DivX

DivX isn't just a powerful video converter, but a stylish universal video player as well. It can convert and play just about any video file you want and gives you plenty of advanced control over your product. Though some of its features are locked behind a paywall, it is worthy enough to be your sole conversion program.

In addition to a custom browser toolbar, this program's installation has a search page and home page takeover attached to the download. It tries to force you to accept one or the other, which is annoying. The program includes a video player in addition to a converter, but the two programs install separately from one another - you can't convert a video and then play it without launching the second program. DivX's player supports most formats and the converter lets you convert to just about any format you can imagine. However, the MPEG codec and a few others are only available as free trials that you have to pay to use after a certain amount of time. Some of the app's HD resolutions are only available if you upgrade to Premium, as well. Video converting isn't lightning fast, but it's not slow by any means. It took the program about two minutes to convert a five-minute video file. Video quality stayed intact.

While DivX won't blow you away with performance, the features and options the program offers merit plenty of acclaim. It deserves points just for being a video player and converter in one. Since DivX backs those options up with even more customization ideas inside the program, it's one of the better converters you'll find.