VLC media playerLinux
vs
HandBrakeWindows
VLC media player as a Linux alternative to HandBrake
Updated
Our verdict
VLC media player can serve as a basic replacement for HandBrake for users who only need simple format conversion and occasional batch jobs. It offers a graphical interface, preset profiles, and hardware‑accelerated encoding, but it lacks the depth of HandBrake’s advanced controls such as fine‑tuned bitrate, frame‑rate, and multi‑track audio handling. It is best suited for casual users who prefer a single application that also plays media, while power users who need detailed encoding options should stick with HandBrake.
- License
- GPL-2.0+
- Price
- Free
- Latest version
- 3.0.23 (January 1, 2026)
- Rating
- —
What works the same
- Both are free, open‑source, cross‑platform applications
- Both support a wide range of input formats
- Both provide preset profiles for common output formats
- Both can perform hardware‑accelerated encoding
- Both include a command‑line interface for scripting
What is different
- VLC’s conversion interface is less granular; no per‑track bitrate control
- VLC lacks advanced subtitle options like multiple subtitle tracks and advanced burning
- VLC does not support advanced container options (e.g., MKV chapter editing)
- VLC’s batch processing is limited compared to HandBrake’s queue system
- VLC does not offer as many audio codec options or detailed audio track selection
Opening your HandBrake files
HandBrake does not produce a proprietary file format; it outputs standard media files (MP4, MKV, etc.). VLC can open and convert these files without issue. There is no special migration of HandBrake project files into VLC, as VLC does not store project presets in a separate format.
Switching from HandBrake to VLC media player, step by step
- 1. Install VLC (e.g., via apt: sudo apt install vlc).
- 2. Open VLC, go to Media → Convert / Save, and add the source file.
- 3. Choose a preset or create a custom profile matching the desired output format.
- 4. Select the destination file and start the conversion.
- 5. For batch jobs, use the command line: vlc input.mp4 --sout '#transcode{vcodec=h264,acodec=mp3}:std{access=file,mux=mp4,dst=output.mp4}'.
- 6. Verify the output and adjust profile settings if needed.
Key features of VLC media player
- Plays most audio and video formats out of the box
- Supports DVDs, Audio CDs, VCDs and network streams
- Built‑in subtitle support with synchronization
- Media conversion and basic editing
- Streaming server capabilities
- Extensible via plugins and skins
- Command‑line interface for scripting
How to install VLC media player on Linux
flatpak install flathub org.videolan.VLCFrequently asked questions
Does VLC support hardware‑accelerated encoding?
Yes, VLC can use hardware acceleration (e.g., VAAPI, NVENC) when available, but the options are less exposed than in HandBrake.
Can I use VLC to burn subtitles into a video?
VLC can burn subtitles during conversion, but the interface is basic and lacks the fine‑grained timing controls HandBrake offers.
Is VLC suitable for batch encoding large libraries?
VLC can batch encode via command line, but its queue management is rudimentary compared to HandBrake’s dedicated queue system.
