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The advancement in technology has given rise to several media devices that support high resolution videos of up to 4K, which is four times the resolution of HD videos. While this advancement enhances video viewing experience, it also presents a challenge, considering that most media players, TVs, and mobile devices cannot play 4K videos. Therefore, converting 4K videos to a compatible format becomes necessary before sharing, uploading, or playing them on such devices. This is where 4K video converters come in handy.
4K video converters are software programs that convert or compress 4K videos to a lower resolution or format, which is compatible with most devices. However, when it comes to 4K video conversion, not all software programs produce the same quality of output; some have better output quality, while others may be faster, easier to use, or more cost-effective. This article will provide a comprehensive list of the best 8 4K video converters for Windows, with pros and cons, a comparison table, and our thoughts on each of them.
Video Tutorial:
What is a 4K Video Converter?
A 4K video converter is a program that converts videos with a resolution of 4096×2160 pixels (or 3840×2160 pixels) into a compatible format that can be played on most devices. This conversion can be compression of the 4K video into a lower resolution (e.g., 1080P or 720P) or conversion to a different video format (e.g., MP4, MOV, AVI, or WMV format).
The reasons behind converting 4K videos to a compatible format may vary, including the inability of most devices to play 4K videos, the file size, or the need to share the video over the internet. A 4K video converter helps in compressing or converting the video without losing its quality, while making it playable on various devices.
Top 8 Best 4K Video Converters for Windows
Top 1 – Wondershare UniConverter
Wondershare UniConverter is one of the best 4K video converters that we recommend. It is an all-in-one video converter that supports the conversion of 4K video to various formats (including HD), compresses 4K videos with high quality output, and burns 4K videos to DVD. Additionally, it can also download and edit 4K videos, supports up to 30X faster conversion speed, and offers a user-friendly interface.
Pros:
– High-quality output
– Supports a wide range of formats
– Fast conversion speed
– User-friendly interface
Cons:
– The trial version has limitations, including watermarking the output files and limited features
Top 2 – Any Video Converter Ultimate
Any Video Converter Ultimate is another excellent 4K video converter worth mentioning. It supports the conversion of 4K videos to various formats, including HD, and has an intuitive interface that makes it easy to use. Additionally, it can edit videos, download videos from popular sites and convert M2TS files from Blu-ray discs.
Pros:
– User-friendly interface
– Allows video editing
– Fast conversion speed
Cons:
– Free trial version is limited
– The output quality may not be as high as some of the competitors
Top 3 – Handbrake
Handbrake is an open-source 4K video converter for Windows that supports the conversion of video to various formats (including 4K) and is entirely free. It supports batch conversion, and it also has several presets that can help optimize output quality for various devices. Despite being free, Handbrake offers impressive output quality; however, it is not as fast as some of the other 4K video converters on this list.
Pros:
– It’s free
– High-quality output
– Support batch conversion
Cons:
– It is relatively slow compared to more advanced 4K video converters
Top 4 – Freemake Video Converter
Freemake Video Converter is an excellent free 4K video converter that can convert 4K videos into various formats, compress 4K videos, and create photo slideshows. It also allows slight video editing, including cutting, merging and rotating videos. Freemake Video Converter has an intuitive interface that makes it accessible to use even for beginners.
Pros:
– Free
– Intuitive interface
– Several editing options to customize output
Cons:
– The output quality is not as high as some of the competitors
– Almost all features in the free version are locked after a 3-day trial period
Top 5 – Pavtube Video Converter
Pavtube Video Converter is an excellent 4K video converter software with various functionalities. It can convert 4K videos into different formats, edit videos, and has in-built video player as well. Moreover, it can improve video quality via its advanced editing tools that adjust brightness, contrast, and saturation levels. In addition, it can merge two or more videos to create a short movie. Pavtube Video Converter is priced moderately and has three different license types.
Pros:
– Moderate pricing
– Advanced editing tools
– Intuitive UI
Cons:
– Extremely long installation time
– Lack of pre-set for devices
Top 6 – VideoProc
VideoProc is an all-in-one 4K video converter that can quickly convert 4K videos to various formats. Additionally, it is capable of video editing, compressing 4K videos to smaller sizes, resizing, and easy playback optimization. It features a simple user interface that makes it easy to navigate and use effectively.
Pros:
– Fast conversion speed
– Easy to use
– All-in-one features
Cons:
– Trial version has some limitations
Top 7 – Format Factory
Format Factory is a free, all-in-one 4K video converter that can convert 4K videos to various formats and compress files with speed and high-quality output. Format Factory also offers a wide range of editing options and fully customizable settings.
Pros:
– It’s free to use
– Wide format support
– Comes with preset profiles
Cons:
– The user interface may not be intuitive for beginners
– The installer may include potential unwanted software
Top 8 – Free HD Video Converter Factory
Free HD Video Converter Factory is another excellent free 4K video converter that supports the conversion of 4K videos to various formats and compression of files. It has an intuitive interface that makes it user-friendly even for beginners. Moreover, it supports batch videos conversion; it means that a user can convert multiple videos at once. Additionally, it’s advertising-free software.
Pros:
– User-friendly Interface
– Batch conversion
– Free to use
Cons:
– Limited video editing options
– The output quality may not always be consistent
Comparison Table
To further help you make an informed decision, we have prepared a comparison table of the discussed 4K video converters. The comparison criteria include Free Trial, Price, Ease-of-use, Value for Money, and Customer Support.
| Software | Free Trial | Price | Ease of Use | Value for Money | Customer Support |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wondershare UniConverter | Yes | $59.95/YEAR | Very easy | Very High | Email, phone, and live chat |
| Any Video Converter Ultimate | Yes | $59.95/YEAR | Easy | High | |
| Handbrake | Yes | Free | Easy | Very High | Online forum |
| Freemake Video Converter | Yes | $19.95/YEAR | Easy | High | |
| Pavtube Video Converter | No | $35.00 | Moderate | Moderate | Email support |
| VideoProc | Yes | $29.95/YEAR | Easy | High | |
| FormatFactory | No | Free | Hard | Very High | |
| Free HD Video Converter Factory | Yes | All features free | Easy | High |
Our Thoughts on the Best 4K Video Converters
After reviewing all the 4K video converters and weighing their respective pros and cons, we have concluded that Wondershare UniConverter is the best overall 4K video converter. It stands out as an all-in-one package with quality output, advanced editing tools, multiple format support, fast conversion speed, and excellent customer support. Also, Any Video Converter Ultimate and Handbrake offer quality output and an intuitive interface.
For those on a budget, FormatFactory and Free HD Video Converter Factory are the best free 4K video converters with decent output quality. Finally, Pavtube Video Converter and VideoProc are also great options with some great added features.
FAQs
Q1: Can I use these 4K video converters on Mac?
A1: Some of the listed software supports both Mac and Windows platforms. Please check the software’s website for compatibility information.
Q2: Will reducing the 4K video resolution affect the video’s quality?
A2: Yes, reducing the resolution of a 4K video will decrease its quality to some extent. However, a good 4K video converter can preserve most of the original video quality.
Q3: Does the quality of the output video depend on the selected format?
A3: Yes, the quality of the converted video output depends on the format and the resolution chosen.
Q4: Can I convert multiple 4K videos at once?
A4: Yes, most of the 4K video converters discussed in this article support batch conversion.
Q5: What other factors can affect the quality of the output of the converted video?
A5: Some other factors that can affect the quality of the output converted video include the bitrate, frame rate, codec, editing options, and the original quality of the video.
Conclusion
Converting 4K videos to a compatible format has become a necessity for media enthusiasts to enjoy high-quality videos on various devices. This article has presented the eight best 4K video converters with their pros and cons, a comparison table, and our thoughts on each of them. We hope this article has helped you make an informed decision on which 4K video converter to use.