Comparison
Compresto vs HandBrake
HandBrake is the gold standard free video encoder. Compresto trades deep encoding controls for an all-in-one experience covering video, images, and PDFs with a polished Mac-native interface.
Feature Comparison
| Feature | Compresto | HandBrake |
|---|---|---|
| Platform | macOS only | macOS, Windows, Linux |
| Video compression | ||
| Image compression | ||
| PDF compression | ||
| Batch processing | ||
| Hardware acceleration | ||
| Drag & drop | ||
| Price model | One-time purchase / free tier | Free & open-source |
Compresto Strengths
- All-in-one: compress video, images, and PDFs in one app
- Native macOS UI with a clean, minimal design
- No encoder knowledge required — sensible defaults out of the box
- Image and PDF workflows not possible in HandBrake
HandBrake Strengths
- Completely free with no file size or usage limits
- Deep encoding controls (codec, bitrate, filters) for power users
- Cross-platform — works on Windows and Linux too
Choose Compresto when...
- You compress videos, images, and PDFs as part of one workflow
- You want a native Mac experience without configuring encoder settings
- You prefer a one-time purchase to avoid ongoing subscription costs
- You are new to compression and need smart defaults
Choose HandBrake when...
- You need granular encoding control (custom bitrates, codec settings)
- You only compress video and want a completely free solution
- You need cross-platform support on Windows or Linux
Pricing
Compresto
One-time purchase $19.99 or free tier with limits
HandBrake
Free and open-source — no cost ever
Switching from HandBrake?
Drag your video files into Compresto to get an instantly compressed output. No preset configuration needed — Compresto picks optimal settings automatically.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can Compresto replace HandBrake for video compression?
- Yes for most users. Compresto handles everyday video compression on macOS with smart defaults. HandBrake is better if you need codec-level control like custom CRF values or subtitle tracks.
- Does Compresto support the same formats as HandBrake?
- Compresto supports MP4 and MOV — the most common macOS formats. HandBrake supports a wider range of codecs and containers including MKV and AVI.
- Is HandBrake free on Mac?
- Yes, HandBrake is completely free on macOS. Compresto offers a free tier with file size limits and a one-time $19.99 purchase for unlimited use.
- Which tool is faster for batch video compression on Mac?
- Both support hardware acceleration and batch processing. Compresto has a simpler batch workflow — drag a folder and process everything at once. HandBrake requires a queue setup.
- Can HandBrake compress images and PDFs?
- No. HandBrake is a video-only tool. Compresto handles video, images (PNG, JPEG, GIF, SVG, TIFF), and PDF compression in one app.
Other Comparisons
Compresto vs FFmpeg
GUI simplicity vs command-line power — compare Compresto and FFmpeg for Mac video compression.
Compresto vs Shutter Encoder
Compare Compresto and Shutter Encoder to choose the right video compression approach for your Mac.
Compresto vs Permute 3
Two native macOS tools compared — see how Compresto and Permute 3 differ in compression focus and format support.
Compresto vs Apple Compressor
Professional video encoding vs everyday compression — compare Apple Compressor and Compresto for Mac.
Compresto vs VLC
Media player vs dedicated compressor — compare VLC and Compresto for video compression on Mac.
Compresto vs Clideo
Online browser-based compression vs offline Mac app — compare Clideo and Compresto for video compression.