Software Alternatives, Accelerators & Startups

HandBrake VS Lightworks

Compare HandBrake VS Lightworks and see what are their differences

HandBrake logo HandBrake

HandBrake allows users to easily convert video files into a wide variety of different formats.

Lightworks logo Lightworks

Lightworks is an editing powerhouse, delivering unparalleled speed and flexibility, fully...
  • HandBrake Landing page
    Landing page //
    2022-12-14
  • Lightworks Landing page
    Landing page //
    2023-09-14

HandBrake features and specs

  • Free and Open Source
    HandBrake is completely free to use, and its source code is open to the public, allowing for community contributions and enhancements.
  • Cross-Platform Compatibility
    HandBrake is available on multiple operating systems, including Windows, macOS, and Linux, making it accessible to a wide range of users.
  • Wide Range of Input Formats
    HandBrake supports a vast array of input video formats, ensuring that users can convert almost any video file they have.
  • Customizable Encoding Settings
    Users have extensive control over the encoding settings, including options for bitrate, resolution, codecs, and more, allowing for tailored output.
  • Built-In Presets
    HandBrake includes a variety of built-in presets for different devices and platforms, making it easier for less experienced users to get started.

Possible disadvantages of HandBrake

  • Steep Learning Curve
    The extensive customization options and advanced features can be overwhelming for beginners or less tech-savvy users.
  • Occasional Bugs and Stability Issues
    Like many open-source projects, HandBrake can occasionally experience bugs and stability issues, which might require users to troubleshoot problems on their own.
  • Limited Output Formats
    While HandBrake supports various input formats, it primarily focuses on MP4 and MKV for output, which may not meet all user needs.
  • Resource Intensive
    Video encoding and conversion can be resource-intensive processes, potentially leading to high CPU usage and lengthy processing times, especially for higher resolution videos.
  • No Built-In Media Library
    HandBrake does not include a built-in media library for managing videos, meaning users have to organize and manage their files outside of the application.

Lightworks features and specs

  • Professional-grade Editing Tools
    Lightworks offers industry-standard editing tools that are used in professional film editing, including support for multi-camera editing, advanced trimming, and various video and audio effects.
  • Extensive Format Support
    Lightworks supports a wide range of video formats, making it highly versatile for different types of projects.
  • High Precision
    The software is known for its high-precision editing capabilities, allowing for frame-accurate video editing which is essential for professional-grade video production.
  • Cross-Platform Compatibility
    Lightworks works on multiple operating systems including Windows, Mac, and Linux, providing flexibility for users who work on different platforms.
  • Real-time Effects
    The software supports real-time effects, allowing editors to see the impact of their changes without having to render the video first.
  • Collaborative Editing
    Lightworks offers collaborative features that make it easier for multiple editors to work on the same project simultaneously.
  • Free Version Available
    Lightworks offers a free version with a substantial set of features, making it accessible for beginners and independent filmmakers.

Possible disadvantages of Lightworks

  • Steep Learning Curve
    Although Lightworks is feature-rich, it has a steep learning curve that may be challenging for beginners.
  • Free Version Limitations
    The free version has some limitations, such as restricted export options—maximum resolution of 720p and limited export formats, which may not be suitable for all projects.
  • User Interface
    Some users find the user interface to be less intuitive compared to other video editing software, which can slow down the learning process.
  • System Requirements
    Lightworks requires a relatively powerful computer to run smoothly, which could be an issue for users with older or less powerful systems.
  • Customer Support
    The support for the free version is limited to community forums and documentation, which may not be sufficient for users needing immediate or more detailed help.
  • Price of Premium Version
    The premium version, which includes additional features and higher export resolutions, can be relatively expensive compared to other video editing software.

HandBrake videos

How to use Handbrake 1.1.1 - Beginners Guide for Exporting Video

More videos:

  • Review - 'Budget' Sim Handbrake '16-Bit Hall Sensor' Review [Banggood]
  • Review - Fanatec Clubsport Handbrake Review

Lightworks videos

Review: EditShare Lightworks from the perspective of a Premiere Pro editor

More videos:

  • Review - Is Lightworks Actually Free?
  • Review - Lightworks vs Kdenlive | Comparing FREE Video Editors

Category Popularity

0-100% (relative to HandBrake and Lightworks)
Video
86 86%
14% 14
Video Editors
33 33%
67% 67
Video Converter
100 100%
0% 0
File Converter
100 100%
0% 0

User comments

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Reviews

These are some of the external sources and on-site user reviews we've used to compare HandBrake and Lightworks

HandBrake Reviews

18 Best Video Converter Software in 2022 (Free and Paid)
Xmedia Recode, which comes with 16.6MB of installer file, is absolutely a lightweight video converter. The supporting list of input and output video codecs of this best video conversion software is totally the same as HandBrake. But, it is widely regarded as the "HandBrake +" solution on Windows. Why? This compact video converter software can export 30+ video and audio...
Best Video Converter Software
Note for Handbrake Users with Nvidia G-Sync Monitors: During testing of the Windows version, I noticed that my G-Sync monitor was refreshing very oddly and flickering when the Handbrake window was active or moved around the screen. To correct this, open the Nvidia control panel, go to ‘Manage 3D Settings’ and set the Handbrake app to force G-Sync by default. Even if you’ve...
Top 5 Free Freemake Alternatives – Help You Deal with Video Format Conversion without Hassle
HandBrake is a splendid Freemake Video Converter alternative which can carry out video format transcoding process at a sharp speed. By the way, you can take it to change video encoder, adjust frame rate and bitrate, etc.
4 Best Ways to Convert AVI files to MP4 on Mac/ Windows
Handbrake can meet your need to convert AVI to MP4 on Mac for free and ensure the quality of the converted files as much as possible. It is one of the best open source and free video converters in the market, as it accepts almost any video format and converts them into three formats: MP4, MKV, and WebM.
9 Best ManyCam Alternatives To Make Live Video Better
It is a multi-platform software that can be used on Windows, Linux, Mac, etc. Even your simple video file can be converted into a high-quality standardized one. To improve your encodes, you get access to several basic and advanced options. All your encodes can be queued effortlessly on Handbrake.

Lightworks Reviews

10 Best Video Editors for YouTube in 2024
Lightworks stands out as a professional video editing tool with robust multi-track editing and dynamic real-time effects. It’s perfect for semi-professional or experienced YouTubers who require advanced editing capabilities without an initial cost, as the free version is feature-rich but restricts exports to 720p. To access higher resolutions, upgrading to the pro version is...
13 Best Green Screen Software For Windows (2024)
Lightworks is a video editing software for newcomers and pros in the film world. It has easy-to-use green screen tools for creating high-quality chroma key effects in your videos. Popular with YouTuber experts, Light Works has several features that make it a leading choice for creating green-screen videos.
Source: mixilab.com
Windows Best Video Editing Software
Lightworks has a user-friendly interface that makes it simple to get started. Lightworks is a video editing software that comes with a library of detailed video tutorials, making it one of the more accessible and simple to learn Linux video editing software options on this list.
Best Free Video Editing Software for Linux
Both Resolve and Lightworks have their issues as well; Resolve’s being it only supports CentOS 7 and has features locked away behind Resolve Studio, and Lightwork’s is the same locked down features with the added subscription/license model. 720p in 2020? Get out of here. If you make you living in video, then by all means spring for the licensed copies of these – but for the...
Source: itsfoss.com
The Complete List of Video Marketing Tools (Updated for 2022)
Lightworks is a capable, versatile, and valuable video editor that almost anyone can learn-- even the amateurs. If you’re working on video production and suddenly need an advanced tool for post-production, this tool can provide you with anything you need. The color correction, filters, video effects features can help to get your audio and visuals just right.

Social recommendations and mentions

Based on our record, HandBrake seems to be a lot more popular than Lightworks. While we know about 569 links to HandBrake, we've tracked only 19 mentions of Lightworks. We are tracking product recommendations and mentions on various public social media platforms and blogs. They can help you identify which product is more popular and what people think of it.

HandBrake mentions (569)

  • How to Compress Videos Using HandBrake: A Step-by-Step Guide
    Visit the official HandBrake website: https://handbrake.fr. Download and install HandBrake for your operating system (Windows, macOS, or Linux). - Source: dev.to / 5 months ago
  • On Export, Left audio is delayed by about half a second, is there a fix?
    Https://handbrake.fr/ its very easy to use. Source: over 1 year ago
  • Vegas PRO18, my mov files.
    At this point, use https://handbrake.fr/ to transcode into a higher res MP4 and use as proxy footage,. Source: over 1 year ago
  • Can't read a file on TV app but fine on plex web
    It's an additional step, but you could run that season through Handbrake and convert the audio stream. It free and has a batch function so set once and it'll do them all. https://handbrake.fr/. Source: over 1 year ago
  • software to convert files like mkv to mp4 and others
    Https://handbrake.fr/ - also FOSS. GUI interface. Will also convert anything you have to anything you want. Source: over 1 year ago
View more

Lightworks mentions (19)

  • Lightworks Pro 2024 Crack Download
    Turn off the antivirus that you have on your system. Source: over 1 year ago
  • Creative logos vs the periodic table
    Haven't done video editing in a long time, but what's wrong with lightworks? Source: over 2 years ago
  • Looking for Lightworks Console
    It is always good to know different editing systems if you plan on doing this for a career. Lightworks is a very good editing system that lets you focus on the editing itself without bogging you down in lots of effects and many different panels. Lightworks has a free version which makes it very advantageous to start out with. It does have a bit of a learning curve but the people on the forum @ lwks.com are great... Source: over 2 years ago
  • What's some really useful software?
    Lightworks is a decent video editor, also great for a gaming video editing, though there are alternatives. Source: over 2 years ago
  • Daily Megathread - 09/08/2022
    No time like the present to learn a new hobby! Source: almost 3 years ago
View more

What are some alternatives?

When comparing HandBrake and Lightworks, you can also consider the following products

Format Factory - Format Factory is software that allows the user to convert media into various file formats. The software is a product of PC Free Time, a Chinese software development company. Read more about Format Factory.

DaVinci Resolve - Revolutionary new tools for editing, color correction and professional audio post production, all in a single application!

Freemake Video Converter - Freemake Video Converter Converts 500+ Formats & Gadgets FREE! Convert to MP4, AVI, MKV, WMV, DVD, Xvid. FREE Download. **Voted Best of 2018** Comes with FREE…

Kdenlive - Free and open-source, full-featured video editor.

File Converter - Convert & compress everything in 2 clicks!

Adobe Premiere Pro - Edit video faster than ever before with the powerful, more connected Adobe Premiere® Pro CC.