Any Video Converter (AVC) is fantastic free software that can handle conversions of everything from DivX and MPEG4 to VOB and over 60 other input formats (including 4K) - all in an attractive and minimalist interface. The software also offers user-defined video outputs, as well as batch processing to convert multiple files simultaneously, and saves all converted videos in a predefined folder for quick access and organization.
AVC can directly extract and convert audio from a given video in a limited number of formats including MP3, AAC, WAVE, and others. Additionally, the program lets you download and convert YouTube and Google videos - although these are our preferred methods.
HandBrake (Windows / MacOS)
HandBrake seemed to be on its last legs in 2006 when the software's initial creator, Eric Petit, fell from the face of the Earth. However, its software development continued with the help of a few ambitious people who were pushed to update and revise existing software for a changing world.
The open source video converter now has one of the most extensive software for ripping and converting video files to play them on a number of popular devices, including iPhones, smart TVs, and tablets. The interface is sleek and well-designed, with plenty of menu tabs for advanced functionality, all housed in a traditional user interface that anyone familiar with Windows or MacOS can understand.
HandBrake cannot be surpassed when it comes to converting files to MP4 or MKV format, but unfortunately it is not for those who don't want to learn the software either.
Prism Video Converter (Windows / MacOS)
Prism is a video converter and editor which is a great choice if you don't really have a video editor right now, but still need to make edits to the video clip you are converting. The interface isn't particularly simple, but it follows a familiar formula and is easy to pick up quickly, with big buttons for different functions: add your video file and you can get to work. The converter works with all popular video formats and any format that uses the DirectShow codec, as well as device-specific formats for smartphones, etc. Additional capabilities include adjusting filters, brightness, contrast, and rotation, as well as creating text overlays, watermarks, and other important features you might need.
Note that the Prism free download includes all the features, but the more advanced video editing features will stop after a few days unless you purchase the full edition. The conversion capabilities, however, are free forever.
DivX Video Converter (Windows / MacOS)
The DivX Video Converter has a lot of useful built-in options for input and output as well as editing tools to fine tune the videos you want to convert. While the software is a bit pushy in trying to get you to upgrade to the premium version, the free version works pretty well. The interface is clean and gives you in-depth options for exits.
When adding files, you can do so from local drive or import them directly from Blu-ray discs. The software also supports Google Drive and Dropbox, for those looking to edit files stored remotely. An assortment of output profiles provide a number of predefined options, and you can further customize the resulting file if you prefer - there are options to select the resolution, change the aspect ratio, and change the bit rate, among others. .
Cloud Convert (web based)
No one wants to waste precious time or space downloading programs and apps (which can be quite complicated at times). Cloud Convert is a great web-based alternative to managing downloads, as it supports 218 different formats, from MP4 to PDF. We love that it's incredibly easy to use, which is a big bonus for any program.
With Cloud Convert, you can monitor records and aggregate conversions. Thanks to its API, you can also apply these same functions to applications that you have already downloaded.
Users can use Cloud Convert's web interface to change video settings as desired (resolution, codec, bit rate, and aspect ratio). Once the settings are finalized, the video is sent to the cloud and converted accordingly.
Once the conversion is complete, you will automatically receive a confirmation email from Cloud Convert. The newly converted file will also appear in your Dropbox or Google Drive.
Editor's recommendations
https://www.digitaltrends.com/computing/best-free-video-converters/