HandBrake for Mac

CNET Editors' review

HandBrake is a free application for converting all types of videos into MPEG-4 files. You might be overwhelmed by the busy interface and numerous options, but once you get started, you'll find that HandBrake offers features that will help any user get up to speed quickly.

HandBrake's interface holds all the tools you need but the wide variety of options can confuse users -- especially beginners. We quickly found that the program's preset options were the quickest and easiest way to convert files. In fact, the moment you find the Presets tab, you'll find the best connection between yourself and HandBrake. Video conversion becomes simple; you just need to select the device you want the video optimized for, and the fun begins.

As soon as you have selected the file you want to optimize for, let's say, your iPad, HandBrake does its job quickly -- depending, of course, on your computer and the file size. The downside is that this great open-source tool will likely have you glued you in front of your computer since you may be tempted to optimize all your existing DVDs for your mobile devices.

Overall, HandBrake worked very well converting files. It may not be the best choice for novice users, but more experienced users will find it to be a handy addition to their Mac toolbox.

HandBrake for Mac - Create DVDs on OSX - Download Video Previews:

Publisher's Description

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All User Reviews

Results 1-10 of 140

  • 4.0 stars

    "It did what I wanted."

    January 10, 2013  |   By joenovak1

    Version: HandBrake 0.9.8

    Pros

    It did what I wanted. I just did it a different way.

    Cons

    Not the easiest piece of software to understand.

    Summary

    I couldn't view WMV files on my new tablet ( Android ). A friend told me that it was a Hardware Codec vs a Software Codec issue and I just needed to change the Codec. It did it, but it ended up converting it to an MP4 file, which ran just fine on my tablet. End result was what I was looking for.

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  • 5.0 stars

    "Wow, this just gets the job done!"

    November 13, 2012  |   By edcontente

    Version: HandBrake 0.9.8

    Pros

    Works great
    Has queue
    New version has preset for apple tv 3rd gen
    Can add subtitles to your movies

    Cons

    Cannot select more than one file at a time ( MAC version, windows can)

    Summary

    Very good app, works like a charm

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  • 4.0 stars

    "Useable app"

    August 29, 2012  |   By Anthon09

    Version: HandBrake 0.9.8

    Pros

    free
    converting video easily

    Cons

    output format is limited

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  • 5.0 stars

    "LOVE it easy to use"

    August 19, 2012  |   By adpaxton

    Version: HandBrake 0.9.8

    Pros

    easy to use for a first timer like moi!

    Cons

    none so far

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  • 5.0 stars

    "Looks good"

    July 28, 2012  |   By Kateblack79

    Version: HandBrake 0.9.8

    Pros

    This is a perfect app for adding Video to your iPod! It's extremely easy to use

    Cons

    No const for me

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  • 5.0 stars

    "Does what it is designed to do!"

    June 12, 2012  |   By gatorlawgirl

    Version: HandBrake 0.9.6

    Pros

    I followed the MAC GUI wiki guide on the HandBrake website, https://trac.handbrake.fr/wiki/MacGuiGuide. I needed to make copies of DVDs to put on my computer because taking a bunch of DVDs with you when you deploy is not really an option. I used HandBrake in conjunction with FairMount to decrypt and then transfer to MP4 format (HandBrake). I do not know if HandBrake alone could have done it, I just read that HandBrake was not a decrypter, so I found Fairmount. Worked beautifully and I can take what I wanted to take! Woo hoo! FairMount does need VLC to operate, and I read if you have VLC 2.0 and higher it may not work because the file FairMount uses to decrypt the files has been changed/moved/removed. Wasn't a problem for me because I had version 1.0.3.

    Cons

    It lost a half a star for me because it is not intuitive. But, figuring out where and how to use the preprogrammed settings made it easy to use (I used the wiki mentioned above to figure it out). The preprogrammed settings are out to the right of the main window. Looks almost like a playlist sticking out the side. It was set to regular/normal. But if you select devices (above regular) it gives you a bunch of options like iPad, iPhone, Android, etc.

    Summary

    I used the preprogrammed settings for iPad. Worked great and now I can fit the files on my macbook, iPad and iPhone. There are many ways you could tweak the settings which I am sure is great for someone more technically savvy, but the preprogrammed ones worked for me!

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  • 5.0 stars

    "One of my favorites"

    April 18, 2012  |   By brad95411

    Version: HandBrake 0.9.6

    Pros

    Smooth
    Fast
    Consistant Quality

    Cons

    None to speak of

    Summary

    I have used handbrake for a couple of years now, and it has really saved my hide on more occasions than one. Several situations where I am traveling somewhere and I need to rapidly convert video for a upcoming presentation, and it just does it. Nothing bad to say about it.

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  • 5.0 stars

    "HandBrake saved my video life! Thank you, developers."

    March 15, 2012  |   By 24Kau

    Version: HandBrake 0.9.6

    Pros

    It just works!

    Cons

    None -- it did what I needed

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  • 4.0 stars

    "Works perfect"

    January 15, 2012  |   By scotty_h

    Version: HandBrake 0.9.5

    Pros

    It's free - that's cool

    Cons

    A little slow

    Summary

    Best tool for creating mp4 files, can handle every source file I throw at it. Files that SUPER and Videora fumbled with audio delays, converted perfectly with Handbrake. And the only freeware tool that seems to be able to handle m2ts files.

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  • 5.0 stars

    "Dozens of DVDs ripped to play on iPad"

    January 14, 2012  |   By Burrmantom

    Version: HandBrake 0.9.5

    Pros

    Works as advertised (iMac)
    Ripped dozens of DVDs, only 1 wouldn't rip
    Free, free, free

    Cons

    Slow -- Did I mention that it worked great and was free!

    Summary

    A free app that does what it says it will do. Big thank you to the developer!

    Reply to this review

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Results 1-10 of 140

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