Surely everyone at least once encountered the fact that when trying to play a video, for example on a DVD player or smartphone, an error appeared about incompatibility with the file type. The reason for this is quite simple - the software limitations of the device. It is quite simple to fix the problem - all you need is to transcode the video using the converter. In this review, we will talk about the four best video converters for PCs, which are not only convenient to use, but also have good functionality.
Converter selection
Today, there are many programs for converting video. All of them are divided into 2 groups: paid and free. The difference between these types is very simple. Paid programs have many functions and cost a lot of money, while free programs are distributed for free, but have limited capabilities.
In today's review of video converters, we selected 4 fairly popular programs of both types in order to compare them and find out which is better. Let's get started!
Freemake video converter
The first program, the video converter, is Freemake Video Converter. This software is distributed free of charge, anyone can download it from the official website of the developer. In addition to the free version, there are also additional option packages that the user can buy if desired.
Freemake has a very simple and intuitive interface. At the top is the menu bar, and below are large buttons for adding video, audio, photos and more. You can also add a file to the program using the usual drag and drop.
After the video is added to the program, you can immediately convert it or use the built-in editor to trim, add subtitles, your logo, etc. Unfortunately, some functions are available only for a fee.
Freemake allows you to convert video to many different formats. Below are icons that are a kind of presets. In order to start the process, just click on the desired icon. After that, a menu with settings will appear where you can select a profile with the desired image size or click on the gear and set all the parameters manually. In the free version, the company’s splash screen will be added to the finished video at the very beginning. You can remove it only after purchasing the corresponding option.
Program disadvantages
Freemake cannot be called the best video converter, since it does not reach this level a bit, and all thanks to some paid features. For example, not everyone would like to see a splash screen from developers before watching a video, but in order to be able to remove it, you will have to pay almost $ 20, or 9.95 every year.
Movavi
The second program on the list today is Movavi Video Converter. Unlike Freemake, Movavi has much more functionality, but it has one significant drawback - the trial period. The user can use the program only for 7 days, after which you will need to buy a license. The activation code for the Movavi video converter costs 1290 rubles, which is not so little. Nevertheless, let's consider the features of the program.
Perhaps it’s worth starting with the interface. In terms of ease of use, it is somewhat reminiscent of Freemake. Files can be added in two ways - using the "Add file" button and by dragging and dropping. After adding, you can proceed directly to the conversion or use the built-in editor if necessary.
For the trial period, the user is available absolutely all the functions and options of the editor. Here you can not only cut the video, but also crop it, apply a watermark in the form of text or a picture, adjust subtitles, stabilize the image, perform color correction and much more.
The conversion process here is almost the same as that of Freemake. Below are tabs with format icons. After clicking on any icon, a list of presets appears immediately. You can adjust the conversion settings manually, by clicking on the gear.
Minuses
One of the most important disadvantages of the Movavi video converter is the activation code, or rather, its cost. Not everyone wants to buy a program for 1290 rubles, especially when there are free analogues with a set of necessary functions. Also a minuscule trial period is 7 days.
Avc
AVC, or Any Video Converter is a free video converter that has very good features, has a nice interface and does not cause difficulties in use. Let's look at the features of this program.
You can add files to the converter in two ways - using drag and drop or through the “Add video” button, which is located at the top and in the middle. After adding a video, you can edit: cut into pieces, reduce in time, apply a watermark, correct color correction, and even apply video effects.
As for the conversion, on top, next to the "Convert" button, there is another button through which the desired workpiece is selected. You can choose one of the presets for a specific device, which is certainly convenient. Also, the settings for the conversion can be set independently. They are located on the right side in a separate column. It is possible to configure not only video parameters, but also audio.
By its functionality, AVC can be safely called one of the best video converters to date.
disadvantages
The program has no special flaws. The free version works fine, without any user restrictions. The only drawback, perhaps, is the not-so-convenient list, which contains the formats for output, although you can get used to it very quickly.
Format factory
The latest program for today is the free video converter Format Factory, or "Format Factory." Not everyone knows about this software, and this is sad. The program has been around for quite some time, but, due to great competition, it often goes unnoticed. Unlike other converters presented here today, the “Factory of formats” has no paid versions and provides each user with maximum possibilities.
The first step is to start with the interface. Few things have the general appearance of the program with the previous options. There is no separate button for adding video. To do this, click on the "Task" menu, and then "Add Data". It is also possible to add files by drag and drop. Also, when adding, a window immediately opens in which you need to select the output format. The list of presets is long and good.
After adding, you can change the output settings using the buttons "Mobile", "MP4", "MPG", etc. Each of the formats has its own set of presets. In addition, the settings can be set independently.
Format Factory is a very good Russian-language video converter with rich functionality and, most importantly, completely free!
Cons of the program
The program still has a drawback - it is not a very convenient interface. In order to add a file, set settings and more, you have to perform several unnecessary manipulations, and sometimes you can get confused at all.
Conclusion
Of today's four programs, it’s very difficult to choose the really best video converter. Each has its pros and cons. Judging by the limitations and functionality, then, perhaps, preference should be given to AVC, Format Factory or Freemake. Movavi is also very good, but the cost of a license of 1290 rubles and only a 7-day trial period do not allow to give first place to this converter. It can be called the best, but only in the paid segment.