Advertisement

About HandBrake

HandBrake is a free, open-source video transcoder that converts video from nearly any format into modern, widely supported formats such as MP4 and MKV. It is popular for shrinking large video files and preparing videos for phones, tablets and the web.

Main features:

  • Converts almost any video file to MP4, MKV or WebM
  • Modern codecs: H.264, H.265 (HEVC), AV1 and VP9
  • Built-in presets for phones, tablets, consoles, web and streaming devices
  • Batch scanning and a queue for converting many files
  • Crop, resize, deinterlace, denoise and other video filters
  • Subtitle and chapter support, including burned-in subtitles
  • Hardware-accelerated encoding with Intel, AMD and NVIDIA GPUs

HandBrake is completely free and runs on Windows, macOS and Linux. Note: HandBrake does not remove copy protection from commercial DVDs or Blu-rays.

Key features

Converts almost anythingOutput to MP4, MKV or WebM
Modern codecsH.264, H.265 (HEVC), AV1 and VP9
Device presetsReady settings for phones, tablets and the web
Batch queueConvert many files in one go
Video filtersCrop, resize, deinterlace and denoise
Hardware encodingIntel, AMD and NVIDIA acceleration
Advertisement

License and price

License type
Free · open source

System requirements

Operating system
Windows, macOS, Linux

Good and keep in mind

Good

  • Excellent quality and compression
  • Handy presets for common devices
  • Completely free and open source

Keep in mind

  • Many advanced options can overwhelm beginners
  • Does not handle copy-protected discs

Frequently asked questions

Is HandBrake free?
Yes. HandBrake is completely free and open source.
What formats can HandBrake convert to?
It converts almost any video into MP4, MKV or WebM using H.264, H.265 (HEVC), AV1 or VP9.
Can HandBrake reduce video file size?
Yes. Re-encoding with H.265 or AV1 and a suitable quality setting can greatly reduce file size while keeping good quality.
What operating systems does HandBrake support?
HandBrake runs on Windows, macOS and Linux.
Where can I download HandBrake safely?
Download it from the official HandBrake website using the link on this page.

Other free alternatives to Adobe Flash Player (discontinued)

RufflePlaying old Flash (SWF) games and animations · Windows, macOS, Linux, web browsersFree, open sourceVLC Media PlayerWatching old Flash video (FLV) files · Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOSFree, open source
GUIDEBest Free Alternatives to Adobe Flash PlayerAdobe Flash Player ended in 2020. Use these free alternatives to play old Flash (SWF) games and animations, watch FLV videos and convert them to MP4 \u2013 safely.