Even in the age of cloud storage and affordable hard drive space, big video files can be inconvenient to use. Whether it comes down to storage, sending to an email account, or burning to DVD, having the best free compression software can ensure that you trim those file sizes fast without having to worry about losing video quality. Read on to explore some of the topbest free video compressor options.
Editor’s pick
App | OS | Rating | Link |
Movavi Video Converter | Mac or Windows | 5/5, best fast conversion | |
Наndbrake | Mac, Windows, Linux | 4.5/5, best for Linux users | |
Any Video Converter | Mac or Windows | 4/5, best for HEVC conversion | |
Fastreel | Mac, Windows, Linux | 4.8/5, fastest browser compression | |
Zamzar | Mac, Windows, Linux | 4.5/5, free converting |
Best MP4 video compressors
Movavi Video Converter – Best for fast conversion
OS: Windows, macOS
Movavi Video Converter 21 Premium 21.2.0 Multilingual macOS. Movavi Video Converter is a video and audio file converter. Convert video and audio on your Mac. Save videos for watching on your portable device. Extract soundtracks from video. And much more Here’s just a taste of what you can do with Movavi Video Converter. Our software library provides a free download of Movavi Video Converter 21.0 for Mac. The unique ID for this program's bundle is com.movavi.videoconverter. This Mac download was scanned by our built-in antivirus and was rated as virus free. The following versions: 4.4, 3.3 and 3.2 are the most frequently downloaded ones by the program users.
Movavi Video Converter for Mac is a simple yet fast media converter for OS X! The app lets you save your media files in any format and for any device, and it is very easy to use. With Movavi Video Converter for Mac, you can easily convert video and music to the format you need.
Movavi Video Converter boasts incredibly fast conversion speeds. As well as recognizing a huge number of file types, there are some basic video editing functions within the video converter. You can trim videos to size, and even merge multiple videos together as scenes, and make a longer video. This is great for storage, or converting so that the video works on other devices.
Key features:
✅ Super fast conversion
✅ Compress any video style without losing quality
✅ Basic editing and subtitles
Pros:- Easy to use
- Compatible with a Windows or Mac
- Free trial to check out the software for yourself
Наndbrake – Best for Linux users
OS: Windows, macOS, Linux
Handbrake is video compressor freeware, so it is open-source software that can be a good option for a number of different operating systems. It’s pretty basic so you can’t expect a lot of editing functionality, but it does the job, even if you are using Linux, which is far from the most popular operating system. Some Linux users find it hard to get adequate software altogether. This freeware also has loads of different options and presets for different devices and conversions without losing quality.
Key features:
✅ Suitable for all operating systems
✅ Multiple video encoders, including H.264
Pros:- Totally free and open source
- Lots of presets for different file types
- Simple to use
- Limited editing functionality
- Not much support
- Could be quicker
Any Video Converter – Best for HEVC encoding
OS: Windows, macOS
Any Video Converter can be used for free if you are only looking for the basic functionality, but if you want more advanced features, you need to pay for the software. It is great for people who need to burn DVDs, even in high-definition formats. You can also enjoy some basic editing and merging features.
Key features:
✅ Highest quality HEVC/H.265 video encoding
✅ Convert a video to audio
Pros:- Recognizes a lot of different file types
- Easy-to-use software
- Some features on the free version
- Some DVD conversion is behind the “Ultimate” paywall
- Screen recording only available with premium
Freemake – Best for super simple controls
OS: Windows
Freemake is one of the most popular free programs that lets you rip video from YouTube but also grabs videos from DVDs, and converts different file types on your hard drive. It recognizes over 500 different types of video and audio files. This may be the best free video compressor for Windows 10 and 8, unfortunately, it doesn’t work on Mac.
Key features:
✅ Over 500 different file types to convert
✅ Presets for a number of devices
Pros:- Super simple presets for a number of devices
- Totally free
- “Maximum of three clicks” to make any conversion
- Some users have issues with videos not converting when queued
- No Mac or Linux version
FFmpeg – Best for adding plugins and libraries
OS: Windows, macOS, Linux
FFmpeg is incredibly flexible software. It is a command line tool, meaning that to use the software, you need to input small lines of code and execute commands. The software allows you to “decode, encode, transcode, mux, demux, stream, filter and play,” but only if you know roughly what you are doing with some code commands. It also has additional libraries and plugins you can download and use.
Key features:
✅ Command line tool allowing you to execute code conversions
✅ Encodes and decodes in a variety of different file formats
✅ Developers can access the source code
Pros:- Fast and efficient software
- Allows encoding and decoding
VSDC Video Converter – Best for simple presets
OS: Windows
VSDC Free Video Converter feels a little dated, but if you just want something that can perform basic conversions and some extra features like splitting and merging files, the VSDC Free Video Converter could be a good option. It has simple presets for converting to AVI and some other basic file formats.
Key features:
✅ Supports files including DVD, AVI, QuickTime Video (MOV, QT, MP4, and M4V), MPEG, WMV, FLV
✅ HD-quality options
Pros:- Lightweight and simple-to-use for Windows
- Free
- Available only for a PC, no Mac option
- Software feels dated
- Not as fast as many other converters
Videoproc – Best for DVD conversion
OS: Windows or Mac
The Videoproc software seems to have a real focus on ripping from physical media. You can easily grab files from DVDs and CDs and rip them in a variety of different file formats. It works on both Mac and Windows, and as well as ripping from discs, you can convert videos to video files or audio to audio. The software gives you settings on bitrate, frame rate, resolution, and more, so you can control every aspect of the conversion as you go along.
Key features:
✅ Convert from DVDs
✅ Easy to convert audio and video files
✅ Supports lossless codecs
Pros:- Works easily on Mac or Windows
- Simple MP4 video compression directly from DVDs
- Free tool to convert videos
- Not the best user interface and layout
- Editing functions are very basic
Best free online video compressors
Fastreel – Best for browser-based size reduction
Fastreel is a powerful browser-based compressor, which is easy to get to grips with. With drag-and-drop functionality you can put the clip you want to convert inside and edit and export in a few clicks. It recognizes loads of file types and allows you to set the compression level and even the size. It’s totally secure and incredibly simple, even for beginners. The free export option does watermark your videos.
Key features:
✅ Exceptional file compression to shrink your videos
✅ Drag-and-drop functionality
✅ Multiple compression options
Pros:- No download required
- Much smaller file sizes for storage and sharing
Acethinker – Best for simple edits before converting
Acethinker is another free piece of browser-based software. You can really easily start to convert with no download or install needed. The compression is powerful, and the tool is relatively fast, but there are some downsides, including the fact you get watermarked videos, and the file size is limited.
Key features:
✅ Codec and bitrate options
✅ Supports more than 100 video and audio formats
✅ Browser-based and works on Windows or Mac
Cons:- Software prompts you to download a launcher for your files
- File size limitations
Zamzar – Best for free converting and compressing
Zamzar recognizes a wide range of different file types. Whether you want MP4 video compression or to convert a rare video file into an MP3, Zamzar can do the job. It works in your browser and while it is free of charge to use the basic features, you need to sign up to remove some of the daily limits on uploads and downloads.
Key features:
✅ Recognizes a huge number of file types and formats
✅ Works on any OS
✅ Secure and reliable
Pros:- Simple to use
- Convert file types or just compress a file to be much smaller
- Daily upload and download limits
- No editing functionality or option to merge videos
There is a variety of different options available if you’re looking for free software to compress or even convert videos, from MP4s to WMV files. Some of the tools on this list work perfectly well in your browser, while others need to be downloaded and installed, but the list of the best free video compression software has something for each operating system and for your individual needs.
FAQ
How do I compress a video file on my computer easily?
One of the easiest ways to compress or convert a file on PC is to use Movavi Video Converter. There are a couple of ways to convert. The easiest steps are:
Click the Add Media button and then Add Video in the upper left corner of the program interface. Choose the video you want to convert and click Open.
Choose the output format for your video from presets.
Next, define the compression rate for your video. To do this, click on the file size in the output information. A new dialog box gives you options on file size and bitrate. You can click Convert Sample if you want to see a short clip of what the file will look like.
Start the conversion process. Choose the output folder for the compressed videos by clicking the Save to button at the bottom of the timeline. Press the Convert button to start the compression process. Videos are saved in the “Movavi” folder by default.
Which is the best free video converter?
There are a lot of handy video converters available, here are some of the best ones:
- Fastreel
- Handbrake
- VSDC Video Converter
Video making is not always as easy as it may seem. Luckily, we live in an age when every problem has a technical solution. For example, if you have a video clip that is filmed in a wide shot, meaning the focus or the subject of the video is far away, you can easily fix that. Just crop the video to make the subject seem closer than it really is.
Here are the highlights for the best 10 free video croppers for Windows and Mac in 2020.
Free Video Cropping Software to Consider in 2020
Movavi Video Editor Plus: All-in-One Solution for All Levels
Movavi Video Editor Plus is much more than just a cropper. This is an editing software solution equipped with many features and tools for making your clips truly stand out. And, of course, it is good for resizing videos as well as trimming and cropping them as much as you want. The program is easy to use and supports popular media formats. Although permanent access to the program requires payment, the trial version is absolutely free – and it lasts for a whole week.
Desktop/Online: Desktop
Compatibility: Windows, Mac
Pros
➕ Features professional video editing instruments
➕ Offers a large built-in library of filters and effects
Cons
➖ Only the trial version is free
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Free Crop Video: Easy Solution for Amateurs
Free Crop Video allows users to crop their videos manually or by resizing the video frame. It was designed for users who wish to subtly remove unwanted parts of their videos or to bring attention to important shots. It’s great for those who aren’t familiar with editing software or advanced video editing tools. With support for file types including MPG, MOV, AVI and more, it’s the perfect choice for most amateur video editors.
Desktop/Online: Desktop
Compatibility: Windows
Pros
➕ Supports many video file types
➕ Free to download
Cons
➖ Only exports in two files
MovieMator Video Editor: Versatile Cropper for Short Videos
MovieMator Video Editor is believed to be one of the best video croppers for Mac and Windows-based PC’s. It is good for beginners: if you never learned how to crop a video before, you can read a relevant article on the same webpage where you can download the software. This program can crop quickly and save videos without a watermark. You can also use it for video editing, so you can apply titles, filters, and transitions to your cropped videos.
Desktop/Online: Desktop
Compatibility: Mac, Windows
Pros
➕ Support unlimited tracks and virtually all formats
➕ Can trim / rotate / split / cut / merge videos
Cons
➖ Cropped videos limited to 5-minute length
EZGif: Popular Online Solution
EZGif is an online video cropping tool, which means you don’t need to download it – so it doesn’t matter which system (Windows 7 or 10, or Mac) you are using. This freeware is simple and easy to operate. Just open a web browser and go to the EZGif website, where you’ll have two options to upload the video you want to crop. You can either paste a video URL or select a file from your computer. The software allows you to crop MP4, AVI, or WebM file dimensions. You can use the graphical crop tool to select the part you want to cut out over video preview. You can also lock the aspect ratio to one of the software presets to make the video square, 4:3, 16:9, 3:2, and more.
Desktop/Online: Online
Compatibility: Mac, Windows, Linux
Pros
➕ No downloading required
➕ Ability to create ratio presets
Cons
➖ Video preview may have reduced quality
DaVinci Resolve: Professional All-in One Tool
DaVinci Resolve is a professional video editing program that can easily crop your videos in every way you want. The most basic version of the software is available for free – and often it’s more than enough. However, an access to an advanced set of tools including HDR grading, motion blur effects and etc. will cost you a reasonable sum of money. What;s worth noting is that, just like most professional programs, DaVinci Resolve is quite complicated to master. So if you’re only starting your journey in video editing, it might be better to begin with something more user-friendly.
Desktop/Online: Desktop
Compatibility: Windows, Mac, Linux
Pros
➕ Advanced editing tools
➕ Tons of useful instruments
Cons
➖ Not for beginners
VideoProc: Handy Instrument for Recording, Converting and Cropping
VideoProc is a one-stop video editing tool that includes a recorder, a converter and a video cropper. The cropping tool is easy to find on the editing panel. All you need is to drag videos into the VideoProc timeline, click Crop, adjust area and done. You can adjust the video to any size, or use handy presets to crop 16:9 to 1:1. There is no limit for the duration of the clips: you can crop even an hour-length movie and export it at high speed without freezing. This software also allows you to cut, trim, zoom videos, adjust speed and apply effects. VideoProc supports major video formats like AVI, MP4, MOV, and 3GP.
Desktop/Online: Desktop
Compatibility: Mac, Windows
Pros
➕ No video size or duration limits
➕ High video image quality
Cons
➖ Slow conversion speed
Avidemux Video Editor: Effective Autocropping Tool
Avidemux Video Editor is a free program designed for cutting, filtering, and encoding videos. It is also a good choice when it comes to cropping, and there are two options to do it. The first one is the Auto crop feature, which is helpful for finding all black lines existing in the video and cropping the footage between them. The second option is to do it manually by setting up the crop values. If you have experience in video cropping, you may want to give it a go with the manual mode – but if not, you can just use the Auto crop. Judging by reviews, this free video cropper can precisely locate clips by frame when editing. It supports many files types including AVI, MPEG files, MP4, and ASF.
Desktop/Online: Desktop
Compatibility: Mac, Windows
Pros
➕ Good for beginners
➕ Ability to filter and encode video
Cons
➖ Possibility of program crashes
Windows Movie Maker: Popular Program for Beginners
Windows Movie Maker is a free video editing program developed by Microsoft. It is well-known for being effective and quick when it comes to creating movies with video and pictures. For a long time it has been popular with beginners as it’s exceptionally easy to use. This program does not have a crop feature, but you can zoom in on a video clip, which gives the look of cropped borders in three steps. First, you want to add the video file for cropping and put it into the timeline. Then, crop the video file by going to the animations tab then finding pan and zoom option. Once you find that option, choose the pan or zoom effect you desire. Lastly, if you are happy with the result then save it, if not you can always redo it.
Desktop/Online: Desktop
Compatibility: Windows
Pros
➕ Good for photo slideshows
➕ Over 130 effects, transitions, and titles
Cons
➖ No unlimited video or audio tracks
Clipchamp: Free Software with Educational Content
Clipchamp is a free online video editor, but it does require an account to use it. You can make videos in a variety of dimensions to fit your needs – such as transforming your clip into a square for best view on Instagram. When it comes to video cropping, it focuses on removing the black bars on the side of videos. One way this online video cropper stands out is that it also helps its users learn more about the whole process. You can find articles explaining the difference between trimming and zooming, etc. It is free to use with limited features, but you can crop a video in six steps. First, you will need to create an account, then create a new project and add media. If you do not have your own media files, you can choose from a range of stock footage. After the first three steps, add the clips to the video editor timeline, then crop the video, and lastly review and export. According to reviews, this crop video freeware comes with an extensive audio stock library. However, to get full access to the library, you must pay $9 a month.
Desktop/Online: Desktop
Compatibility: Mac, Windows
The Best Video Converter For Mac
Pros
➕ Different aspect ratio
➕ Unlimited video exports
➕ Educational articles
Cons
➖ Free version exports 480p (SD), upgrade required for 720p (HD) export
VLC: A Well-Known Player’s Unknown Feature
VLC is a free and open-source cross-platform media player that plays most multimedia files as well as DVDs and Audio CDs. Strange may it seem, but It also works as an effective video cropper – and it’s fairly fast and powerful. There is no auto cropper with VLC, so you’ll have to crop manually by adding the pixel values. It is recommended for experienced video croppers rather than beginners. One of its key features is that it processes almost any file format – and it can even play broken video files, so it’s definitely worth exploring its capabilities. This free video cropping software has no watermark, but if you’d like to add one, there’s an option to do so.
Desktop/Online: Desktop
Compatibility: Mac, Windows
Pros
➕ Settings can be adjusted to fit preference
➕ No spyware, no ads
Cons
➖ Not able to customize interface
iMovie: A Software Solution for Apple Users
iMovie can turn videos into engaging clips that will look great on your social media. This free video cropping software lets you create Hollywood-style trailers and movies. You can either select your best videos and photos via browsing your computer library – or import them directly into the program. This easy-to-use video cropper comes with 14 different trailer templates with customizing graphics like studio logos, cast names, and credits. If you want to create a stylized clip, it has 8 movie themes and a variety of features and effects to enhance your film – like changing the speed of your footage, adding a green screen, splitting the screen and so on. With iMovie, you can easily share your cropped video with friends and family through text messages or the iCloud drive. This freeware is not compatible with Windows.
Desktop/Online: Desktop
Compatibility: iOS, MacOS
Movavi Video Converter For Mac Free Version
Pros
➕ Seamless project transfer between iPhone, iPad using AirDrop or iCloud
➕ Built-in library of 80 soundtracks
Cons
➖ Not compatible with Windows
How to Crop a Video in Movavi Video Editor Plus
If you’ve made up your mind in favor of Movavi Video Editor Plus, from now on cropping videos will be a piece of cake to you! Here’s how to do it in three simple steps.
Step 1. Import the video you want to crop. To do that, just click the Add Media Files button and select the video file you want to crop.
Step 2. Press the Crop button. Change the size and position of the rectangle on the preview window to define the desired frame area. Then click Apply.
Step 3. Save your cropped video by clicking the export button and selecting the desired video format or mobile device. Click Start. It is that simple. Here’s a link to a video to help walk you throughhow to crop a video with the Movavi Video Editor Plus.
The Movavi Video Editor Plus is accessible on Mac and Windows devices. To access the Movavi Video Editor Plus, you will need to purchase it. There is a trial version you can try out and crop your video for free before buying it. Once the trial expires, you can purchase a one-year license for $39.95 or a lifetime license for $59.95. The price includes access to a built-in library of effects, filters, titles and color correction tools which will help you take your cropped video to the next level.
Free Video Converter For Mac
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