Our verdict: HandBrake is the best free tool for making videos smaller or converting them to a format that plays everywhere. Its presets do most of the work, and the advanced settings are there when you need them. It is a converter, not an editor.
About HandBrake
HandBrake is an open-source transcoder developed by volunteers. You open a file or folder, pick a preset such as Fast 1080p30, and add the job to a queue.
On Windows, HandBrake needs the Microsoft .NET Desktop Runtime. The official installation guide lists the required version and links to Microsoft's download.
What it does well
- Presets. Ready settings for web, devices and general use.
- Modern codecs. Encodes H.264, H.265 and AV1 into MP4, MKV or WebM.
- Hardware encoding. Supports NVIDIA, AMD and Intel hardware encoders for faster jobs.
- Batch queue. Converts many files in a row without supervision.
- Filters and subtitles. Crop, scale, deinterlace, denoise and add subtitle tracks.
Who it is for
Good fit
Shrinking phone and screen recordings, and converting videos for playback on TVs and phones.
Look elsewhere
Cutting, joining or editing clips, and ripping copy-protected discs.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Excellent presets
- Modern codecs including AV1
- Batch queue
- No watermark
Cons
- Needs .NET Desktop Runtime on Windows
- Not an editor
- Many advanced options
How to install HandBrake
Install the Microsoft .NET Desktop Runtime version that HandBrake's documentation lists, then run the HandBrake installer from handbrake.fr. If .NET is missing, HandBrake shows a message on launch.
Questions about HandBrake
Is HandBrake free?
Yes. It is open source with no paid tier.
Can HandBrake rip DVDs?
It converts unprotected DVDs and Blu-rays. It does not remove copy protection.
Which HandBrake preset should I use?
For most videos, Fast 1080p30 is a good start. Lower the quality slider or pick a 720p preset for smaller files.
