Even if modern PCs and devices (such as Smart TVs, smartphones, tablets etc.) are able to read any type of video file, to save space or to obtain a file compatible with any device, even a bit old (I think of the readers DVD or the first Blu-Ray released on the market), it may be necessary to convert the video from a recent format (for example HEVC) to a format that has greater compatibility (for example MP4). In some cases, however, it may be necessary to compress the video in a format that takes up less disk space, especially if it must then be copied to the memory of a mobile phone or a USB stick.
In this regard, we must not rely on expensive and difficult to use paid programs, but we will be able to rely on some free and simple software, to the point that they can also be used by less experienced users. Let's see together the best programs to convert videos that combine simplicity, speed and good conversion quality.
Programs to convert video on PC
All the programs mentioned in the guide stand out from the others (also very famous) for being free, without any hidden advertising and they act quickly and quickly on any file.The programs we recommend support a wide variety of different video formats, so that we can convert videos for a specific device or with a codec we like.
Freemake Video Converter
The simplest and most immediate program to use (even for less experienced users) to convert videos on a computer is Freemake Video Converter.
By installing this program on the computer we will be able to convert all the videos to the most common formats such as MP4, MPEG, MKV and AVI, simply by adding the video files to the interface and choosing the right format from the profiles present at the bottom. Among the additional features we point out the possibility of making videos optimized for YouTube (to upload them online at the right quality), the DVD Video creator (to make discs compatible with old players) and the video file joining tool, very useful for making a single video from many different files or shots.
Some functions are only available for a fee, but the free version is more than enough to convert videos on the fly, acting on a few parameters and pressing just two keys.
HandBrake
One of the best programs to use on PC is for ripping and converting videos is undoubtedly HandBrake.
With it it will be possible to convert the local videos or the DVD / Blu-ray in possession, so as to obtain much smaller videos and compatible with all modern devices.
To convert, simply click on Open Source to select the source of the video to be converted, choose one of the predefined profiles in Presets and, once the various codec screens have been properly adjusted, choose the path where to save the file in Save As and start the conversion by clicking on Start Encode . In a few minutes we will have our video converted to the desired format!
To make the best use of this powerful tool we can also read our guide on how to Convert video and DVD to MP4 or MKV on PC and Mac .
VidCoder
The first valid alternative to WinFF is definitely VidCoder, downloadable from the Microsoft Store or as a simple installer.
In a curated and modern interface we can find everything you need to convert any video.
We add the source by clicking on Video file or DVD / Blu-ray folder (in case we wanted to convert films to optical disc) or using the Open at source button, then we click on Encoding profile to be able to choose one of the predefined profiles offered by the program (there are consoles, TVs and various smartphones to choose from). By clicking on the gear-shaped button and the Play button just above the profile name we can also make changes to the codec and converter, so as to adapt it to our needs, while to choose the destination folder just click on the bottom Select the save path .
When ready just click on the top Convert to start converting the video. Excellent preview mode that will encode a small part of video and show us the result in the player, so as to check if the quality is sufficient.
File Converter
If we are looking for a very fast and integrated converter within the contextual menu of Windows, the best choice is File Converter.
Once installed on our Windows system, just right-click on any video file on the disk and select the File Converter menu.
A waterfall window will open in which to choose the format in which to convert the video; just choose the one you want to start the conversion (the generated file will be saved in the same folder where the original file is, with the name appropriately changed). Definitely the fastest and most practical method to convert any video on the fly, since there are no programs to open and it's all integrated into the system. If you want to edit the profiles, just use the Configure presets item, present in the drop-down menu in which to choose the video format.
MeGUI
Another program that we can use to convert videos on Windows is MeGUI.
This portable program (i.e. usable without even installing it) can be slightly complex to use, but just rely on the OneClick mode to be able to convert any video quickly and without too many worries. Then open the program, click on OneClick at the bottom and, in the new window that appears, click on the small triangle-shaped button next to the Input field, so as to choose the starting file. We ignore the other fields related to audio and subtitles, then click Config next to the OneClick profile item to be able to change the conversion parameters (we can choose both the codec and the container), confirm and choose where to save the converted file, doing click on the three dots next to the Output file field.
At the end, all we have to do is confirm with the Queue key, go to the Queue tab and start the conversion by clicking on the Start button. The program is designed to be able to convert a large number of files and to perform numerous additional tasks, but also as a simple converter it does very well!
XMedia Recode
Another program that we recommend trying to convert videos is XMedia Recode.
With this program we can convert one or more videos, starting from the files saved on the PC or from an optical disc (DVD or Blu-ray) and selecting one of the profiles available in the central part: we can both choose recent and famous devices (such as for example consoles or Smart TVs) and to choose more generic profiles, excellent for maintaining compatibility. Finally, choose the destination path below and, when ready, click the Encoding button to start the conversion process. For its simplicity of use it is one of the best programs to use on Windows, even more if we need to convert videos to a format compatible with one of our technological devices (if we know nothing about codecs, better rely on this type of profiles to avoid mistakes).
WinFF
One of the best programs to convert video on PC in a totally free way is WinFF.
With this simple program we can convert any video to MP4 or AVI, so as to always have maximum compatibility with the most used playback devices. To upload a video, simply click on the Add button, choose the video to be converted in the explorer window and, once added to the program, choose the conversion format in the Convert In field.
For the conversion we also choose one of the predefined profiles that can be loaded from the Default field, choose the destination folder then click on the top Convert . If we want to have more control over the conversion process, just click on Options to unlock advanced codec and converter configurations. It is not faster and simpler than this, it is no coincidence that it is one of the programs that we recommend trying immediately.
Conclusions
What we have shown you are the best programs to convert videos that can be installed on any PC with Windows as an operating system (from Windows 7 to Windows 10), ready to use and capable of converting any video format or container (AVI, MKV or MP4).If we want to convert videos on our Android smartphone or tablet, we invite you to read the guide to the best apps to convert audio and video on Android .
If, on the other hand, we need a tool to convert old DVD Videos into comfortable video files to be viewed on a PC or on Smart TV, we recommend you read our guide to the 10 Programs to copy DVD (Ripping) to PC immediately.
