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Alternatives · Screen Recording

HandBrake alternatives

As of Nov 12, 2026, the highest-graded HandBrake alternative is DaVinci Resolve (3.4 GPA). It's also the best free one.

HandBrake compared with 4 alternatives: Shotcut, Kdenlive, DaVinci Resolve and OpenShot.

HandBrake is free to use. All 4 alternatives are free or have a free plan.

Listings checked up to Nov 12, 2026 · Where the facts come from

At a glance

ToolPriceFree planRuns on
HandBrakeThis toolFreeFreemacOS, Windows, Linux
ShotcutFreeFreemacOS, Windows, Linux
KdenliveFreeFreemacOS, Windows, Linux
DaVinci ResolveFree plan · from $94.99YesmacOS, Windows, Linux, iOS
OpenShotFreeFreemacOS, Windows, Linux

Price against what you get

HandBrake has no paid plan and scores 2.0 out of 4 on features, ease of use and platforms. None of the 3 alternatives on this chart both scores higher and starts lower.

Kdenlive and OpenShot score higher without starting lower.

Features, ease of use and platforms, averaged

C2.0B3.0A4.0Free$2$5$10$20$50$100More for lessCosts more, scores moreCosts less, scores lessCosts more, scores lessHandBrakeShotcutKdenlive

What paid plans start at, a month (each step along is roughly double) →

  • The best score at each price
  • Has a free plan
  • No free plan
The full chart of screen recording and video tools, and the best at every price

How each one differs from HandBrake

  1. Shotcut

    Free open-source video editor for Windows, Mac and Linux

    • Shotcut is free.
    • Shotcut also covers screen recording.
    • Shotcut does not cover file compression, which HandBrake does.

    Suits: People who want a free editor with no watermark or account

    Shotcut vs HandBrakeShotcut pricing and details

  2. Kdenlive

    Free, open-source non-linear video editor from the KDE community

    • Kdenlive is free.
    • Kdenlive also covers transcription.
    • Kdenlive does not cover file compression, which HandBrake does.

    Suits: Editors who want a free, open-source desktop editor

    Kdenlive vs HandBrakeKdenlive pricing and details

  3. DaVinci Resolve

    Video editing, color, effects and audio post-production in one app

    • DaVinci Resolve starts at $94.99 for Studio on iPad (in-app purchase); $236 for desktop Studio (was $295).
    • DaVinci Resolve also lists an iOS app.
    • DaVinci Resolve can be bought with a one-time purchase.
    • DaVinci Resolve also covers noise cancellation.
    • DaVinci Resolve does not cover file compression, which HandBrake does.

    Suits: Editors and colorists who want editing, color, effects and audio in one app

    DaVinci Resolve vs HandBrakeDaVinci Resolve pricing and details

  4. OpenShot

    Free, open-source video editor for Linux, Mac and Windows

    • OpenShot is free.
    • OpenShot also covers screen recording.
    • OpenShot does not cover file compression, which HandBrake does.

    Suits: Beginners who want a free editor with no watermark

    OpenShot vs HandBrakeOpenShot pricing and details

Limits worth knowing in HandBrake

  • It converts video only; the project says it does not combine clips, so editing needs other software.
  • It does not work with DRM-protected video or copy-protected discs.
  • Officially supported hardware starts at 16 GB of memory for 1080p and 32 GB for 4K.
HandBrake pricing and details

Common questions

What are the alternatives to HandBrake?

The alternatives to HandBrake in this directory are Shotcut, Kdenlive, DaVinci Resolve and OpenShot. Each one has a side-by-side comparison with HandBrake.

Is there a free alternative to HandBrake?

Yes. Shotcut, Kdenlive and OpenShot are free to use. DaVinci Resolve has a free plan alongside paid ones.

Which HandBrake alternatives work on iOS?

The HandBrake listing does not include an iOS app. DaVinci Resolve lists one.

When were these prices checked?

Each listing shows its own date. On this page they run from Nov 2, 2026 to Nov 12, 2026. Vendors change prices without notice, so confirm on their site before you buy.

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