HandBrake
Convert almost any video file to MP4, MKV or WebM
MacFree, open source
The verdict
If you have a giant screen recording to send or an old video that won't play on your phone, HandBrake converts almost any file, or a DVD or Blu-ray without copy protection, to MP4, MKV or WebM for free. Presets pick sensible settings for common devices, and a queue converts a batch while you do something else. It converts rather than edits, and Permute at $14.99 is the drag-and-drop option if you'd pay for simpler.
Get it if
You have video files that are too big to share or refuse to play on your devices.
Skip it if
You want to trim or edit a clip, which iMovie and QuickTime Player do for free.
Screenshots 2
What it helps you do
- Shrink a huge video before you share it
- Convert video to a format that plays anywhere
- Rip a DVD without copy protection
- Convert a batch of files in 1 queue
What changed
Added to The Useful Apps
Pick something else if
DowniePick it if you save lectures or clips from YouTube and other sites to watch offline.$19.99 once
PermutePick this if you convert files every week and want drag and drop for video, audio and images.$14.99 once
ClopPick this if you only want screen recordings and images smaller, done the moment you copy them.Free to start
HandBrake head to head
The details
- Runs on
- Mac
- Version
- 1.11.2
- Open source
- Code is public
Developer's websiteSpot a wrong price or fact?