Best Free Video Converters 2026: 6 Options Compared

Converting video is mostly about picking a container and a codec the target device understands, and the best free tools make that choice easy. HandBrake gives you presets for phones, TVs and web, and outputs MP4, MKV or WebM. FFmpeg handles nearly any format from the command line and sits underneath many other converters, so it is the best option when something odd will not open. Shutter Encoder wraps FFmpeg in a graphical interface and adds professional formats such as ProRes. VLC has a convert option built in, so you may already have a converter installed. Avidemux can re-encode after trimming, and Kapwing converts in the browser when you cannot install anything. The decision depends on the job. For a one-off MKV to MP4 so a TV will play it, a browser tool or a remux is enough. For a library of files, use HandBrake or FFmpeg with a saved preset. Avoid converting repeatedly between lossy formats, since each pass lowers quality; keep the original, and remux instead of re-encoding when only the container needs to change.

HandBrake

GPL-2.0 open-source transcoder for Windows, macOS and Linux that outputs MP4, MKV or WebM. Device presets make it easy to pick the right settings; it does not convert audio-only files.

Price: Free (HandBrake pricing, checked 2026-10-23).

Platforms and license: Windows, macOS, Linux. GPL-2.0 (open source).

Project activity: 24.8k GitHub stars · latest release 1.11.2 (Jun 7, 2026) · last commit Oct 27, 2026

Best for: Everyday video conversion.

FFmpeg

The reference tool for converting almost any audio or video format, from the command line. No graphical interface, and Windows or macOS builds come from third-party sites.

Price: Free (FFmpeg pricing, checked 2026-10-23).

Platforms and license: Windows, macOS, Linux. LGPL with optional GPL components (open source).

Project activity: 65.9k GitHub stars · last commit Oct 27, 2026

Best for: Unusual formats and automation.

Shutter Encoder

FFmpeg-based GUI that converts to H.264, H.265, AV1 and ProRes plus audio formats, free per its site with no limitations or advertising.

Price: Free (Shutter Encoder pricing, checked 2026-10-23).

Platforms and license: Windows, macOS, Linux. GPL-3.0 (open source).

Project activity: 2.9k GitHub stars · latest release 20.4 (Sep 28, 2026) · last commit Oct 23, 2026

Best for: Professional codecs with a GUI.

VLC media player

GPL media player on Windows, macOS, Linux, Android and iOS. Its menu includes a convert and save option, though VideoLAN's product page does not describe it, so options are basic.

Price: Free (VLC media player pricing, checked 2026-10-23).

Platforms and license: Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS. GPL-2.0 and LGPL-2.1 (open source).

Project activity: 20.3k GitHub stars · last commit Oct 27, 2026

Best for: Converting a file you already open.

Avidemux

GPL editor that cuts, filters and encodes, available on Linux, BSD, macOS and Windows. Good for light conversion after a trim, with fewer presets than HandBrake.

Price: Free (Avidemux pricing, checked 2026-10-23).

Platforms and license: Windows, macOS, Linux. GPL-2.0 (open source).

Project activity: 984 GitHub stars · latest release 2.8.1 (Sep 21, 2022) · last commit Oct 26, 2026

Best for: Cut then re-encode.

Kapwing

Browser-based video converter that Kapwing says is free to use. Your file is uploaded, so large videos are slow, and free-plan exports from the editor carry a watermark.

Price: Free (Free: 10 credits, watermarked exports, 720p, up to 4 minutes per video, 30 minutes of export a month, 2 GB uploads, 5 GB storage kept for 3 days); paid from $16 per month (Pro, 1,000 credits; the page has a monthly/annual toggle with 33% off annual but does not state which the $16 is) (Kapwing pricing, checked 2026-10-24).

Platforms and license: Web. Proprietary.

Best for: No-install conversions.

Compare: Kapwing alternatives

Which one to pick

• You want presets for phones and TVs: HandBrake
• A strange format will not open anywhere: FFmpeg
• You need ProRes or broadcast formats: Shutter Encoder
• You cannot install software: Kapwing