12 Best HD Video Converters [Windows/Mac/Online]

If you want to play top-quality videos on your computer or any other device, an HD video converter can help make sure your videos are compatible with your operating system and hardware. You can also use an HD converter to change your videos’ resolution, whether you want to enhance the quality or reduce the resolution to produce smaller file sizes.

In the table below, we’ve described the most popular and available desktop programs and online services to convert HD videos. Each of them has its pros and cons, so choose according to your needs.

OS: Windows, Mac

Best for: fast HD conversion and editing

G2 rating: 4.5/5, 3 reviews

One of the most reliable tools to convert video to HD file formats is Movavi Video Converter, which you can download for Windows or Mac computers. Using this tool doesn't require any expertise, and it's easy to pick up and use for anyone. If you would like to use this high-quality video converter, the steps below will explain how to convert video to an HD quality. You may find our tool to be the best HD video converter to meet your file conversion needs, whether using it for PC or Mac devices.

How to use Movavi’s HD video converter app

1. Download the program, install it, and launch.
2. Click Add Media and select the Add video option to import your files.
3. Open the Video tab and select the appropriate preset from the HD/Full HD or 4K Ultra HD group.
4. Hit Convert.

You can also read a detailed guide by clicking the link below.

Go to step-by-step instructions

Pros

With Movavi Video Converter, you can benefit from top-quality and fast media conversion, access a library of a wide range of file formats for nearly any device, and convert images, audio, and other file types beyond video. You can use it as an HD to MP4 converter, for instance, or you can convert your video to a format compatible with your mobile device. This HD video converter with a free download features over 200 presets for the latest devices, including smartphones, cameras, and computers from brands like Apple, Samsung, Sony, Xiaomi, and many others. You can also reduce file sizes without any loss of quality, or you can reduce the resolution and use the app to convert video to 720p or lower resolutions. Movavi Video Converter also enables you to edit your files with the ability to crop, trim, rotate, and adjust the quality of your videos.

Cons

The converter doesn’t let you import videos by a URL, so you can only upload files from your computer. Another drawback is that the app isn’t compatible with Linux.

OS: Windows

Best for: simple format choice

TopTenReviews rating: 3.1/5

This simple video conversion tool supports video up to 4K, both as an input and an output resolution. Besides, it can upload the final videos to websites like YouTube automatically. With simple format choice and comprehensive profile settings, you can convert 4K videos to any format you need.

How to convert videos with AVS Video Converter

1. Download and install the app.
2. Click Menu, then Add files to add the videos you want to process.
3. Select the format you want to use from the Formats tab.
4. Choose an appropriate option from the Profile list.
5. Click Convert Now! to launch the conversion.

Pros

AVS Video Converter is easy to use, has a free trial version, and can export videos in the 4K quality. Also, getting a one-year subscription lets you not only convert videos without watermarks but also edit them, burn to disk, and make adjustments to the audio.

Cons

The main con you’ll face with this app is that the converted videos in the free version have watermarks. It’s common for this type of programs, so you’re very likely to face this issue with many other free versions of paid video converters.

OS: Windows

Best for: multifunctional work with videos

CNET rating: 3.8/5, 14 reviews

The WonderFox converter can help you convert videos to 500+ formats and devices.

WonderFox is not only a converter – it combines several functions, including video editing and recording. It also lets you download videos from YouTube, Vimeo, and other platforms.

How to convert videos with HD Video Converter Factory Pro

1. Visit the WonderFox website to download the app.
2. Open the program and click Converter.
3. Click Add Files and select the videos you want to convert.
4. In the right part of the program window, you can change the output format. To change the resolution, click Parameter settings and select the appropriate option from the Resolution drop-down list.
5. Hit Run and then click Try it to continue the conversion in the trial mode.

Pros

With WonderFox HD Video Converter Factory Pro, you can convert videos to 720p, 1080p, and 4K. The app supports batch conversion, so you can easily process several files at one time. The software also uses hardware acceleration to provide high conversion speed. The interface of the program is simple, so you won’t have to spend much time learning how to navigate the app.

Cons

The main drawback is that there are some limitations in the free trial version. For example, you can only videos up to 5-minutes in length, and the fast conversion mode is not available. Downloads from websites are also limited to 5 videos. You can use the trial version for 7 days, then you’ll have to buy a registered copy to continue using the software.

OS: Windows, macOS, GNU/Linux, Solaris, BSD

Best for: converting and playing videos

CNET rating: 4.6/5, 37 reviews

For an HD video converter for PC that also functions as a universal media player, consider using VLC, also known as VideoLAN Client.

VLC is a free open source multimedia player designed for multiple platforms, including Mac, Windows, and Linux operating systems. It can play media files along with DVDs, VCDs, and CDs, and you can also use it for streaming videos. In addition to playing media, you can also use it as an HD to MP4 video converter or use it to convert media to many other supported formats.

VLC is one of the most well-established pieces of software out there, which means that it’s both reliable and safe to use. You never need to worry about downloading any ads, spyware, or user tracking along with the program, and it’s incredibly easy to install and use on any device. The main advantage of VLC is that it plays a majority of codecs without the need to download any additional codec package, as it’s compatible with MPEG-4, MPEG-2, H.264, WebM, MKV, and others. You can also customize the software with added skins or create skins using the VLC skin editor, which helps you create the look you want for your VLC player.

How to convert your videos using VLC

1. Download the app and launch it.
2. Open the Media menu and pick Convert / Save. In the new window, hit Add and select the file for conversion. Click Convert / Save.
3. In the Profile section, select the desired format for export.
4. Then click the Wrench icon, go to the Video codec tab and open the Resolution tab. Set the width and height you need. Hit Save.
5. Click Browse and indicate the folder where you want to save the video.
6. Hit Start.

Pros

If you want to use the player to convert HD videos to other formats, it’s a perfectly capable converter that can convert nearly any file format. Whether you want to use it as an MP4 to HD converter or work with other formats, it’s user-friendly and consistently dependable. After many years of updates, you can also count on this player to come with minimal issues compared to other free software that hasn’t been around as long. It’s also fast and can complete high-quality conversions quickly.

Cons

There are a couple of problems that may deter users from relying on VLC. For one, the somewhat outdated design isn’t the most appealing for many, and it’s not the most intuitive. Some users have also reported issues when using VLC to play DVDs. Also, many editing features are absent if you want more advanced software to adjust video quality or make other changes.

OS: Windows Vista/7/8/8.1/10

Best for: simple conversion to 720p or 1080p

CNET rating: 4/5, 864 reviews

If you’re looking for a 100% free converter that can convert nearly any HD format, including Blu-ray video, Freemake Video Converter is another reliable option.

It’s one of the most versatile converters out there, with other 250 file formats supported, including 1080p and 720p HD MP4, MTS, TS, MKV, MOV, and more. If you want to use it to change your videos’ resolution, you can also use it as a 1080p to 720p converter or other resolutions. At the same time, you can also use it to convert videos without any loss of quality.

How to convert videos to HD with Freemake

1. Download the app from the developer’s website and open it.
2. Click Video on the upper panel and import your video.
3. Choose the target format from the list at the bottom of the program. Then open the Preset drop-down list and select the desired resolution.
4. Hit Convert.

Pros

Freemake Video Converter specifically recommends converting to video formats using H.264 codec, which includes MP4, MKV, and AVI. You have the option of choosing either 1080p or 720p presets. It’s easy to simply upload your video, select the output format, and begin the conversion. In addition to conversion, Freemake also offers free DVD burner software if you want to use it to burn high-quality DVDs. You can count on Freemake Video Converter to help you convert your favorite videos of nearly any quality and format, including video to SWF and DVD to MP4 conversions.

Cons

While Freemake Video Converter is very convenient, versatile, and easy to use, it’s also missing a lot of editing features that you may look for in addition to a basic converter. The conversion speed in the free version is lower than in the paid one, and the output videos will have a watermark.

OS: Windows, Mac

Best for: conversion and basic editing

Trustpilot rating: 4.3/5, 161 reviews

WinX HD Video Converter Deluxe lets you convert, compress, and edit videos. It also allows you to download 4K and HD movies from different websites. The program supports popular video formats and provides ready-made presets for mobile devices.

Thanks to GPU acceleration, the converter can process files up to 47 times faster than in normal mode. If you need to edit your videos, use the provided tools to cut, merge, crop your file, and more.

How to use WinX HD Video Converter Deluxe

1. Visit the developer’s website and download the program.
2. Run the converter, click Video in the upper part of the program windows, and choose the videos to add.
3. In the dialogue windows that opens, select the appropriate output option. Click OK.
4. Click the Cogwheel icon to open the settings. From the Resolution drop-down list, select the values you need. Hit OK.
5. Click RUN to launch the conversion.

Pros

WinX HD Video Converter Deluxe can process large 4K videos and compress them to smaller sizes, edit, or convert to other formats. If you need to convert your video to an HD format, the app also offers several options. With its intuitive interface, WinX HD Video Converter Deluxe is easy to navigate, even for inexperienced users.

Cons

You can use the app for free during the trial version, which has certain limitations. It lets you convert videos no longer than 5 minutes. The editing features are basic, so if you need more advanced tools, like color correction, you’ll have to use additional programs.

OS: Windows, Mac

Best for: converting for mobile devices

CNET rating: 4.9/5, 9 reviews

Pavtube HD Video Converter can work with advanced HD video formats, like TS, MTS, MOD, MKV, etc. And it can also convert your videos to HD in one of the following formats: MP4, MOV, MPG, TS, MKV, WMV, AVI.

The program features optimized audio and video sync technology, so you can be sure you won’t have troubles with video and audio tracks not synced in the output video.

How to convert a video to an HD format using Pavtube HD Video Converter

1. Download, install, and launch the program.
2. Hit Add video in the top-left corner of the converter and upload your video to the program.
3. Find the Format drop-down list in the lower part of the program and pick the output format.
4. Then click Settings and choose the appropriate option in the Size field. Click OK.
5. Hit Convert.

Pros

It’s easy to work in the program, even for beginners. And if you find it hard to master the program on your own, there are useful guides on the developer’s website. HD format using Pavtube HD Video Converter supports a wide range of formats, and it also lets you convert your videos for a particular device or media player.

Cons

However, only the trial version is free, and it has some downsides, like a watermark on your output videos. The interface is simple, but it may seem a bit outdated.

OS: Windows, Mac, Linux

Best for: converting DVD videos

CNET rating: 3.5/5, 155 reviews

HandBrake can help you convert your video to an HD format compatible with your mobile phone, computer, media player, tablet, or web browser – the program offers various presets. And it supports DVD video, letting you work with titles, chapter markers, and subtitles.

How to change video formats in HandBrake

1. Go to the HandBrake website and download the program.
2. Launch the app and drag your files into the program.
3. In the Format field, you can choose between MP4 and MKV.
4. Adjust the resolution in the Dimension tab.
5. Click Start Encode.

Pros

This software is open-source and absolutely free. The developers are still working on the program and provide updates. Apart from changing the video format and resolution, you can adjust other settings – change video bitrate and frame rate, change video and audio codecs.

Cons

The HandBrake website lacks guides and tutorials, so it might be hard for some users to figure out how to work in this program. The interface is a bit outdated. HandBrake can only convert videos to two formats – MP4 and MKV. These formats are very popular, but if you need a wider range of options, HandBrake won’t be useful.

OS: Windows, Mac, Linux

Best for: converting, recording, and streaming

G2 rating: 4.6/5, 19 reviews

FFmpeg is a free tool that allows you to convert, record, and stream audio/video. Developers also use FFmpeg to create their own software on its basis. The app supports many video formats, so you have a wide choice of output options. To work in FFmpeg, you need to use a command line.

How to convert files with FFmpeg

1. Visit the FFmpeg website to download the program.
2. Put your videos in the same folder where FFmpeg is located.
3. In the folder, hold Shift and right-click, select the option Open PowerShell window here. This will open the command prompt.
4. To change the video format, you’ll need this command:
   
   ffmpeg -i input.mp4 output.avi

   The file names here are just an example, you should type the real name of your input video.

   To set an HD resolution, use the following command, changing the width and height values as you need:

   ffmpeg -i input.mp4 -vf scale=1280:720 output.mp4
   
   Then press Enter

Pros

FFmpeg is a powerful tool, and it is more than just a converter. If you master this software, you’ll enjoy many possibilities of working with multimedia. You can use FFmpeg absolutely for free, and if you appreciate the software, you can always make donations to the developers.

Cons

For inexperienced users, this tool may seem hard to use. To make use of the functions FFmeg provides, you’ll need to learn the documentation. Otherwise, it’s not obvious which commands to use to get the result you want.

OS: any, web-based

Best for: converting videos under 1080p

Trustpilot rating: 2.7/5, 4 reviews

HDconvert is a video converter to HD 1080p online, which makes it easy to convert videos to full 1080p or 4K quality without any file size limit and any need for any type of software or plugins.

You can use HDconvert to convert your videos online, with the ability to compress videos to smaller file sizes or convert high-quality videos at some of the fastest speeds available. The converter supports a wide range of video file formats, including MP4, MOV, and AVI.

How to convert low-quality video to HD:

1. Open the converter’s website and click Convert file now.
2. Click Convert video to MP4. The MP4 format is selected by default, you’ll be able to change the format later.
3. Hit Select files and import your video. Click Next.
4. Now you can change the export format if needed. Click Next to proceed.
5. Select the quality for your output video and hit Next.
6. Adjust additional settings if you need, then click Next.
7. Hit Convert 1 file to start the conversion process.
8. Click Download to save the converted file to your computer.

Pros

What makes HDconvert so efficient is that it’s entirely cloud-based, enabling you to upload your video files to the website’s cloud services and convert them at high speeds without client-side resource allocation. Using HDconvert, you can convert files anywhere and from any device, experience conversion speeds of up to 900 frames-per-second, and choose from several output qualities and formats. To protect users’ privacy and data security, the server will delete your files 24 hours after saving your converted videos. For high-resolution videos, quality options range from 720p to 4K Ultra HD but keep in mind that the output quality will depend on the quality of the original file. You can also compress files to resolutions as low as 240p if you want to reduce quality and file size. HDconvert also offers customer support if you have any questions about the converter or need assistance.

Cons

The only problem with this 1080p video converter is that the free version comes with certain limitations. For example, all converted videos using the free version will feature an HDconvert watermark. HD conversion of 1080p and higher resolutions is also only available with the paid version starting at $4.99, but each plan comes with a one-time payment as opposed to regular monthly or annual rates.

OS: any, web-based

Best for: easy online conversion

Trustpilot rating: 3/5, 5 reviews

For a convenient video converter to HD quality that can convert video to HD 1080p and other resolutions, FreeConvert.com is another solid choice. It’s a simple website that features a basic converter design to have you convert your favorite videos in short order. You can use this video converter to HD 720p online for free without a watermark put on your videos.

How to convert videos with FreeConvert.com

1. Open the website and click Choose Files to import your video.
2. Click the Cogwheel icon to open the settings window. In the Video Screen Size field, select the appropriate option. Change other settings if needed and click Apply Settings.
3. Hit Convert To MP4, and when the conversion is done, click Download MP4.

Pros

FreeConvert.com supports over 60 different file formats, including MKV, MP4, WebM, AVI, and many others, whether you’re looking for a 1080p converter or another quality level. When it comes to quality, FreeConvert.com allows you to convert to 1080p and other resolutions, offering you the ability to adjust resolution, bitrate, and other settings before converting. It’s also entirely secure, boasting 256-bit SSL encryption, and the platform also automatically deletes converted files after 2 hours, which helps ensure your data will never fall into the wrong hands.

Cons

Some downsides you may find with FreeConvert.com may include the lack of editing features, as you can’t do much to modify your videos beyond basic adjustments. If you want to access additional features such as increased maximum file sizes, unlimited conversions, and batch conversion capabilities, you will need to pay for one of their premium versions, which start with a basic plan at $9.99 per month.