Top 10 Best Video Converter Software of 2026

HandBrake is a free, open-source video transcoder available for Windows, macOS, and Linux that converts videos from nearly any format to modern codecs like H.264, H.265, VP8/9, and MPEG-4. It offers extensive customization including filters (deinterlace, denoise, crop), subtitles, chapters, audio tracks, and device-specific presets for optimal output. Ideal for batch processing large libraries, it emphasizes quality and efficiency over basic editing.

FFmpeg is a free, open-source command-line multimedia framework capable of decoding, encoding, transcoding, muxing, demuxing, streaming, filtering, and playing nearly any audio and video format. It powers many commercial and open-source software tools and is widely used for batch processing and complex video workflows. As a video converter, it excels in flexibility and efficiency but requires scripting knowledge for optimal use.

Shutter Encoder is a free, open-source video, audio, and image converter built on FFmpeg, offering a graphical user interface for complex multimedia processing tasks. It supports conversion across virtually all formats, batch operations, cutting, merging, subtitle integration, and advanced features like live streaming and PIP overlays. Designed for efficiency, it combines command-line power with drag-and-drop simplicity, making it suitable for both casual users and professionals.

VLC Media Player, developed by VideoLAN, is a free, open-source multimedia framework renowned for its playback capabilities but also featuring built-in video conversion tools via the Convert/Save function. It supports converting between an extensive range of video and audio formats without requiring additional codecs or plugins. While primarily a player, its converter handles basic to intermediate tasks like format changes, bitrate adjustments, and muxing effectively.

XMedia Recode is a free Windows-based video converter that supports over 300 input formats and a wide range of outputs like MP4, MKV, AVI, and more, with batch processing capabilities. It includes editing tools such as trimming, cropping, rotating, applying filters (deinterlace, denoise), subtitle integration, and hardware acceleration via CUDA, QuickSync, and AMD VCE for faster conversions. The software excels in profile customization for specific devices and formats, making it suitable for detailed transcoding tasks.

Adobe Media Encoder is a professional video encoding and conversion tool designed for high-quality media export and batch processing. It seamlessly integrates with Adobe Creative Cloud apps like Premiere Pro and After Effects, supporting a vast array of formats, codecs, and presets optimized for platforms like YouTube, broadcast, and social media. With features like hardware acceleration and automated workflows, it's built for demanding production environments rather than casual conversions.

Wondershare UniConverter is a comprehensive all-in-one video toolkit that excels in converting videos to over 1,000 formats and presets optimized for devices like iPhone, Android, and TVs. It also supports downloading from 10,000+ sites, basic video editing, compression, screen recording, and DVD ripping. With hardware acceleration, it delivers up to 30x faster conversions compared to traditional methods, making it suitable for both casual users and professionals handling large batches.

Movavi Video Converter is a user-friendly multimedia tool designed for converting videos, audio files, and DVDs across over 180 formats while preserving quality. It supports batch processing, hardware acceleration for fast conversions, and includes basic editing features like trimming, cropping, rotating, and applying effects or filters. Available for Windows and Mac, it also offers compression tools and device-specific presets for seamless playback on smartphones, TVs, and more.

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. It also enables downloading videos from YouTube and other sites, ripping DVDs, and burning converted files to DVD or Blu-ray discs with customizable menus. The software offers basic editing tools like cut, rotate, and merge, making it accessible for everyday video handling tasks.

Format Factory is a free Windows-based multimedia converter that handles video, audio, image, and DVD conversions to a wide array of formats. It supports batch processing, basic editing tools like trimming, cropping, rotating, and adding watermarks or effects, along with subtitle handling and ripping from CDs/DVDs. While versatile for everyday conversions, its ad-supported nature and dated interface limit its appeal for professional use.