HandBrake vs Permute
Updated Jul 2026
Two local video tools: HandBrake's deep control against Permute's Mac simplicity.
At a glance
| HandBrake | Permute | |
|---|---|---|
| Where your files go | Stay on your device | Stay on your device |
| What it converts | Video only | Video, audio, images |
| Free use | Free with no limits | Paid app with a trial |
| Pricing | free | one-time purchase, Mac only |
| Runs on | Desktop app | Mac only |
Where each one wins
HandBrake is stronger on
- Powerful video conversion and compression
- Runs entirely on your computer
- Deep control over encoding
Permute is stronger on
- Simple drag-and-drop on Mac
- Converts video, audio, and images locally
- Native Mac feel
A third option: Morphjet
Both HandBrake and Permute already run on your computer, which is the right instinct. What Morphjet adds is breadth: one app for 1,800+ formats across images, video, audio, documents, RAW, and ebooks, rather than a single category. It launches this July for Mac and Windows.
Which should you choose?
HandBrake is the better choice for advanced video encoding where you want fine control and only ever touch video. Permute is the better choice for Mac users who mainly convert video, audio, and images and want a native, focused app.
If you would rather keep every file on your own computer and convert more than one kind of file, Morphjet is worth a look.
Morphjet converts 1,800+ formats on your own computer, with no upload and no account. Launching this July.
Questions
Is HandBrake or Permute better?
It depends on your need. HandBrake is the better pick for advanced video encoding where you want fine control and only ever touch video, while Permute suits Mac users who mainly convert video, audio, and images and want a native, focused app.
Do HandBrake and Permute run locally?
Yes, both convert on your own computer, so your files are not uploaded. If you want that same on-device approach across every format type, Morphjet does it in one app.
Is there a more private alternative to HandBrake and Permute?
Morphjet converts on your own computer, so files are never uploaded, and it handles far more than one category. It launches this July for Mac and Windows.