Do you want to digitize your cumbersome DVD discs to videos for smooth enjoyment? Do you want to compress or convert videos to any formats to make them easier to stream or available on any software or platform (YouTube, Instagram, etc.)? All these can be easily solved by an effective video converter.
To liberate people from cliche converter apps, we tested a massive of popular or unknown converting, apps and selected the best-performed video converters for Mac. Below we will conduct a detailed review based on our rigorous testing results and real user experience, from performance to price to extra function. If you are looking for the best video converter for Mac, welcome to grab this article to get your answer.
Top 2 Mac Video Converters We Recommend
Best Choice Overall - Cisdem Video Converter
Cisdem Video Converter is our current pick for the best Video Converter for Mac overall. While Its video converting speed is only average compared to the competition, in every other aspect it is the best. It supports most of the video and audio formats, can rip DVD movies, and download videos from 1000+ video sharing websites. What impresses us most is that it provides very good output quality, just the same as the original video and DVD.
Best Value - Smart Converter
If you are looking for a free Video Converter for Mac, The Smart Converter is our top recommendation. Just as its name, this app is lightweight, it has presets for an extensive list of devices and the converted file comes with amazing quality, it will automatically send converted videos into iTunes. Though it has the longest converting times compared with other video converting apps.(took about 2 hour to convert a 53:05 minutes video)
#1 Cisdem Video Converter - Best Choice Overall
Compatibility: macOS 10.13 or later
User Friendliness: 10 / 10
Video Format Support: 10 / 10
Video Editing Features: 9 / 10
DVD Ripping Support: 10 / 10
Video Compress Support: 10 / 10
Video Converting Speed: 8 / 10
Cisdem Video Converter is a piece of robust software I highly recommend. It is an all-in-one software to deal with videos and DVDs/Blu-rays effortlessly, with stable performances, miscellaneous features, and very easy to use.
Free Download macOS 10.13 or later
Main features of Cisdem Video Converter:
Rich Video Handling functions: With it, you can convert your video to any format you want. It also can rip DVD and Blu-ray movies, download videos from YouTube, Google, Yahoo, Vimeo, and 1000+ other websites, and join several video files into one.
What is more, you can compress and edit your videos before you convert them, and put your own watermark.
Great format compatibility: It lets you convert video among 300+ formats such as AVI to MP4, AVI to WMV, YouTube to MP4, SD to HD video formats, HD to SD video formats, etc. Besides the popular formats, it also supports a heap of pre-configured device profiles for iPhone, iPad, iMovie, tablets, game consoles, etc.
The highest speed of conversion: The app utilizes an advanced media conversion engine internally to speed up tasks and have the output delivered at 30x faster speed. Meantime, it offers a batch-processing feature that can batch convert videos on Mac to save your precious time.
The highest quality of the conversion: Cisdem is known to provide a lossless quality of the video. The conversion won't compromise on the quality, regardless of converting 1080p, 4k, or 8k videos. Plus, with the High Efficiency Video Codec (H.265/HEVC), this safe video converter will export videos at a smaller size while with quality kept.
Advantages:
- Retain original output quality, whether you convert audio or video files
- Take a short time to decode large or over-sized files
- Support high-resolution videos, including 8K
- Come with a built-in media player to play the added, converted or downloaded files in the app
Disadvantages:
- Not work with too old Mac systems
Verdict – It is the best Video Converter for Mac with its ease of usage and output quality.
Cisdem best video converter for Mac download >>
#2 Smart Converter
Compatibility: macOS 10.13 or later
User Friendliness: 9 / 10
Video Format Support: 8 / 10
Video Editing Features: 0 / 10
DVD Ripping Support: 0 / 10
Video Compress Support: 4 / 10
Video Converting Speed: 6 / 10
The smart converter is the most popular video converter on Mac App Store, which is totally free to use and is able to convert videos into 10+ formats on Mac, including MP4, MKV, AVI, FLV, MOV, WMV, etc. Unlike other Mac video converters, it doesn’t show the video formats directly, instead of the devices, like Apple TV, QuickTime, Mac, iPhone, etc.
Its video converting speed is quite slow, but you are expected to get a good quality video, most of the time, the video will comes in 1080p, which is very impressive. One of its special feature is that, it will automatically send videos to iTunes once the conversion is finished. However, it can also be annoying to those who don’t need it.
Advantages:
- Easy to use with the simple interface
- Provide numerous presets for third-party devices
Disadvantages:
- Cannot batch convert video files
- No more extra features are provided
- Show purchasing ads for another product on the interface when starting the conversion task
#3 VLC
VLC is not just a media player but also a video transcoder, which is an open source software available on cross platforms. Only finding the entrance for converting, it will be super easy for people to convert all videos to a few popular formats, like MP4, TS, MOV, MPEG 1, MKV, AVI, ASF. However, it can only make simple conversions without extra features.
Advantages:
- The compatibility is decent, as it can convert most of the videos
- Convert a few HD videos which can satisfy our request
- The output quality is not so bad
Disadvantages:
- Unable to edit footage before conversion
- Lose video quality when transcoding some large videos
- The resulting video may not contain the original audio
- Cannot batch process multiple files
VLC best video converter for Mac download >>
#4 iSkysoft Video Converter Ultimate for Mac
iSkysoft Video Converter Ultimate is commercial software and can work on Mac OS X 10.10 or later. It is an easy-to-use video converter with the ability to convert any videos or audios to 150+ output formats. It also prepares a built-in media editor to customize the file through cutting, cropping, adjusting effects, making watermark, adding subtitles and controlling audio sound.
Thanks to hardware acceleration (NVIDIA and Intel HD Graphics) for GPUs, iSkysoft Video Converter makes the conversion speed very fast - up to 90x. But quality is inevitably lost because of excessive compression.
Moreover, this software is a standout multipurpose tool that can also download videos from websites, rip or burn CD/DVD discs, transfer the files to mobile devices through a USB, convert images, make GIFs, record screen, etc. Meantime, it comes with a straightforward interface, allowing users to go to the according sections to perform the tasks.
Advantages:
- Support all popular formats
- Ready-made presets for mobile devices including Apple and Android devices
- Clean intuitive interface
Disadvantages:
- The price is too high
- Slow installing speed
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Most features are only available in the paid version
iSkysoft best video converter for Mac download >>
#5 MacX Video Converter Pro for Mac
MacX Video Converter Pro, published by Didiarty, is a superior video converter possessed multiple purposes. As one of the best versatile video converters for Mac, it's able to convert video, download video, make photo slideshow, record screen, and edit video.
For conversion, it allows you to convert almost all video and audio formats without limitation. A small highlight of it is that it permits people to rename the file at will, which is convenient for the needed. Plus, it also offers additional features, such as playing videos, re-configuring encoders, merging files, editing videos, etc. But when editing, it will suddenly get stuck and quit for uncertain reasons.
As for other functions, I tested them one by one and found that all is fine, except for the download feature that may cannot grab videos for failing to analyze video links.
Advantages:
- Support a large number of video and audio formats
- Provide multiple functions to finish different tasks
Disadvantages:
- Still, a few online videos can’t be downloaded
- Editing features are not good and limited, wasting time to customize video
MacX best video converter for Mac download>>
#6 Handbrake
Handbrake is another free video converter that can rip unprotected DVD movies and convert almost all video to MP4, MKV and WebM format. It appeared after VLC. VLC incorporates its functions and adds some helpful ones that Handbrake does not. But Handbrake also has its unique features.
Firstly, it offers basic editing features, including cropping, rotating, flipping, adding subtitles or chapters, etc., and you can preview the final looking before converting. Secondly, though it cannot batch convert videos, it offers a special function to add the needed videos to a queue, which can also free people from waiting in the computer.
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Advantages:
- Free to use
- The speed of the Handbrake is as fast as VLC
- The quality is acceptable
Disadvantages:
- The system is unstable. It sometimes shut down when you converting
- Limited output formats and editing features
- Cannot real time preview the editing result
Handbrake best video converter for Mac >>
#7 MPEG Streamclip
MPEG Streamclip is a powerful video player, editor, and conversion tool for Mac and Windows. It's also a great organizational tool for all of your videos and media. If you choose it as a player, you can play all of the video files through it.
For conversion, it supports several input formats like MPEG, VOB, PS, M2P, MOD, VRO, DAT, MOV, DV, AVI, MP4, TS, M2T, MMV, REC, and so on. This lightweight tool even allows you edit videos via trim, crop, rotate and make watermark. It also supports batch converting videos, but it requires people to add the files and make output settings one by one, which is still troublesome for converting many files.
When it comes to output quality, it will be low and sacrificed during the conversion process.
Advantages:
- A free video converter
- Come with more functions, not just to convert videos
- Auto repair of time code breaks
Disadvantages:
- Hard to extract audio from video
- Offer the preview function but cannot preview editing results in real time
- Not easy to master the app due to unclear interface layout
MPEG Streamclip best video converter for Mac download >>
#8 DivX Converter
DivX Converter for Mac, another standout converter software, is equipped with tons of excellent capabilities. You can upload videos from desktop, DropBox, and Google Drive. It helps you convert the added videos to DivX, MKV, and MP4 up to 4K, etc. on Mac. The converted videos are in very high resolution and multiple files can be processed at a time.
Meanwhile, this best video converter for Mac offers intuitive and separate sections for you to edit the video, audio track and subtitle respectively. But for editing or encoding videos, some features can only be enjoyed on the pro version.
Advantages:
- Can convert videos to HEVC 4K and HEVC UHD
- Support combining all videos into one file
Disadvantages:
- Install slowly and mislead you to download a couple of unwanted programs
- Very few output formats are supported
- Don’t contain a built-in player. To play videos, you need to start a DivX Player
- Provide only simple editing features, cannot adjust the video display effects
Divx best video converter for Mac download >>
#9 Pavtube HD Video Converter for Mac
Pavtube HD Video Converter should win a spot in the best video converter for Mac review as it converts high-definition videos from camcorders, digital video recorders and brings a set of editing tools. You can convert files to iPad Pro, PS4, Xbox One, DVD player, WD TV player, VCD/DVD/SVCD, etc. supported formats or create a customized option.
In addition, you are capable of editing videos, split & merge videos, and taking snapshots. And there's a built-in video player on the right side, you can preview changes of your videos in real-time.
Advantages:
- Support a wide range of output video formats/devices.
- Can split and merge videos
Disadvantages:
- The interface is a bit cumbersome
- The new files generated by the trail version are printed with its logo watermark
- No updates since 2015
Pavtube best video converter for Mac download >>
#10 ImTOO Video Converter for Mac
ImTOO is designed to convert videos, audio, and animated images. It offers certain admirable features, including a substantial collection of input and output files and some editing tools. And general features like snapping images, preview, editing video & audio stream, etc. are also supported.
As for the editing function, it allows you to merge, clip, crop video, add effect, and watermark. What impress us most is that it not only can manually change image effects, but also allows people to choose one or more existing video effects from the list provided.
Advantages:
- List a wide variety of video & audio formats
- Help to control over bitrate, frame rate, and more
Disadvantages:
- Only convert up to 800 x 600 video resolution
- Not easy to get in hands because of complex features or settings
ImToo best video converter for Mac download >>
#11 Total Video Converter for Mac
Total Video Converter is extremely the best video converter for Mac that converts video to 3GP, MP4, PSP, PS3, iPod, iPhone, HDTV, DVD player, etc. It is also good at combining, extracting, multiplexing, recording and burning videos.
If you seek for a multipurpose tool, it will be a great option. But if you want a professional converter software, ignore it because its poor editing features with blurry preview pictures.
Advantages:
- The conversion speed is twice as fast as the category average
- The category of supported devices is particularly clear and detailed
Disadvantages:
- The converted video was noticeable pixelation and blur
- The editor lacks basic functionality and performs practically no function
- Can’t merge files during the conversion process
- The trail version leaves watermark on the new file
- Design unrelated products on the app, luring users to download or purchase
Total best video converter for Mac download >>
Comparison Table for 11 Mac Video Converter apps
| Software |
Support Format |
Output Quality |
Speed |
Editing Tool |
DVD Rip |
Video Download |
| Cisdem Video Converter |
300+ |
High |
Fast |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
| Smart Converter |
10+ |
High |
Slow |
No |
No |
No |
| VLC |
20+ |
Above Average |
Fast |
Poor |
Yes |
No |
| iSkysoft Video Converter |
150+ |
Average |
Fast |
Yes |
No |
Yes |
| MacX Video Converter Pro |
300+ |
Average |
Slow |
Yes |
No |
Yes |
| Handbrake |
3 output formats |
Above Average |
Fast |
Poor |
Yes |
No |
| MPEG Streamclip |
20+ |
Below Average |
Slow |
Poor |
Yes |
Yes |
| DivX Converter |
3 output formats for different devices |
High |
Average |
Yes |
Yes |
No |
| Pavtube Video Converter |
200+ |
Below Average |
Slow |
Yes |
Yes |
No |
| ImTOO Video Converter |
200+ |
Below Average |
Average |
Yes |
No |
No |
| Total Video Converter |
160+ |
Below Average |
Above Average |
Poor |
Yes |
No |
How to Convert Video Formats with the Best Video Converter for Mac
Step 1. Download a safe video converter.
Take the number #1 – Cisdem Video Converter as an example. Download, Install, and kick it off on your Mac.
Free Download macOS 10.13 or later
Step 2. Import media files to the app.
Drag music, movies, or other video files manually to the workplace of the first interface (for video conversion).
Before starting, if you want to edit videos, click the “pencil” icon on the video thumbnail to customize the file based on your demands.
Step 3. Select the desired format for each video.
Click the highlight Format button on the video thumbnail to choose desired output formats one by one. Or click the “Convert all tasks to” box to set the format in one click, but this method can only set the same format for all videos.
Step 4. For experienced users, tweak the “Advanced Settings”.
Click the gear icon next to the format option to get into the setting window, from which you can change the format values, like encoder, frame rate, resolution, etc.
Step 5. Start to encode video files by clicking the “Start” button in the bottom right corner.
Criteria for Choosing the Best Video Converter
Format: The app should support abundant formats, especially the HD video format. An increasing number of movies are in HD formats, however, our devices like the lower version iPhone can’t play them.
Convert large files: It’s able to convert media files of any size, even larger than 200MB.
Support more features rather than conversion only: To make a unique video, the transcoder should be able to edit the video. It would be better if it can download your uploaded video or web video.
Speed: The speed of a video converter is important. With a high speed, you can save time to a large extent.
Output quality: Top video converter should guarantee high video quality and result in zero loss, even handling 5k or 8k videos
Performance: when converting videos, the software won’t shut down suddenly or show other failures.
Given these criteria, we tested numerous programs for video encoding and decoding and pricked out the 11 best ones, the best free video converter for Mac included.
Conclusion
Videos need to be converted when they don't work on target devices or on particular social platforms like YouTube and Facebook. And this article has discussed the top 11 applications (both paid and free ones mentioned), helping you convert your videos to any format. Pick the best video converter for Mac to solve the compatibility issues, reduce video size, modify video values, and so on.
James Y. Navas
Find a suitable video transcoder is too difficult. Your introduction gave me some ideas. I will try Cisdem and VLC.
jime
it is a wonderful review, give me a lot of help