11 Best Video Converters for Mac in 2026 (Free & Paid Compared)
28.6K
3
Over the years, I have collected many videos on my Mac. Different formats and codecs can sometimes cause playback issues. So I needed a video converter to convert or compress videos into a more compatible format.
To help you avoid poorly performing converter apps, I tested a number of popular or unknown apps and selected the best video converters for Mac. Below I provide a detailed review based on my testing results and user experience, from actual performance to price to extra functionality.
Top 3 Mac Video Converters I Recommend
Best Overall - Cisdem VideoPaw
Good choice for beginners and everyday users who need more than basic video conversion. It supports a wide range of formats and also includes tools to compress, edit, download, record videos and digitize DVDs, Blu-Rays.
Best Free Video Converter - Handbrake
A popular free and open-source video converter for Mac. It allows you to convert, compress videos and rip discs. But its output options and advanced features are more limited. For example, you can only output to 4 formats and no audio formats to choose.
Best Free Advanced Tool - FFmpeg
A free and open-source tool you’ll hear most often, supporting the widest range of formats and codecs. While it’s very flexible and powerful, it relies on command line options and requires a steep learning curve.
How I Tested
I spent about two weeks testing 22 video converters on a MacBook Pro with an Apple M3 chip running macOS Tahoe 26.
To build the test list, I looked at popular video converter apps, user feedback, available features, and suggestions from AI tools. The test files were not limited to one type of video. I used a mix of MP4, MOV, MKV, AVI, and HEVC files, with different file sizes and resolutions, including HD and 4K videos.
Then I started doing the same task such video conversion, batch processing, and output adjustments with each video converter. I kept notes during testing and compared each app’s speed, output quality, format support, features, and ease of use.
11 Best Video Converters for Mac Review
#1 Cisdem VideoPaw - Best Overall
Compatibility: macOS 10.15 or later
Cisdem VideoPaw is a robust and smart software I highly recommend. It is a 5-in-1 video converter software used to deal with video, audio, DVD/Blu-ray effortlessly, with stable performances, miscellaneous features, and very easy to use.
Free Download macOS 10.15 or later
Main features of Cisdem VideoPaw:
Excellent format support: Convert video and audio between 300+ formats such as MKV, AVI, WMV, HEVC, MP4, FLAC, etc., and a heap of preconfigured device profiles for iPhone, iPad, iMovie, tablets, game consoles, etc.
High speed conversion: The app supports hardware encoding to speed up video converting tasks. And it offers unlimited batch-processing feature that can batch convert videos on Mac to save your precious time.
Best video quality: Cisdem is known for providing a high quality output with intelligent auto settings according to the source file, whether converting 1080p, 4k, or 8k videos.
Custom output: You can adjust the video/audio encoders, resolutions, frame rate, bitrate level and more settings to get customized results with desired file size.
Built-in video editing tools: You can trim and crop the video, merge multiple files into one, add embedded/external subtitles, add watermarks, insert chapter markers, adjust volume and preview the video before conversion.
Additional features: Besides converting local files, it can also help you rip DVD and Blu-ray discs, download online videos/playlists/live streams from YouTube, Vimeo, Facebook, and 1000+ other platforms, and compress large video files without losing quality. Build your digital video library with ease.
Advantages:
- Retain original output quality, whether you convert audio or video files
- Come with a built-in media player to play the added, converted or downloaded files in the app
- Display estimated output video size
- Safe and clean, under active development
Disadvantages:
- Only convert the first 5 minutes of each video
#2 HandBrake
Compatibility: macOS 10.13 or later
Handbrake is a dedicated video transcoder that can convert unprotected DVD/BD movies and almost any videos to MP4, MKV and WebM format. And you can change the video encoders, resolutions, quality level and more as needed.
It offers basic editing features, including cropping, rotating, flipping, adding subtitles or audio tracks, etc., and you can preview the final look before converting (for 10 secs). Though HandBrake cannot convert multiple videos simultaneously, it allows users to add the videos to a queue, which can also free people from waiting on the computer.
Advantages:
- Free to use
- Rich customizable options
- Allow batch conversion
Disadvantages:
- Limited output formats and editing features
- Can't handle encrypted DVDs
- A bit complicated interface
.jpg)
#3 Wondershare UniConverter
Compatibility: macOS 10.13 or later
Wondershare UniConverter is an easy-to-use video converter software with the ability to convert any video, music and DVD files to 150+ output formats. It provides ultra-fast conversion with hardware acceleration (NVIDIA and Intel HD Graphics) for GPUs.
As a multipurpose video converter program, UniConverter can also convert online videos from websites, compress media files, convert images, burn personal DVD, transfer video files from your Mac to mobile devices through a USB, record screen, etc. The user interface is straightforward, allowing user to easily find according sections to perform different tasks.
Advantages:
- Support all popular formats
- Rich video toolbox features
- Clean intuitive interface
Disadvantages:
- The price is higher and upgrade to new version requires extra payment
- Slow installing speed
- Most features are only available in the paid version
Wondershare UniConverter for Mac download >>
#4 FFmpeg
FFmpeg is the multimedia framework under the hood of many free video converter software, like HandBrake and Shutter Encoder.
You can run FFmpeg via Terminal on Mac to convert and stream video/audio and other multimedia files like subtitles and related metadata. It's flexible and supports virtually every codec and format. In my tests, FFmpeg was the fastest among all tools and produced the smallest output file.
As FFmpeg come without a graphical user interface, it’s only suitable for tech-savvy users familiar with command-line interfaces. You can find many FFmpeg tutorials from its official websites, Github, and Reddits about video conversion.
Advantages:
- Lightweight and powerful
- Advanced customization settings for professional use
- Fast conversion with high-quality output
Disadvantages:
- Require manual setup and technical knowledge
- Not suitable for beginners due to command-line usage
5. Movavi Video Converter for Mac
Compatibility: macOS 12.0 or higher
Movavi Video Converter is designed to convert video, audio, and image files between different formats. It offers certain notable features, including a large collection of input and output formats and some editing tools. General features like preview, trimming, cropping, adding subtitles, video compression, etc. are also supported. It handles batch processing.
Performance-wise, it uses SuperSpeed technology and supports hardware acceleration from NVIDIA, Intel, and AMD to speed up conversions. There's also AI upscaling that can boost resolution up to 8×, plus a built-in subtitle search feature.
Advantages:
- Support over 180+ formats and devices
- Fast conversion with SuperSpeed technology
- Include basic editing and compression functions
- Provide AI upscaling to improve video quality
Disadvantages:
- Fewer options for adjusting detailed encoding settings
- Trial version adds a watermark to exported videos
- No support for copy-protected DVD/Blu-ray conversion
Movavi Video Converter for Mac download >>
#6 MacX Video Converter Pro
Compatibility: macOS 10.6 and above
MacX Video Converter Pro, published by Digiarty, is a superior video converter possessed multiple purposes. As one of the best versatile video converters for Mac, it's able to convert video, download video, make photo slideshow, record screen, and edit video.
For conversion, it can not only transcode a video but also allows you to reformat the video, no re-encoding or quality degradation. Another highlight of it is that it permits people to rename the file and edit metadata, which is convenient for the needed. Plus, it also offers some additional features, such as playing videos, re-configuring encoders, merging files, editing videos, etc. But when editing, it will suddenly get stuck and quit for uncertain reasons.
As for other functions, I tested them one by one and found that all is fine. The download feature is quite basic, can't download playlists or add multiple URLs.
Advantages:
- Can remux video/audio streams
- Offer additional features to download online video, convert photos, and record screen
- Affordable price
Disadvantages:
- Can't convert/rip DVDs
- Limited output format support, no formats like MXF, OGV
- Editing features are not good and limited
MacX Video Converter for Mac Pro download >>
7. Shutter Encoder
Compatibility: Mac OS X 10.10 (Yosemite) or later
Shutter Encoder is a free video converter and encoder for Mac that's built on FFmpeg. It's not just a converter either - you can also compress, trim, merge, and edit videos with it.
Shutter Encoder supports popular formats like MP4, MOV, MKV, FLV, ProRes, and DNxHD. It gives you more control over the conversion, with options to change codecs, adjust scaling, and make other customizations. Batch conversion is available too, you just need drag-n-drop multiples videos to process.
But it’s not easy for beginners. The interface gives you a lot of options, and if you're new to encoding terms, it may take a little time to understand what each setting does.
When it comes to output quality, it can keep good video quality during the conversion process, especially when users adjust encoding settings properly.
Advantages:
- Free and FFmpeg-based
- Support many popular video formats
- Include useful tools like trimming, merging, audio extraction, and compression
Disadvantages:
- Interface may be overwhelming for beginners
- Require some knowledge of codecs and encoding settings
- Limited video editing features
Shutter Encoder for Mac download >>
#8 VLC
Compatibility: macOS 10.7.5 or later
VLC is not just a media player but also a video transcoder. It can open a wide range of video file formats and DVDs, and convert them to a few popular formats such as MP4, TS, MOV, MPEG 1, MKV, AVI, ASF. VLC can also embed external subtitles into video, merge video and audio with its stream output feature.
However, the Mac version of VLC can only convert one file at a time, and it lacks other extra features like editing and compression.
Advantages:
- Support a wide range of inputs
- Free and open source tool
- The output quality is not bad
Disadvantages:
- Unable to edit footage before conversion
- Lose video quality when transcoding some files
- Errors like missing audio, failed conversion can happen
- Cannot batch process multiple files
#9 Smart Converter
Compatibility: macOS 10.15 or later
Smart Converter is the most popular video converter on Mac App Store, which is totally free to use and is able to convert videos into 10+ formats on Mac, including MP4, MKV, AVI, FLV, MOV, WMV, etc. Unlike other Mac video converters, it doesn’t show the video formats directly, but the devices and software, like Apple TV, QuickTime, Mac, iPhone, etc.
Its video converting speed is quite slow, but you are expected to get a good quality video, most of the time, the video will comes in 1080p, which is very impressive. One special feature is that it will automatically save videos to iTunes once the conversion is finished. However, this can also be annoying to those who don’t need to sync everything.
Advantages:
- Easy to use with the simple interface
- Provide convenient presets for other devices
- Freeware without any in-app purchase
Disadvantages:
- Cannot batch convert video files
- No more extra features are provided
- Show purchasing ads for another product on the interface when starting the conversion task
#10 DivX Converter
Compatibility: macOS 10.14+
DivX Converter for Mac, another standout converter software, is equipped with tons of excellent capabilities. You can upload videos from desktop, DropBox, and Google Drive. It helps you convert the added videos to DivX, MKV, and MP4 up to 4K, etc. on Mac. The converted videos are in very high resolution and multiple files can be processed at a time.
Meanwhile, this best video converter for Mac offers intuitive and separate sections for you to edit the video, audio track and subtitle respectively. But for editing or encoding videos, some features can only be enjoyed on the pro version.
Update: DivX Converter has been revved to DivX 11 Software, a combination of video player and video converter.
Advantages:
- Can convert videos to HEVC 4K and HEVC UHD
- Support combining all videos into one file
Disadvantages:
- Install slowly and not verified by Apple
- Very few output formats are supported
- Most video editing and converting features require an upgrade to Pro version
Divx Video Converter for Mac download >>
#11 Total Video Converter for Mac
Compatibility: macOS 10.13 or later
Total Video Converter is extremely the best video converter for Mac that converts video to 3GP, MP4, PSP, PS3, iPod, iPhone, HDTV, DVD player, etc. It is also good at combining, extracting, multiplexing, recording and burning videos.
If you seek for a multipurpose tool, it will be a great option. But if you want a professional converter software, ignore it because its poor editing features with blurry preview pictures. The developer also provides a Lite version on the Mac App Store that is totally free to use.
Advantages:
- The conversion speed is twice as fast as the category average
- The category of supported devices is particularly clear and detailed
Disadvantages:
- The converted video was noticeable pixelation and blur
- The editor lacks basic functionality and performs practically no function
- Can’t merge files during the conversion process
- The trail version leaves watermark on the new file
- Design unrelated products on the app, luring users to download or purchase
Total Video Converter for Mac download >>
Comparison Table for Top 11 Mac Video Converter Apps
| Software | Price | Conversion Time (5-min 4K→1080p) | Output Quality | Hardware Acceleration | Batch Processing | Ease of Use | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cisdem VideoPaw | $49.99/year | 2 min 18 sec | High | Yes (CUDA/Intel QSV) | Yes | Very easy | All-in-one power users |
| Handbrake | Free | 4 min 52 sec | Good | Yes (Intel QSV/Nvidia) | Yes (queue) | Moderate | Free & flexible (tweaks needed) |
| Wondershare UniConverter | $55.99/year | ~3 min 30 sec | High | Yes | Yes | Easy | Complete media toolkit |
| FFmpeg | Free | 2 min 10 sec | High | Yes | Yes (command line) | Complex | Advanced users / CLI |
| Movavi Video Converter | 54.95/year | ~5 min | Good | Yes | Yes | Easy | Clean & simple UI |
| MacX Video Converter Pro | $39.95/lifetime | ~4 min | Good | Yes (Nvidia/Intel) | Yes | Moderate | Want speed at a lower price |
| Shutter Encoder | Free | ~3 min 40 sec | High | Yes (Nvidia/AMD) | Yes | Moderate | Pro controls, free |
| VLC | Free | ~12 min | Average | No | No | Moderate | Already use VLC for playback |
| Smart Converter | Free | ~8 min | Average | No | No | Easy | Beginners, auto‑optimized |
| DivX Converter | Free / Paid ($13.99/lifetime) | ~6 min | Below Average | No | No | Moderate | DivX/AVI focused |
| Total Video Converter | $29.99/lifetime | ~5 min | Average | No | Yes | Moderate | Broad device support |
*Note: Format support is not listed as a separate metric because all 11 tools cover the common formats. The large numbers may be manufacturer claims that users can't easily verify.
FAQs
Does Mac have a built-in video converter?
Yes. Mac users can benefit from native apps, like QuickTime Player and iMovie, to convert videos to MOV, MP4, or audio formats. But these options support very limited input/output formats, and do no offer advanced features of third-party software.
Do above converters support Intel-based Macs as well?
Yes, all the video converters listed work on both Intel and Apple Silicon Macs. But the way hardware acceleration works varies between Intel and Apple Silicon Macs. Intel models may use Quick Sync Video when supported, while newer Macs use Apple VideoToolbox. If you're on an older Intel Mac, you may see slower conversion times than what I recorded on the M3 MacBook Pro.
Can I convert DRM-protected videos with these tools?
Above video converters can't convert any DRM-protected files like iTunes movies and Netflix downloads. They are designed for converting your own personal video files. But if it's for converting copy-protected DVD and Blu-ray discs, VideoPaw can do it.
How to Convert Video Formats with the Best Video Converter for Mac
Step 1. Download the video converter on your Mac.
Take the number #1 – Cisdem VideoPaw as an example. Download, Install, and kick it off on your Mac.
Free Download macOS 10.15 or later
Step 2. Import media files to the app.
Launch Cisdem VideoPaw and go to the "Video Converter" module.
Drag movies, DVDs, or other video files to the interface.
Step 3. Select the desired format.
Click the highlight Format button on the video entry to choose a desired output format for the current video. Or click the “Convert all tasks to” box to set the output format for all items in one click.
Experienced users may want to click the gear icon or the Settings button to access the advanced settings window, from which you can change the format values, like encoder, frame rate, resolution, etc.
Step 4. Edit the video if necessary.
Before converting, if you want to edit the video, click the “pencil” icon to bring up the editor window, and modify the video based on your demands.
Step 5. Start the conversion.
Click the “Start” button in the bottom right corner to begin the video conversion process.
Final Words
Videos need to be converted when they are not compatible with target devices, editing software, or social platforms like YouTube and Facebook.
This article has discussed the top 11 video converter applications (both paid and free ones mentioned), helping you convert your videos to any format. Pick the best video converter for Mac to solve compatibility issues, reduce video size, modify video values, and so on.er for Mac to solve compatibility issues, reduce video size, modify video values, and so on.
Emily is a girl who loves to review various multimedia software. She enjoys exploring cutting edge technology and writing how-to guides. Hopefully her articles will help you solve your audio, video, DVD and Blu-ray issues.
Ryan Li is a senior developer at Cisdem. Since joining the company in 2017, he has led the development of Cisdem VideoPaw and now serves as the editorial advisor for all articles related to Video Converter.
Vinst1974
I’ve used HandBrake for a while, but its formats are limited. I recently needed to convert files to ProRes but couldn’t, I started looking for alternatives. This post gave me a few options to try. Thanks for the list.
James Y. Navas
Find a suitable video transcoder is too difficult. Your introduction gave me some ideas. I will try Cisdem and VLC.
jime
it is a wonderful review, give me a lot of help