Top Video Converters for Windows and Mac: A Comprehensive Guide

Why Convert Videos on Windows and Mac?

Not every video plays nicely with every device. You click on a file, and nothing happens—or worse, you get an error message you don’t understand. It could be a format issue, and that’s where video conversion steps in. Whether you’re trying to send a large file from your phone to your computer or prepare clips for a presentation, converting video is one of those small tasks that solves big problems.

Thankfully, you don’t need expensive software or tech skills to do it. If you’re on Windows or Mac, there are free tools that make the job easy. This guide breaks down the best options and shows you exactly how to use them.

Best Free Video Converters for Windows and Mac

HandBrake

HandBrake is one of the most trusted free video converters around. It works on Windows, Mac, and Linux. HandBrake can convert almost any video file into formats like MP4, MKV, and WebM. It also offers presets for different devices, so you don’t have to tinker with advanced settings unless you want to. While its interface may feel technical at first, you can stick to the default settings for a quick and easy conversion.

Any Video Converter (AVC)

Any Video Converter is a beginner-friendly app that handles most formats you’ll encounter. You can input and output files in popular formats such as AVI, MOV, WMV, and MP4. It’s fast, lightweight, and includes options to adjust resolution, bitrate, and more. The free version works well for individual use and features basic editing tools like trimming and cropping.

Shutter Encoder

Shutter Encoder is more than just a converter — it’s a professional-grade tool that happens to be free. It supports a huge range of formats and codecs and is popular among video editors who need reliable results. Available for Windows and Mac, Shutter Encoder can also encode audio, burn subtitles into videos, and even join or split files.

Prism Video Converter

Prism is another simple converter that works on both platforms. It supports all the common formats, and its clean interface makes it easy to batch convert multiple files at once. Prism also lets you preview your output file before saving it, which is helpful if you’re making changes to resolution or aspect ratio.

Freemake Video Converter (Windows Only)

For Windows users, Freemake is a popular choice. It supports over 500 formats and outputs to devices like iPhones, Android phones, tablets, and gaming consoles. Its interface is clear, with drag-and-drop support and ready-made presets. The free version works well, though it adds a watermark to videos unless you upgrade to the paid plan.

FFmpeg

FFmpeg is a command-line based tool, which makes it different from the others. It’s incredibly powerful and can handle almost any video or audio conversion task you throw at it. While it’s not beginner-friendly, users who are comfortable with typing commands will find it fast and flexible. It works on Windows, Mac, and Linux.

VLC Media Player

You might already have VLC installed for watching videos, but did you know it can also convert them? VLC is not just a player — it comes with a built-in converter that can handle many common formats. It’s not as feature-rich as dedicated converters, but it works well in a pinch.

MediaHuman Video Converter

This is a lightweight and free converter that works on Windows and Mac. It’s easy to use, supports drag-and-drop, and converts files into formats like MP4, AVI, MKV, and MOV. MediaHuman is a good choice if you want something simple without too many advanced options.

iWisoft Free Video Converter (Windows Only)

iWisoft Free Video Converter is a simple and reliable choice for Windows users. It supports a wide range of video and audio formats, including MP4, AVI, WMV, FLV, and more. The interface is easy to follow, with clear options for choosing output format and adjusting settings like resolution, frame rate, and bitrate. It even includes a few basic editing features, such as trimming clips or adding watermarks. While it hasn’t been updated in a while, it still works well for basic conversions without any cost.

VideoProc Vlogger

Though mainly designed as a video editing tool, VideoProc Vlogger includes a capable and completely free video converter built in. It supports a wide range of input and output formats, including MP4, MOV, MKV, AVI, and H.264/H.265 codecs. The interface is modern and friendly for beginners, and you can quickly export videos in different resolutions or aspect ratios. Unlike some editors, it doesn’t require a sign-up or payment to unlock the converter. It works on both Windows and Mac.

How to Convert Video on Windows and Mac using HandBrake

Start by downloading HandBrake from its official website and installing it on your computer. Once it’s installed, open the program. You’ll see a screen asking you to select a source file. Drag your video into the window or click “File” to browse and choose the video you want to convert.

After the file loads, you’ll see several options. You don’t have to adjust much if you’re just looking for a quick conversion. HandBrake defaults to MP4 format, which works well for most devices. If you want, you can pick a preset from the right side—there are options for phones, tablets, and web platforms. Choose where you want to save the converted file by clicking “Browse,” then hit “Start Encode” at the top. HandBrake will take it from there and process your video into the new format.

Conclusion

Converting video doesn’t have to feel like a chore. With free tools available for both Windows and Mac, you can quickly change your files into a format that works better for your device or project. Whether you prefer something simple like VLC or MediaHuman, or more feature-rich options like HandBrake or Shutter Encoder, each of these programs can handle most of what you’ll need. Just pick the one that suits your comfort level and start converting.