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Nowadays there are many web-based apps and online platforms that make it possible to compress videos without downloading or installing any software. Needless to say that can be very convenient, especially when you just want to compress a video quickly.
The only problem that you may have is that there are so many online tools to compress videos that it can be difficult to choose between them. In fact some tools can be quite different in terms of their capabilities or limitations, as well as other factors such as the number of ads.
If you’re feeling a little bit lost and aren’t sure which online tool you should use, here is a list of the top 10 options:
#1. Online UniConverter
Online UniConverter (also known as media.io) is one of the best online tools to compress videos and it will let you select roughly how much you want to shrink the file size. The online app supports a wide range of input and output formats, and has no ads. More importantly it is extremely user-friendly and has very few limitations.
The best part about Online UniConverter is that it can convert videos in batches, so you don’t need to convert them one by one. In short you can either use it as a quick and easy way to compress a video or two, or even a long-term option.
#2. CloudConvert
CloudConvert is an online video converter that has made a name for itself due to the fact that it integrates with cloud services such as Google Drive, OneDrive, and Dropbox. Its video compression tools are definitely quite powerful, and will let you directly adjust the video settings to suit your needs.
In terms of limitations, CloudConvert supports files that are up to 1GB in its free version – which is really quite large. However it does restrict the number of files that you can convert in a row, unless you upgrade to a premium subscription.
#3. Free Convert
At first glance Free Convert may appear to be a bit annoying due to the number of ads that are present. However if you can look past that it is actually a decent tool to convert and compress videos by size, video quality, or bitrate.
The one small drawback of this platform is that it supports a fairly limited range of formats. Fortunately that includes both MP4 with H.264 or H.265 – which are generally what you’d need to compress videos effectively.
#4. MP4 Compress
- www.mp4compress.com
MP4 Compress is a simple online tool that will automatically compress any videos that you upload. However it doesn’t really have any options at all, which means that you have very little say over the process (and how much the video is compressed).
The only other limitations that you need to know if you use MP4 Compress is that it only supports MP4-format videos, and files that are under 500MB.
#5. CloudPresso
The CloudPresso platform was created specifically to compress files, including not only video files but documents, APKs, and images too. It will let you add 10 videos at once, and then compress them with a single click.
Be aware that CloudPresso can only compress videos that are under 100MB, unless you upgrade to the premium version. Additionally its compression features aren’t very powerful, and you will only be able to set the quality that you prefer.
#6. Zamzar
Zamzar may only have basic compression features, but if that is enough it is a good option to look at. It supports practically any video format, and offers unlimited daily file conversions.
The main drawback of Zamzar is the fact that its free version has a 150MB limitation for file uploads.
#7. AConvert
AConvert is a useful online video converter that has fairly powerful compression features. It supports many formats and will let you adjust the video settings so that you control the frame rate, bitrate, video resolution, and more.
Unfortunately AConvert does have several limitations. It does not have a batch processing feature, and can only be used to convert or compress videos that are originally less than 200MB.
#8. Online Converter Video Compressor
The Online Converter Video Compressor may not look like much, but it can get the job done. Once you upload a video onto its platform you can directly set the output file size that you prefer and it will handle the rest.
As far as limitations go, this tool can only be used for videos that are 200MB or less. It does not have any batch processing features either, and may be slow to process videos.
#9. ClipChamp
ClipChamp is one of the more impressive tools to compress video files. In fact it can do far more than that, and can also be used to record webcam footage, edit videos, convert them in batches, or create slideshows.
If all you’re interested in is compressing videos, the options in ClipChamp aren’t bad – but they aren’t the best either. More importantly the free version will produce videos that have a watermark, which is something you should keep in mind.
#10. YouCompress
YouCompress is a basic but convenient tool to convert videos. As soon as you upload a video onto its platform, it will automatically begin to compress it and then send you a link to download the output file.
While it is very easy to use, the problem with YouCompress is that you won’t have much control over the actual compression rate. Additionally it has been known to be slow to upload, process, and download files.
Conclusion
All said and done, each of the tools listed above have pros and cons of their own. By trying them out one at a time, you’ll be able to see exactly what they can (and can’t) do – and can make a decision from there.
If you still aren’t sure which online tool you should choose, give Online UniConverter a try: it is definitely a capable video compressor online, and in most cases it will be the only one that you need. If you need to convert your videos offline, you can also download the desktop converter, which allows you to access all the conversion features of the online version from your desktop machine and record them to a media support (such as a DVD or BluRay).
