Compare software

Adobe Media EncoderHandBrake
Paid

Available only through an Adobe Creative Cloud subscription, with a free trial.

 Free

Free and open source; there is no paid edition.

Windows, macOS Windows, macOS, Linux, Command line
  • Batch transcoding with reusable presets
  • Watch Folders automate encoding of new files
  • Built-in device presets get a usable conversion without learning encoder settings
  • Writes MP4, MKV and WebM with AV1, H.265, H.264, MPEG-4, MPEG-2, VP8 and VP9 encoders
  • Requires a Creative Cloud subscription
  • Most useful alongside other Adobe applications
  • It cannot read discs that carry copy protection
  • Every conversion re-encodes, so it costs time and some quality
Downloadable app Downloadable app
Closed source Open source
License not stated License: GPL-2.0
Account needed No account needed
Not stated if it works offline Works offline

Checked September 23, 2026

Checked September 20, 2026

Catalog facts only. Anything “not stated” is unconfirmed. Check full listings for details.