The best HandBrake alternatives
Updated Jul 2026
HandBrake is a superb, free video transcoder that runs entirely on your computer, and for pure video encoding it goes deeper than most people will ever need. The catches are that it only does video, and its interface is famously intimidating. If you want something simpler, or a tool that also handles images, audio, and documents, here are the honest alternatives. Note that HandBrake already keeps your files local, so the real difference below is scope and ease, not privacy.
HandBrake vs Morphjet at a glance
| HandBrake | Morphjet | |
|---|---|---|
| Where your files go | Stay on your device | Stay on your computer |
| Free tier | Free with no limits | No daily cap, no watermark |
| Pricing | free | One-time, launching this July |
| Setup | Desktop app | Desktop app (Mac + Windows) |
The alternatives, ranked by need
1. Morphjet
On deviceBest for: Converting video plus images, audio, and documents in one simple app
Strengths
- Video and 1,800+ other formats
- Runs on your computer, nothing uploaded
- Simple batch, no encoding degree required
- Mac and Windows
Watch-outs
- Not a deep frame-by-frame encoding lab like HandBrake
- Launching this July, waitlist for now
2. VidCoder
Best for: HandBrake-grade encoding with a friendlier Windows interface
Strengths
- Powerful local encoding
- Proper batch queue
- Easier to navigate
Watch-outs
- Windows only
- Video only
- Still fairly technical
3. Permute
Best for: Simple drag-and-drop video conversion on Mac
Strengths
- Clean, native Mac app
- Converts locally
- Video, audio, and images
Watch-outs
- Mac only
- Paid
- Media-focused, lighter on documents
4. VLC
Best for: A quick local conversion with software you may already have
Strengths
- Free
- Already installed for many people
- Converts on your machine
Watch-outs
- Clunky conversion menu
- Limited presets
- Not built for batches
How to choose
If you live and breathe video encoding, HandBrake or VidCoder give you the deepest control. If HandBrake feels like too much and you also convert images, audio, or documents, an all-in-one on-device app is simpler and covers everything. On a Mac, Permute is the easy middle ground for media. All of these keep files on your computer.
A note on privacy
Video files are large and often personal, which is exactly why uploading them to an online converter is a bad idea: it's slow and your footage sits on someone else's server. Every tool here, HandBrake included, converts on your own machine, so your video never leaves it.
Morphjet converts 1,800+ formats on your own computer, with no upload and no account. Launching this July.
Questions
What is the best simple alternative to HandBrake?
For video specifically, VidCoder on Windows keeps HandBrake's power with a gentler interface, and Permute on Mac is very simple. For video plus other formats, an all-in-one on-device converter is the easiest option.
Is there a HandBrake alternative that does more than video?
Yes. HandBrake is video only. An on-device app like Morphjet converts video alongside images, RAW, audio, documents, and ebooks in the same place.
Do HandBrake alternatives keep my files private?
The desktop ones here do. HandBrake, VidCoder, Permute, VLC, and Morphjet all convert on your own computer, so your files are never uploaded.