It can also perform additional file-management and multimedia-related tasks.
Key Features
- Free version
- Windows support
- Video conversion
- Audio conversion
- Image conversion
- Batch processing
- Multiple format support
Format Factory is particularly useful if you want one application that handles several different types of file conversion.
15. XMedia Recode
XMedia Recode is a Windows-based video and audio converter designed for users who want detailed control over encoding settings.
It supports numerous formats and provides many configurable parameters.
Key Features
- Free
- Windows support
- Batch conversion
- Codec configuration
- Subtitle support
- Device profiles
- Audio and video conversion
XMedia Recode is a strong option for experienced users who want more control than simple preset-based converters provide.
16. VideoProc Converter AI
VideoProc Converter AI is a multimedia conversion and processing application available for Windows and Mac.
It focuses on video conversion, compression, enhancement, and processing, with support for high-resolution footage.
Key Features
- Windows and Mac support
- 4K video processing
- Video conversion
- Compression
- AI-assisted video processing
- Batch conversion
- Hardware acceleration
It is aimed at users who work with modern high-resolution video and want conversion combined with additional processing features.
How to Choose the Best Video Converter
The right video converter depends on the type of files you work with and how much control you need.
For a completely free and powerful solution, HandBrake is one of the best choices. It provides excellent control over compression and encoding without requiring a subscription.
If you want a media player that can also perform basic conversions, VLC is convenient.
Advanced users who need maximum control should consider FFmpeg or an FFmpeg-based graphical application such as Shutter Encoder.
For beginners, applications with presets and graphical interfaces such as Movavi Video Converter or Any Video Converter can be easier to understand.
Consider these factors before choosing:
- Supported formats: Make sure the application supports your source and desired output format.
- Compression: Important when you want to reduce file size.
- 4K support: Useful for modern cameras and smartphones.
- Hardware acceleration: Can significantly reduce conversion time on compatible hardware.
- Batch conversion: Useful when converting multiple files.
- Subtitles: Important when working with movies and multilingual videos.
- Ease of use: Beginners generally benefit from presets.
- Operating system: Check whether the software supports Windows, macOS, or both.
Which Video Converter Is Best for Different Users?
Different users have different requirements.
Best Free Converter
HandBrake is an excellent overall choice because it is free, open-source, actively developed, and provides extensive encoding options.
Best for Beginners
Movavi Video Converter and Any Video Converter are easier to use because they emphasize presets and graphical controls.
Best for Advanced Users
FFmpeg provides the greatest amount of control. It is especially useful for scripting and automated conversion workflows.
Best Lightweight Option
Avidemux is useful for simple conversion and video-processing tasks without requiring a large professional editing suite.
Best for High-Resolution Video
WinX HD Video Converter, VideoProc Converter AI, and other tools with hardware acceleration can be useful for large 4K files.
Tips for Converting Videos Without Losing Too Much Quality
Video conversion can reduce quality if you select overly aggressive compression settings.
For good results, start with a reasonable resolution and bitrate. If the original video is 4K, converting it to 1080p will reduce both resolution and file size. If you want to preserve the original resolution, use a suitable codec and bitrate instead.
Avoid repeatedly converting the same video. Each lossy conversion can introduce additional quality degradation.
For archival copies, keep the original file whenever possible.
Hardware acceleration can also speed up encoding, but the exact quality and performance depend on the codec, hardware, and software settings.
Conclusion
A good video converter can make it much easier to change formats, reduce file sizes, prepare videos for different devices, and process large collections of footage.
HandBrake is one of the strongest free choices for most users, while VLC provides convenient basic conversion alongside its excellent media playback capabilities. FFmpeg is ideal for advanced users who need detailed control and automation, while applications such as Shutter Encoder provide a friendlier graphical interface around powerful multimedia tools.
Windows and Mac users have plenty of options, so you do not necessarily need an expensive professional application just to convert a video. Choose software that supports your required formats, provides appropriate quality settings, and comes from a trustworthy developer.
FAQs
1. What is the best free video converter?
HandBrake is one of the best free video converters for Windows and Mac. It is open-source, supports many formats and codecs, and provides extensive compression and encoding controls.
2. Can VLC convert videos?
Yes. VLC Media Player includes a Convert/Save feature that allows users to convert supported video and audio files into different formats.
3. Which video converter is best for 4K videos?
HandBrake, FFmpeg, Shutter Encoder, WinX HD Video Converter, and VideoProc Converter AI can all be useful for 4K video conversion. Hardware acceleration can make processing large 4K files considerably faster on supported systems.
4. Does converting a video reduce its quality?
It can. Quality depends on the output codec, resolution, bitrate, compression settings, and whether the conversion uses lossy encoding. Using appropriate settings can significantly reduce file size while maintaining good visual quality.
Quick Summary
- HandBrake is one of the best free choices for general video conversion.
- FFmpeg is ideal for advanced users and automation.
- VLC is convenient for occasional conversions.
- Choose a converter based on supported formats, quality, compression, speed, and operating-system compatibility.