Compresto vs HandBrake: Which Video Compression Tool is Right for You
Choosing between Compresto and HandBrake depends on what you're trying to accomplish. If you want a streamlined, Mac-native experience with one-click compression for videos, images, and PDFs, Compresto is purpose-built for that. If you need granular control over encoding settings and don't mind a steeper learning curve, HandBrake delivers powerful customization for free.
Quick Comparison Overview
Both tools compress video files, but they approach the task from different angles. HandBrake started as a DVD ripper and evolved into a full-featured open-source transcoder. Compresto was designed specifically for Mac users who need fast, high-quality compression without navigating complex settings.
| Feature | Compresto | HandBrake |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Focus | All-in-one compression (video, image, PDF) | Video transcoding and encoding |
| Platform | macOS native | Cross-platform (Mac, Windows, Linux) |
| Learning Curve | Minimal — drag and drop | Moderate to steep |
| Batch Processing | Built-in for all file types | Queue-based for videos |
| Hardware Acceleration | Apple Silicon optimized | VideoToolbox support |
| File Types | MP4, MOV, PNG, JPEG, GIF, PDF, and more | Video formats only |
| Price | Paid with free trial | Free and open-source |
Understanding Each Tool's Strengths
HandBrake: The Power User's Choice
HandBrake is a respected name in video transcoding with over 15 years of development behind it. It offers extensive control over every aspect of the encoding process:
- Codec selection — Choose from H.264, H.265/HEVC, VP9, and others
- Advanced filters — Deinterlacing, denoise, sharpening, rotation
- Subtitle handling — Burn-in, passthrough, or extract subtitles
- Audio tracks — Mix down, normalize, and select multiple audio streams
- Presets — Device-specific presets for Apple TV, Roku, Android, and more
This flexibility makes HandBrake ideal for users who need precise control. Converting a DVD collection? Preparing videos for a specific streaming platform? HandBrake can handle it.
The trade-off is complexity. The interface presents dozens of options, and understanding terms like CRF values, B-frames, and reference frames takes time. For straightforward compression tasks, this can feel like overkill.
Compresto: Built for Speed and Simplicity
Compresto takes a different approach. Rather than exposing every encoding parameter, it focuses on the outcome: smaller files that look great.
- Target file size — Specify exactly how small you need the output (e.g., 8 MB for Discord)
- Quality presets — Choose from predefined compression levels without manual tuning
- Multi-format support — Compress videos, images, and PDFs in one app
- Hardware acceleration — Leverages Apple Silicon for faster processing
- Menubar access — Quick compression without launching a full window
The appeal is workflow speed. Drop a file, pick your target, and get a compressed result. There's no need to understand bitrate calculations or codec differences—Compresto handles the technical decisions.
When to Use Each Tool
Choose HandBrake When You Need:
- Format conversion — Transcoding MKV to MP4, or converting between codecs
- Advanced filtering — Removing noise, deinterlacing old footage, or cropping
- Subtitle work — Burning subtitles into video or managing multiple tracks
- Free software — No budget for paid tools
- Cross-platform workflow — Working across Mac, Windows, and Linux machines
Choose Compresto When You Need:
- Quick compression — Drop a file and get a smaller version fast
- Target file sizes — Meeting specific limits (Discord's 8 MB, email's 25 MB)
- Multi-format workflow — Compressing videos, screenshots, and PDFs together
- Mac-native experience — Menu bar integration and Apple Silicon optimization
- Minimal configuration — Let the app handle codec and bitrate decisions
Workflow Comparison: Compressing a 100 MB Video
Let's compare how each tool handles the same task: reducing a 100 MB screen recording to under 10 MB for sharing.
HandBrake Workflow
- Launch HandBrake and wait for the scan
- Navigate to File > Open Source and select your video
- Choose a preset or configure settings manually
- Adjust the Constant Quality slider (lower CRF = higher quality, larger file)
- Test encode a short section to estimate final size
- Adjust and re-encode until the file size is acceptable
- Click Start Encode
The process requires iteration. You won't know the exact output size until encoding completes, so hitting a specific target often takes multiple attempts.
Compresto Workflow
- Open Compresto (or use the menu bar)
- Drag the video into the window
- Select "Target file size" and enter 10 MB
- Click Compress
- Receive the output file
Compresto calculates the necessary settings automatically to hit your target. The workflow is linear and predictable.
Performance Benchmarks
Processing time depends on your hardware and source file characteristics. On an M1 MacBook Pro, compressing a 2-minute 1080p screen recording:
| Metric | Compresto | HandBrake |
|---|---|---|
| Time to compress | 45 seconds | 38 seconds |
| Output size | 9.8 MB (target: 10 MB) | ~12-15 MB (varies) |
| Steps required | 3 | 6-8 |
| Learning time | Minutes | Hours |
HandBrake's raw encoding speed can be slightly faster, but Compresto's ability to hit exact file sizes eliminates the trial-and-error that often adds time to the overall workflow.
Quality Considerations
Both tools can produce excellent output when configured properly. The difference lies in how they achieve quality:
HandBrake uses Constant Quality (CRF) encoding by default. This prioritizes visual quality but produces variable file sizes. A simple video might compress to 8 MB while a complex one ends up at 20 MB—both using the same settings.
Compresto uses target-size encoding that adjusts quality to fit constraints. You specify the file size, and the app allocates bitrate accordingly. For sharing tasks with specific limits, this approach delivers more predictable results.
For archival purposes where quality is paramount and size doesn't matter, HandBrake's CRF mode offers precise control. For sharing tasks where you need files under a specific size, Compresto's target mode is more practical.
Beyond Video: Compresto's Multi-Format Advantage
A key differentiator is scope. HandBrake is exclusively a video tool. Compresto compresses:
- Videos — MP4, MOV, and other common formats
- Images — PNG, JPEG, GIF, SVG, TIFF
- PDFs — Reduce document sizes while maintaining readability
If your workflow involves preparing assets for web publishing, email, or messaging apps, handling everything in one tool saves time. HandBrake users need separate applications for image and PDF compression.
The Verdict
There's no universal "better" tool—the right choice depends on your needs.
HandBrake is better if you:
- Need detailed control over encoding parameters
- Work with subtitles and multiple audio tracks
- Convert between video formats regularly
- Prefer free, open-source software
- Already understand video encoding concepts
Compresto is better if you:
- Value speed and simplicity over customization
- Need to hit specific file size targets
- Work with videos, images, and PDFs
- Want a polished Mac-native experience
- Prefer to avoid learning encoding terminology
For Mac users who frequently share files and don't want to become video encoding experts, Compresto removes friction from the compression workflow. For those who enjoy fine-tuning settings or have specialized transcoding needs, HandBrake's depth is unmatched.
Ready to simplify your compression workflow? Try Compresto and see how much time you save when the tool handles the technical details for you.