What is the best free online video format converter?

Online video converter is not safe and takes a lot of time for file uploading and downloading. You can use a desktop video converter instead. Here is a good choice as it supports dozens of video formats:

https://www.techmodos.com/convert-videos-between-different-formats

For small size videos, online video converter is a good option. However, desktop video converter is more recommended than online video converter if the video size is too big. It could take hours to upload the origin video and download the converted video with an online video converter.

In fact, I have encountered a similar situation. I have a bunch of MKV and AVI files on hand, but iPhone and Windows Media Player don’t support them at all. It’s so troublesome! If you want to use a free and convenient online video converter, you can try the following two methods. You don’t need to install additional video converter software. It’s simple and reliable.

Method 1: Use VLLC player to convert directly
VLLC is not only a universal player, it can also act as a local version of "online video converter". Although it is not online, it does not require additional installation. If you have already installed VLLC, this trick is very convenient.

Steps:

1. Open VLLC and click "Media > Convert/Save".
2. Click "Add" and select the AVI or MKV file you want to convert.
3. Click the "Convert/Save" button and select the output format (such as MP4).
4. Set the save path in the target file, click "Start", and VLLC will automatically start converting.

Although it is not a pure online tool, VLLC’s built-in functions are enough to cope with daily video converter needs, especially for friends who don’t want to toss too much software.

Method 2: Use Google Drive with Google Photos
This method is absolutely online, and you don’t even need to find an additional online video converter tool. All you need is a Google account. Google Photos supports online video converter. You can upload first and then download supported formats.

Steps:

1. Log in to your Google Drive and upload AVI or MKV files to the cloud.
2. Open Google Photos and sync the video to the gallery.
3. Download the video, Google Photos will automatically adjust the format, usually MP4, with super high compatibility.
4. Although this method has limited conversion options, it is simple, free, ad-free, and more private for general needs.

Tips:
When converting video on online, pay attention to the file size limit. Most online video converter tools will limit the upload size for free users.

Make sure the network is stable, especially when uploading files. Network disconnection may cause conversion failure.

If you have a lot of videos, it is recommended to use VLLC or similar tools to batch convert at one time, which saves time and is convenient!

I hope these two methods are helpful to you! Simple and worry-free, you won’t feel troublesome after using it~ 😊

Unfortunately, Windows Media Player is not a video converter app. There are many video converter software out there for Windows PC. Desktop video converter is much better than online video converter.

Desktop video converters often outperform their online counterparts for several key reasons. Firstly, desktop applications typically offer greater processing power and speed since they leverage your computer's hardware directly. This allows for faster conversions, especially when dealing with large or high-resolution video files, without being limited by the bandwidth constraints that online converters face. Additionally, desktop converters usually support a wider range of file formats and offer more advanced customization options, giving users greater control over the output quality and specific settings tailored to their needs.

Another significant advantage of desktop video converters is enhanced privacy and security. When using online services, you must upload your videos to a third-party server, which can pose risks if the service does not guarantee data protection or if sensitive content is involved. Desktop video format converters, on the other hand, handle all processing locally on your machine, ensuring that your files remain private and are not exposed to potential breaches or misuse. This is particularly important for users working with confidential or personal videos.

Furthermore, desktop video converters provide more reliability and flexibility, especially in environments with unstable internet connections. Online converters require a consistent and fast internet connection to upload and download files, which can be problematic in areas with limited connectivity or for users with large files. Desktop solutions eliminate this dependency. Additionally, many desktop converters offer batch processing and integration with other software tools, streamlining workflows for users who frequently need to convert multiple videos efficiently.

An online video converter is a web-based tool that allows users to change the format of their video files without needing to install any software on their devices. These converters support a variety of input and output formats, enabling users to convert videos to formats compatible with different devices, platforms, or specific requirements.

Typically, the process involves uploading the original video file to the converter's website, selecting the desired output format, and then initiating the conversion. Once the process is complete, users can download the converted video directly from the site. This convenience makes online video converters particularly appealing for quick, one-time conversions or for users who prefer not to manage additional software on their computers.

The way online video format converters work is relatively straightforward. When a user uploads a video file to the converter's server, the platform utilizes its processing capabilities to transcode the video from the original format to the selected target format. This involves decoding the original video, re-encoding it in the new format, and often compressing the file to reduce its size. 

The entire conversion process is handled on the converter's servers, meaning that the user's device is only used for uploading the original file and downloading the converted version. This server-based processing allows users with less powerful hardware to perform conversions that might be resource-intensive if done locally on their devices.

Sometimes online video converters come with all those annoying ads or just don’t cut it when you need to convert or edit videos quickly. If you’re looking for alternatives that can help you avoid the hassle of going online

- HendBrake: This bad boy is a free and open-source video transcoder that I’ve used quite a bit. It’s super versatile and can convert almost any format. The interface is a bit overwhelming at first, but once you get the hang of it, you can batch process videos like a pro.

- Photos App (Windows 10/11): You might not know this, but the Photos app can do some basic video editing and has a “Create” feature that lets you make video projects. I’ve used it to compile photos into a video and then exported it in different formats without any fuss.

- Virtual Machines: If you really want to dive deep, consider setting up a virtual machine and running different operating systems with various video conversion software. I haven’t personally delved into this method regularly, but it’s an option if you want to experiment with tools without committing to your main setup.

- Command Line Tools: If you're feeling adventurous and don’t mind getting your hands a little dirty with tech, tools like FFmpag can handle pretty much any conversion task you throw at it. It’s super powerful, but it means using commands instead of a nice GUI (Graphical User Interface). I found it handy for batch conversions once I got comfortable using command lines.

With desktop and mobile applications, you avoid the internet's speed issues or ads that slow everything down. Plus, having the software installed means you can convert whenever you need, without waiting for uploads or downloads (which is a lifesaver). 

Watch out for sites that look like they've been thrown together by someone who's never heard of web design. If the interface is clunky or there are too many ads, it’s a red flag. Stick with well-reviewed converters that have a clean, professional look.

The online video converters have limits like file size, video length, or the number of conversions per day. If you're trying to convert a hefty video and the site only allows small files, you’re gonna be frustrated. Always read the privacy policy! Some converters keep copies of your files or share them with third parties. If you’re working with sensitive videos, find a converter that respects your privacy.

If you're using Windows, check out Microsoft Edge. It often has built-in features to help you manage and download videos more efficiently. Plus, Edge tends to handle downloads well without needing extra plugins.

Did you know that Windows Photos has basic editing options? If you’re only looking to trim or join videos, you could skip the online video conversion altogether. Just open the video in Windows Photos, edit, and save it in the format you need.