HandBrake vs VLC – Which is the Better Video Converter?
Summary: This article compares HandBrake and VLC, two popular video converters. HandBrake offers advanced customization and high-quality conversions, ideal for users who need precise control. VLC, while user-friendly and versatile, provides basic conversion options. For those needing more features, DVDFab DVD Ripper is recommended as a powerful alternative.
Table of Contents
Converting videos from one format to another is a regular task in the digital media world. Whether it's for compatibility with different devices, reducing file sizes, or extracting audio, having a reliable video converter is essential. VLC Media Player and HandBrake are two well-liked options for this. Both are open-source and free, however they have different features and functionalities. This article will provide you a thorough review of the differences between HandBrake vs VLC so that you may select the appropriate converter for your needs.
What are HandBrake and VLC?
HandBrake and VLC are both versatile multimedia tools, although they serve quite distinct purposes.
Overview of HandBrake
HandBrake is a dedicated video transcoder designed to convert videos from nearly any format to a selection of modern, widely supported codecs. Its primary focus is on facilitating video conversion with a plethora of customization options. HandBrake accepts a wide range of input formats and outputs in MP4, MKV, and WebM containers.
HandBrake provides users with extensive control over video quality, resolution, bitrate, and includes presets for various devices and platforms, making it a favorite among users seeking high-quality conversions with detailed customization.
HandBrake also includes extensive filtering tools including denoising and deinterlacing in addition to chapter markers and subtitle embedding. Anyone seeking professional-grade video processing would find these features perfect. However, for some who prefer a more direct approach, the range of possibilities could seem overkill.
Overview of VLC
VLC Media Player is well known for being a versatile media player that can play almost any type of audio or video. In addition to playback, VLC provides media conversion, streaming, and simple editing. Although not as comprehensive as HandBrake's, its converting capabilities are simple and adequate for basic tasks.
VLC supports a wide range of input and output formats, making it an adaptable tool for users seeking a quick and simple conversion or playback solution that does not necessitate fiddling with complex settings.
Another notable feature of VLC is its capacity to function as a streaming server, allowing users to broadcast media over networks. Moreover, VLC has a vast collection of plug-ins and extensions that let it accomplish more than simple playback and conversion.
HandBrake vs VLC – Key Differences
While both applications can convert videos, they differ significantly in some key areas.
Compatibility
- HandBrake is available for Windows, macOS, and Linux, making it accessible to users of all major desktop operating systems. HandBrake's capabilities does not extend to mobile devices such as smartphones or tablets because it is designed only for video conversion and transcoding. Its emphasis on video processing, however, ensures that it works well on compatible systems.
- Meanwhile, VLC provides a larger cross-platform compatibility, supporting iOS and Android devices as well as Windows, macOS, and Linux. As a result, VLC is a more adaptable option for consumers looking for a media solution that works seamlessly on a variety of devices.
Supported Input Formats
- HandBrake works with many digital video files, such as MP4, MKV, and AVI. It also works with unprotected DVDs and Blu-ray discs. One of the biggest problems with HandBrake is that it can't handle copy-protected DVDs or Blu-rays without extra software from a third party.
- On the other hand, VLC is well-known for its great format compatibility, as it supports practically all digital video and audio formats, including DVDs, VCDs (Video CDs), and even streaming protocols.
Supported Output Formats
- HandBrake focuses on quality and efficiency, offering output formats limited to MP4, MKV, and WebM containers. It does, however, support a range of video codecs, including H.264 (AVC), H.265 (HEVC), MPEG-2, and MPEG-4, therefore enabling users to get effective file sizes and high-quality compression.
- In comparison, VLC provides a much broader selection of output formats, including MP4, MKV, AVI, FLV, MOV, TS, and more. Furthermore, VLC has extensive codec support, allowing users to choose the optimal format for their unique needs.
Conversion Speed
- HandBrake is notorious for putting video quality over speed, so conversion times may be lengthy, especially when utilizing high-quality settings. The software allows users to fine-tune encoding parameters, which may lead to increased processing time, particularly when converting high-resolution files such as 4K videos.
- VLC is generally faster for basic conversions because it doesn’t offer as many advanced customization options as HandBrake. Furthermore, VLC can remux files, which means it can alter the container type without having to re-encode the video. This procedure is much faster than full transcoding because it does not change the video data itself.
Output Video Quality
- HandBrake has a variety of advanced settings, such as deinterlacing options, frame rate modifications, and bitrate adjustments, providing users complete control over output quality. To get the ideal ratio of video clarity to file size, users can adjust the encoding parameters.
- VLC, while capable of producing good-quality conversions, does not provide the same level of detailed control as HandBrake. Since VLC is primarily a media player, its conversion feature is more of an added function rather than a dedicated tool. Because of this, users may discover that while VLC's output quality is suitable for occasional use, it lacks HandBrake's precision and fine-tuning capabilities.
Ease of Use
- HandBrake is well-known for its feature-rich and highly customizable interface, making it perfect for sophisticated users who require fine control over encoding options. However, for newcomers, the sheer volume of possibilities can be intimidating at first. Users searching for a speedy conversion may find the interface more difficult than VLC.
- VLC, in contrast, offers a much simpler and more intuitive interface. Since VLC is designed primarily as a media player, its conversion process is straightforward and easy to navigate. It is a more user-friendly option for those who need to convert a file quickly without getting into technical details.
Hardware Acceleration
- HandBrake leverages hardware acceleration to accelerate video conversion, utilizing technologies such as Intel Quick Sync Video (QSV), NVIDIA NVENC, and AMD VCE. This allows users with suitable GPUs to process videos more quickly while decreasing CPU load. However, how effectively this works is determined by the GPU and the settings used.
- VLC Media Player also supports hardware-accelerated encoding and decoding, which can improve playback and file conversion speed. Nevertheless, the hardware acceleration features of VLC are not as well-suited for video conversion as those of HandBrake, as it is primarily a media player. Although it has the potential to accelerate processing, users are granted less control over its operation.
VLC vs HandBrake: Pros and Cons
When comparing VLC vs HandBrake, it's critical to consider their strengths and limitations to determine which program best meets your needs. A full analysis of their advantages and disadvantages is provided below.
Pros and Cons of VLC
VLC Media Player, an open-source multifunctional media player, is well-known for its user-friendly interface and extensive format compatibility. Here's a detailed examination of its Pros and Cons:
- Versatility: VLC supports a wide range of audio and video codecs, including MPEG-2, MPEG-3, MPEG-4, MKV, WMV, and H.264. Due to its extensive compatibility, users can play nearly any media file without the necessity of additional codecs.
- Cross-Platform Compatiblity: VLC supports a variety of operating systems, including Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, and Android. This cross-platform support allows users to enjoy a consistent media experience across multiple devices.
- User-Friendly Interface: Both inexperienced and seasoned users can utilize VLC due to its user-friendly interface. The easy-to-use interface enables quick access to playing and conversion features, as well as simplifying media management and navigation.
- Extra Features: Besides media playback, VLC offers capabilities like streaming, basic audio and video transcoding, and compatibility for several streaming protocols. It also allows users to view the output while converting and enables personalized conversion profiles.
- Limited Advanced Settings: Although VLC has basic playback and conversion settings, it lacks the comprehensive customization capabilities found in specialized video converters like HandBrake, so its options may not be sufficient for users looking for intricate parameter settings and advanced encoding options.
- Struggles with Encrypted DVDs: VLC has difficulty working with encrypted DVDs and may not always be able to handle them properly.
- Lower Conversion Quality: While VLC delivers decent output, its conversion quality is generally lower than HandBrake’s, especially when transcoding is involved.
Pros and Cons of HandBrake
HandBrake, another free and open-source video transcoder, is well-known for its sophisticated capabilities and adaptability. The following is a comprehensive overview of its advantages and disadvantages:
- Enhanced Personalization: HandBrake offers a variety of video quality, codec, and filter settings, allowing users to tailor their conversions to specific requirements. This includes options for adjusting bitrates, frame rates, and applying various video filters.
- Excellent Results: HandBrake provides customers with complete control over encoding parameters, allowing them to make high-quality conversions while ensuring that the end result meets industry standards.
- Presets: HandBrake's device-specific presets allow users to make device-compatible videos without having to navigate extensive settings. The feature eases the conversion process for multiple platforms.
- Batch Conversion Support: Because of the software's batch processing capabilities, users can queue several files for conversion at once, increasing productivity and saving time.
- Fully Free and Open-Source: HandBrake is entirely free to use and is maintained by a developer community, users can expect frequent updates and enhancements at no additional cost.
- Broad Range of Formats Supported: Because of its extensive input format compatibility, users may easily deal with a wide range of sources like DVD, Blu-ray, AVCHD/AVCHD Lite, and HD-DVD discs.
- Learning Curve: Beginners may find it difficult to navigate and make efficient use of the software due to the abundance of complex choices.
- Output Formats Limitations: HandBrake only supports MP4, MKV, and WebM as output formats, which may not be enough for people who need a wider range of choices.
- Inability to Convert Copy-Protected Discs: HandBrake cannot convert copy-protected DVDs or Blu-rays on its own and must rely on third-party programs or libraries to do it.
Which One is Better? HandBrake or VLC?
The choice between HandBrake and VLC depends largely on your specific needs.
When to Choose HandBrake
- If you want sophisticated video conversion choices with complete control over output quality.
- When dealing with high-quality media files and requiring precise customization.
- If you need presets for different devices and platforms.
- When converting DVD and Blu-ray content (unprotected sources).
When to Choose VLC
- If your main need is a media player with basic conversion features.
- When you need a quick and straightforward conversion without adjusting many settings.
- If you need a low learning curve and a simpler interface.
- When you need to handle a wider spectrum of media, including DVDs and internet streaming.
Is There a Better Alternative to HandBrake or VLC for DVD conversion?
While HandBrake and VLC are popular DVD conversion tools, they come with certain limitations. Neither supports disc decryption natively, meaning they can't handle copyrighted DVDs by default. Additionally, the output formats are somewhat limited, and the customization options are minimal, such as the inability to edit videos or make more advanced adjustments.
If you're looking for a more powerful and comprehensive DVD conversion tool, DVDFab DVD Ripper is definitely worth considering. This software offers a more complete and user-friendly solution for ripping, converting, and editing DVDs, catering to more advanced needs.
DVDFab DVD Ripper is an effective tool for converting DVDs to digital formats including MP4, MKV, AVI and more. This lets you watch movies on numerous devices without using a DVD player. It offers fast conversion with hardware acceleration and can even rip encrypted or region-locked DVDs.
The software also allows users to change video parameters like resolution, subtitles, and audio tracks. Whether you want to back up your DVD collection, watch movies on your phone, or convert media for streaming, DVDFab DVD Ripper makes it easy and quick.
💡You can download this DVD ripping software by clicking the following button:
👍Key Features of DVDFab DVD Ripper:
- Extensive Format Support: Change DVDs to over 1000 formats, including MP4, MKV, AVI, and more.
- Advanced Customization: Offers detailed control over output settings similar to HandBrake.
- Faster Conversion Speed: Utilizes GPU acceleration to achieve rapid conversion times.
- Enhanced Video Quality: AI-powered upscaling improves the quality of older or lower-resolution videos.
- Decryption Support: Unlike HandBrake, it can rip DVDs with a variety of encryption methods, not just CSS.
For users looking for an all-in-one solution with enhanced capabilities, DVDFab DVD Ripper is a viable alternative.
Conclusion
When it comes to HandBrake vs VLC, the best choice really depends on what you need. HandBrake is perfect if you want total control over video quality, file size, and encoding settings, while VLC is a great all-in-one media player that also happens to have a simple conversion feature. If you just need a quick, no-fuss conversion, VLC does the job. But if you’re after high-quality output with fine-tuned adjustments, HandBrake is the better pick.
That said, if you’re looking for something even more powerful, DVDFab DVD Ripper is worth a look. It’s faster, supports more formats, and can rip encrypted DVDs without extra steps. At the end of the day, the right tool is the one that makes your video conversions as easy and efficient as possible.
How to Convert DVD to USB Flash Drive on Mac & Windows Easily?Converting DVDs to USB offers a hassle-free way to preserve your collection or enjoy movies, videos, or critical data on-the-go without carrying bulky discs. Here, we’ll show you how to copy DVD to flash drive on Windows and Mac, as well as how to transfer DVD content via offline services without computer.
How to Convert ISO to MKV Free and Easily in 2025?ISO files often take up large storage space and face playback compatibility issues. Converting them to MKV not only reduces file size but also ensures smoother playback across devices—all without quality loss. This guide mentions free, effective ways to convert DVD or Blu-ray ISO to MKV with ease.
How to Rip a DVD: 8 Best Tools With Step-by-Step GuideAre you tired of your precious DVD collection taking up too much space? Or perhaps you want to ensure their longevity by ripping DVDs? This guide has you covered. Here we'll walk you through how to rip a DVD effortlessly in the best ways.
