HandBrake vs VLC – Which is the Better Video Converter?

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

Both HandBrake and VLC can convert videos, but they each shine in different use cases. Here's a quick comparison across key aspects:

💻Platform & Device Support

• HandBrake runs on Windows, macOS, and Linux, focusing on desktop video conversion. It doesn’t support mobile devices.
• VLC goes further, supporting not only desktop systems but also iOS and Android, making it a more universal media solution.

✅Input & Output Formats

• HandBrake handles most common video formats (MP4, MKV, AVI) and unprotected DVDs/Blu-rays, but struggles with copy-protected discs unless extra software is used. For output, it’s all about quality: you get MP4, MKV, or WebM, with a choice of modern codecs (H.264, H.265, etc.).
• VLC is the king of compatibility—playing and converting nearly all digital video/audio formats, DVDs, VCDs, and network streams. For output, it supports a much wider variety, including MP4, AVI, MKV, FLV, MOV, TS, and more, plus extensive codec choices.

⚡Conversion Speed & Workflow

• HandBrake prioritizes customization and quality, letting you fine-tune every detail—great for power users, but slower, especially for big or high-quality files.
• VLC is more direct: its conversions are faster for basic needs, and it can even “remux” (change the container without re-encoding), which is nearly instant if you don’t need to compress or change the video content.

🎞️Video Quality & Advanced Settings

• HandBrake gives you granular control (bitrate, frame rate, filters, deinterlacing, etc.), ideal for squeezing the best quality or smallest size out of every project.
• VLC gets the job done but lacks the deep settings and control of HandBrake. It’s good for casual conversions, but less suitable for perfectionists.

🗝️Ease of Use

• HandBrake can be overwhelming for new users with its many options, but it's a favorite for those who need to tweak everything.
• VLC is straightforward, with a simple conversion process that’s fast to learn—ideal for quick, no-fuss jobs.

⏩Hardware Acceleration

• HandBrake supports advanced GPU acceleration (Intel QSV, NVIDIA NVENC, AMD VCE), helping speed up conversions and reduce CPU load—if configured correctly.
• VLC also offers hardware acceleration, mainly to improve playback and basic conversion, but gives less user control and is less optimized for encoding tasks than HandBrake.

HandBrake excels when you want the best video quality, advanced options, and don't mind spending more time. VLC is best if you want fast, simple conversions with wide format compatibility, or need a one-app media player and converter on every device. Choose HandBrake for precision; choose VLC for convenience.

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:

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:

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

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.