HandBrake is one of the most popular free video tools around, offering a powerful way to convert and compress video files without sacrificing quality. HandBrake is cross-platform, available for Windows, Mac and Linux.

The open-source transcoder can convert almost any video format into modern, widely compatible codecs like H.264, H.265, AV1, MP4, or MKV. HandBrake remains a go-to utility for anyone who wants smaller video files, better compatibility across devices, and full control over encoding settings.

How can I compress videos without noticeable quality loss?

To compress videos effectively, use the slowest preset your system can handle, as slower presets typically offer better compression efficiency. Avoid hardware encoders like NVENC if possible, as they may reduce quality compared to software encoding. For 1080p content, aim for a file size of 7 - 10GB to maintain near-lossless quality.

What are the best settings in HandBrake for balancing quality and file size?

Many users recommend using the x265 (HEVC) codec with a Constant Quality RF (Rate Factor) setting between 18-20 for 1080p content. A slower preset, such as "Slow" or "Slower," can improve compression efficiency without significant quality loss. However, going beyond "Slower" often yields diminishing returns in quality while increasing encoding time. For 720p videos, an average bitrate around 2100 kbps with a two-pass encode can be effective.

Is HandBrake a video editor?

HandBrake can crop and resize videos as well as restore old and low-quality videos, but for more powerful editing tools you can try DaVinci Resolve, Shotcut or VSDC Free Video Editor, which are great free options.

Is Handbrake better than FFmpeg?

HandBrake and FFmpeg are both free and open source, they serve similar purposes but are suited to different users:

• HandBrake is better for most users who want a user-friendly interface, built-in presets (like for YouTube, iPhone, etc.), and simplified video conversion. It's ideal for casual or semi-technical users who need reliable results without complex commands.
• FFmpeg is more powerful and flexible, especially for advanced users or automation tasks. It supports a wider range of formats and options, but it's command-line only, which can be intimidating for beginners.

Why does my audio go out of sync after encoding with HandBrake?

Audio sync issues can occur when using certain encoder presets. For example, using the "Slowest" preset with H.264 NVENC has been reported to cause desynchronization. Switching to the "Medium" preset or using software encoding (x264) can resolve these issues.

Can you use HandBrake to rip DVDs?

Yes, HandBrake can rip any DVD or Blu-Ray discs that are not copy protected.

Can HandBrake compress 4K videos?

Yes, HandBrake can compress any 4K video to reduce video size, while converting the video format at the same time.

Features

One of HandBrake's strengths is its ability to open a wide variety of video formats. HandBrake uses FFmpeg under the hood and generally can open whatever FFmpeg will, in addition to disc-based formats like DVD and Blu-ray. HandBrake does not defeat or circumvent copy protection of any kind. It does not work with video files employing Digital Rights Management (DRM).

HandBrake's software video encoders, video filters, audio encoders, and other processes benefit from fast CPU and memory. HandBrake's hardware video encoders also benefit from modern GPU hardware.

Built-in Device Presets

Get started with HandBrake in seconds by choosing a profile optimised for your device, or choose a universal profile for standard or high quality conversions. Simple, easy, fast. For those that want more choice, tweak many basic and advanced options to improve your encodes.

Supported Input Sources

Handbrake can process most common multimedia files and any DVD or Blu Ray sources that do not contain any kind of copy protection.

Outputs

• File Containers: .MP4(.M4V) and .MKV
• Video Encoders: H.265 (x265 and QuickSync), H.264(x264 and QuickSync), H.265 MPEG-4 and MPEG-2, VP8, VP9 and Theora
• Audio Encoders: AAC / HE-AAC, MP3, Flac, AC3, or Vorbis
• Audio Pass-thru: AC-3, E-AC3, DTS, DTS-HD, TrueHD, AAC and MP3 tracks

Even more features

• Title / chapter and range selection
• Batch Scan and Queueing of encodes
• Chapter Markers
• Subtitles (VobSub, Closed Captions CEA-608, SSA, SRT)
• Constant Quality or Average Bitrate Video Encoding
• Support for VFR and CFR
• Video Filters: Deinterlacing, Decomb, Denoise, Detelecine, Deblock, Grayscale, Cropping and scaling
• Live Static and Video Preview

What's New

Video

• Fixed a crash that happened when doing a 2-pass lossless x265 encode
• Fixed a memory leak that happened when doing a 2-pass MPEG-4/MPEG-2/VP9/FFV1 encode

Audio

• Updated the list of supported dithers and encoders combinations
• Fixed the Core Audio AAC encoder 7.1 channel layout

Subtitles

• Fixed the VobSub palette creation in the MP4 container

Build system

• Improved build system compatibility with older build tools

Third-party libraries

Updated libraries

• FFmpeg 8.0.2 (decoding and filters)
• SVT-AV1 4.1.0 (AV1 video encoding)

Linux

• Added WebM MIME type to the list of the supported formats

Mac

• Improved handling of unsupported presets
• Updated Sparkle automatic update library

Windows

• Improved handling of unsupported presets
• Improved queue low space pause behaviour
• Fixed the automatic audio track name generation
• Fixed the summary description of HDR video

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