FFmpeg vs Handbrake

by Gralio Mar 11, 2025

FFmpeg and HandBrake both handle video conversion, but target different users. FFmpeg offers power and flexibility for technical users, while HandBrake prioritizes ease of use with a graphical interface and presets.

At Gralio.ai we help to simplify your decision-making process by offering detailed, side-by-side software comparisons like this one, to help you confidently choose the tool that aligns with your business goals.

This comparison was created by analysing 168 reviews and 60 websites, saving 1 hour, 26 minutes of reading.

FFmpeg

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Handbrake

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About

FFmpeg is a free, open-source software project that provides tools for handling audio and video files. It's widely used for tasks like converting between different file formats (e.g., MP4 to AVI), compressing video files, and streaming media. FFmpeg is a collection of command-line tools rather than a user-friendly application with a graphical interface. It's known for its extensive format support, making it a versatile tool for developers and multimedia professionals.

Handbrake is a free tool that lets you convert video files from many different formats into a few, commonly-used formats. This can be helpful for making sure your videos can be played on different devices or shared easily.

Summary

Main difference

FFmpeg is a command-line tool offering extensive format support and advanced features, ideal for technical users. HandBrake provides a user-friendly graphical interface with presets for easy video conversion, suitable for a wider audience.

Relative strengths of FFmpeg (compared to Handbrake)

Extensive format support, exceeding HandBrake's capabilities.
Highly versatile for complex tasks and scripting.
Lightweight and efficient for optimizing video file sizes.

Relative weaknesses of FFmpeg (compared to Handbrake)

Steep learning curve due to the command-line interface.
Requires coding experience for effective use.
Limited documentation can hinder troubleshooting complex issues.

Who should use FFmpeg VS. Handbrake

FFmpeg is a free, open-source command-line tool for audio and video processing. Its extensive format support makes it popular among developers and multimedia professionals for tasks like converting, compressing, and streaming media. Users praise its versatility and efficiency, but note the steep learning curve due to the command-line interface.

HandBrake is a free and open-source video conversion tool praised for its high-quality compression and broad format support. Users appreciate the batch conversion feature and device presets. However, some find the interface outdated and the conversion process slow. Ideal for individuals and businesses needing to convert or compress video files.

Ideal for developers and multimedia professionals.
Versatile tool suitable for various industries needing audio/video processing.

Excellent fit for businesses of all sizes.
Particularly well-suited for media, entertainment, and software development.

FFmpeg and Handbrake features

Supported

Partially supported

Not supported

Type in the name of the feature or in your own words tell us what you need

Built-in Device Presets

Not supported

FFmpeg doesn't offer built-in device presets, but provides encoding presets for different quality levels.

Supported

HandBrake offers device and universal presets for easy conversion.
Supported Input Sources

Partially supported

FFmpeg supports most multimedia files and unprotected DVDs/BluRays. For copy-protected discs, additional decryption tools are needed.

Supported

HandBrake supports most common multimedia files and unprotected DVD/Blu-ray sources.
Variety of output options

Supported

FFmpeg supports all listed output options, including MP4, MKV, WebM, H.265, H.264, MPEG-4, MPEG-2, VP8, VP9, AAC, MP3, FLAC, AC3, E-AC3, Opus, and Vorbis.

Supported

Handbrake supports MP4, MKV, WebM, H.265, H.264, AAC, MP3, FLAC, AC3, E-AC3, Opus, and Vorbis.
Advanced Features

Partially supported

FFmpeg supports range selection, batch scripting, subtitle formats like SRT and ASS, but not title/chapter selection or chapter markers directly.

Supported

HandBrake supports title/chapter selection, batch queueing, chapter markers, and subtitles (VobSub, CEA-608, SSA, SRT).
Video cropping

Supported

FFmpeg supports cropping videos to specific dimensions using the crop filter.

Supported

HandBrake allows cropping videos to specific dimensions.
Video compression

Supported

FFmpeg supports video compression through various methods, including changing codecs, reducing resolution, modifying bitrate and frame rate, and adjusting the CRF.

Supported

HandBrake compresses video files while maintaining quality.

Qualities

Value and Pricing Transparency

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Customer Service

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Ease of Use

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Reliability and Performance

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Ease of Implementation

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Scalability

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FFmpeg and Handbrake Pricing

No data

We couldn't find a pricing page for FFmpeg.

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We couldn't find a pricing page for Handbrake.

FFmpeg and Handbrake review insights

Users love

Extensive format support for audio and video processing.
Versatile tool for compression, conversion, and streaming.
Lightweight and efficient for optimizing video file sizes.
Fast and powerful for video editing tasks like changing formats, extracting audio, and merging clips.

Excellent quality video compression with minimal quality loss.
Free and open-source.
Wide range of format support and presets.
Batch conversion capabilities.

Users dislike

Steep learning curve due to command-line interface.
Difficult to use without coding experience.
Limited documentation and examples can make complex tasks challenging.
Compiling the library on Windows can be complex.

Conversion process can be slow, especially for large files.
UI is outdated and could be more user-friendly.
Limited advanced editing features.
Occasional issues with cropping or incorrect file extensions.

FFmpeg and Handbrake Ratings

G2

4.6/5

(20)

G2

4.7/5

(148)

Company health

Employee growth

65% increase in the last year

No change in the last year

Web traffic

15% increase in the last quarter

No data

Financing

No data

How user-friendly is HandBrake's interface compared to FFmpeg's command-line tools?

HandBrake offers a significantly more user-friendly interface compared to FFmpeg. While HandBrake has a graphical user interface with menus and buttons, FFmpeg relies on a command-line interface, requiring users to type commands and understand coding principles. This makes HandBrake much more accessible to non-technical users.

Which product offers better support for advanced video editing features?

FFmpeg offers better support for advanced video editing features. While HandBrake excels at conversion and compression with a user-friendly interface, FFmpeg's command-line tools provide a wider range of manipulation options for tasks like cropping, filtering, and merging, making it more suitable for complex video editing workflows. FFmpeg's extensive format support also contributes to its versatility for advanced users.

What are the advantages of FFmpeg?

FFmpeg's advantages lie in its extensive format support, making it highly versatile for various audio and video processing tasks. Being open-source and free offers cost savings and flexibility. Its command-line interface and lightweight nature provide granular control and efficient processing, especially valuable for developers and multimedia professionals. FFmpeg also excels in compressing video files while maintaining quality, optimizing them for different uses.

What are the disadvantages of FFmpeg?

FFmpeg's command-line interface presents a steep learning curve, making it challenging for users without coding experience. Limited documentation and examples can further complicate complex tasks. Additionally, compiling the library on Windows can be difficult.

Alternatives to FFmpeg and Handbrake

Movavi Video Converter

Movavi Video Converter is a software program designed to convert video files between over 180 formats, including AVI, MP4, and MOV. It offers preset conversion profiles for over 200 mobile devices, allowing users to easily prepare videos for playback on smartphones and tablets. Beyond conversion, the software allows users to extract audio from videos, create GIFs, and make basic edits like trimming, cropping, and adjusting audio.

Steve AI

Steve AI is an AI-powered video creation platform that lets you easily create marketing, training, and educational videos. It converts your text or voiceover into videos using a vast library of stock footage, images, and animation styles. You can create videos from scratch or use their pre-made templates. Steve AI is suitable for businesses of all sizes and individuals looking to produce engaging video content without technical expertise in video editing.

Freemake

Freemake offers a suite of free multimedia software for personal use. Their tools focus on video and audio conversion between over 500 formats, DVD burning and ripping, and downloading videos from popular websites. Freemake is known for its user-friendly interface and supports a wide range of devices. While free to use, it's worth noting that Freemake does display advertisements within its software.

MConverter: File Converter

MConverter: File Converter is a versatile online tool that allows you to convert files between various formats, including video, audio, image, document, and ebook formats. It offers batch conversion, folder drag and drop, and integration with cloud storage services. MConverter can handle large files and strives to provide a secure and user-friendly experience without requiring software installation. It is available for free with paid premium plans offering additional features.

Avidemux

Avidemux is a free video editing software designed for basic editing tasks like cutting, filtering, and encoding video files. It supports common video formats such as AVI, MPEG, MP4, and ASF. Avidemux allows for task automation through projects, job queues, and scripting. It is available for Windows, Mac OS X, Linux, and BSD operating systems.

VideoSolo VideoPro

VideoSolo VideoPro is a software tool that makes it easy to convert, edit, and compress video files. It can convert files between over 300 formats, so you can play your videos on any device. You can also use it to trim videos, add subtitles, improve video quality, and more. VideoSolo VideoPro is designed to be easy to use, even if you're not a video expert.

Page co-authored by

Michal Kaczor

CEO at Gralio

Michal has worked at startups for many years and writes about topics relating to software selection and IT management. As a former consultant for Bain, a business advisory company, he also knows how to understand needs of any business and find solutions to its problems.

Tymon Terlikiewicz

CTO at Gralio

Tymon is a seasoned CTO who loves finding the perfect tools for any task. He recently headed up the tech department at Batmaid, a well-known Swiss company, where he managed about 60 software purchases, including CX, HR, Payroll, Marketing automation and various developer tools.

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