Last updated on March 1st, 2024
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Online Video Converter and Video Converter Program, which one would you prefer?
An online video converter is an online video conversion site on the Internet that usually is free and it’s able to convert videos. But do you know how it works?
On the other side, a video converter program is software that you need to install on the PC and the software can be used to convert various video formats. What are the advantages and disadvantages of both?
Objectively speaking, I like both (Prerequisite: it’s a reliable online video converter site). Strictly speaking, a reliable video converter program is an irreplaceable choice. Let’s have a look!
Video Converter Software Vs. Online Video Converter
About the Online Video Converter
A mainstream online video converter usually can convert various video and audio formats for playback on different portable devices and PCs. For quite a part of the converter, they can also download online videos.
The working process of an online video converter site, on the contrary, is different: You just copy and paste the video URL to the column provided, it must download the video onto its web server first, and convert the video on the server, it takes a longer time, then transfer the converted video file to your computer, it also takes the time. Whatever, a good Internet speed is needed.
Without a webserver & Internet, it can do nothing. That’s why many online video converter users complain the conversion is so damn slow and unsteady, btw, if many people use the same online video converter site at the same time, then the web server may crash. Not to mention, the site will contain ads and pop-ups.
The online video downloader is just a part feature of the online video converter — download video to the Webserver. It’s also why an online video downloader is working better than an online video converter.
Have you encountered some problems when converting? Such as error reminders: site down/maintenance, updating currently, net error, the server is busy, the conversion speed is so damn slow, then failed to convert, blah~ ~ the flexible reason that makes you confused or make you feel reasonable.
Even though the best online video converter site, the video/audio file formats that can be converted are limited. Assuming it supports all format conversions, then the question is does it work well, especially for large files? It isn’t partiality, keep reading!
About the Video Converter Software
For the video converter application, apps must be installed on the computer, video files must be downloaded or exist on the computer’s hard disk, and the software will retrieve/upload the video file, and then convert it to the intended format. The entire process is finished on your computer.
For the entire process, you just need to copy the URL of a video, paste it to the box, then choose the output file format to convert, and click the Start button to begin the conversion. Of course, you also will find the desktop software comes with many other great features including a downloader, screen capture, video editor, and DVD ripper.
For video converter software on Mac or PC, you can find some are free while others are not. The free converters generally have fewer features and fewer features like limited files can convert, supported file size is limited, and more. So, paid or shareware video converters are always a preferred choice. Usually, a good converter can support batch conversion too.
Compared with online video conversion sites, maybe it’s true that video converter software is more likely to be affected by viruses, malware, spyware, or adware. But hey! You should know that the virus is from an online site and then affect the application files on your computer.
Here are the free online video converters:
Also read:
The 5 Most Reliable Free Video Converters Software
How to Convert MOV to MP4 on Windows and Mac?
How to Convert MKV to MP4 Without Quality Loss?
The Comparison Between the Two!
Video Converter Software and Online Video Converter both serve the purpose of converting video files from one format to another, but they differ in several aspects, including convenience, features, and flexibility. Here is the breakdown:
1. Convenience
- Video Converter Software: A standalone application that you typically install on your computer. Once installed, you can access it anytime, even without an internet connection.
- Online Video Converter: A web-based tool that operates through a website. You don’t need to download or install anything, and you can access it from any device with an internet connection and a web browser.
2. Functionality
- Video Converter Software: It offers more advanced features with customization options. It may support a wider range of input and output formats, batch conversion, screen capture, video downloading & editing (like trimming, cropping, and adding effects), and sometimes even DVD ripping capabilities.
- Online Video Converter: It offers basic conversion features. They may support popular formats but might lack support for less common or proprietary formats. They often have limitations on file size and conversion duration. Advanced features like editing or batch processing are typically not available in online converters.
3. Conversion Speed
- Video Converter Software: The conversion speed largely depends on your computer’s hardware specifications and the efficiency of the software. Since the conversion process is done locally, it can be faster, especially for large files.
- Online Video Converter: Speed depends on various factors like internet connection speed, server load, and the size of the file being converted. While smaller files may convert quickly, larger files may take longer due to upload and download times.
4. Cost
- Video Converter Software: Some software is free but usually limited in features and/or watermarks on the converted videos, while others may require a one-time purchase or subscription fee but it’s more reliable and powerful.
- Online Video Converter: Many online converters offer free services with basic features and contain ads. However, some may have premium tiers with additional features or higher conversion limits, which may require a subscription or one-time payment.
Some Debates on the Video Converter!
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Where can I find an online free online URL video audio converter that can convert ANY kind of video?
While most of the URL video converters are free they cannot guarantee that you can convert every video as you wish! This is especially true as there is a file size limitation that the online converter can support. Moreover, you need to have a good internet connection while doing the conversion.
– Comment: In case one video converter cannot get the job done i.e. having the error, try to use other similar applications online or switch to a more reliable desktop video converter.
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Is there a free online video converter that works for ANY streaming videos?
There are a lot of cool videos out there that I just have to have for my iPod, the only problem is that a lot of the videos are considered “pornographic”, are associated with pornographic sites, or any free video converter or downloader that I find don’t take the URL because the websites that I’m getting it from aren’t supported on theirs.
– Comment: Actually, circumspective people could know that it doesn’t support any site. For streaming videos, you need to use the methods discussed here. To sell horsemeat as beefsteak is the usual practice. It comes out right every time.
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What is an online video converter that converts any videos online?
I need to find one online video converter that can convert/download not only YouTube videos but other ones too. I’ve tried zamzar.com, media.io, online-convert.com, and a few others but was not successful. However, those videos from encrypted sites are not easy to convert using the online video converter.
– Comment: Actually, the above-mentioned online video converter sites are very famous, but this guy met the intentional, invalid time. Getting video converter software is another good solution.
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How to download this .flv/.swf video from this site. Online video grabbers do not work?
Also, I got a video that doesn’t have a link. It’s on a website, but the video pops up on a separate screen WITHOUT any URL, I have already tried Tunecab Online, and it does not work. Any suggestions? Video converter sites like media.io did not work. Tried the browser extension or add-on – no luck.
– Comment: It is probably blocked to stop downloads. Actually, believable that those video converter sites do not support the site you want to download the video from. And without a video URL, an online site can do nothing.
Conclusion and Our Picks
There are many video converter software as well as online converters available. Choosing a great converter can be a challenging task. Here are our recommendations and honest reviews:
- VideoProc Converter
- Wondershare UniConverter
- Wonderfox HD Video Converter Factory Pro
- https://www.freeconvert.com/ – online converter
- https://www.savethevideo.com/ – online downloader & converter
Does Online Video Converter Defeat Video Converter Program?
Maybe probable – months or years ahead. But if the hardware converter is born, then things are different! One thing for sure is that currently, the desktop video converter program is still better than an online or URL movie converter.