AvidemuxLinux
vs
HandBrakeWindows
Avidemux as a Linux alternative to HandBrake
Updated
Our verdict
Avidemux is a partial replacement for HandBrake, suitable only if your primary need is simple cutting or basic re-encoding without complex audio management. It handles standard format conversions well, but it lacks HandBrake's polished preset system and advanced audio track selection. If you rely on hardware acceleration or need to burn subtitles and manage multiple audio streams, Avidemux will feel limiting. For basic MP4 or MKV conversion tasks, it works fine, but power users will likely find the interface clunky and the feature set insufficient compared to HandBrake's dedicated transcoding focus.
- License
- GPL-2.0+
- Price
- Free
- Latest version
- 2.8.1 (September 15, 2022)
- Rating
- 5/5 (1)
What works the same
- Both are free, open-source tools available on Linux.
- Both support common video formats like MP4, MKV, and AVI.
- Both allow adjusting bitrate and resolution during export.
- Both utilize FFmpeg for underlying multimedia processing.
- Both support batch processing capabilities.
What is different
- Avidemux lacks a user-friendly preset system comparable to HandBrake's profiles.
- HandBrake offers superior audio track selection and codec conversion options.
- Avidemux does not natively support hardware-accelerated encoding in the same way HandBrake does.
- HandBrake has dedicated subtitle import, export, and burning features, which are limited or absent in Avidemux.
- Avidemux is designed for non-linear editing and cutting, whereas HandBrake is purely a transcoder.
Opening your HandBrake files
Avidemux can open most video files that HandBrake processes, including MP4, MKV, and AVI, as it relies on FFmpeg for decoding. However, it cannot read HandBrake-specific project files or presets. If you have a HandBrake job queue, you will need to manually recreate the settings in Avidemux. The output files generated by Avidemux are standard media files compatible with any player, but they will not retain any HandBrake-specific metadata or structure.
Switching from HandBrake to Avidemux, step by step
- Install Avidemux via your package manager or Flathub.
- Open your source video file in Avidemux.
- Select the desired video codec and audio codec from the dropdown menus.
- Adjust bitrate, resolution, and frame rate settings as needed.
- Save the output file to your preferred directory.
- Repeat for each file or use command-line batch processing for larger jobs.
Key features of Avidemux
- Non‑linear cutting and joining
- Basic filters (blur, sharpen, color correction)
- Batch processing via command line
- Support for most common video/audio codecs through FFmpeg
- Export to multiple formats
- Two‑pane preview and real‑time playback
- Keyboard shortcuts for fast editing
- Cross‑platform (Linux, Windows, macOS)
How to install Avidemux on Linux
flatpak install flathub org.avidemux.Avidemuxsudo pacman -S avidemux-cliFrequently asked questions
Can Avidemux use hardware acceleration like HandBrake?
Avidemux has limited support for hardware acceleration compared to HandBrake. While it can use some hardware encoders via FFmpeg, the integration is not as seamless or widely supported across different hardware setups as in HandBrake.
Is Avidemux good for burning subtitles?
Avidemux is not ideal for burning subtitles. It lacks the dedicated subtitle management features found in HandBrake, making it difficult to import, position, and burn subtitles effectively.
Can I use Avidemux for batch conversion?
Yes, Avidemux supports batch processing, primarily through its command-line interface. The GUI batch features are less intuitive than HandBrake's queue system, so command-line usage is often more efficient for large batches.
2 other alternatives to HandBrake
VLC media playerVLC is a free, open‑source multimedia player that runs on Linux and handles virtually any audio or video…Open sourceFreeFlatpakVLC media player vs HandBrake