You are currently viewing HandBrake Review | A Cross-Platform Video Converter With Buckets of Features

Are you looking for a user-friendly video converter program? If yes, how about you get one at no cost?

Are you looking for the most intuitive features and presets? Your search ends when you find Handbrake. With the ton of features that the platform offers, you’ll be doing a great de-service to yourself if you don’t use it. Are you worried that you don’t have any knowledge of coding? What if you don’t need coding information to use this innovative program? In this Handbrake review, we will elaborate on the fantastic features that Handbrake offers, making it stand out from the rest. 

You can also check out Any Video Converter Ultimate review. Additionally, we reviewed best three video converters, and we also reviewed Aimersoft for some of its special features. Is FLVTO safe, for example, is a review you should read to get familiar with some not-so-great options.

Converter With Buckets of Features

What is Handbrake converter? Handbrake converter is a program used in ripping and converting video files to work in particular supported devices. 

What we liked most about the Handbrake video converter is how easy it was to understand the features. You don’t need to know about coding to operate the program. If you have advanced knowledge of computers, you can utilize the program to its full purpose.

If you have basic knowledge, it shouldn't be hard for you to figure out the main steps. All you need is a DVD file to work with. When you get started, Handbrake will assist you when you get to the not so obvious steps. 

There is also a help button that takes you to the publisher’s website when you click. Here, you’ll get some easy to understand information and also detailed information that requires an advanced user. 

We liked the quick and effortless download and installation process. When you want to install the file converter, you will not come across any hidden offers or installation process. 

What are some of the features that you get from Handbrake software?

  • Handbrake converter presets

Handbrake allows you to choose a profile optimized for your device, or you can go for a standard or universal profile to get fast and high-quality conversions. 

The built-in device presets that come with the platform make it fast and simple to convert files. You can go for more advanced presets depending on your need. 

For instance, if you have an HD file that you want to convert to a mobile format but was initially meant for PC, how do you deal with that?

Would you rather spend your time trying out different conversions and discarding them until you get your preferred format?

Or would you want a scenario where all you have to do is select the target device, and you are good to go? The built-in presets make it simple for you to convert a file to your desired format. 

  •  Input sources

Handbrake allows processing most multimedia files and Blue Ray and DVD sources that don’t have copy protection.

You can use the program to convert video to mp4 and many other conversions. 

  •  Subtitles and chapter markers

If you wish to have subtitles or chapter markers on your file, you don’t have to waste your time looking for other software online. Handbrake has a feature that allows you to put all the chapter markers and subtitles for your file. 

  •  Video manipulation

In addition to the conversions, the Handbrake video converting program also allows you to tweak the file to your satisfaction. 

Therefore, you can add filters, change dimensions, add filters, and change the frame settings. 

Ease of use 

We were happy with the installation process of the Handbrake DVD ripper. Even if you are not tech-savvy with computers, it will be easy to download and install it on your computer. There are no hidden offers during the installation process. 

However, we can’t deny that the mp4 converter is not the easiest way to get in the market. It can be intimidating for some people while trying to use the platform. The video to mp4 converter is rich in features that help you to carry out seamless conversions. 

However, the platform doesn’t try much to use less challenging terminologies. Therefore, it may be a little difficult for a newbie to try to figure the way around. But when you learn the ropes, you will have an enjoyable file conversion experience. 

Because of the many features, the platform has also sacrificed its user-friendliness. You will have to work around some settings manually, but you will get fruitful results. 

When it comes to filing conversions, Handbrake carries the day as the best video converter to mp4. It comes with presets that make it effortless converting files. 

For instance, if you have a video with a format meant for a desktop, you don’t have to try many conversions. You only need to select the target device, and the platform will do the conversion for you. 

The presets are designed to be compatible with a range of devices and software. They are supposed to guide you on performance, encoding, and file size. They also differ from each other such that there are presets for video resolution, audio tracks, encoder preset, etc. It would be best if you learned how to use the Handbrake converter to achieve the best results. 


Speed  

Handbrake encodes your files at speed measured in frames per second (FPS). The speed represents how many still images from your file are encoded in a second. 

If your source is 20fps, and the video encoding is happening at 100fps, the encoding is happening at 5x real-time. 

What affects the Handbrake DVD ripping speed?

Various factors contribute to the encoding speed. For instance, the kind of device you use will affect the speed. If the hardware has a 4 core, it might be twice as fast as a dual-core. 

Secondly, the speed can also be affected by the settings you use. As you learn how to rip DVD with Handbrake, you will come across a “video presets” slider. The presets offer various speed options that range from ultrafast to very slow (placebo). 

The speed you choose will depend on the file size and quality. Faster presets will lower quality. Slow presets use complex algorithms that offer better results.

Additionally, the DVD ripper speed will depend on the size of the source. For instance, a 1080P file will encode for longer than 506P because it has five times more pixels. 


Training wheels  

Although Handbrake doesn’t have the most straightforward interface, we found it to have a seamless installation, especially Handbrake for windows. You only download and follow the simple prompts to install. 

After you launch the platform, you will be prompted to open a file from an existing video file or disk. You will then select a preset from a series that includes Android, iPhone, Android tablet, etc. After that, you can click on “Start,” and Handbrake DVD rip will do the rest. 

One thing that caught our eye was the ability to convert multiple files simultaneously. Also, you can work on other things while Handbrake is converting. The platform also has a dock icon, which shows you the percent completed and the time left. When the conversion is through, you will get an alert to “put down that cocktail.” 

If you are not very savvy with computers, you will get some challenging terminologies on the platform. This may affect your operations at first. But, all you need is to persevere, and later you will ace the process. 

Visiting the publisher’s website can also help you with some terminologies. On the other hand, if you know how to have your way with computers, you shouldn’t have problems with the program. 


Shifting gears  

When using any mkv to mp4 converter or mov to mp4 converter, there is a concern of difference in quality between the source and converted file. 

When you use the Handbrake DVD ripping platform, there will be a minimal noticeable change in the file's quality. If you choose the right preset, the results are likely to be satisfactory. You can also select the advanced settings to fine-tune and maximize the file quality. 

Note, while it is easy to use the settings, it is not very clear the settings' outcomes on the file. For instance, the platform only allows a preview of the first four minutes of the file. This may not be the best representative of the file quality. 

Should you choose Handbrake?

There are numerous reasons why you should use Handbrake. First, the video converter to mp4 platform is free software. Who wouldn't you want to enjoy all those fantastic features without incurring cost?

Secondly, unlike other converter platforms, Handbrake doesn’t need you to know coding for you to operate it. All you have to do is download and install the software on your device. After that, launch it and follow the prompts to get started. 

Although it might not have the most intuitive interface, you will learn how to use it and enjoy the conversion process. 

What’s more?

Handbrake compress video converter comes with features and presets that make file conversions a bliss. All you have to do is select your source and then choose your preferred preset such as an Android tablet. When you click start, the software will do the rest. 

The presets also allow you to choose the encoding speed depending on the file's quality and size. Additionally, if you wish to tweak the existing presets, Handbrake will enable you to create your own presets. 

You can also filter your videos and even put subtitles and chapter markers. 

Pros

  • Easy to download and install the software
  • Rich with features
  • Comes with easy to use presets
  • You can tweak the presets to your preference.
  • It allows you to add subtitles and chapter markers.

Cons

  • The presets can be overwhelming for a novice.
  • Only four minutes of preview, which may not paint a clear picture of what to expect
  • It would be better with a more intuitive video clipping system.

Final Thoughts

If you have been looking for a video converter platform, Handbrake is a great program you need to look into, especially if you’re on a budget. Here, we have provided a detailed Handbrake review, which proves why it is the only program you need. It comes with various features and presets that make it effortless for you to convert the files. 

The presets make it possible to have an indistinguishable difference in the source’s quality and converted file. The best thing is that the program is free. Hence, nothing stops you from downloading it and trying it out.