The Best Free HandBrake AlternativesTop Video & Audio Converters like HandBrake

The best free alternative to HandBrake is FFmpeg, which is also Open Source. If that doesn't suit you, our users have ranked more than 100 alternatives to HandBrake and loads of them is free so hopefully you can find a suitable replacement. Other interesting free alternatives to HandBrake are Shutter Encoder, Avidemux, VidCoder and File Converter.

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HandBrake alternatives are mainly Video Converters, but if you're looking for Audio Converters or Video Editors you can filter on that. Other popular filters include Windows, Android, Mac, Google Chrome, Linux, Windows + Open Source and DVD Ripper. These are just examples - use the filter bar below to find more specific alternatives to HandBrake.
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Alternatives list

  1. FFmpeg icon

    FFmpeg

     683 likes

    Comprehensive multimedia framework for decoding, encoding, transcoding, muxing, demuxing, streaming, filtering, and playback of nearly any audio or video format, with command-line tools, integrated libraries, portable code, and regular security updates for users and developers.

    102 FFmpeg alternatives

    Cost / License

    Application types

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • Windows
    • Linux
    • BSD
    FFmpeg screenshot 1
     
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    5
    FFmpeg vs HandBrake Comments
    Top Positive Comment
    5247009
    12

    FFmpeg allows you to transcode videos through the command line. Besides, it's what HandBrake uses/used as its backend.

    Top Negative Comment
    BarnMTB
    5

    While FFmpeg can convert files, you need to use it with command line interface; unlike HandBrake which provides a graphical interface. It's better suited to be used as a part of an application rather than on its own, unless you're comfortable with typing commands.

    Third Opinion
    Positive
    0

    Hard to use as it comes with a gazillion of switches... but that's just another reason to love it.

    Unfortunately, the lack of any good GUI takes a big toll on your happiness... but fantastic for batch jobs.

    3 of 5 comments
    • FFmpeg is Free and Open SourceHandBrake is also Free and Open Source
    • FFmpeg is Customizable and Privacy focusedHandBrake is not according to our users
  2. Shutter Encoder icon

    Shutter Encoder

     69 likes

    Shutter Encoder is a free professional encoding and conversion software for everyone, developed with video editors.

    189 Shutter Encoder alternatives

    Cost / License

    Application types

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • Windows
    • Linux
    • AppImageHub
    • Homebrew
    Main window
     
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    5
    Shutter Encoder vs HandBrake Comments
    Top Positive Comment
    Paul
    3

    Really good alternative with a nice and easy-to-use interface. Great free and open source alternative to Handbrake.

    bigbigboy
    Positive
    0

    has great support for hardware acceleration

    Oktay Mercan
    Positive
    0

    because supporting GPU AV1 Encode. Plus Batch job.

    3 of 5 comments
    • Shutter Encoder is Free and Open SourceHandBrake is also Free and Open Source
  4. Avidemux icon

    Avidemux

     654 likes

    Linear video editor supporting basic cutting, filtering, encoding, batch scripting, and many formats; ideal for single-file edits, trimming, re-encoding, and simple cleanup but not for multi-track or montage projects requiring nonlinear editing capabilities.

    156 Avidemux alternatives

    Cost / License

    • Free
    • Open Source

    Application type

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • Windows
    • Linux
    • BSD
    • PortableApps.com
    Avidemux screenshot 1
     
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    1
    Avidemux vs HandBrake Comments
    Third Opinion
    Positive
    0

    Quick and easy but still allows in-depth changes (codecs/filters).

    Old, reliable, works anywhere!

    • Avidemux is Free and Open SourceHandBrake is also Free and Open Source
  5. Ad
    Screenshot
    Prism Video Converter icon
    Prism Video Converter

    Converts and compresses a wide range of video formats including avi, mpg, wmv, asf, and mp4, offers batch conversion, DVD importing, customizable output settings, preview features, and compatibility with various devices like mobi...

    https://www.nchsoftware.com
    Learn More
  6. VidCoder icon

    VidCoder

     84 likes

    VidCoder is a DVD/Blu-ray ripping and video transcoding application for Windows. It uses HandBrake as its encoding engine.

    121 VidCoder alternatives

    Cost / License

    Application types

    Platforms

    • Windows
    VidCoder screenshot 1
     
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    5
    VidCoder vs HandBrake Comments
    Top Positive Comment
    Nightcall
    0

    You can select the files, not the whole folder. Supports drag & drop.

    snintendog
    Positive
    0

    It allows Batch Convertin and You can Batch to Presets with a simple menu change and drag andropping the next Folder/Files to do. It wont Touch Blurays but DVDs can be Taken. Make MKV is a good Partner Program.

    vposud2
    Positive
    0

    Updated more often and has a better interface in my opinion.

    3 of 5 comments
    • VidCoder is Free and Open SourceHandBrake is also Free and Open Source
  7. File Converter icon

    File Converter

     160 likes

    File Converter is a very simple tool which allows you to convert and compress one or several file(s) using the context menu in Windows Explorer.

    291 File Converter alternatives

    Cost / License

    Application types

    Platforms

    • Windows
    • File Explorer
    File Converter screenshot 1
     
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    3
    File Converter vs HandBrake Comments
    carlosvgonzalez
    Negative
    1

    File Converter is not Quicker in any form, it's very limited actually, not even comparable with Hanbrake, it does not offer hardware based encoding or even low sound bitrates for example ...

    history_undo
    Negative
    0

    A good project but not a good alternative as it has very few features in common with HandBrake.

    Sascha Smit
    Positive
    -3

    File Coverter is quicker and also supports photo files

    • File Converter is Free and Open SourceHandBrake is also Free and Open Source
  10. XMedia Recode icon

    XMedia Recode

     119 likes

    Supports conversion of a wide range of audio and video formats, batch processing, basic editing such as cutting, cropping, and color correction, device presets, direct stream copy, bitrate calculator for file size control, and processing of unprotected DVDs only.

    117 XMedia Recode alternatives

    Cost / License

    • Free
    • Proprietary

    Application types

    Platforms

    • Windows
    Format
     
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    3
    XMedia Recode vs HandBrake Comments
    JohnDangerbrooks
    Positive
    0

    I like XMedia Recode as an alternative to HandBrake because XMedia Recode offers a much better UI. While both apps are great in most respects, HandBrake's UI leaves much to be desired.

    Guest
    Positive
    4

    It allows more customization, f.e. choose the aspect ratio.

    Review by a new / low-activity user.
    Guest
    Positive
    -5

    Its Next To HandBrake Because It Lacks Only File Compression

    Review by a new / low-activity user.
    • XMedia Recode is Free and ProprietaryHandBrake is Free and Open Source
  11. MakeMKV icon

    MakeMKV

     132 likes

    Rip DVD and Blu-Ray discs to MKV format with lossless preservation of video, audio, chapters, and subtitles. Supports decryption of protected discs, multi-track selection, and streaming output. Retains original quality and meta-data for personal backups.

    72 MakeMKV alternatives

    Cost / License

    • Freemium
    • Proprietary

    Application types

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • Windows
    • Linux
    • Kodi
    MakeMKV screenshot 1
     
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    4
    MakeMKV vs HandBrake Comments
    LinuxDoge
    Positive
    1

    Good base. The resulting MKVs arent great, but it works for ripping DVDs. Handbrake then can focus on reducing the filesize and removing letterboxing (black bars at the edges). It sucks that Handbrake can't really rip DVDs, but these two Programs work together well.

    Guest
    Negative
    6

    MakeMKV is more for ripping commercial discs

    Review by a new / low-activity user.
    Guest
    Negative
    -1

    It's just not as functional

    Review by a new / low-activity user.
    3 of 4 comments
    • MakeMKV is Freemium and ProprietaryHandBrake is Free and Open Source
  12. Format Factory icon

    Format Factory

     223 likes

    Format Factory is a multifunctional media converter and ripper offering video, audio, and image conversion. It rips DVDs and CDs, handles PDF and archives, supports diverse formats, and includes a screen recorder. Optimized for various devices and easy to use.

    271 Format Factory alternatives

    Cost / License

    • Free
    • Proprietary

    Application types

    Alerts

    • Warning

    Platforms

    • Windows
    Main user interface for version 4.0.0
     
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    1
    Format Factory vs HandBrake Comments
    BarnMTB
    Positive
    0

    Handbrake and Format Factory are both file converter programs that can be used with a mouse pointer without going through command-line interface.

    • Format Factory is Free and ProprietaryHandBrake is Free and Open Source
  14. StaxRip icon

    StaxRip

     44 likes

    StaxRip is a video encoding app for Windows with a unrivaled feature set and usability.

    94 StaxRip alternatives

    Cost / License

    • Free
    • Open Source (MIT)

    Application type

    Platforms

    • Windows
    Main
     
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    1
    StaxRip vs HandBrake Comments
    ner0
    Positive
    0

    Cool GUI, user-friendly, literally a swiss army knife with various utilities.

    • StaxRip is Free and Open SourceHandBrake is also Free and Open Source
  15. MediaCoder icon

    MediaCoder

     109 likes

    MediaCoder is a free universal batch media transcoder, which nicely integrates most popular audio/video codecs and tools into an all-in-one solution. With a flexible and extendable architecture, new codecs and tools are added in constantly as well as supports for new devices.

    Cost / License

    • Freemium
    • Proprietary

    Application types

    Alerts

    • Discontinued

    Platforms

    • Windows
    Main window
     
12 of 147 HandBrake alternatives