HandBrake

by HandBrake team · Video editing & screen recording

Open sourceWindowsMacLinux

Open-source video converter and compressor.

Official download from handbrake.fr (opens in a new tab)

Opens handbrake.fr, HandBrake team's own site. No mirror, no bundle.

Overview

What is HandBrake?

HandBrake converts video into widely supported formats like MP4 and MKV with presets for phones, web and streaming devices. It is a simple way to shrink large video files.

Key features

  • Presets for devices and web
  • H.264, H.265 and AV1 encoding
  • Batch queue
  • Subtitle and chapter support

Best for

  • Shrinking large video files
  • Converting old videos to MP4
  • Preparing files for phones

Included in starter kits

Install

How to install HandBrake

  1. 1Open the official HandBrake download page on handbrake.fr.
  2. 2Pick the build for your system (Windows, Mac, Linux; check x64, ARM or Apple silicon where offered).
  3. 3Run the installer and read each screen; decline anything you did not ask for.
  4. 4Keep it updated from the app's own updater or your package manager.

Install from the command line

  • Windows · winget

    winget install --id HandBrake.HandBrake -e --source winget

  • Mac · Homebrew

    brew install --cask handbrake-app

  • Linux · Flatpak (Flathub)

    flatpak install flathub fr.handbrake.ghb

Package IDs checked against the public winget, Homebrew and Flathub repositories on 1 Nov 2026. Build a script for several apps.

Safety

Download HandBrake safely

  • Check the domain

    The real download lives on handbrake.fr. Look-alike domains and search ads are the most common trap.

  • Skip mirrors

    Download portals can wrap installers in adware or old versions. You never need them for this app.

  • Verify if you can

    If the publisher lists a checksum, compare it with our in-browser checker before running the file.

  • Watch the installer

    Untick extras, browser changes or trials you did not ask for.

Open the checksum checker

Alternatives

HandBrake alternatives

Other video editing & screen recording apps, closest platform match first.

All video

FAQ

HandBrake questions

Where can I download HandBrake safely?

Download HandBrake only from HandBrake team's official site at handbrake.fr. Avoid mirror and "download portal" sites, which can bundle extra software with the installer.

Is HandBrake free?

Yes. HandBrake is open-source software and free to use.

Does HandBrake work on Windows, Mac and Linux?

HandBrake is available for Windows, Mac, Linux. Check HandBrake team's download page for exact system requirements and whether your processor (x64, ARM or Apple silicon) is supported.

Can I install HandBrake from the command line?

Yes, with winget on Windows (winget install --id HandBrake.HandBrake -e); Homebrew on Mac (brew install --cask handbrake-app); Flatpak on Linux (flatpak install flathub fr.handbrake.ghb). Package managers fetch the publisher's files and make updates easy.

What are good alternatives to HandBrake?

See the alternatives section on this page and the full video editing & screen recording list on AltFTool, which shows each app's licence and platforms side by side.