Video encoder software is a program that can encode videos from one encoding to another. It will come in handy when it comes to improving video compatibility, compressing video file size, enhancing video quality, or similar features. In this article, we round up the 10 best video encoding software, from free to paid, amateur to professional, to help you encode videos to the format and quality you want. Compare these programs carefully and find the program that works best for you. Continue reading!
Supported OS: Windows
WonderFox HD Video Converter Factory Pro is a professional and easy-to-use video converter that can quickly encode videos to various formats.
It offers a vast library of encoders, including H.264/AVC, H.265/HEVC, AV1 and more for you to experiment with. It supports HD files and output videos up to 8K. In addition, it supports GPU acceleration of NVENC and Intel QSV, which can increase your H264 and HEVC encoding speed by 30 times. Batch processing is also supported.
The software can also convert audio, compress large files, download online videos, record your computer screen, make GIFs, and more. But some features are paid and you need to purchase a license to access them. Currently, the 50% off coupon for the software is still available.
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Supported OS: Windows, Mac
Prism by NCH Software is one of the best video converters that can help you change video formats easily. It supports all mainstream videos and can quickly encode videos as needed.
The software has a user-friendly interface and is very easy to use. Simply drag or add the video to the software, select the target format, and start converting. Moreover, it provides a lot of encoding options to help you encode the video according to your needs. It is best for compressing videos. With Prism, you can also batch compress files in one go.
Prism is a commercial software that offers a two-week free trial, during which you can try out its features without limit. But after the trial period expires, you need to purchase the software to continue using these features. Please also note that unlicensed version is for non-commercial home use only.
Supported OS: Windows, Mac
DivX Converter is a component of DivX Software that also provides a video player and a media server. However, if you only need the conversion functionality, you can just install DivX Converter during the installation setup.
Once the program is up and running, you can import your videos into it and easily create DivX, H.264, and HEVC videos. While the formats are limited, it offers multiple profiles that can help you convert video to a specific program or device (e.g. PS4, iPhone, iPad, home theater) for smooth playback.
DivX Converter is an ad-supported freeware. But you can pay a reasonable price to remove ads and unlock more advanced features like faster encoding, digitizing DVDs, converting videos to/from the cloud, advanced editing and more.
Supported OS: Windows
Freemake Video Converter is a free encoder software that can easily convert videos to popular formats and devices. It supports local videos, DVDs and videos from URLs (paid), and it helps you convert these videos in high quality.
However, Freemake is outdated and does not provide formats like HEVC, VP9 and AV1, so you may not be able to encode video to the small size you want. But don't worry. Freemake provides an option to limit the output size, so you can overcome size limitations on some platforms.
Freemake is a simple program that will never let you down. But please note that if you are using an unregistered version of Freemake, a Freemake logo will be left on the exported video.
Supported OS: Windows
HandBrake is an open source video transcoder widely used to transcode video and DVD files. It has excellent format support, allowing you to import almost any type of video and render it using MPEG-4, H.264, H.265, and even the recent AV1 format. Additionally, it provides multiple profiles to help you export MP4, MKV, and WebM videos compatible with various devices and platforms.
HandBrake is the perfect video encoder software for advanced users who want to encode videos professionally. The encoding settings it provides cover basically any aspect of the encoding, and you can modify the settings as you see fit. Moreover, with hardware acceleration support, the process can be really fast.
HandBrake can also convert DVDs into digital files. But keep in mind that HandBrake can only work with non-protected media files.
Supported OS: Windows, Mac, Linux
Don’t be fooled by its name. VLC is definitely not just a media player, but a multipurpose program that can also help you encode video formats effectively.
Based on the FFmpeg library, VLC has the ability to decode and encode a large number of video files out of the box. It includes everything from the most popular video formats such as H.264 and H.265 to the lesser-known types like H.263 and VP8. With a few steps, you can quickly encode video to your desired format.
Similar to HandBrake, you are also free to modify encoding settings according to your needs. Also, as an open source video encoder software, VLC is completely safe and free to use.
Supported OS: Windows, Mac, Linux
FFmpeg is the most powerful program to handle the decoding and encoding of video files. It supports all video encoders you can think of, from ancient formats to the most advanced, and it allows you to encode video from raw data or other encodings, preserving the best quality.
With FFmpeg, you can also mux, demux, stream, filter and play any video you want. However, its command-line based nature makes it the most difficult program to handle, especially for a novice. But since FFmpeg forms a core part of many software programs, such as VLC, HandBrake, OBS Studio, etc., you can switch to an alternative program for easier access. Or you can try an FFmpeg GUI (like XMedia Recode below), which gives you controls and buttons to perform tasks.
FFmpeg is free, open source and cross-platform. If you are going to use FFmpeg, make sure you download the correct version of FFmpeg as there are many download options.
Supported OS: Windows
XMedia Recode is FFmpeg under the hood. It also provides the best free video encoders that can help you convert video to anything you want. In terms of usability, XMedia Recode is very similar to HandBrake, except that XMedia Recode allows you to export video to more formats and profiles.
Encoding video files with XMedia Recode is simple. You just need to add one or more videos to the program and select the desired format to start the process. Apart from videos, you can also convert network streams and DVD discs into digital videos.
This free video encoder software is only compatible with Windows.
Supported OS: Windows, Mac, Linux
Shutter Encoder is a fantastic encoder program. It supports a variety of video codecs, including editing codecs, output codecs, broadcast codecs, old codecs, and archiving codec, making choosing the correct encoding a lot easier if you don’t know much about encoding.
Furthermore, Shutter Encoder provides a streamlined array of settings to let you flexibly adjust the encoding settings, such as bitrate, quality, display, and others. It has very fast speed and high-quality output, so it is also one of the best free video encoding software.
While offering many features, Shutter Encoder is easy to use and free of charge.
Supported OS: Windows, Mac
Adobe Media Encoder is the encoding engine for Premiere Pro, After Effects, Animation, and Character Animation. But it can also be used as a stand-alone application to render video files for different devices and video-sharing websites. It has many high-quality editing encoders built in, such as Apple ProRres, DNxHD, and UYVY, but it also allows you to export video with distribution formats like H.264 and H.265. In addition, it provides output options for direct publishing to YouTube and Vimeo.
Media Encoder has a straightforward workspace to work on your video. If you are familiar with Premiere Pro or After Effects, you will find Media Encoder most comfortable to use. As an HD video encoder, Media Encoder allows you to export 4K video.
You don’t need to download Media Encoder separately as it is already included with Premiere Pro and After Effects.
Due to different encoding technology and compatibility, video encoders are used for different purposes. When you want to share video with your friends, H.264 is the best choice. But if you want to share the video on websites like YouTube and Facebook, VP9 and AV1 are also good optiona. You will have other choices, such as MPEG-2 for burning DVDs and H.265/HEVC for 4K video. Check out the best codecs for video.
The best encoder software should at least support the encoder you want to use. In addition, it can have extra features to facilitate the encoding process, such as universal format support, hardware acceleration, cross-platform, etc.
If you are a beginner who does not have much knowledge about encoding, you should start with a simple program such as WonderFox Free HD Video Converter Factory. It has a user-friendly interface and allows you to process video files with only 3~4 steps. Check out how to encode videos.
You can use one of the video encoding software in this article to encode an MP4 video with various MP4 encoders, such as MPEG-4, H.264, H.265, AV1, and so on. To encode MP4 for the best compatibility, you are recommended to encode MP4 with H.264 codec so it can be played on all devices. Follow the steps at the beginning of this article to start encoding MP4 now.
A video encoder is a program to encode or compress video data, it is mainly used in productivity products for video creation, such as cameras and editing software. However, a video decoder is to decode or decompress video data and is often used in media players and processors.
In most cases, yes, encoding will reduce quality because most encoding formats are lossy, which will lead to quality loss inevitably. But with lossless format, there will be no impact on the video quality. However, keep in mind that lossless video format also comes with a big file size.
The best open source and free encoding software includes HandBrake, FFmpeg, XMedia Recode, Shutter Encoder, and VLC media player.
WonderFox HD Video Converter Factory Pro is the overall best video encoding software for Windows for its simplicity, functionality, and price. It can help you encode video to any format you want. At the same time, it allows you to record and edit videos with incredible speed and high quality. But the whole program remains easy to use. Download the program to have a try!
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Want to encode your DVD into digital videos with small size and high quality? WonderFox DVD Ripper Pro presents an easy and fast way to do just that. With three steps only, it allows you to convert any DVD, even the encrypted ones, to popular digital formats including MP4, MKV, MOV, AVI, MP3, WAV, H264, H265, Android, iPhone, and so on. It is simple, fast, and efficient. Download it to enjoy a fast and trouble-free DVD ripping experience.
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