Table of Contents
There is no way to overstate how important it is to compress your original video files before sharing them with friends on social media, making more space on your phone, or sending long MP4 videos more quickly. Based on my own experience, I’ve put together a list of the best video compression tools that work on both Windows and Mac computers. I have also looked into the best online video compressors that work with browsers such as Chrome, Firefox, and others.
These software options do more than the basics; they can compress not only regular videos but also high-quality recordings like 8K, 4K, and 1080P HDR videos. A lot of people use popular cameras and drones, like GoPros, DSLRs, and iPhones, to take pictures of these. It’s amazing that these tools can reduce these huge video files from gigabytes (GBs) to mere megabytes (MBs) without any quality loss that can be seen.
You can make your videos smaller with a video compressor, whether you choose an open-source (free) solution or a commercial (paid) one. You can do this by setting the target video size or compression ratio or by changing things like the format, resolution, encoding settings, and other properties. Basically, these tools are must-haves for anyone who wants to easily organise and share their videos across a variety of devices and platforms.
Best Free Video Compressors Comparison Table
This article compares the best video compressors for Mac and PC based on how well they compress videos, how fast they are, how well they are designed, and which formats they can work with. We will help you find the best video compressor that meets all of your needs, whether you need to shrink video files for streaming, email attachments, or to make more space on your hard drive.
Feature | Input Formats | Output Formats | Video Editing | GPU Acceleration | Speed | Additional Features | Platforms |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
VideoProc Converter AI | Various | Various | Yes | Yes | Fast | DVD backup, 4K support | Windows, Mac |
Freemake Video Converter | Wide range | Wide range | Basic editing features | No | Moderate | DVD burning, subtitles | Windows |
Handbrake | Limited | Limited | No | No | Variable | Presets, filters | Windows, Mac |
Movavi Video Converter | Wide range | Wide range | Yes | Yes | Fast | DVD ripping, screen recording | Windows, Mac |
VLC media player | Wide range | Limited | Limited | Limited | Variable | Media playback, streaming | Windows, Mac, Linux |
Best Free Video Compressors
We used different large videos to compare tools and find the best video compressor. The review looks at the options from different points of view and tries to find the best one for you by taking everything into account. In particular, the following factors helped us choose the best video compressors:
VideoProc Converter AI
Feature | Description |
---|---|
AI-Powered Conversion | Utilizes advanced AI algorithms for efficient conversion |
Versatile Formats | Supports a wide range of video and audio formats |
High-Speed Conversion | Accelerated processing for quick file conversion |
Video Editing Tools | Built-in tools for video editing and enhancement |
GPU Acceleration | Takes advantage of GPU acceleration for faster tasks |
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When it comes to processing videos, VideoProc Converter AI has really changed the way I do things. The advanced AI-driven features of the software have made my tasks of editing, transcoding, and improving videos so much better. VideoProc Converter AI makes the process easier for everyone, from new users to experts, by automatically improving video quality, lowering noise, and stabilising the video. This all-in-one solution has made the process of editing videos easier, faster, and much more effective.
The Good
- Cutting-edge AI technology
- Comprehensive format support
- Fast conversion speeds
- Integrated video editing features
- GPU acceleration for improved performance
The Bad
- Some advanced features may have a learning curve
- Limited support for niche formats
Freemake Video Converter
Feature | Description |
---|---|
Wide Format Compatibility | Supports a diverse range of video and audio formats |
Simple User Interface | User-friendly interface for easy navigation |
Basic Editing Options | Includes basic video editing tools for quick adjustments |
DVD Burning | Allows users to burn videos to DVDs for playback |
Batch Conversion | Convert multiple files simultaneously for efficiency |
Freemake Video Converter has been my favourite tool for changing media files because it is so simple to use. It stands out because it works with lots of different file types. The simple interface makes it easy to convert videos, make slideshows, and post content to well-known sites. For people who want to convert videos easily and with fun, Freemake Video Converter is the best choice. It works with a lot of different video formats and is very easy to use.
The Good
- Intuitive and easy-to-use interface
- Broad format compatibility
- Basic video editing capabilities
- DVD burning functionality
- Efficient batch conversion
The Bad
- Limited advanced editing features
- May lack some high-end customization options
Handbrake
Feature | Description |
---|---|
Open-Source | Free and open-source software for community contribution |
High-Quality Encoding | Ensures high-quality video encoding |
Multiplatform Support | Available on Windows, macOS, and Linux |
Batch Conversion | Convert multiple files in one go for convenience |
Advanced Configuration | Offers in-depth settings for users who want customization |
When I use it, Handbrake is a trustworthy open-source video converter that is very easy to use and works very quickly. Its simple way of converting video files into different formats and fine-tuning settings make it a favourite among users who like to make things their own and need a reliable tool for quick and easy video conversion. Handbrake is popular because it is easy to use, which makes the conversion process smooth and simple.
The Good
- Open-source and free
- High-quality video encoding
- Cross-platform support
- Batch conversion capabilities
- Advanced configuration options
The Bad
- User interface may be overwhelming for beginners
- Lack of built-in editing tools
Movavi Video Converter
Feature | Description |
---|---|
User-Friendly Interface | Intuitive interface for easy navigation |
Wide Range of Presets | Pre-configured settings for quick conversion |
Editing Tools | Basic video editing features for quick adjustments |
SuperSpeed Conversion | Utilizes hardware acceleration for faster processing |
Online Video Download | Allows downloading videos from popular streaming sites |
Movavi Video Converter has been very useful for me because it can do many things and is easy to use. This software converts between different types of media and has powerful features that work well together. Movavi Video Converter makes it easy for me to convert videos for different devices and platforms because it supports a lot of different formats. The fact that it comes with basic video editing tools makes it a more complete solution for people like me who want to easily convert and improve their videos.
The Good
- User-friendly interface
- Variety of presets for quick conversion
- Basic video editing capabilities
- SuperSpeed conversion for efficiency
- Online video download feature
The Bad
- Advanced editing features may be limited
- Some features may require additional purchases
VLC
Feature | Description |
---|---|
Open-Source | Free and open-source media player and converter |
Wide Format Compatibility | Supports a vast array of multimedia formats |
Streaming Capabilities | Allows streaming of online content |
Customization Options | Offers advanced settings for customization |
Cross-Platform Support | Available on Windows, macOS, Linux, and mobile platforms |
VLC (VideoLAN) has been an important part of my multimedia toolkit because it is a well-known open-source media player that can also convert videos well. The fact that it works with many file types and converts videos easily makes it my first choice. VLC is the best choice for people who want a free, all-in-one package to play and convert multimedia files because it is reliable and works on multiple platforms. It really has stood the test of time as a useful and reliable tool for me on my digital journey.
The Good
- Free and open-source
- Comprehensive format support
- Streaming capabilities
- Extensive customization options
- Cross-platform compatibility
The Bad
- User interface may be less intuitive for beginners
- Advanced settings may be overwhelming for casual users
Factors to Consider When Choosing a Video Compressor
Picking the right video compressor is important if you want to reduce file sizes quickly and without losing too much quality. When choosing a video compressor, here are some things to think about:
- How well compression works: Check how well the tool works for compression. A good video compressor should be able to cut file sizes by a lot while keeping the quality of the video pretty good. Try to find tools that use more advanced ways to compress files.
- Quality Control for Output: Check to see if the video compressor lets you change the quality of the output. You can change the settings of some compressors to choose between constant bitrate (CBR) or variable bitrate (VBR). This lets you choose how to balance file size and video quality.
- Video Formats That Work: Make sure the video compressor works with the video formats you use most of the time. Compatibility is very important to make sure the compressor works with the formats you need, like MP4, AVI, MKV, and more.
- How fast it compresses: Take a look at how fast the video compressor works. It can be helpful to compress videos faster, especially if you have a lot of them to compress. But keep in mind that compression that is too fast could hurt the quality.
- Easy to Use: Pick a video compressor with an easy-to-use interface. The compression process is easier to use, even for people who aren’t very good at technology, thanks to an easy-to-understand layout and simple controls.
- Capability for batch processing: If you need to compress more than one video at once, look for a tool that can do that. You can save time and speed up the process by compressing several videos at once with batch compression.
- Compatibility with Platforms: Make sure that the video compressor works with the OS you’re using (Windows, macOS, or Linux). Some compressors work over the web, while others need to be downloaded and set up on your computer.
- Presets and Making Changes: Make sure the video compressor has presets for common uses like online streaming and mobile devices, and make sure you can change them if necessary. Some of the settings that can be changed for customization are resolution, bitrate, and others.
Questions and Answers
When using VEED, compressing a video is a painless process. Upload your video, make any necessary adjustments to the slider that controls the file size, and then export the file! With the help of VEED’s Video Compressor, you will be able to easily adjust the video quality to achieve the exact file size that you require. The file size will be displayed in megabytes.
The H.264 (MP4) format is a format that is widely supported and provides excellent compression without causing a significant loss in quality. The High Efficiency Video Coding (HEVC) format is an even more efficient format that offers high compression while still maintaining good quality.