Top 10 Best Video Conversion Software of 2026

HandBrake is a free, open-source video transcoder available for Windows, macOS, and Linux, capable of converting videos from nearly any format to modern codecs like H.264, H.265, VP9, and AV1. It provides device-optimized presets, advanced filters for deinterlacing, denoising, cropping, and scaling, plus support for subtitles, chapters, and multi-audio tracks. With batch processing, hardware acceleration, and a queue system, it excels at high-quality, efficient conversions for large media libraries.

FFmpeg is a free, open-source command-line multimedia framework that excels in converting, encoding, decoding, muxing, demuxing, streaming, filtering, and playing virtually any video and audio format. It provides unparalleled flexibility for professional-grade video conversion tasks, supporting thousands of codecs and formats through extensible libraries. While primarily used via scripts or terminal, its efficiency and power make it indispensable for batch processing and automation in video workflows.

Shutter Encoder is a free, open-source video, audio, and image conversion tool built on FFmpeg, providing a graphical interface for complex encoding tasks. It supports batch processing, subtitle integration, multi-threading, and a vast array of formats and codecs, making it suitable for professional workflows. Users can access advanced FFmpeg features like cutting without re-encoding, ProRes export, and custom presets without command-line knowledge.

Adobe Media Encoder is a professional video encoding and conversion application designed for high-quality exports across numerous formats and platforms. It supports batch processing, hardware acceleration via GPU, and preset optimizations for social media, broadcast, and web delivery. Seamlessly integrated with Adobe Premiere Pro, After Effects, and other Creative Cloud apps, it enables efficient workflows from editing to final output.

XMedia Recode is a free, Windows-only video conversion tool that supports over 300 input formats and numerous output options, including hardware-accelerated encoding with CUDA, QuickSync, and DXVA. It provides batch processing, device presets, and advanced editing features such as cutting, cropping, rotating, deinterlacing, subtitles, and a comprehensive filter chain for color correction and effects. While powerful for format conversion and basic post-production, its dated interface may deter beginners.

Movavi Video Converter is a versatile desktop application that excels in converting videos between over 180 formats, including 4K and HEVC, while supporting batch processing for efficiency. It includes built-in tools for basic editing like trimming, cropping, applying effects, and compressing files to reduce size without quality loss. The software also features device-specific presets for seamless playback on smartphones, TVs, and consoles, along with capabilities to download online videos and extract audio.

Wondershare UniConverter is a comprehensive all-in-one video toolkit that excels in converting videos between over 1,000 formats with GPU acceleration for high-speed processing. Beyond conversion, it includes tools for downloading from 10,000+ sites, basic editing, compression, screen recording, and DVD burning. It's designed for users seeking a user-friendly alternative to command-line tools like FFmpeg, combining multiple functions into a single intuitive application.

VLC Media Player, developed by VideoLAN, is a free, open-source multimedia framework renowned for playback but also capable of video conversion via its Convert/Save tool. It supports converting between a vast array of formats, including batch processing, streaming, and basic editing like trimming. While versatile across platforms, its conversion features are secondary to playback, making it suitable for simple, no-cost conversions without needing extra software.

Freemake Video Converter is a free Windows-based tool that converts videos between over 500 formats, including MP4, AVI, MKV, WMV, and more, while supporting batch processing and direct output for devices like iPhone, Android, and gaming consoles. It also includes features for downloading from YouTube, basic editing (cut, rotate, merge), and burning videos to DVD or Blu-ray. Despite its broad capabilities, it's ad-supported and often bundles third-party software during installation.

Format Factory is a free Windows-based multimedia converter that excels in batch converting videos, audio files, and images between a wide array of formats. It includes tools for DVD ripping, basic video editing like trimming, cropping, and applying effects, as well as merging files and creating device-specific outputs for mobiles and tablets. While versatile and powerful for everyday use, its ad-supported nature and installation process require user vigilance to avoid bundled software.