Software Alternatives, Accelerators & Startups

HandBrake VS MEncoder

Compare HandBrake VS MEncoder and see what are their differences

HandBrake logo HandBrake

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

MEncoder logo MEncoder

MEncoder is a free and open-source cross-platform video encoding and decoding solution that allows you to encode and decode unlimited files without any effort.
  • HandBrake Landing page
    Landing page //
    2022-12-14
  • MEncoder Landing page
    Landing page //
    2020-12-24

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.

MEncoder features and specs

  • Wide Format Support
    MEncoder supports a large variety of video and audio formats, making it versatile for different media conversion tasks.
  • Open Source
    Being open source, MEncoder allows users to access and modify the source code to suit their specific needs, fostering a community-driven development model.
  • High Customizability
    Users can customize encoding options extensively, offering detailed control over output quality and file size.
  • Cross-Platform
    MEncoder is available on multiple operating systems, including Windows, Linux, and macOS, providing flexibility for users on different platforms.

Possible disadvantages of MEncoder

  • Complexity
    The tool can be challenging for beginners due to its command-line interface and the complexity of available options.
  • Lack of GUI
    MEncoder lacks a graphical user interface, which can be a significant drawback for users who prefer visual over command-line interaction.
  • Discontinued Development
    Development on MEncoder has slowed or ceased, leading to potential issues with bugs or lack of support for newer codecs and formats.
  • Resource-Intensity
    The software can be resource-intensive, particularly when performing complex encoding tasks, which might not be suitable for systems with limited resources.

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

MEncoder videos

No MEncoder videos yet. You could help us improve this page by suggesting one.

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Category Popularity

0-100% (relative to HandBrake and MEncoder)
Video
99 99%
1% 1
Video Converter
99 99%
1% 1
File Converter
100 100%
0% 0
Tool
0 0%
100% 100

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 MEncoder

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.

MEncoder Reviews

We have no reviews of MEncoder yet.
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Social recommendations and mentions

Based on our record, HandBrake seems to be a lot more popular than MEncoder. While we know about 569 links to HandBrake, we've tracked only 2 mentions of MEncoder. 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 / 4 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

MEncoder mentions (2)

  • What are some CLI apps that someone should not miss when using Linux?
    Mplayer - A command line media player. I use it for playing music, and videos. Source: over 3 years ago
  • Not a Problem, just curious
    Mplayer. I play most of my media from the command line. When I made the change from GUI media players in the early 2000s to mplayer, it just felt so natural. Source: almost 4 years ago

What are some alternatives?

When comparing HandBrake and MEncoder, 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.

Wondershare UniConverter - Wondershare UniConverter (originally Wondershare Video Converter Ultimate) can convert any video to over 1000 formats at 30X faster speed without quality loss, burn DVD, compress/edit/download/record videos, transfer files to devices.

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…

AVS Video Converter - AVS Video Converter is a handy software for converting to and from major video formats like 4K UHD, MP4, VOB, WMV, 2K QHD, DVD, MPEG4, DCI 4K, MOV, and more.

FFmpeg - Open source multimedia suite for conversion, playback, profiling, and streaming.

Shutter Encoder - Open source software without any restriction - converter all formats video|audio|image professionnals codecs and standards - swiss knife tool Windows, OSX and Linux