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 - software limitations of the device. Fixing the problem is quite simple - just re-encode the video using a converter. In this review, we will share four of the best video converters for PC, which are not only easy to use, but also have good functionality.
Converter selection
Today, there are a lot of 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 features and cost a lot of money, while free ones are free but have limited features.
In today's video converter review, 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 video converter program 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 packs that the user can purchase if desired.
Freemake has a very simple and clear interface. At the top is a 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 crop, add sub titles, add your own logo, etc. Unfortunately, some features are only available for a fee.
Freemake allows you to convert videos to many different formats. At the bottom are icons that are a kind of preset. 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, a branded splash screen of the company will be added to the finished video at the very beginning. You can remove it only after purchasing the corresponding option.
Program flaws
Freemake is not the bestvideo converter, as it falls a little short of this level, and all thanks to some paid features. For example, not everyone would like to see an advertising screensaver 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 today's list 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 for only 7 days, after which he will need to buy a license. The activation code for Movavi Video Converter costs 1290 rubles, which is not so little. Nevertheless, let's look at the possibilities of the program.
Perhaps we should start 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 a trial period, absolutely all functions and options of the editor are available to the user. Here you can not only cut the video, but also crop it, apply a watermark in the form of text or an image, adjust sub titles, stabilize the image, perform color correction and much more.
The conversion process here is almost the same as Freemake. At the bottom are tabs with format icons. After clicking on any icon, a list of presets immediately appears. You can also configure the conversion settings manually by clicking on the gear.
Cons
One of the main disadvantages of 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, the disadvantages include a small trial period - 7 days.
AVC
AVC, or Any Video Converter, is a free video converter that has pretty good features, has a nice interface and is easy to use. Let's take a look at the possibilities of this program.
There are two ways to add files to the converter - using drag and drop or through the "Add video" button, which is located at the top and in the middle. After adding the video, you can edit it: cut it into parts, reduce it in time, apply a watermark, correct color correction and even apply video effects.
As for the conversion, at the 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. You can also set the conversion settings yourself. They are located on the right side in a separate column. It is possible to configure not only video parameters, but also audio.
According to its functionalityAVC can safely be called one of the best video converters today.
Flaws
The program has no special shortcomings. The free version works great, without any user restrictions. The only negative, perhaps, is the not very convenient list of output formats, although you can get used to it very quickly.
Format Factory
The latest program for today - a free video converter Format Factory, or "Format Factory". Not everyone knows about this software, and it's sad. The program has been around for quite some time, but due to the intense competition, it often goes unnoticed. Unlike other converters presented here today, "Format Factory" does not have paid versions and provides every user with maximum opportunities.
You should start with the interface first. The appearance of the program has little in common with the previous versions. There is no separate button for adding a video. To do this, you need to click on the "Job" 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 large, which is good.
Already 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. Besides,you can set the settings yourself.
Format Factory is a very good Russian video converter with rich functionality and, most importantly, completely free!
Cons of the program
The program still has a drawback - it's not a very convenient interface. In order to add a file, set settings, and so on, you have to perform a few unnecessary manipulations, and sometimes you can even get confused.
Conclusion
From today's four programs, it is 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 license price of 1290 rubles and only a 7-day trial period do not allow this converter to be given the first place. It can be called the best, but only in the paid segment.
