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Free Any Video Converter alternatives: 3 apps ranked by verified data

Facts checked Nov 8, 2026AppBreakup editorialHow we rank

3 of the 5 Any Video Converter alternatives we track can be used for free (free, open source, or with a free plan). HandBrake, MakeMKV and VLC media player rank highest, with facts last verified Nov 8, 2026.

Quick comparison

#AppPricingVerified priceOpen sourcePlatformsVerified factsScore
1HandBrake logoHandBrakeOpen source—YesWindows, macOS, Linux4 of 483.8
2MakeMKV logoMakeMKVFree plan + paid—NoWindows, macOS, Linux5 of 557.5
3VLC media player logoVLC media playerOpen source—YesWindows, macOS, Linux +23 of 351.2
  1. HandBrake logo

    1. HandBrakeTop pick

    Best for: Anyone who needs to shrink, convert or batch-encode video files for free

    Open sourceWindows, macOS, Linux

    83.8

    score / 100

    Why switch from Any Video Converter

    Free and open source with no upsells, and more precise encoder control for re-encoding video.

    Pros

    • Free, open source and needs no account
    • Device and web presets for quick conversions
    • Hardware-accelerated encoding on most GPUs
    • Batch queue and command-line version

    Cons

    • Not an editor: only basic cropping and filters
    • Cannot rip copy-protected discs by itself
    • Many encoder settings can confuse newcomers
    Visit HandBrake Details and reviews
    How this score is calculated
    Editorial fit ×0.3100
    Reviews ×0.363
    Clicks (90 days) ×0.15100
    Freshness ×0.15100
    Votes ×0.150

    0 counted reviews, 0 up and 0 down votes. Full formula

    Is HandBrake a good Any Video Converter alternative?

    Verified facts

    4 of 4 verified
    Price
    Free, no account
    Checked Nov 8, 2026handbrake.fr(opens source in a new tab)
    Platforms
    Windows, macOS, Linux
    Checked Nov 8, 2026handbrake.fr(opens source in a new tab)
    macOS requirement
    macOS 10.13 or later
    Checked Nov 8, 2026handbrake.fr(opens source in a new tab)
    Linux distribution
    Flatpak via Flathub
    Checked Nov 8, 2026handbrake.fr(opens source in a new tab)
  2. MakeMKV logo

    2. MakeMKV

    Best for: People backing up their own DVDs and Blu-rays for Plex, Jellyfin or a home theatre

    Free plan + paidWindows, macOS, Linux

    57.5

    score / 100

    Why switch from Any Video Converter

    Better choice when the main job is ripping DVDs and Blu-rays losslessly.

    Pros

    • Keeps all tracks, chapters and HD audio losslessly
    • Handles disc copy protection with no extra tools
    • DVD ripping is free
    • Can stream discs directly to a player

    Cons

    • MKV files are very large because nothing is compressed
    • Beta builds expire after 60 days and must be re-downloaded
    • Linux version is distributed through the forum
    • No video conversion or compression options
    Visit MakeMKV Details and reviews
    How this score is calculated
    Editorial fit ×0.363
    Reviews ×0.363
    Clicks (90 days) ×0.150
    Freshness ×0.15100
    Votes ×0.150

    0 counted reviews, 0 up and 0 down votes. Full formula

    Is MakeMKV a good Any Video Converter alternative?

    Verified facts

    5 of 5 verified
    DVD ripping
    Free
    Checked Nov 8, 2026makemkv.com(opens source in a new tab)
    Blu-ray trial
    30 days
    Checked Nov 8, 2026makemkv.com(opens source in a new tab)
    Licence model
    One-time key, no subscription
    Checked Nov 8, 2026makemkv.com(opens source in a new tab)
    Platforms
    Windows, Mac, Linux
    Checked Nov 8, 2026makemkv.com(opens source in a new tab)
    Beta expiry
    60 days per version
    Checked Nov 8, 2026makemkv.com(opens source in a new tab)
  3. VLC media player logo

    3. VLC media player

    Best for: Anyone who wants one free player that opens almost any file on every device

    Open sourceWindows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android

    51.2

    score / 100

    Why switch from Any Video Converter

    Free player that can also handle basic conversions without installing another app.

    Pros

    • Plays nearly every format without extra codecs
    • Free and open source, no ads or tracking
    • Available on desktop and mobile platforms

    Cons

    • Interface looks dated and settings are hard to navigate
    • Library and metadata features are basic
    • HDR and high-end video output lag behind mpv-based players
    Visit VLC media player Details and reviews
    How this score is calculated
    Editorial fit ×0.341
    Reviews ×0.363
    Clicks (90 days) ×0.150
    Freshness ×0.15100
    Votes ×0.150

    0 counted reviews, 0 up and 0 down votes. Full formula

    Is VLC media player a good Any Video Converter alternative?

    Verified facts

    3 of 3 verified
    License
    GPL-2.0
    Checked Oct 25, 2026github.com(opens source in a new tab)
    Open source
    Yes
    Checked Oct 25, 2026github.com(opens source in a new tab)
    Tagline
    Plays everything, runs anywhere
    Checked Oct 25, 2026github.com(opens source in a new tab)