The video conversion process can be a useful operation to make a file compatible with a particular device. With the arrival of 4K, video files begin to get heavier in terms of size on hard drives. If we talk about standard definition movies, we still fall within acceptable values (between 2GB and 4GB depending on the duration), but if we talk about high resolution videos, the dimensions are already starting to be more substantial. Suffice it to say that a FullHD movie can even occupy 30-40GB. So a native 4K movie can go as high as 100GB. So it is clear that a method is needed to reduce the size of a video as much as possible without losing excessive visual quality.

Video parameters

Before talking about the best programs to convert video to any format, it is necessary to talk about the key parameters that most affect the size of a video. The first parameter is definitely the Format.

A video can be available in different extensions. The two best known are AVI and MKV. With the AVI format we usually identify videos of quality, and therefore of smaller size, compared to a MKV, which represents high definition videos. This is definitely one of the reasons why an .avi file will take up less space. The second fundamental parameter is the Bitrate. We talked about Bitrate when we explained how to set up OBS. In practice, the Bitrate indicates the transfer rate of video data in a given period of time. It is measured in Mbps and depending on its value you can already understand whether it is standard resolution or high definition video. Below you can find a summary table of the main Bitrate values:

Third, but not least, there is the Resolution. This parameter refers to the screen size of the video. The values indicate the length and height of the window. This parameter is one of those that most affects the size of the file. But that’s not what gives us more information about the quality of the movie. In fact it is the Bitrate that tells us the data transfer speed, where a higher value corresponds to a higher quality. With the same resolution, two videos with different Bitrates will have equally different qualities.

Best Video Converter Software

Using programs to convert videos you can customize the two values mentioned above so that the file size is as small as possible, without losing too much quality. In this article we will propose what we think are the best software to do this.

1. Video Converter Ultimate
2. Movavi Video Converter
3. Freemake Video Converter
4. Handbrake

#1. Video Converter Ultimate

Video Converter Ultimate is one of the best software for Video & DVD conversion. Unlike competitors, this video converter for Windows and Mac supports a large number of video formats and ensures the highest quality video output. Video Converter Ultimate is very simple and intuitive. It also offers a lot of advanced features like the “video downloader”, the “DVD burner”, the “Video Compression” feature, “VR Converter”, “Screen Recorder”, “Video to GIF Converter”, and so on…

You can download the free trial version that allows you to convert your movies directly on your PC Windows or Mac. With the free version you will able to check all software’s features.

It supports  Windows 11/10/ 8.1 / 8 / 7 / Vista / XP  &  Mac OS X >10.6

MAIN FEATURES

 It supports all of the common media file formats such as AVI, MP4, MPEG, WMV, MKV, FLV, etc… (more than 158 output profiles)

 It allows you to convert video for mobile devices like iPhone, Samsung Galaxy series, LG TV, PSP, PS3, and so on.

 You can even convert any normal 2D video to 3D with its 2D to 3D converter

 Apart from media files, you can load DVD from your DVD drive, folder, or ISO/IFO files.

 It is a video editor tool that allows you to trim, crop, rotate, flip, add effect, add watermark, add subtitle…

 High quality and speed (it converts video 30 times faster than other converters)

 It is a DVD Burner and Converter too.

It allows you to add DVD menu with some pre-designed templates

 Online video downloader that allows you to easily download videos from YouTube, Dailymotion, Vimeo, Metacafe, Yeoh, etc.

 A wonderful media player is also included in this product (Wondershare Player)

• How to convert video with Video Converter Ultimate for Windows
• How to convert video/DVD with Video Converter Ultimate for Mac

Tutorial: How to Convert Video/DVD with Video Converter Ultimate for Windows

Step 1. Download, install and run Video Converter Ultimate on your PC

This is what you will see opening the program:

Step 2: Add Video/DVD to convert

Import your DVDs, DVD folder, ISO or IFO files by clicking “Load DVD“. If you want to import video files, load them by clicking the “Add Files” button

Passo 3: Convert video/DVD

In the “Output Format” drop-down window on the right side of the program window, select a desired format or device to convert to.

Sulla destra del programma, dove c’è scritto Formato di output, potrai scegliere il formato di conversione.

Click the “Convert” button on the lower-right corner of the interface and then your video will be converted in no time.

Tutorial: How to Convert Video/DVD with Video Converter Ultimate for Mac

Step 1. Download, install and run Wondershare Video Converter Ultimate for Mac

Step 2. Import DVD, video or audio files

After launching this program, you’ll enter into the “Convert” interface by default. Then, you can go to “File” menu, and then choose “Load Media files…” option to import your local audio & video files, or select “Load DVD files…” option to add DVD files

Step 3. Select output format and convert video/dvd

Click the double up-arrow at the bottom of this program’s pane to open its output format list. Choose the output format and then click the “Convert” button in the bottom-right corner of the main interface to start video conversion. During conversion, you can pause or cancel conversions easily. The progress bar will show you the conversion speed.

#2. Movavi Video Converter

Movavi Video Converter is capable of converting any video to practically any existing format, as well as converting the audio track as well. To insert one or more videos, just click on + Add files or drag the videos into the program. In a few seconds you will see the list of videos you have uploaded appear on the screen, with information about the original file and what you will get once converted. Below you can select the output format for the video. All existing formats are available, even those compatible only with smartphones. Of course you can also set custom conversion parameters, to get the perfect result, with the ability to change the Bitrate and resolution.

Before clicking Convert to start the video conversion, you can modify various aspects of the movie, such as the final quality, the name and much more. It is also possible to choose the audio quality, to further reduce the file size. If you need it, you can also convert multiple movies at the same time. Obviously the settings can also be different for each one.

By clicking on Edit you will apply enhancements to the video, such as contrast effects, lighting and so on. But if you want to keep the video image intact, you don’t need to touch anything.

Another peculiarity of Movavi Video Converter is the ability to extract the audio track from a video and save it in the format you want, such as MP3, AC3 or AAC. To top it all off, you can also convert the images into the most common formats, to make them compatible for example with websites or certain editing programs. In addition to this you can create nice GIFs to share on social networks.

It is a very complete and above all fast software, able to respond to your needs with several available solutions. You can download it for free for both Windows and Mac.

#3. Freemake Video Converter

Freemake Video Editor is one of the most popular programs to convert videos. With 7 years of experience and more than 93 million users, he has managed to make himself known very well. A clean and intuitive interface and excellent versatility have made it the software of choice for the public.

Freemake Video Converter allows not only to convert videos but also to remove protection from original DVDs, with the possibility of converting them to ISO. To load a video or a DVD, just click on the appropriate buttons on the top bar. If you want, you can also upload videos from external links, such as Youtube, using the Paste URL option. After loading all the movies you want to convert, choose one of the output formats (AVI, MOV, MP4, WMV, MKV etc.) from the selection below. Once chosen, the following window will open, where you can go to more specifically change the video settings:

As you can see, it is possible to customize the video quality to the maximum by appropriately choosing the various parameters such as Bitrate, resolution and codec, also acting on the audio sector. Once the changes are complete, click OK. At this point, click on Convert to start the conversion. The files will be saved in the path that was chosen in the settings. Freemake Video Converter takes slightly longer than the previous one, but it is still one of the best programs for converting videos. It must be said that conversion times also depend on the power of your processor. It also doesn’t take up much hard disk space either.

#4. HandBrake

HandBrake is probably the “progenitor” of video converter software. A development that has been going on for over 13 years and that is always adding new features.

As you can see, the interface is much richer in options than the previous ones. It is possible to tinker with decidedly more technical options, to go and calibrate the video quality in all respects. It is available for free on the official website.

The aspect that immediately catches the eye is that the program presents itself all on a single screen. Then you can add the video and set the quality on the same window, without making additional clicks. This will certainly save you a lot more time and allow you to fully dedicate yourself to options. Everything is within reach. Once you have completed the changes, you can preview the final quality of the video and see if it satisfies you. If you are convinced of all the changes made, click on Start to start the conversion.