27 Best Free Video Converter Programs and Online Services

Tim Fisher has more than 30 years' of professional technology experience. He's been writing about tech for more than two decades and serves as the SVP and General Manager of Lifewire.

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Kayla Dube has 4+ years' experience in videography and filmmaking. She frequently works in production with indie film companies.

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A video converter is a specialized file converter that allows you to convert one kind of video format (like an AVI, MPG, MOV, etc.) into another, often times saving space in the process. If you've found yourself unable to use a certain video in the way you wanted because the format wasn't supported, one of these converters can help.

Every item listed below is freeware—no shareware or trialware here. I also haven't listed any video converters that trim or watermark videos.

Here's a list of the best free video converter software and free online video converters available today, tested and ranked by me after using each one to convert at least a few videos:

Any Video Converter

• Supports a wide range of media formats.
• Add effects to videos before you convert them.
• Updates frequently with fixes and new features.
• Convert to audio or video formats.
• Also merges videos into one big file.

• Begs you to upgrade when you convert files.
• Attempts to install other programs during setup.
• Some functions appear free until you try to use them.

Any Video Converter is a really easy to use free video converter—just choose your source file and output format and go. If you need them, there are lots of advanced options too like batch conversion, file merging, and frame cropping.

Input Formats: 3G2, 3GP, 3GPP, 3GP2, AMV, ASF, AVI, AVS, DAT, DIVX, DV, DVR-MS, F4V, FLV, M1V, M2P, M2T, M2TS, M2V, M4V, MKV, MOD, MOV, MP4, MPE, MPEG, MPEG2, MPEG4, MPG, MPV, MTS, MXF, NSV, OGG, OGM, OGV, QT, RM, RMVB, TOD, TRP, TP, TS, VOB, VRO, WMV, and WEBM

Output Formats: AAC, AC3, AIFF, APE, ASF, AU, AVI, DTS, FLAC, FLV, GIF, M2TS, M4A, M4V, MKV, MOV, MP2, MP3, MP4, MPG, OGG, OGV, SWF, WAV, WEBM, WMA, and WMV

This program can be used to convert nearly any file to a variety of high-definition output formats that run on Apple, Android, Windows, and other devices. If you don't know what video format to convert the file to so that it's usable on a specific device, the program handles that for you: just pick the device from a list.

Some other things I like: built-in editor to add subtitles and adjust color, doubles as a video player for discs and ISO-formatted videos, lets you burn videos to a disc, and the editable program settings—they let you do things like convert multiple videos in bulk (up to 5), change default video/audio settings, and define a new default output folder for converted files.

Any Video Converter supports more input video formats than any other video converter program I've used. While testing the program, it seemed to convert quickly, and without any troubles. The only thing I didn't like was the window that appeared after each video conversion, suggesting that I upgrade to enable more output formats.

This software can be installed on Windows 11, 10, 8, and 7. It also runs on macOS 10.15 through 10.7.

Download For:

MiniTool Video Converter

• Completely free with zero ads.
• Works with lots of file types.
• Convert more than one video at once.

• A bit slower to install than similar programs.

MiniTool has this free video converter that supports all the important video formats, is super easy to use, and is free from clutter.

Input Formats: MP4, MOV, MKV, AVI, WMV, M4V, XVID, ASF, DV, MPEG, VOB, WEBM, OGV, DIVX, 3GP, MXF, TS, TRP, MPG, FLV, F4V, M2TS

Output Formats: MP4, MOV, MKV, AVI, WMV, M4V, XVID, ASF, DV, MPEG, VOB, WEBM, OGV, DIVX, 3GP, MXF, TS, TRP, MPG, FLV, F4V, SWF, M2TS

There's a folder option so you can import several videos at once if you need to do that. A timer is at the bottom of the program that lets you choose what should happen when the conversions are finished, like exit the program or shut down the whole computer.

Another thing I like are the per-video conversion settings so that each video can be saved to a different format even though all the converting is happening at the same time. I also appreciate the 'Device' option when choosing a format so that I don't have to know what file type the device supports. There's also a setting that can auto-delete the source file after the conversion, and you can work with audio formats, too.

Windows 10, 8, and 7 are supported.

The same company has the program MovieMaker that supports conversions as well, including video editing functions.

Icecream Video Converter

• Convert in bulk or one by one.
  
• Supports subtitles.
• Displays zero ads.
• Lets you overlay a watermark.
• Can trim the video.
• Snappy performance and smooth interface.

• Can't merge videos.
• Some parts of the app appear broken.

This video converter from Icecream Apps is relatively new, but it's very easy to use, is free from annoying "upgrade" ads, and works with all the typical video formats.

Input Formats: MP4, MOV, AVI, WEBM, MKV, MPEG, MPG, M2TS, WMV, FLV, F4V, M4V, OGV, TS, MTS, and VOB

Output Formats: MP4, MOV, AVI, WEBM, MKV, MPEG, and MP3

I love how many handy features there are. You can convert in bulk and pick different settings for each video. It also lets you trim videos, pick a new name for the newly formatted video, import your own SRT file for subtitles, include an image or text watermark, convert with or without audio, change the video's resolution, and automatically close the program or shut down the PC after the conversions are finished.

As great as this app is, there are some small issues I've noticed. For example, neither the history tab that's supposed to show recently formatted files, nor the list of recently used format options, show anything. Also, their website claims that you can choose format options based on the device you want the video to play on, but that wasn't true during my tests.

You can use this free video converter in Windows 11, 10, 8 and 7.

Hamster Free Video Converter

• Pick the target device or format.
  
• No ads.
• Can merge videos.

• Program window feels restrictive.

Hamstersoft has this free video converter for Windows that's helpful for a few clear reasons: you can pick the target device instead of the format (in case you're not sure what it is), the frame size can be adjusted before conversion, and you can convert with or without audio.

Input Formats: 3GP, AVI, F4V, FLV, M4V, MKV, MOV, MP4, MPG, MTS, WMV, and others

Output Formats: 3GP, MP3, MP4, AVI, MPG, WMV, MPEG, FLV, HD, DVD, M2TS, and others

If you don't like using most video converters because they're difficult to understand, give this one a shot. You're taken through a step-by-step wizard to complete the conversion, during which you choose the video files you're converting or merging, the format the file should end up in, and the video quality and audio bit rate. It really couldn't be much easier than that.

I tested this program on Windows 10, but it's also said to work on Windows 8 and 7.

Avidemux

• Well designed interface.
• Delete sections of video before conversion.

• Comes with a learning curve.

Avidemux is a free video editor with many advanced and thorough features, one of which is video converting.

Load a video from the menu to import it into the program. All the advanced features like buffer size, interlacing, and threading can be found in the menu items.

Input Formats: 3GP, ASF, AVI, FLV, MKV, MOV, MP4, MPG, MPEG, QT, NUV, OGM, TS, VOB, WEBM, WMV

Export Formats: AVI, FLV, M1V, M2V, MP4, MPG, MPEG, OGM, and TS

The only thing I don't like about Avidemux is that it can be a bit confusing to use.

The following operating systems should have no problem running Avidemux: Windows (11, 10, 8, 7, Vista, XP), Linux, and macOS.

EncodeHD

• Automatically splits long videos into chunks.
• Runs from portable locations, such as flash drives.

• Cannot edit or splice videos.
• File conversion cannot be paused, only canceled.

EncodeHD is a portable video converter program that makes it easy to convert your files to formats readable by various mobile devices and gaming systems.

Open video files into the program and select a device you want the converted file to be playable on. There aren't many additional options, but I do like that it supports splitting converted files into 4 GB slices to fit them on DVDs.

Input Formats: ASF, AVI, DIVX, DVR-MS, FLV, M2V, MKV, MOV, MP4, MPG, MPEG, MTS, M2T, M2TS, OGM, OGG, RM, RMVB, TS, VOB, WMV, WTV, and XVID

Output Devices: Apple TV/iPhone/iPod, Google Nexus 4/7, Microsoft Xbox 360/Zune, Nokia E71/Lumia 920, Samsung Galaxy S2/S3, Sony PlayStation 3/PSP, T-Mobile G1, Western Digital TV, and YouTube HD

While this program can convert videos to a format supported by many popular devices, there aren't any editing features you can use beforehand.

I tested EncodeHD in Windows 10 without any issues, so it should also work in Windows 11, 8, 7, Vista, and XP.

Clone2Go Free Video Converter

• Produces small media files.
• Maintains video quality.

• Unreliable technical support.
• Slower than similar programs.

Clone2Go Free Video Converter has a really nice interface and is rather quick at converting video files.

Input Formats: 3GP, AMV, ASF, AVI, AVS, DAT, DV, DVR-MS, FLV, M1V, M2V, M4V, MKV, MOV, MP4, MPG, MS-DVR, QT, RM, RMVB, VOB, and WMV

Output Formats: AVI, FLV, MPG, MPEG1, and MPEG2

While the program looks good and operates well, a popup is displayed after every conversion asking you if you want to install the Professional version. You must exit this screen every time to continue using the free version. This isn't a dealbreaker, but it is annoying.

Whether you're running Windows 11, 10, 8, 7, Vista, or XP, you can install and use Clone2Go Free Video Converter.

DivX Converter

• Add files from local drives or Blu-ray discs.

• Persistent requests to upgrade.
• Long install and displays offers during setup.

DivX Converter is a free video converter program that can convert videos to 4K resolution, which is a very high video resolution suitable for ultra-high-definition screens.

Input Formats: 264, 265, 3G2, 3GP, ASF, AVC, AVI, AVS, DIVX, F4V, H264, H265, HEVC, M4V, MKV, MOV, MP4, RM, RMVB, WMV

Output Formats: AVI, DIVX, MKV, MP4

MPEG2 formats such as MPG, SVCD, TS, and VOB will also work with DivX Converter, but only for the first 15 days of the installation.

To use it to create videos up to 4K, you must select the option called Enable DivX HEVC Plug-in during setup.

Before the installer is finished, DivX Converter tries to install one or more other programs. If you wish to avoid this, you must deselect the options before continuing.

If you buy DivX Pro, you'll get Cloud Connect, which lets you access videos directly from Google Drive and Dropbox.

macOS and Windows are supported.

iWisoft Free Video Converter

• Create user profiles to define custom presets.
• Reliable progress bar.

• May crash during video editing.
• Documentation and help files are lacking.
• Might not work in newer versions of Windows.

iWisoft Free Video Converter supports many popular file formats, but I didn't have great luck using the program because it occasionally crashed on me.

You can add multiple video files and then convert them to any popular format. You can also combine video files, edit them while watching the video, and then convert the files to any of the many supported formats.

Input Formats: 3G2, 3GP, ASF, AVI, DIF, DIVX, FLV, M2TS, M4V, MJPEG, MJPG, MKV, MOV, MP4, MPEG, MTS, RM, RMVB, VOB, WMV, and XVID

Output Formats: 3G2, 3GP, ASF, AVI, DIVX, DPG, DV, FLV, MOV, MP4, MPEG, MPEG4, RMVB, SWF, TS, VOB, WMV, and XVID

In addition to the weird program crashes, one thing I dislike about iWisoft Free Video Converter is that it opens their website every time the program opens so that it can check for an update, and there doesn’t seem to be an option to disable it.

It's said to work with Windows 7, Vista, XP, and 2000 only.

FFCoder

• Nice selection of presets.
• Advanced editing and configuration.

• Lots of dependencies.
• Less stable on 64-bit Windows systems.

FFCoder is a free video converter with a simple design that makes it easy for anyone to use.

Open a video file, DVD, or whole folder to convert. Then just choose an output file and click Start. There are some advanced settings like modifying frames and quality/size of the video.

Input Formats: 3GP, 3G2, ASF, AVI, DV, DRC, FLV, GXF, MKV, MP4, MOV, MPG, TS, RM, SWF, WMV, and WEBM.

Output Formats: 3GP, 3G2, ASF, AVI, DV, DRC, FLV, GXF, MKV, MP4, MOV, MPG, TS, RM, SWF, WMV, and WEBM.

You may need to use the free 7-Zip program to open the download if it's contained in a 7Z file.

FFCoder is a portable program that works with Windows 11, 10, 8, 7, Vista, and XP.

Online Video Converter

• No sign up or installation required.
• Don't need a locally stored copy of the file.
• More options than just basic conversions.

• No way to save custom presets.
• 100 MB file size limit.

If the name doesn't give it away, Online Video Converter is a video converter that exists in your browser. I like it because it's incredibly easy to use and it supports converting videos from a URL.

Just select the format you want to end up with so the site will open the proper video converter page. From there, load your file (from your computer, a URL, Dropbox, or Google Drive) and tweak any of the optional editing settings before downloading the converted file.

Input Formats: 3G2, 3GP, AVI, FLV, MKV, MOV, MP4, MPEG1, MPEG2, OGG, WEBM, and WMV among others. (Check if a file type is supported by using the calculator on the site's home page.)

Output Formats: 3G2, 3GP, AVI, FLV, MKV, MOV, MP4, MPEG1, MPEG2, OGG, WEBM, and WMV among others.

The problem with online converters is that they usually have a file size limit, meaning you most likely can't (and believe, you won't want to) upload a 10 GB video for conversion. This website, specifically, caps videos at 100 MB.

It doesn't matter what operating system you use (Windows, Linux, macOS, etc.) because it just requires a functional browser.

MediaCoder

• Perfect for media file conversion novices.

• Free version is very ad-heavy.
• Occasional errors during conversion.

MediaCoder makes converting video files really easy through its step-by-step Config Wizard.

The wizard helps you choose a decoding method, output resolution, and output format even if you don’t know what these terms mean — there’s an easy-to-understand description next to some of these settings that really helps.

Input Formats: 3G2, 3GP, ASF, AVI, F4V, FLV, M2TS, MKV, MOV, MP4, MPEG1, MPEG2, MPEG-TS, OGG, and WMV

Output Formats: 3G2, 3GP, ASF, AVI, F4V, FLV, M2TS, MKV, MOV, MP4, MPEG1, MPEG2, MPEG-TS, OGG, and WMV

See How to Tell if You Have Windows 64-Bit or 32-Bit to know which link you need to choose on the download page. There's also a portable version available.

MediaCoder should work will all versions of Windows up to and including Windows 11 (i.e., Windows 10, 8, 7, etc.).