The Best Free Video Converters for Every Format

Finding a good video converter that doesn't cost anything can be tough. Luckily, there are many free options that can handle different formats. Whether you need to change a video format for your collection, make a video easier to share, or reduce its size, there's a free tool for you. Here's a list of the best free video converters you can use.

Key Takeaways

• Any Video Converter Free is versatile and user-friendly, making it a top choice for many users.
• HandBrake is a powerful tool that supports a wide range of formats and is great for batch processing.
• FFmpeg is a command-line tool that offers extensive format support and customization options.
• VLC Media Player is not just for playing videos; it also has strong conversion features.
• Freemake Video Converter offers an easy-to-use interface and supports many formats.

Any Video Converter Free

Any Video Converter Free is a versatile software that combines a video converter, a video cutter, and a few other quick tools into one package. It can import popular video formats and enables you to choose streaming-friendly and highly compressed codecs such as HEVC and VP9 for output. This enables you to convert your videos for faster streaming on social media and video-sharing platforms. You're allowed to choose the operating system on which you intend to play the video. However, it's important to note that Any Video Converter Free is just the trial version, so it comes with certain limitations. For example, it doesn't support downloading or recording videos in HD 1080P resolution, and it restricts you from merging more than five videos into a single file.

HandBrake

HandBrake is a free and open-source video converter that works with almost any video format, including 4K and 8K videos. It's available for Mac, Windows, and Linux, making it a versatile choice for users on different platforms.

HandBrake offers a range of video editing tools, such as cropping and scaling, allowing you to tailor your videos to your needs. It also supports advanced filtering and frame rate adjustment for precise control over your video conversions.

• Supports almost any video format
• Available on multiple platforms
• Includes video editing tools like cropping and scaling
• Advanced filtering and frame rate adjustment

HandBrake is known for being fast and efficient, even on high-powered machines like the new Mac M2. However, its interface might take some time to get used to, but the output quality is worth the effort.

HandBrake also comes with a huge range of device presets, making it easy to set the conversion parameters for various devices. This feature is especially useful for those who want quick results without diving into detailed settings.

FFmpeg

FFmpeg is a powerful and free video converter that works on Windows, macOS, and Linux. It uses command-line instructions to convert and stream audio and video. This makes it a great choice for advanced users who are comfortable with a command-line environment.

Pros

• Complete freedom to convert video and audio.
• Works on multiple platforms.

Cons

• Steep learning curve.

FFmpeg shines in its ability to process videos with high efficiency. You can batch process multiple files and fine-tune conversion parameters like bitrate, frame rate, and resolution.

Although it doesn't have a graphical user interface (GUI), its command-line nature allows for detailed and customized operations. This level of control ensures that the output video meets specific requirements without needing GUI-based software. If you're looking for a tool that offers a high degree of customization, FFmpeg is an excellent option.

VLC Media Player

VLC Media Player is a free and open-source media player that supports a wide range of video and audio formats. It's not just a player; it's also a powerful video converter. You can convert videos in formats like HEVC, VC-D, VP3/VP5/VP6/VP8, WMV, DVD, MPEG-1/2, and many more.

• Supports twenty-four standard video formats and nine high-definition formats
• Can download and encode videos directly from the web
• Installs quickly
• Converts audio and photo files too

VLC might already be on your computer, making it a convenient choice for video conversion. Its interface might not be the most intuitive, but its capabilities are impressive.

You can suit your liking with colorful skins and handy extensions, making VLC an all-in-one media suite for many users.

Freemake Video Converter

Freemake Video Converter is a powerful and user-friendly tool for converting videos. It supports a wide range of formats and even allows you to convert videos hosted online.

• Excellent format support
• Built-in editing tools
• Converts online videos

After three days of installation, you get a free Web Pack that unlocks additional features.

While it offers many features for free, some advanced options require unlocking. This makes it a great choice for those who need a reliable converter without spending money.

Avidemux

Avidemux is a free and simple video editor that supports a variety of file types and automated tasks. It's perfect for those who need to quickly convert video formats without changing the stored media streams.

• Input Formats: 3GP, ASF, AVI, FLV, MKV, MOV, MP4, MPG, MPEG, QT, NUV, OGM, TS, VOB, WEBM, WMV
• Export Formats: AVI, FLV, M1V, M2V, MP4, MPG, MPEG, OGM, TS

The interface might seem a bit outdated, but it offers a range of advanced features like buffer size, interlacing, and threading.

Avidemux runs on Windows, Linux, and macOS, making it a versatile choice for any user. Customizing encoding settings is allowed, though it might take some trial and error to get the desired results. Despite its simplicity, Avidemux is a powerful tool for basic video editing tasks like cutting, rotating, and cropping.

WinX Video Converter

If you’re looking for a video converter that’s easy to use and suitable for all skill levels, WinX Video Converter is a solid choice. The program allows you to convert videos from a wide selection of video formats. Plus, the software integrates GPU acceleration tools that definitely speed up the conversion process. It’s important to note that the free trial version of the software has some limitations, but it still offers a lot of functionality for free users.

Prism Video Converter

Prism Video Converter is a versatile tool for converting videos. It supports over 30 formats, including MPEG, MKV, MP4, MP3, MOV, and AVI. Ideal for beginners, it offers both free and paid versions. The free version is great for personal use, while the paid version unlocks more features.

• Easy to use
• Fast conversion speeds
• High-quality output

Prism Video Converter also lets you rip DVD and Blu-ray discs, and you can even choose the preferred language for the digital copy.

However, it has some limitations, like a dated interface and slow conversions. Despite these drawbacks, it's a solid choice for those new to video conversion.

Shutter Encoder

Shutter Encoder is a versatile tool that meets the needs of both beginners and advanced users. With its user-friendly design and well-organized codec list, converting videos for editing, broadcasting, or other purposes is a breeze.

Key Features

• Transcode, remux, compress, edit, download, and share videos, audio, and pictures.
• Burn subtitles to your videos.
• Trim and crop footage.
• Download web videos and music.
• Record your screen.

Shutter Encoder is a great choice for those who want a powerful video converter without spending a lot of money.

Performance

While the GPU-acceleration feature only works during decoding, Shutter Encoder still offers solid performance. However, some users have reported crashes when enabling this feature. Despite this, it remains a top pick for those who need a reliable video converter.

Compatibility

Shutter Encoder is a cross-platform tool, making it an excellent option for Linux and Ubuntu users. Unlike many paid converters that only support Windows and Mac, this free software is accessible to a broader audience.

Community Support

This free video converter has an active support team on Reddit, ensuring that users can get help when they need it. The community is always ready to assist with any issues or questions.

Pros and Cons

Pros:

• Wide range of features
• Cross-platform compatibility
• Active community support

Cons:

• GPU-acceleration feature can cause crashes
• Performance may lag behind other converters like VideoProc Converter AI

Movavi Video Converter

Movavi Video Converter is a versatile tool that makes converting videos a breeze. It's perfect for beginners thanks to its simple design. You can convert videos to over 180 formats, including AVI, MOV, and MP4.

Built-in Editor

Movavi Video Converter includes a built-in editor. You can trim and crop videos, adjust colors, add filters, and apply watermarks and subtitles. The AI Upscaling feature enhances video quality by increasing resolution.

Easy Steps to Convert

1. Download and launch the program.
2. Add files to the program.
3. Choose the output format and convert your files.

Movavi Video Converter is a good way to start if you're looking for a video converter for Windows 10.

Pros

• Simple and beginner-friendly design.
• Supports a wide range of input and output formats.
• Includes advanced features like SuperSpeed mode and AI Upscaling.
• Provides basic editing tools.

Cons

• Limited features in the free version.
• Watermark on output videos in the trial version.

Conclusion

Choosing the right video converter doesn't have to be a daunting task. With so many excellent free options available, you can easily find one that fits your needs, whether you're converting videos for personal use or professional projects. From Any Video Converter Free to FFmpeg, each tool offers unique features that cater to different requirements. By exploring these options, you can ensure that your videos are always in the right format, ready to be shared or stored. So go ahead, pick the one that suits you best, and start converting your videos with ease!

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best free video converter?

The best free video converter can vary based on your needs, but top choices include Any Video Converter Free, HandBrake, and FFmpeg.

Can I convert videos for free?

Yes, there are many free video converters available that allow you to convert videos without any cost.

Is Any Video Converter Free really free?

Yes, Any Video Converter Free is completely free and offers a wide range of features for converting videos.

Can I use HandBrake on both Windows and Mac?

Yes, HandBrake is available for both Windows and Mac operating systems.

What formats does FFmpeg support?

FFmpeg supports a wide range of video formats, including H.264, MPEG-4, HEVC, and more.

Is VLC Media Player also a video converter?

Yes, VLC Media Player can be used to convert videos in addition to playing them.