3 Best Video Converters for Windows and Mac
Are you tired of not being able to play your favorite videos on different devices? Or maybe you’re looking to reduce the size of your video files to save storage space. Whatever the reason, video converters can be a lifesaver. In this article, we’ll go over the main features and factors to consider when choosing a video converter and provide a brief overview of the criteria for selecting the best video converters.
What Are Video Converters and Why Are They Useful
Simply put, video converters are software applications that convert videos from one format to another. They are useful for a variety of reasons, such as playing videos on different devices, reducing file size, or editing videos. For example, if you have a video in AVI format but your device only supports MP4, you can use a video converter to convert the file to MP4 format. This way, you can watch the video on your device without any issues.
Main Features and Factors to Consider When Choosing a Video Converter
1. Supported Formats
One of the most important factors to consider when choosing a video converter is the supported formats. Make sure that the video converter you choose supports the formats you need. Some popular formats to look out for include MP4, AVI, MOV, WMV, and FLV.
2. Conversion Speed
Another important factor to consider is the conversion speed. No one wants to wait hours for a video to convert. Look for a video converter that can convert videos quickly without compromising on quality.
3. Ease of Use
A video converter should be easy to use. Look for a video converter that has a user-friendly interface and clear instructions. Some video converters even offer drag-and-drop functionality, making it easy to convert videos.
4. Editing Features
Some video converters come with editing features such as trimming, cropping, and adding subtitles. If you need to edit your videos, look for a video converter that offers these features.
5. Price
Lastly, consider the price of the video converter. Some video converters are free, while others require a one-time payment or a subscription. Decide on your budget and choose a video converter that fits within your price range.
3 Best Video Converters Reviewed
1. HandBrake: A Free and Versatile Video Converter
HandBrake is a free, open-source video converter that has been around since 2003. It has gained popularity for its user-friendly interface and advanced options. In this article, we will break down the pros and cons of HandBrake, so you can decide if it is the right video converter for you.
One of the most significant advantages of HandBrake is its user-friendly interface. It offers presets for various devices, such as Apple TV, Android, and PlayStation. It also has advanced options for users who want to customize their settings. The interface is straightforward, making it easy for beginners to use.
HandBrake is also known for its fast and reliable performance. It uses hardware acceleration to speed up the conversion process. It also offers batch processing, which allows users to convert multiple videos at once. This is particularly helpful for users with large video libraries.
HandBrake supports subtitles, chapters, filters, and quality settings. This means that you can add subtitles to your videos, create chapters, adjust the quality, and apply filters to enhance your videos.
However, this does not mean HandBrake is perfect. Before you choose it, we want you to know these features, too.
One of the major disadvantages of HandBrake is its limited output formats. It only supports MP4 and MKV formats. This can be a problem for users who need to convert their videos to other formats.
Unlike the tools which we will cover later, HandBrake does not have a built-in video editor or downloader. This means that if you need to edit your videos or download videos from the internet, you will need to use other software.
2. Freemake Video Converter: A Popular and Versatile Video Converter
If you’re looking for a free video converter that offers many features and functions, Freemake Video Converter might be the right choice for you. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at this popular and versatile video converter, exploring its pros and cons, and discussing whether it’s worth using.
One of the biggest strengths of Freemake Video Converter is its support for over 500 input and output formats and devices. From popular video formats like MP4, AVI, and WMV to less common formats like MKV, FLV, and 3GP, Freemake Video Converter can handle them all. It also supports a wide range of devices, including smartphones, tablets, game consoles, and smart TVs.
In addition, Freemake Video Converter offers a simple and intuitive interface that makes it easy to select the format or device you want to convert your video to. You can also customize the output settings, such as the resolution, bitrate, and frame rate, to ensure that your videos are optimized for your specific needs.
Freemake Video Converter isn’t just a video converter; it’s also a video editor. With Freemake Video Converter, you can edit your videos before you convert them. You can cut out unwanted parts, merge multiple videos into one, rotate videos, and add effects like subtitles, watermarks, and audio tracks.
The editing tools in Freemake Video Converter are simple and easy to use, making it a great option for beginners who want to make basic edits to their videos without having to learn complicated software like Adobe Premiere Pro or Final Cut Pro.
Another great feature of Freemake Video Converter is its ability to download and convert online videos from various sources. With Freemake Video Converter, you can download videos from YouTube, Facebook, Vimeo, Dailymotion, and many other video-sharing sites. You can then convert these videos to the format or device of your choice.
This feature can be especially useful if you want to watch videos offline or on a device that doesn’t support the original video format. It can also be a great way to save videos for later viewing if you’re worried about losing access to them.
While Freemake Video Converter is free to use, it does come with some limitations. One of the biggest limitations is that the free version of Freemake Video Converter includes ads and watermarks on the converted videos. To remove these ads and watermarks, you’ll need to upgrade to the paid version of the software.
The paid version of Freemake Video Converter is relatively inexpensive, costing $19.95 for a lifetime license. However, this cost may be a barrier for some users who are looking for a completely free video converter.
Another potential downside of Freemake Video Converter is that it may install unwanted software during installation. While the software itself is safe and free from malware, the installer may include additional software like browser extensions or toolbars that you don’t want or need.
To avoid installing unwanted software, make sure to read all the installation screens carefully and uncheck any boxes for additional software that you don’t want.
Finally, while Freemake Video Converter offers a wide range of features and functions, it does lack some advanced options and customization. For example, it doesn’t offer the ability to create custom presets or profiles, which can be a drawback for users who need to convert videos to specific settings on a regular basis.
Additionally, while the editing tools in Freemake Video Converter are useful for basic edits, they may not be robust enough for more advanced video editing needs.
3. VideoProc Converter: The Fast and Easy Solution for All Your Video Converting Needs
VideoProc Converter is an all-in-one video processing tool that can convert, compress, edit, and download videos. It supports over 370 input codecs and over 420 output formats, making it one of the most versatile video converters on the market. Plus, it enables hardware acceleration, which means it can convert videos at lightning-fast speeds without taking up too much CPU.
One of the best things about VideoProc Converter is that it allows basic editing functions such as cut, crop, rotate, merge, stabilize, denoise, and more. With these features, you can easily trim your videos, remove unwanted parts, and improve their quality. Plus, you can preview the changes in real time, so you know exactly how your video will look before you export it.
VideoProc Converter also enables downloading and recording videos from various sources with high quality. You can download videos from over 1000 sites, including YouTube, Facebook, Vimeo, and more. Plus, you can record your screen, webcam, and audio with just a few clicks. This feature is especially helpful for creating tutorials, gameplay videos, or online classes.
Pros:
- Supports over 370 input codecs and over 420 output formats
- Enables hardware acceleration for lightning-fast video conversion
- Allows basic editing functions such as cut, crop, rotate, merge, stabilize, denoise, and more
- Enables downloading and recording videos from various sources with high quality
- User-friendly interface with real-time preview
Cons:
- Requires a paid license to unlock all features ($29.95 per year or $42.95 for a lifetime license)
- Does not offer advanced editing options such as effects, filters, transitions, etc.
- Does not support subtitles or chapters in output videos
How to Choose the Best Video Converter for You
1. Consider Your Needs and Preferences
Before choosing a video converter, think about what you need it for. Do you need to convert videos for a specific device or platform? Do you need to convert videos in bulk? Are you willing to pay for the software or do you prefer a free option? Once you have a clear idea of your needs and preferences, you can start evaluating different video converters.
2. Check the Features
When evaluating video converters, it’s important to check the features they offer. Some basic features include the ability to convert videos to different formats, adjust resolution and bit rate, and trim or crop videos. However, some advanced features you might need include batch conversion, GPU acceleration, and the ability to edit videos. Make sure the software you choose offers the features you need.
3. Look for User-Friendly Interface
The interface of a video converter should be user-friendly and easy to navigate. No one wants to waste time figuring out how to use complicated software. Look for software with a clear and intuitive interface that makes it easy to perform tasks.
3. Check the Conversion Speed
The conversion speed is another important factor to consider when choosing a video converter. Some video converters can take hours to convert a video, while others can do it in minutes. If you need to convert videos quickly, look for software that offers fast conversion speeds.
4. Consider the Supported Formats
Different video converters support different file formats. Make sure to choose software that supports the formats you need to convert. Some common formats include MP4, AVI, MOV, MKV, and WMV.
5. Try Before You Buy
Before purchasing a video converter, try it out first. Most software offers a free trial period, which allows you to test out the features and see if it meets your needs. Take advantage of the free trial period to ensure that the software is right for you.
6. Follow Best Practices
To use a video converter effectively and efficiently, follow these best practices:
- Use the right settings: Make sure to choose the right output format, resolution, and bit rate for your needs.
- Check the quality: Before converting a video, check the quality to ensure that it meets your expectations.
- Use batch conversion: If you need to convert multiple videos, use batch conversion to save time.
- Optimize hardware: Video conversion can be resource-intensive, so make sure to optimize your hardware for the best performance.
- Update software: Keep your software updated to ensure that you have access to the latest features and bug fixes.