HandBrake

Free, open source

Price checked at source September 18, 2026.

Free, open-source video transcoder — converts nearly any video format to modern, widely supported codecs.

Our take

The default answer to "how do I convert this video file" on Mac, and has been for two decades. HandBrake is GPL-licensed and built by volunteers rather than a company, which means no subscription, no upsell, and no App Store gatekeeping — but also no polished onboarding or customer support beyond community forums. It handles the fundamentals (H.264/H.265/AV1 encoding, batch queues, device presets) well; if you need format coverage beyond video (audio, images, PDFs) or a friendlier UI, Permute is the paid alternative in this same section.

Visit handbrake.fr ↗

Price: Free, open source
License: Proprietary
Requires: macOS; per-version minimum not published on the current homepage — check the downloads page for the current build’s requirements.
Get it via: Homebrew · Direct
Developer: HandBrake Team (open source, GPL-licensed)

Do you use HandBrake?

Who made this

HandBrake Team (open source, GPL-licensed)

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What it does

Broad format conversion

Converts from nearly any source video format into modern, widely supported codecs like H.264, H.265, and AV1.

Batch queue

Queue multiple files or an entire folder for unattended conversion.

Device and web presets

Built-in presets tuned for specific devices and for web publishing, so you don’t have to hand-tune encoder settings.

The deal

Free and open source (GPL) on every platform it ships for, no paid tier

Worth knowing: No company or paid support stands behind HandBrake — it is entirely volunteer-maintained. Homepage confirms it is free and open source; no pricing or account is involved at any tier.

HandBrake — questions people ask

Is HandBrake really free?

Yes — it is open source under the GPL license, with no paid tier, subscription, or in-app purchase.

Does HandBrake convert audio-only or image files?

No — it is video-focused. For audio, image, and PDF conversion in one app, see Permute in this same section.

Is HandBrake free?

Yes — HandBrake is free.

Does HandBrake work alongside a notch app like Alcove?

Yes — HandBrake lives in the screen, so it runs happily alongside any Dynamic Island hub or notch app.

Where can I download HandBrake?

HandBrake is available via Homebrew, Direct.

Reviews

No public ratings yet. Reader reviews are coming to Kitsmith soon.

Listing hand-verified September 18, 2026 from the developer's site and public sources.