Convert your videos to any format without losing quality using our recommended free and paid video transcoding software. Discover the best for high-quality/broadcast-level transcoding. Similarly, those that are best for beginners and great for fast conversion.
Which video transcoding software should creators use that’s compatible on Windows or Mac?
- You need fast, high-quality video conversion without losing resolution.
- Some tools are free and efficient, others are paid but packed with advanced features.
- However, not all options are beginner-friendly or efficient across both platforms.
So, in this guide, we break down the best free and paid video transcoding software for creators. Perhaps you’re editing for YouTube content, converting for social platforms, or prepping for streaming, we highlight top tools that deliver speed, quality, and ease of use on both Windows and Mac.
Let’s begin.
TL;DR – Quick Picks
| Tool | Best For | OS | Price |
| HandBrake | Free, open source transcoding | Windows, Mac, Linux | Free |
| Movavi Converter | Fast, beginner friendly UI | Windows, Mac | Paid |
| Adobe Media Encoder | Professional broadcast-format encoding. | Windows, Mac | Paid |
| VideoProc Converter | Fast GPU-accelerated conversions | Windows, Mac | Free & Paid |
| Avidemux | Free, lightweight video transcoding | Windows, Mac, Linux | Free |
Why Trust This List
With so many video transcoders out there, it’s easy to get overwhelmed by flashy features and vague promises. That’s why we actually put these tools to the test.
We downloaded, installed, and used each video transcoding software across Windows and Mac to see how they handle real-world editing and converting tasks.
We tested each transcoder based on:
Speed and Supported Formats
We checked how far each tool could convert different file sizes and formats including MP4s and MOVs to MKVs and AVIs. We also tested compatibility with high-resolution videos like 4K and HDR. A great transcoder should support a wide range of formats and handle large files without crawling.
Output Quality and Compression Efficiency
We looked beyond just converting, how good is the video after compression? Does it lose clarity, colors, or sound? The best video transcoding software maintains visual quality while reducing file size, which is key for creators who upload video regularly or work with limited storage.
User Interface (Beginner vs Pro)
We made sure to assess how easy it’s to navigate each video transcoding software. Some transcoders are designed with professionals in mind, filled with advanced features and technical controls. Others offer an easy, beginner-friendly interface that lets you convert videos in just a few clicks.
Pricing and Value
Free tools are great, but not if they’re packed with ads or limited features. Paid options should justify their price with advanced functionality, better speed, or enhanced export settings. We broke down what you get for the price, so you can decide what’s worth your money or if a free option will do the job.
Best Free Video Transcoding Software on Windows and Mac
A tight budget isn’t an excuse to opt for low quality transcoding software. Here are best free video transcoding software with top-notch benefits:
1. HandBrake
HandBrake is a free, open-source video transcoder known for its reliability and wide-format support. It’s been a go-to for creators and video editors who want control over output settings without paying a dime. It’s great for converting videos between formats, compressing large files, and preparing media for devices and platforms. It 0ffers features like batch processing and detailed control over codecs, resolution, and bitrates.
Once installed, you can load videos via drag-and-drop or file section, choose presets like “Fast 1080p30,” and convert to formats like MP4, MKV, and WebM. It also supports a range of codecs including H.264, H.265, VP9, and AV1.
Best For: Free, open source transcoding
OS: Windows, Mac, Linux
Pricing: Free
Pros
- Free and open-source: Great for users looking for a no-cost video converter with regular updates.
- Cross-platform support: Works seamlessly on Windows, Mac, and Linux
- Customizable output setting: Lets users adjust resolution, codecs, filters, and more.
- Support batch processing: Perfect if you need to convert multiple videos at once.
- Built-in preset: Useful for quickly converting for iPhone, Android, or YouTube.
Cons
- Not beginner-friendly: The interface can be intimidating for users without technical knowledge
- Limited format support for rare codecs: Doesn’t support some niche or outdated file types.
- No official support for DRM-protected files: Won’t convert encrypted DVDs or videos
Also, you should read our step-by-step guide on how to use HandBrake video transcoding software.
2. FFmpeg
FFmpeg is a command-line based multimedia transcoder that can decode, encode, transcode, mux, demux, stream, and filter video. Though it doesn’t have a graphical interface (GI) by default, it’s incredibly efficient. You can easily download, unzip, and run commands to convert video/audio files. It supports nearly every format and codec available, including H.264, HEVC, VP9, AAC, and more.
Best for: Full control video transcoding
OS: Windows, Mac, Linux
Pricing: Free and open source.
Pros
- Supports almost all formats: Works with MP4, MOV, MKV, AVI, FLV, WebM, WMV, MPEG, and more, using codecs like H.264, H.265, VP9, AVI, AC3 and more.
- Flexible and efficient: Offers deep control over every audio/video file.
- No GUI required apps: Ideal for automation, scripting, and background processing
- Free with no limitation: zero cost, no ads, no hidden features
Cons
- No built-in graphical interface: Can be intimidating if you’re not comfortable with the command line.
- Steep learning curve: Syntax can be complex for beginners.
Best Video Transcoding Software for Beginners
For creators who are new to video conversion, ease of use and simplicity are key. Hence, these video transcoding software are best for beginners and lets you convert videos quickly without learning complex settings.
3. Movavi Video Converter
Movavi video converter is a flexible, intuitive interface and step-by-step presets for converting videos to formats compatible with various devices and platforms. This includes MP4, MOV, AVI, MKV, and others. To convert your file, simply drag in your file, pick a preset like iPhone, or YouTube 1080p, and hit convert. Behind the scenes, it uses GPU acceleration for speed, and even includes basic tools like trimming, cropping, and AI upscaling.
Best for: Fast, beginner friendly UI.
OS: Windows, Mac
Pricing: Free, subscription based; ranges from $19.95/month to $149.95/year (unlimited access)
Pros
- High speed conversion with GPU support: This enables fast output.
- Support 180+ formats: This includes MP4, MOV, AVI,MKV, MP3, DVD/VOB, etc.
- Built-in device preset: Automatically picks optimal settings for iPhones, Android devices, and more
- Simple editing tools: Include basic editing tools handy for trim, crop, rotate, without needing extra software.
Cons
- Restrictions on free trials: Not ideal for long-term free use especially if you want full ownership of your content.
- Output glitches: Some users report output not matching presets, especially video requiring complex editing.
4. Freemake Video Converter
Freeemake video converter is a Windows-only freemium video transcoding software for first time users. It supports drag-and-drop conversion, basic trimming, subtitle addition, and uploading to YouTube. The installer gets you started fast; just drop in file, select and output format or device preset, and click convert.
Best for: Free, flexible, and beginner-friendly UI.
OS: Window only
Pricing: Free
Pros
- Support 500+ formats: This including MP4, AVI, WMV, MKV, FLV, 3GP, DVD, HTML5, and codecs H.264, H.265, AAC, AVI
- Device preset and export to YouTube: Convenient for quick uploads to YouTube.
- Basic editing features: This includes trim, cut, rotate, add subtitles, and burn to DVD/Blu-ray
- Batch conversion supported: It handles multiple files in one go.
Cons
- Windows only: Not available for Mac users.
Video Transcoding Software Best for High-Quality/Broadcast-Level Transcoding
These transcoders are a perfect fit for creators demanding high-end output without compromising quality.
5. Adobe Media Encoder
Adobe Media Encoder (AME) is an industry standard transcoder integrated with the Premiere Pro, After Effects, Audition, and other Adobe apps. It works via a drag-and-drop queue system, letting you export projects in the background while continuing to edit. You can choose from broadcast-grade presets (ProRes, XAVC, H.264/8K) and use advanced features like NVIDIA Blackwell GPU acceleration for 4:2:2 video.
Best for: Professional broadcast-format encoding.
OS: Window, Mac
Pricing: Free trial/ Premium
Pros
- Support almost every industry format: Great for users asking “can I export to ProRes, XAVC, H.264/8K.”
- Background queue: Lets you continue working while AME processes export
- GPU-accelerated playback/encoding: It leverages NVIDIA Blackwell GPUs to speed up 10-bit 4:2:2 workflow
- Seamless Adobe app integration: Right-click from Premiere or After Effects
Cons
- Expensive subscription model: It doesn’t come with a free plan
- Heavy on system resources: Adobe Media Encoder is slow on outdated PC
6. Shutter Encoder
Shutter Encoder is a free, open-source transcoder built for video professionals who want deep control without a steep price tag. With an intuitive GUI, it plugs into FFmpeg to support nearly any codec or container, including broadcast and mezzanine format like DNxHR, ProRes, and AVC-Intra. It also includes advanced features like lossless trimming, LUT/color adjustment, subtitle, cut detection, and web video downloads. Editors often cut without re-encoding and convert HEVC to ProRes seamlessly.
Best for: Creators who want broadcasting quality on a tight budget.
OS: Window, macOS, Linux
Pricing: Free (with restrictions) and premium
Pros
- Support pro codecs like DNxHR, ProRes, AVC-Intra: Perfect for prepping media for DaVinci, Avid, and Final Cut
- Lossless trim/cut features: Useful for simple edits without re-encoding
- Advanced color, LUT, subtitle,and overlay tools: Offers broadcast-ready trimming and color tweaks.
- Batch queue, and save presets: It scales well for multiple files at once
Cons
- Complex interface: The interface can be intimidating for users without technical knowledge
Video Transcoding Software Best for Fast Conversion
If speed and efficiency top your list, especially for batch jobs or high-resolution files, these video transcoding software offer GPU accelerated and lightweight processing to get your video done fast.
7. VideoProc Converter
VideoProc converter combines full hardware acceleration (Inel, NVIDIA, AMD, Apple GPU) with AI-powered tools like upscaling, denoising, and cropping. Its interface lets you import 4K/8K videos, apply edit, and convert in one click. By enabling “Level-3 Hardware Acceleration,” it offloads decoding, processing, and encoding to the GPU, achieving up to 47x faster real-time speed, while keeping CPU usage around 2%.
Best for: Fast GPU-accelerated conversions and AI video enhancement tool
OS: Windows, Mac
Pricing: Free trial, Premium
Pros
- Fast GPU-accelerated conversions: Convert 1080p/4k videos up to 47x in real-time.
- Full hardware offload: Decodes, process, and encode via GPU for smooth multitasking
- AI-powered editing tools: Includes upscaling, denoise, crop, trim, and subtle features
Cons
- Limited features on free trials: It comes with restricted access to certain features.
- Performance varies with hardware: Older or unsupported GPUs may not experience fast conversion speed.
8. Wondershare UniConverter
Wondershare UniConverter comes with a flexible interface, high-speed conversions, and supports over 1,000 file formats. Turn on the “High speed conversion”, toggle to activate GPU acceleration and convert files in batches with lossless quality. You also get basic editing, thumbnail creation, intro/outro presets, and compatibility with social media.
Best for: Fast, reliable batch conversions.
OS: Windows, Mac
Pricing: free trial, subscription, and one-time license for full access
Pros
- High-speed GPU conversion: Toggle accelerated to boost processing time
- Batch support with quality retention: Process multiple files without losing output quality.
- 1,000+ format/device presets: Great for ready-to-go export including social media platforms and mobile.
Cons
- High price tag: Subscription is required for full access to advance features
9. HitPaw Video Converter
HitPaw Video Converter comes with an intuitive GPU, easy batch processing, and lightning-fast speeds with GPU acceleration. Its conversion rate is up to 150x faster than CPU alone and supports over 1,000 video/audio formats. It also comes with subtitle support, built-in preview, and one-click YouTube download.
Best for: Speed, simplicity and high output quality
OS: Windows, Mac
Pricing: Free, Premium
Pros
- Fast GPU-accelerated encoding: Its conversion rates reaches up to 170x
- Support 1,000+ format: Includes MP4, MOV, MKV, MP4, AVI and more.
- Intuitive UI with built-in preview: Allows subtitle and cuts edits easily.
Cons
- High pricing: Its monthly subscription adds up and can be high for regular conversion.
10. Avidemux
Avidemux is a lightweight, free transcoding and editing tool supporting common formats like AVI, MP4, MKV, FLV, MPEG, and WebM. Its straightforward interface allows fast trimming, encoding, and filtering with minimal fuss. It supports scripting and batch queues for repetitive tasks.
Best for: Free, lightweight video transcoding
OS: Windows, Mac, Linux
Pricing: Free and open-source
Pros
- Fast and lightweight: Launches instantly and converts without heavyweight processing.
- Simple editing tool: Comes with basic trim and encode tools ideal for cutting and converting without re-encoding the entire file.
- Support popular format/codecs: AVI, MP4, MKV, MPEG, WebM with x264/x265 support.
- Batch scripting available: Run multiple jobs with queue or script.
Cons
- Lacks GPU acceleration: Only CPU-based, so it’s slower for large files.
- Limited advanced features: No hardware-enhanced filters or high-end presets.
FAQs
Is there any free video transcoding software?
Yes, there are several reliable free video transcoding tools available for both Windows and Mac users. Some of the most popular option include:
- HandBrake, an open-source converter with advanced customization settings
- FFmpeg, a highly versatile command-line tool that supports virtually every video and audio format
- Shutter Encoder offers professional-level features built on FFmpeg but with a friendly interface
- Avidemux, a lightweight tool ideal for quick and basic conversion.
Which transcoding software is best for beginners?
For those new to video transcoding, ease of use is key. Movavi Video Converter stands out as a beginner-friendly option, thanks to its drag-and-drop interface, device-specific presets, and guided exported options. Another good choice is Freemake Video Converter and Wondershare Uniconvertor.
Do I lose video quality when transcoding?
In most cases, some quality is lost when transcoding especially when you’re converting from one compressed format to another known as lossy compression. However, the extent of quality loss depends on your output settings. If you choose higher bitrates, maintain resolution, and use modern codecs like H.265, the loss may be minimal and often unnoticeable. On the other hand, repeated transcoding or converting with poor settings can degrade quality significantly over time.
Can I transcode 4K videos?
Yes, many video converters now support 4K video transcoding. Tools like VideoProc converter, HandBrake, and Adobe Media Encoder are optimized for handling high-resolution files and can convert 4K video into different formats or resolutions. Some even allow you to maintain full 4K output while compressing the file size. If you’re working with large 4K files, it’s best to use a converter with GPU acceleration like VideoProc or Wondershare UniConvertor to speed up the process and avoid overloading your CPU.
What’s the difference between encoding and transcoding?
Encoding and transcoding are related, but they serve different purposes. Encoding refers to the process of taking raw video footage often from a camera or screen capture and compressing it into a digital format like MP4, H.264, or HEVC to make it playable or shareable. Transcoding, on the other hand, means taking an already encoded file and converting it into another format, bitrate, or resolution. For example, converting a MOV file into an MP4 is transcoding.
Choosing the Right Video Transcoding Software
Picking the best video transcoding software depends on your skill level, use case, and budget. Use the guide below to help you decide:
- If you’re a beginner— Go with Movavi Video Converter or Freemake Video Converter. They offer user-friendly interface and preset formats that simplify the entire transcoding process.
- If you need ultra-fast conversion— Choose VideoProc Converter or Wondershare UniConveter for their powerful GPU acceleration and quick batch processing.
- If you want to transcode 4K or HEVC videos— Try VideoProc or Adobe Media Encoder, both designed to handle large, high-resolution files efficiently.
- If you need free and open-source video transcoding softwares— Use HandBrake or FFmpeg
- If you’re a professional editor— Choose Adobe Media Encoder or Shutter Encoder for high-quality export and broadcast-level formats.
- If you need simple, lightweight conversions—Consider Avidemux, perfect for fast cuts and format changes.
- Editors choice: For most users, HandBrake is the best free video transcoding software, thanks to its cross-platform availability, customizable presets, and strong community support. It balances functionality and flexibility while remaining completely free—ideal for creators on a budget.
Still not sure what fits your workflow? Start with HandBrake or VideoProc, then upgrade as your editing needs grow.
