12 Best Video Compressors for Windows, Mac & Online Tested

Looking for the best video compressor for Windows, Mac, or online? Whether you need to send a long MP4 by email, share an OBS recording on social media, or free up space on your phone, compressing large video files is essential. The problem is, with so many video compression tools available, performance can vary widely. Some are fast but noticeably degrade quality, while others preserve quality but take much longer to process.

To find the tools that truly perform well, I tested dozens of video compressors and selected the 12 best options for desktop and online use. Each compressor was evaluated using the same test footage and compression targets, measuring actual file size reduction, visual quality using VMAF, processing time, peak CPU usage, and other key metrics. I also highlight each tool's strengths, weaknesses, and real-world performance, helping you understand which video compressors are best suited for different needs.

This approach ensures the recommendations are based on real benchmark data and practical testing, not just claimed compression ratios or feature lists, giving you confidence in choosing the right tool for your workflow. Whatever your video compression goals, this post highlights the tools that can meet them, including those capable of handling large 8K, 4K, or 1080P HDR videos, browser-based compressors, and feature-rich options for advanced workflows.

What Is a Video Compressor

A video compressor is a program that reduces the size of a video file, making it easier to store, share, or upload. It works by adjusting things like resolution, format, encoding settings, or by letting you set a target file size or compression ratio. Some compressors support professional or visually lossless codecs like ProRes or CineForm, which keep maximum quality but produce very large files. For example, a 10 GB 4K video could still be tens of gigabytes even after compression, so these codecs are mostly used in professional workflows.

Most everyday compression uses lossy codecs. Don't be intimidated by the word “lossy”. Modern codecs like HEVC (H.265), H.264, and AV1 are very efficient, and with software optimizations, they can shrink files dramatically while keeping quality virtually identical to the original.

How I Put Video Compressors to the Test

To deliver accurate and trustworthy results, I ran every video compressor through the same rigorous, repeatable benchmarking process. This approach ensures fair comparisons across both desktop apps (Windows/Mac) and online tools.

1. My Test Setup:

• Operating System: Windows 10 Professional (Version 21H2, Build 18363.592).
• Processor (CPU): 13th Gen Intel(R) Core(TM) i7-13700K, 3.42 GHz.
• Graphics Card (GPU): NVIDIA GeForce GTX 980.
• Available OS Memory: 32 GB RAM (31.8 GB usable).
• Software Versions: All programs updated to their latest stable release (March 2026).

2. Tested Footage:

• Clip 1: MP4 video, 124MBs, H.264 encoding, 3840×2160 (4K), 25 fps, 44 seconds, downloaded from pexels.com.
• Clip 2: MP4 video, 139MBs, H.264 encoding, 1920×1080, 30 fps, 57 seconds, downloaded from pexels.com.
• Clip 3: MOV video, 59.1MB, HEVC (H.265) encoding, 1920×1080, 29.4 fps, 39 seconds, recorded by iPhone.

3. Testing Method:

All compressors were tested aiming for 60% of the original file size, which corresponds to a 40% reduction. This target was chosen because it represents a practical compression level. It's small enough to be useful for everyday purposes, yet large enough to highlight differences in speed, visual quality, and CPU usage across different video compressors.

• ✅ For video compressors with direct target options, I set them to achieve 40% reduction.
• ✅ For some free video compressors like HandBrake that don't allow a target size, I adjusted parameters such as CRF, bitrate, presets, and resolution until the output consistently fell close to 40% of the original.
• ✅ H.265/HEVC outputs were prioritized where possible to avoid giving newer codecs like AV1 an unfair advantage.
• ✅ All outputs were in MP4 format unless the tool required a different container.

📌 Note: Many video compressor reviews rely on claimed compression ratios, which can be misleading. Why? A video compressor might reduce a file by 90% in one setup but only 30% in another. By using a consistent reduction target, I ensured a fair comparison while still highlighting differences in speed, visual quality, and CPU usage.

Quick Comparison of Best Video Compressors (Real Test Data)

Metrics I Measured:

• Actual Size Reduction (%): The percentage of the original file size that was reduced. Since the target was a 40% reduction, values closer to 40% indicate more consistent compression.
• Visual Quality: I used VMAF to evaluate quality, a score from 0 to 100 that reflects how close a compressed video looks to the original. To save time, I only compared the first 10 seconds of Clip 1.
• Processing Time: Total time taken to encode or compress the video. Shorter times are better.
• Peak CPU Usage (%): Maximum CPU load recorded during compression, indicating how resource-intensive the tool is. Lower usage is better.

7 Best Desktop Video Compressors for PC and Mac

The term "best" can be subjective. Based on measurable data from my benchmark tests, VideoProc Converter AI came out on top. That said, different users have different priorities—some, like me, may prefer open-source and free video compressors, others might lean toward online tools, and some may value unique features while caring less about ease of use, quality, or other limitations. With this in mind, I've chosen not to rank this list. Each video compressor listed in this post has its own strengths and weaknesses, and I've included my hands-on evaluations for reference.

1. HandBrake

Best for: advanced users who need a free, open-source video compressor on any platform.

Expert rating: by TechRadar.

If you've used HandBrake, then you've undoubtedly heard about how jampacked this cross-platform and free video compressor is. Based on FFmpeg, this free video reducer lets you compress video files from all popular codecs including MP4, AVI, MOV, H.264, HEVC, etc. It offers you full control over video parameters, and that sounds nice. However, beginners are always advised to stick with HandBrake preset options. Why? You'll have to climb a steep learning curve before you can apply customized settings on a video to shrink its size without A/V out-of-sync problems, missing audio, or other errors.

Key Information:

• Input formats: MP4, MKV, WebM, AVI, MOV, H.264, HEVC, and more
• Output formats: MP4, MKV, WebM
• Bulk compression: Yes, supports batch processing via queue
• Compression control: Adjust resolution, codec, bitrate, frame rate, and use platform presets

Pros:

• Free and open-source
• A plethora of tutorials are accessible
• Excellent compression ratio
• Efficient compression with well-optimized presets

Cons:

• No direct target file size control
• Steep learning curve for beginners
• Slower compression speed and higher CPU usage

Verdict:

HandBrake is a free, cross-platform video compressor that gives you detailed control over encoding settings. It also provides a variety of output profiles and presets, making it easy to compress or convert videos for Discord Nitro, YouTube, Vimeo, and other popular platforms and devices. However, I can't promise it's the perfect choice for everyone. This free video compressor doesn't offer a simple compression slider or a direct way to set a target file size. To make a video smaller, you'll need to adjust the codec, bitrate, frame rate, and other encoding settings yourself. As a result, hitting your desired file size can take a bit of trial and error.

2. VideoProc Converter AI

Best for: users who need high compression, precise file size control, and fast batch processing without visible quality loss.

Expert rating: by OneHourProfessor.

VideoProc Converter AI is the best overall free video compressor, according to my benchmark tests. It handled large HD 1080p and UHD 4K video files faster than most video compressors I tested, all while preserving every noticeable detail. Users can set exact target sizes (e.g., 10MB for Discord or 25MB for Gmail) and compression ratios from 10% to 90%, making it easier to stay within upload limits. You can also customize the output codec (x265, AV1, etc.) and resolution, allowing precise control over file size and quality.

VideoProc Converter AI also handled batch compression smoothly, allowing multiple videos to process simultaneously without slowing down other programs. During testing, I continued using resource-heavy software like Adobe Premiere Pro without significant performance impact. Other features include trimming, cropping, de-shaking, denoising, video downloading, and AI enhancement. GPU acceleration further improves speed while keeping CPU usage low (peak ~12%).

Key Information:

• Input formats: MP4, MKV, AVI, MOV, 4K, 120FPS, 12-bit HDR, ProRes, and 370+ formats
• Output formats: AV1, HEVC (x265), H.264, VP9, MP4, MOV, and 420+ additional formats
• Bulk compression: Yes, supports batch processing with individual settings per video
• Compression control: Set target size/compression ratio, adjust codec, GOP, frame rate, resolution...

Pros:

• High visual quality even at medium-to-high compression
• Adjust codec, frame rate, GOP, and resolution for full control
• Flexible batch video compression with customizable sizes and ratios
• GPU-accelerated processing for faster results

Cons:

• Desktop-only (no browser version)
• Not suitable for image compression

Verdict:

In my tests, VideoProc Converter AI provided fast compression with minimal quality loss and flexible control over file size and codec settings. The software has also received positive reviews from tech sites such as dessign.net and TheSweetBits.

3. Movavi Video Converter

Best for: casual users who want to compress videos and make simple edits in one tool.

Expert rating: by G2.

Movavi Video Converter delivers a great compression performance and preserves the original video quality. The software allows you to compress videos in various formats such as AVI, MP4, MOV, and more. Moreover, it also has presets for popular devices like iPhones, iPads, Android devices, and even TVs and consoles.

A great feature that I liked is the option to compress just a small sample of the video to check for quality. This ensures that you are satisfied with the compression and can make adjustments without wasting time compressing the entire video.

And as for the adjustments, apart from the regular aspect ratio, resolution, and bitrate settings, you can do this in the built-in editor. This includes features like cropping, adding subtitles and watermarks, applying filters, and more.

Key Information:

• Input formats: MP4, MOV, AVI, MKV, WMV, and 180+ video, audio, and image formats
• Output formats: MP4, MOV, AVI, MKV, WebM, GIF, audio formats, and more
• Bulk compression: Yes, supports batch conversion and compression
• Compression control: Adjust resolution, bitrate, aspect ratio, and use device presets

Pros:

• Beginner-friendly interface
• Supports 180+ media formats
• Fast compression with hardware acceleration
• Preview feature for checking compression quality

Cons:

• Free trial adds a watermark and has feature limitations
• Performance may slow down on older or low-end computers

Verdict:

Movavi Video Converter offers a great balance between ease of use and advanced features for video compression. It's suitable for both beginners and professionals, offering plenty of customization and supporting a wide range of formats. During my testing, it maintained good video quality and the compression speed was fast. However, the users who have a weaker computer will definitely notice performance issues when trying to do other tasks while this video compressor is running.

4. Freemake Video Converter

Best for: beginners on Windows who want a freemium video compressor with slideshow features.

Expert rating: by TopTenReview.

Freemake Video Converter is a good pick for compressing videos on Windows (earlier versions like Windows 7). It used to be my favorite pick. However, it hasn't received any update since 2017. Many new but important features are missing in this phased-out video compression software.

Here I take some examples. It's hard to set a high video or audio compression ratio in Freemake Video Converter. H.265/HEVC, AV1, and VP9 are not supported by this video compressor for PC. It provides you with some presets, but only matches with iPhone 5, iPhone 4, and things before 2017. Another limitation is the watermark policy. The free version adds a noticeable Freemake logo to the output video, which can only be removed by upgrading to the paid version.

Key Information:

• Input formats: MP4, AVI, MOV, WMV, MKV, and common audio formats
• Output formats: MP4, AVI, WMV, MKV, DVD, and several mobile presets
• Bulk compression: Yes, supports batch conversion
• Compression control: Allows target file size compression and basic resolution/bitrate adjustments

Pros:

• Simple and beginner-friendly interface
• Supports batch conversion
• Can create photo slideshow videos
• Allows target file size compression

Cons:

• No updates since 2017
• Free version adds a large watermark
• Lacks support for modern codecs like HEVC and VP9
• Presets only cover outdated devices
• Stability issues when processing large or high-resolution videos

Verdict:

Freemake Video Converter appears to struggle with compressing ultra-high-resolution footage. During testing, it failed to compress Clip 2, which was part of my benchmark set. To verify whether the issue was consistent, I ran additional tests using 10 clips in 4K and 15 clips in 8K, each between 1:30 and 3 minutes long. In every case, the compression process stalled between 60% and 85% completion, preventing the files from finishing the export. However, it may still work for basic video compression tasks on older Windows systems.

5. Shutter Encoder

Best for: anyone looking for a free video compressor that also offers color grading tools.

Expert rating: by Alternativeto.

Shutter Encoder is a powerful open-source video processing tool developed by video professionals. Although it doesn't include a dedicated “compress video” button, users can reduce file size by adjusting parameters such as resolution, bitrate, codec, and file size targets.

One of the biggest strengths of Shutter Encoder is its extensive codec support. It handles modern formats like AV1, HEVC, VP9, and editing-friendly codecs such as GoPro CineForm. In addition to compression, it also provides advanced tools including color grading, LUT support, trimming, subtitle insertion, and format conversion.

The interface can feel overwhelming for first-time users because of the large number of available settings, but it offers a high level of control once users become familiar with the workflow.

Key Information:

• Input formats: MP4, MOV, MKV, AVI, ProRes, GoPro CineForm, AV1, HEVC, VP9, and many others
• Output formats: MP4, MKV, MOV, AV1, HEVC, VP9, ProRes, and additional professional codecs
• Bulk compression: Yes, but batch jobs share the same output settings
• Compression control: Adjust codec, bitrate, resolution, and advanced encoding parameters

Pros:

• Supports modern codecs like AV1 and HEVC
• Includes advanced tools such as color grading and LUT support
• Free with no ads or watermark
• Supports professional editing codecs

Cons:

• Interface can be confusing for beginners
• Batch jobs cannot use different output settings per video
• High CPU usage during encoding

Verdict:

In my testing, Shutter Encoder felt very professional and capable. The compressed output quality was comparable to many commercial video compression tools, especially when using modern codecs like HEVC or AV1. The main drawback is speed. The downsides? Encoding can be noticeably slower than GPU-accelerated commercial compressors, and CPU usage tends to be high during processing.

6. FFmpeg

Best for: advanced users who want a free video compressor with command-line control.

Expert rating: by Capterra.

FFmpeg is a piece of open-source and cross-platform audio and video processing software. It's an excellent choice for advanced users who want a powerful tool to manipulate the compression ratio, the output quality, the option of the QSV, and other settings without restrictions. However, unlike typical video compressors, FFmpeg does not provide a graphical interface. All operations are performed through command-line instructions. This gives users extremely precise control over compression settings, including bitrate, codec, resolution, frame rate, and hardware acceleration options such as QSV or NVENC. However, it also means that beginners must learn the correct commands to perform even basic tasks like reducing bitrate or converting formats.

Key Information:

• Input formats: MP4, MOV, MKV, AVI, WebM, ProRes, and hundreds of other formats
• Output formats: MP4, MKV, WebM, HEVC, AV1, VP9, H.264, and many more
• Bulk compression: Yes, supports batch processing through scripts or command sequences
• Compression control: Full control over codec, bitrate, CRF, resolution, frame rate, and hardware encoders

Pros:

• Extremely powerful and flexible
• Supports a vast number of formats and codecs
• Completely free and open-source
• Widely used in professional and automated workflows

Cons:

• No graphical interface
• Steep learning curve for beginners
• Requires manual command-line input for most tasks

Verditc:

From compressing your video to a small size to editing the audio length, there are many uses of this convenient video compression tool. However, if you're a newcomer like me, then be ready to spend lots of time learning how to install FFmpeg on Windows/Mac/Linux and what is the right command to compress an MP4 video with FFmpeg.

7. Any Video Converter

Best for: anyone looking for a free video compressor with DVD burning features.

Expert rating: by Trustpilot.

Any Video Converter is a versatile, beginner-friendly video compressor designed for anyone who needs to compress or convert media without getting bogged down in complex settings. Its interface is clean and intuitive, relying on a vast library of presets to help you quickly format videos for iPhones, Android phones, gaming consoles, and other media players.

When it comes to compression, it prioritizes simplicity over granular control. You can adjust your compression ratio anywhere from 10% to 90%, though you are limited to fixed 10% increments rather than fine-tuning with specific values. While power users might miss that precision, it makes the process incredibly straightforward for those who just want a quick result. If you do want to dig a little deeper, the software does allow for some technical customization, such as selecting specific output codecs.

Key Information:

• Input formats: MP4, MOV, MKV, AVI, WMV, WebM, and 200+ video/audio formats
• Output formats: MP4, MOV, AVI, MKV, WMV, WebM, and device-specific presets
• Bulk compression: Yes, supports batch conversion and compression
• Compression control: Adjust resolution, frame rate, aspect ratio, bitrate, and quality settings

Pros:

• Beginner-friendly interface
• Supports a wide range of formats
• Hardware acceleration for faster compression
• Includes additional tools such as screen recording and DVD burning

Cons:

• Free version frequently prompts users to upgrade
• Stability issues when compressing some 4K videos

Verdict:

Any Video Converter offers a convenient balance between ease of use and functionality. The interface is simple, hardware acceleration helps improve compression speed, and the wide format support makes it flexible for everyday media tasks. For users who want a beginner-friendly video compressor with extra tools like DVD burning and screen recording, it remains a practical option. However, the free version shows frequent upgrade prompts, which can be distracting. The Video Compressor feature only supports MP4 output, so format flexibility is a little bit limited.

5 Best Online Video Compressors (Browser-Based)

1. FreeConvert

Best for: users who need online video compression for files up to 1GB.

Expert rating: by Mywot.

FreeConvert is an online video compression tool designed for users who want to reduce video file size without installing any software. It works directly in the browser and supports uploading files from a local device, Dropbox, Google Drive, or even a video URL.

The tool supports a wide range of video formats and provides several compression methods. Users can compress videos by setting a target file size, adjusting the maximum bitrate, or lowering the video quality level. For example, if a video file is 100MB and you choose to reduce the size by 50%, the tool will attempt to generate a file close to 50MB.

In my benchmark tests, this free online video compressor performed well for many clips. The output file sizes were close to what I expected, and the quality loss was generally not noticeable. However, for videos that were already highly compressed, results could be unpredictable. For example, I uploaded a 26MB MP4 (H.264) video and set the compression ratio to reduce the size by 1%, but the exported file ended up being 36MB, larger than the original. This indicates that the platform's compression algorithm may not always produce consistent results, depending on the source video. Another limitation is the upload size. The free version only allows compressing videos up to 1GB, which may not be sufficient for large HD or 4K files.

Verdict:

Before running this test, FreeConvert was almost always my go-to online video compressor. It's more generous than most similar tools—the free version allows files up to 1GB, which is larger than what many competitors offer. It's also completely free. After testing more tools for this comparison, I realized that while FreeConvert is still a solid option, there are now several other online video compressors that can compete with it.

2. OnlineConverter

Best for: anyone who wants a simple way to compress videos online to MP4.

Expert rating: by TrustPilot.

OnlineConverter is a free online video compression tool designed for users who want a simple, no-fuss experience. To compress a video, you simply upload it, enter the desired file size, and click “Compress.” That's it! No complicated settings or menus.

This online video compressor supports a variety of input formats, including MP4, AVI, FLV, MOV, 3GP, MKV, WMV, and others. However, all compressed videos are output as MP4, so you cannot preserve the original format. The maximum upload size is 200MB, which limits its usability for large HD or 4K videos.

Because it does not expose video parameters such as bitrate, resolution, or codec choice, OnlineConverter provides little control over compression quality beyond the target file size. This makes it ideal for users who value simplicity over flexibility.

Key Information:

• Input formats: MP4, AVI, FLV, MOV, 3GP, MKV, WMV, and more
• Output formats: MP4 only
• Bulk compression: No
• Compression control: Only adjustable by setting target file size

Pros:

• Extremely easy to use, few clicks required
• Supports a variety of input formats
• Completely web-based, no installation needed

Cons:

• Maximum upload size is 200MB
• No control over bitrate, resolution, or codec
• Slow compression speed under poor network conditions
• Converts all outputs to MP4 regardless of original format

Verdict:

OnlineConverter is a convenient option for users who need to compress small videos quickly without installing software. Its interface is simple, and the process requires minimal steps. However, it is not suitable for large or high-resolution files, and the lack of customizable settings limits control over output quality. For those who need more flexibility or professional-grade results, other online or desktop video compressors would be a better choice.

3. MP4Compress

Best for: Compressing MP4 files under 500MB online.

Expert rating: No expert rating data found online.

MP4Compress is an online MP4 compressor that attempts to help you compress MP4 files while keeping the good picture quality. Compared to all the nominated video compressors in this list, MP4Compress is perhaps the easiest option.

To use this online video compression app, all things you have to do is import a video and hit Upload Video File. As you might already expect, this MP4 compressor doesn't offer you options to select the compression ratio, bitrate, resolution, or other properties for your purpose.

However, don't worry too much. In most cases, it should satisfy your demand. I tested the compression capability of MP4Compress with some MP4 videos, and most of them were reduced to 40% ~ 75% of their original size.

Key Information:

• Input formats: MP4 only
• Output formats: MP4
• Bulk compression: No
• Compression control: Automatic, no user-adjustable parameters

Pros:

• Extremely easy one-click compression
• Free to use without pop-up ads or registration
• Decent compression ratio for MP4 videos
• Works across major platforms

Cons:

• Only supports MP4 format
• No control over compression ratio, resolution, or codec
• Limited to files under 500MB

Verdict:

MP4Compress often encounters errors. For example, I tested three clips, and two of them returned errors without any explanation. However, when the upload and compression process works correctly, the output results are generally satisfactory.

4. 8MB.Video

Best for: anyone who needs to quickly compress a video for Discord.

Expert rating: by TrustPilot.

8MB.Video is a simple, watermark-free online video compressor. It specializes in compressing videos to less than 8MB, 50MB, or 100MB, making it ideal for quickly sharing large videos on Discord, email, and more social media platforms. All uploaded videos are automatically deleted from the server after 20 minutes, which addresses privacy concerns.

One of the best features of this online video compressor is that it can leverage cloud-based GPU acceleration, allowing me to compress videos without putting much strain on my computer. Other online video compressors, such as FreeConvert, also support GPU-accelerated compression to HEVC, but this is only available through their paid service. When I first tried FreeConvert years ago, it did not have the ability to set a custom output size and was not as powerful as it is today. Even now, some advanced features, like custom size compression, are only accessible to donating or premium users, which requires a payment.

Key Information:

• Input formats: MP4, WebM, MOV, and other common formats
• Output formats: MP4 only
• Bulk compression: No
• Compression control: None, only fixed target sizes

Pros:

• No watermark or ads
• Extremely easy to use, zero learning curve
• Privacy-conscious: deletes uploaded videos after 20 minutes
• Free online tool

Cons:

• Maximum video length: 5 minutes
• No custom compression settings (bitrate, resolution, codec)
• Quality loss can be severe for larger or high-resolution videos
• Cannot compress non-MP4 formats like MKV or AVI

Verdict:

8MB.Video's simplicity, privacy features, and free access make it ideal for casual users who need fast compression without worrying about technical settings. However, this online video compressor is not suited for larger, high-resolution files or users who want precise control over compression parameters.

5. Rotato.APP

Best for: those who need to see quality differences while compressing videos online.

Expert rating: by Producthunt.

Rotato.APP is a relatively new online video compressor that has quickly gained a good user base. Its interface is one of the most visually appealing among online compressors, following the current 2026 UI design aesthetics. The tool is generous, allowing uploads of up to 2GB, which is sufficient for most video compression needs, and it is mostly ad-free, with only a single closable product promotion banner.

Although it does not allow specifying a target file size, it provides three compression levels: low, medium, and high. In my tests, selecting the medium level typically reduced the file size by about 50%, with the resulting picture quality remaining at an acceptable level.

Key Information:

• Input formats: MP4, AVI, MOV, 3GP, M2TS, and more
• Output formats: MP4
• Bulk compression: No
• Compression control: Cannot adjust codec, bitrate, resolution, or target size

Pros:

• Ads- and watermark-free
• Beginner-friendly interface
• Side-by-side comparison of quality before and after compression
• Accessible from any device (Mac, Windows, iOS, Android, Linux)

Cons:

• Only supports a few video formats
• No precise control over compression settings or target size

Verdict:

Rotato.APP is a good choice for users who simply want to shrink video size without needing to specify the exact output size. Its side-by-side quality comparison is helpful to quickly check results, and the interface is clean and easy to use.

How to Choose the Best Video Compressor for You

Finding the perfect video compressor isn't a one-size-fits-all scenario. To ensure you pick the right tool for your specific needs, consider these key aspects:

1. Understand Your Video Compression Needs

Start by considering the size of your source video files and your target size. Are you aiming for a specific reduction, or do you just want smaller files? Is maintaining high video quality a top priority? How often do you need to compress videos? Answering these questions will help you narrow down the most suitable compression options for your needs.

1) If you're working with large, high-resolution 4K or 8K files, need precise target sizes such as 8 MB for Discord or 25 MB for email, and want to shrink videos without noticeable quality loss or with optional advanced AI-assisted features, a professional desktop video compressor like VideoProc Converter AI is well-suited for the task.

2) For general video shrinkage, occasional use, or when balancing ease of use with quality, many user-friendly desktop options, such as Movavi Video Converter or Any Video Converter provide excellent results.

3) If your video files are relatively small (under 1GB) and you prefer not to install software, my top online video compressors, such as FreeConvert or Rotato.App can be a convenient and efficient choice.

2. Factors to Consider When Choosing the Best Video Compressor

Once you know what you need, you can look at different video compressors using these key factors:

1) Compression Ratio: This indicates how much a video compressor can shrink your video file. A higher ratio means a smaller file, making it crucial to assess the video compression software's efficiency.

2) Compression Speed: Time is crucial, especially with large files. A fast video compressor, particularly one with GPU acceleration and multi-threading support, can save you hours.

3) Ease of Use: No one wants to spend time learning complicated software just to compress a video. The best compressors should let you easily set your desired file size or quality, with an intuitive interface. Note that some open-source video compressors like HandBrake and FFmpeg offer powerful features but have a steeper learning curve.

4) Supported Video Formats: With countless devices and recording methods, ensure the video compressor supports both the input formats of your source videos and the output formats you require for your intended platform or device.

Common Video Compression Technologies

1. Increase the GOP Length

GOP, also known as a group of pictures, comprises one I-frame, and many P- and B- frames.

I-frame remains all data of a frame P and B frame in a GOP is predicted by I-frame. P-frame covers the differences between it and the previous I frame. B frame contains the difference between the adjacent two frames. The length of the GOP refers to the number of frames between two I-frames.

When one increases the length of GOP length, the number of I-frame decreases and the video gets to be compressed. If your video contains few motions changes, just feel no hesitate to increase its GOP length with a video compressor. Many video compressors, such as VideoProc Converter AI, HandBrake, and ShotCut, allow you to adjust GOP length.

2. Convert to High Compression Efficiency Codecs

Video codecs play a major role in file size. Older codecs like MPEG-2, MPEG-4, and H.263 are far less efficient than modern ones. For example, converting an 800MB MPEG-2 file to H.264 can cut 300–400MB without visibly affecting quality.

H.264 remains the most widely supported codec today, but if your H.264 video is too large or you're aiming for smaller file sizes, switching to newer codecs like HEVC (H.265), VP9, or AV1 can help. These modern codecs offer significantly better compression — HEVC and VP9 can reduce file size by about 30–50% at the same quality, while AV1 can go even further with an additional 20–30% savings compared to HEVC.

Suppose you are holding an 800MB of MPEG2 video, then compressing it to an MPEG4 clip will save you 300 to 400MB of storage space. What if you want to compress an H.264 or VP8 video? Any better choice when you simply want to squeeze the size of your video without having to consider its compatibility?

Transcode your video to HEVC, VP9, or AV1. According to Netflix's test made upon 5000 12 seconds clips, VP9 and HEVC are capable of compressing the video size by 50% while still achieving the same high quality as H.264 and VP8. AV1 has a similar high compression ratio to HEVC. Suppose the source file is in H.264, a compressor that supports the HEVC codec will help you reduce the file size by half or more without sacrificing quality.

Tips:

The best video compressor that lets you make the transcoding is VideoProc Converter AI. This fancy video compression software can compress any video to HEVC, VP9, and other advanced codecs. Meanwhile, it always keeps itself updated with the latest high entropy codec algorithm for offering you the best compression efficiency and lossless quality. The support of re-encode is another big plus of VideoProc Converter AI as it lets you reduce the original file size by 80% or even more without making any adjustments on video codec or other parameters.

3. Reduce the Frame Rate

High frame rates create smoother motion, which is important for sports, games, or action-heavy videos. For content with limited motion, such as slideshows, tutorials, or landscapes, lowering the frame rate can substantially reduce file size. For example, a 1-hour 1080P H.264 video at 15 FPS requires around 23 GB, while the same video at 60 FPS can exceed 90 GB.

4. Lower the Bit Rate

Video bitrate directly affects file size and quality. For instance, a 2-minute 1080P video at 35 Mbps occupies about 518 MB, while the same clip at 12 Mbps only requires 172 MB. Adjusting the bitrate with a video compressor can balance file size and visual quality. Recommended bitrates vary by resolution and frame rate: 4K (35–45 Mbps standard, 53–68 Mbps high), 1080P (8–12 Mbps), 720P (5–7.5 Mbps).

5. Downgrade the Resolutions

Reducing resolution lowers file size while often retaining acceptable visual quality. For example, 4K videos can be scaled down to 1080P or 720P without noticeable loss on small screens. Many video compressors, including VideoProc Converter AI and Any Video Converter, allow resolution changes while keeping most of the original quality.

6. Remove the Audio Track

Removing audio is a fast way to reduce file size, particularly for videos intended for social media platforms where viewers often watch without sound. For example, a 2-minute 1080P WAV video can exceed 350 MB. Eliminating the audio track can significantly shrink the file while leaving the visuals unchanged.

FAQs

1. What is the best MP4 video compression software?

VideoProc Converter AI is the best MP4 video compression software if you need to compress MP4 videos on Windows 11/10/8.1/7 or Mac. If you need to reduce MP4 file size online, MP4Compress is your perfect option.

2. Which free video compressor is best?

Choosing the best free video compressor depends on your needs. Shutter Encoder is a solid desktop option with a full set of compression features and an easy-to-use interface. If you have some encoding experience and want advanced control, especially for tasks like DVD ripping, HandBrake is still a reliable choice. For free online video compressors, FreeConvert works well when you need to set a target file size, while Rotato.app provides a smoother user experience and allows larger uploads (up to 2 GB, compared with FreeConvert’s 1 GB limit), making it a convenient option for larger files.

3. What is the best video compressor without losing quality?

The best video compressor that lets you make a video smaller without visible quality loss is VideoProc Converter AI. With features like using the advanced encoding technique and the max-quality compression engine, it can reduce video file size while maximizing the output quality.