As the camera develops, so does the video quality. People can easily enjoy 4K and even 8K videos nowadays. However, the resulting large file size can be troublesome. Fortunately, many video compression tools can be found on the market. This article reviews the 7 best video compressors, covering online and desktop options. For whatever you want to do, shrink video file sizes for faster loading times, more storage space, or better streaming performance, you will find the best video compressor that meets your needs here.
1. Media.io Online Video Compressor (Online)
Your first try can start with Media.io Online Video Compressor. It serves as the best free video compressor online that can compress a video without losing quality. Moreover, it supports almost all video formats (MP4, MOV, MKV, etc) and exports the video in its original format. With a wide range of output quality (from 144P to 8K), it can match your diverse output needs.
Unlike other video compressors online for free, this tool boasts a super-fast upload speed and advanced compression performance to greatly improve your efficiency. Video editing and AI tools are available to enhance your compressed videos. Plus, the best part is that this tool features a user-friendly interface so that even beginners can quickly learn how to get started. You just need 3 easy steps, then you can compress video file size on your PC, iPhone, or Android device with ease.
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2. Zamzar (Online)
Zamzar, a well-known file compression tool, also offers online free video compressors for MP4, AVI, and MOV videos. Moreover, it features a clear interface with no ads, providing a user-friendly compression process.
However, it is not a dedicated online video file compressor, so Zamzar might lack some must-have features for video compression. For example, you find no entrance to adjust video resolution, bitrate, frame rate, and so on. If you prefer to compress a video online with advanced features, Medio.io Online Video Compressor is a better choice.
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3. iMovie (Mac)
iMovie, which comes with Apple devices, can also be the best video compressor for free. In addition to basic video editing functions, it also has a built-in set of video encoding and format conversion functions, which allows users to use it to shorten video duration, customize video resolution, bitrate, and other parameters to control video file size.
Although iMovie is simple to operate, its compatibility is poor compared to dedicated video file compressors. It cannot compress MKV videos and many uncommon video formats. In addition, its compression algorithm can result in obvious quality loss.
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4. Windows Movie Maker (Windows)
For Windows users who need the best video compressor similar to iMovie for Mac, Windows Movie Maker can be counted. To get a smaller video file, you just need to load a video file and customize output settings. After that, you can get a compressed video.
However, it comes with limited features. It only supports a few popular video formats like MP4、AVI, and MPEG, with no support for compressing videos in MOV, MKV, etc. Moreover, all compressed videos will be saved in H.264 MP4 or WMV. If your computer has installed Windows Movie Maker, then give it a try. Otherwise, it is best to consider other versatile options.
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5. VLC Media Player (Windows. Mac)
VLC goes beyond an open-source media player but embeds additional options for a video file compressor. You can go to “Media” > “Convert/Save” to configure encoding parameters like bitrate, frame rate, and resolution to make video files smaller.
However, for non-savvy users, it might be challenging as it lacks clear instructions to do so. Moreover, if you don’t want to download additional software, try the best online video compressors like Media.io Online Video Compressor.
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6. Handbrake (Windows, Mac, Linux)
To seek a free video compressor with advanced features, Handbrake is one of them. This tool excels in reducing file size without significant quality loss, ensuring that users can enjoy the benefits of compression without compromising the video quality. Moreover, its powerful ability to customize video parameters is also helpful for advanced users who need more control over video compression.
However, with so many features, beginners can be overwhelmed by its complicated interface. Plus, if you’ve made incorrect settings, it is possible to end up with a file that is larger than what you started with.
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7. FFmpeg (Windows, Mac, Linux)
FFmpeg is an open-source tool that can be used to process various tasks of video and audio, including video compression. This tool provides various customizable parameters and options, allowing users to fine-tune the video encoder, bitrate, resolution, etc., so as to achieve the best compression results.
Unlike other video compressors, it can automate the process of lowering the video bitrate, reducing the video resolution, converting the video format, etc. by entering the right commands. For users who are familiar with encoding, FFmpeg is the best video compressor without a doubt. However, it may pose a challenge for those who have never used a command line before.
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Conclusion
The best video compressor helps effectively reduce video file size without quality loss. Have you found the right tool for your needs after reading this article? For beginners, Media.io Online Video Compressor and Zamzar are both good starting points because they are the best free video compressors online with ease of use.
On the other hand, if you need more advanced features, you can consider using HandBrake or FFmpeg, but they may be complicated to use for many. Overall, Media.io may be the best choice because it strikes a good balance between ease of use and functionality, being able to compress a video without losing quality after 3 simple steps.
