Manage updates with the Download App
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
From HandBrake:
HandBrake is an open-source, GPL-licensed, multiplatform, multithreaded video transcoder, available for MacOS X, Linux and Windows.
HandBrake is a video transcoder that takes your movies and transfers them to a format that's useful on your computers, media centers, and portable electronic devices. It converts most any video formats to a handful of modern ones.
What's new in this version: See https://trac.handbrake.fr/milestone/HandBrake%200.9.9.
More Products to Consider
-
Play nearly any audio or video file without additional codecs.DownloadInstalled
Smart Install -
Manage your music and movie libraries on your Mac, iPod, iPhone...DownloadThis download is served from an external site
closeNOTICE: This link will open a connection to a third-party site. CNET cannot ensure the security of software that is hosted on external sites.
Sponsored Products
Installed
Smart Install -
Download videos and transfer to mobile devices.DownloadInstalled
Smart Install -
YouTube video player and downloader.DownloadInstalled
Smart Install -
Free software with everything you need to play, create and stre...DownloadInstalled
Smart Install -
Mix, scratch and remix MP3s or music videos live.DownloadInstalled
Smart Install -
Rip DVD to all video and audio formats, iPod, iPhone, iPad, PSP...DownloadInstalled
Smart Install -
Convert your videos simple and easy.DownloadInstalled
Smart Install -
Digital video editing system.DownloadThis download is served from an external site
closeNOTICE: This link will open a connection to a third-party site. CNET cannot ensure the security of software that is hosted on external sites.
Sponsored Products
Installed
Smart Install -
Learn to play an instrument, write music, record a song.DownloadThis download is served from an external site
closeNOTICE: This link will open a connection to a third-party site. CNET cannot ensure the security of software that is hosted on external sites.
Sponsored Products
Installed
Smart Install -
Save YouTube videos in MP3 format.DownloadInstalled
Smart Install -
Synchronize your files automatically to your computers and the ...DownloadInstalled
Smart Install -
Transfer movies from DVD to your Mac.DownloadInstalled
Smart Install -
Burn CDs, DVDs, and Blu-ray discs on your Mac.Visit SiteThis download is served from an external site
closeNOTICE: This link will open a connection to a third-party site. CNET cannot ensure the security of software that is hosted on external sites.
Sponsored Products
-
Convert your music to WMA, AAC, WAV, FLAC, OGG or Apple Lossles...DownloadInstalled
Smart Install -
Convert MPC, APE, WV, FLAC, OGG, WMA, AIFF, WAV and Video to MP...DownloadInstalled
Smart Install -
Create media sequences for theater, dance, installation & more.DownloadInstalled
Smart Install -
Record audio from programs, line-in, online radio, Safari, iTun...DownloadInstalled
Smart Install -
Grab screenshots from your video files.DownloadInstalled
Smart Install - Record any application playing on your Mac.Download
Installed
Smart Install -
Play, import, convert and export Windows Media video and audio ...DownloadInstalled
Smart Install -
Simple, straightforward disc burner, with advanced options for ...DownloadInstalled
Smart Install -
Lets you create wild new sounds and music using a powerful soun...DownloadInstalled
Smart Install -
Expand over 30 formats: StuffIt, Zip, RAR, 7z, tar, open encryp...DownloadInstalled
Smart Install
-
All versions:
4.4 starsout of 141 votes
-
Current version:
0 stars Be the first to review this product -
My rating:
Write review
-
"It did what I wanted."
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.
-
"Wow, this just gets the job done!"
Version: HandBrake 0.9.8
Pros
Works great
Has queue
New version has preset for apple tv 3rd gen
Can add subtitles to your moviesCons
Cannot select more than one file at a time ( MAC version, windows can)
Summary
Very good app, works like a charm
-
"Useable app"
Version: HandBrake 0.9.8
Pros
free
converting video easilyCons
output format is limited
-
"LOVE it easy to use"
Version: HandBrake 0.9.8
Pros
easy to use for a first timer like moi!
Cons
none so far
-
"Looks good"
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
-
"Does what it is designed to do!"
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!
-
"One of my favorites"
Version: HandBrake 0.9.6
Pros
Smooth
Fast
Consistant QualityCons
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.
-
"HandBrake saved my video life! Thank you, developers."
Version: HandBrake 0.9.6
Pros
It just works!
Cons
None -- it did what I needed
-
"Works perfect"
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.
-
"Dozens of DVDs ripped to play on iPad"
Version: HandBrake 0.9.5
Pros
Works as advertised (iMac)
Ripped dozens of DVDs, only 1 wouldn't rip
Free, free, freeCons
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!
