Best Video Compression Apps on macOS


Video conversion is a process used for the transition between different container formats and codecs. They are the encoding algorithms for video and audio streams. Video codecs have the power to convert the video stream, but they require different audio codecs to encode sound. This means your video codec requires a kind of digital box: a container to hold everything. The codec is what actually compresses the video, turning it from pictures into bits and bytes. Hence, if you want to adjust the file quality or size of your video, you’ll need to adjust the codec.

Container formats are the digital “boxes” that contain your video file, synced audio files, subtitle files, and other media streams. They often appear to the consumer as the extension of the file, like .mkv and .mp4. While some codec algorithms get strongly associated with certain container formats, they are not identical. Video is an inherently multi-stream multi-media format, including audio and video, so container formats are available separately. This allows you to select your “bucket” but independently choose what to put in it. If you’re on the lookout for the best video compression apps on macOS, here are some great options you can choose from.

VideoProc Converter

VideoProc is a video compression tool perfect for beginners. It’s simple, easy to use, and has the ability to keep the quality of your original video while compressing. The simplest method is to enter your goal file size, such as 8MB, 25MB, etc., and an output format, such as MP4, MOV, MKV, etc., to save the file in the desired size and format. You can also minimize video file size by downscaling 4K to 1080p/720p, transcoding videos to HEVC, adjusting frame rate, bit rate, and so on. You can download the converted file in MP3 or MP4 format, depending on where you intend to upload it next. VideoProc supports over 1,000 video sites, so it’s got you covered.

Clideo

Clideo is an online app that allows users to compress the size of their videos. Some of the websites that it supports include Facebook and YouTube. Aside from resizing, you can also use its drag and drop functionality. In addition, you can also crop your videos using this online tool. In case you’re worried about security, this app uses an SSL certification to protect your files. Moreover, you can also change your vertical clips into horizontal videos by using this app. The memory limit is 500MB for it to remain free.

MPEG Streamclip

As an open-source graphical front end for ffmpeg and similar utilities, MPEG Streamclip is barebones but powerful. You won’t need to poke it hard to make it crash or break, but you’ll find the greatest degree of power and capability included in this single application. It’s reliable enough and free so it’s become a must-have utility in open source circles.

Handbrake

While it’s best known as a tool for ripping DVDs and Blu-Rays, Handbrake can also convert video files from one format into another. Multiple clips can be queued simultaneously, quickly racking up large lists of file conversions and chewing through them with ease. Conversions can be processor-heavy since Handbrake will generally chew up any resources it can get its hands on.

Compressor

Compressor is a professional-grade video compression and encoding utility built especially for use with Final Cut Pro. As such, it provides options far outside the norm and a difficult-to-wrangle interface. But it also exposes impressive power, enabling professional-grade compression with computation controls that can take advantage of cluster and multi-core computing efficiencies. If you’re a professional editor, Compressor is the tool of choice on macOS.

VideoProc

VideoProc is a video compression tool perfect for beginners. It’s simple, easy to use, and has the ability to keep the quality of your original video while compressing. You can either download the converted file to MP3 or MP4 depending on where you’re going to upload it next. VideoProc supports over 1,000 video sites so it pretty much has you covered. If you’re into live streams, you can also use this tool to record and compress your videos.

Movavi Video Converter

Another video compression tool worth checking out is the Movavi Video Converter. This app also allows users to compress videos while still maintaining its original quality. It supports several video formats such as MP4, AVI, MOV, and MKV so you have a lot of choices for this one. If you’re concerned with other people stealing your videos, this app enables users to insert a watermark in the video so the credit is always there. Plus, you can also easily change the format of your clips depending on what device you’ll be watching it on thanks to Movavi Video Converter.

Clipchamp

Tired of video compression apps that take too long to process? If so, check out this video compression tool called Clipchamp. Unlike other apps that cause delays when you try to compress videos, Clipchamp does the job with ease. You don’t have to install any software to compress videos with this one, as it can be used online. Thanks to this, you also get to save storage space. Furthermore, this app also supports several media formats like MOV, AVI, and MP4. If you have a lot of videos to compress, you can do so in batches through this app.

YouCompress

YouCompress is a free media compressor based on the cloud. You don’t have to worry about security with this one, as it uses HTTPS connection to process your file. Some of the formats that it supports include MP4 and MOV. Registration isn’t required for you to be able to enjoy its great features such as unlimited file compression. Aside from Mac, you can also use this on your iOS, so you can basically use it wherever you go and at your own convenience.

Final Cut Pro X

One of the most famous video compression tools right now is the Final CutPro X. Published by Apple Inc., it features a simple user interface so you don’t get confused on how to navigate it. Aside from compression, you can also edit your videos in this app. Final Cut Pro X also allows users to export videos in High-Efficiency Video Coding (HEVC) if that’s the type of file you’re looking to convert your videos to. Thanks to this app, the original quality of your videos can also be maintained even after compression.

Online UniConverter

Online UniConverter is an online video compression tool that anyone can use for free. It supports solutions from 480p to 1080p and 4K. Even though it’s free, this video compressor supports unlimited files of different formats like MP4, MOV, and FLV. Similar to YouCompress, Online UniConverter also utilizes HTTPS connection to ensure that your files are safe and secure. After conversion, you can save your videos in Dropbox or share it on different social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube.

You might also like the following posts:

Adding Titles and Text to Videos in Final Cut Pro X

Using the Video & Audio Encoder Tools in MacOS

Elmedia Video Player Is a Polished Replacement for VLC


Kossi Adzo

Kossi Adzo is a technology enthusiast and digital strategist with a fervent passion for Apple products and the innovative technologies that orbit them. With a background in computer science and a decade of experience in app development and digital marketing, Kossi brings a wealth of knowledge and a unique perspective to the Apple Gazette team.

2 Comments

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  1. Sometimes we need a video for some limited time and memory. For Mac users, these are the best Apps for Video Compression. This article would be very useful to me. I will share this post. keep posing.