Quick answer: For most people, the fastest route is iMovie (free, built-in) or QuickTime Export. For batch compression or better quality control, use MediaOptim or HandBrake. For command-line power, FFmpeg.
How to Compress a Video on Mac
Five methods, from built-in and free to third-party and automated. Pick the one that matches how many videos you're compressing and how much quality control you need.
| Method | Cost | Effort | Quality | Size reduction |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MediaOptim | $49 one-time | Low | Excellent | 50–70% smaller |
| iMovie | Free | Medium | Good | 30–60% smaller |
| QuickTime Player | Free | Low | Moderate | 20–50% smaller |
| HandBrake | Free | High | Excellent | 40–80% smaller |
| FFmpeg (Terminal) | Free | High | Excellent | 40–80% smaller |
1. MediaOptim
Third-party app- 1Drag your video (or folder of videos) into MediaOptim
- 2Choose a quality preset: High (invisible), Balanced, or Small
- 3Click Compress — originals are preserved until you confirm
Best for: Batch compression, any format, no quality loss at normal settings
Processes locally. No upload. $49 one-time.
Download MediaOptim2. iMovie
Built-in (free)- 1Open iMovie and import your video (File → Import Media)
- 2Drag the clip to the timeline
- 3File → Share → File
- 4Set Resolution to 1080p or 720p, Quality to "High" or "Medium"
- 5Click Next and save
Best for: Quick one-off compressions without installing anything extra
Re-encodes the video. Can take several minutes for long files.
3. QuickTime Player
Built-in (free)- 1Open your video in QuickTime Player
- 2File → Export As
- 3Choose 1080p, 720p, or 480p
- 4Save the exported file
Best for: Quick downscale when quality doesn't matter much
Limited control. The "720p" export changes resolution, not just bitrate.
4. HandBrake
Free open-source- 1Download HandBrake from handbrake.fr
- 2Open source video
- 3Choose a Preset (e.g. "HQ 1080p30 Surround")
- 4Under Video, set codec to H.265 and adjust RF quality slider (lower = larger file, better quality)
- 5Click Start Encode
Best for: Maximum control, batch encoding, free
Steep learning curve. Takes time to understand the settings.
5. FFmpeg (Terminal)
Free, command line- 1Install via Homebrew: brew install ffmpeg
- 2Run: ffmpeg -i input.mp4 -vcodec libx264 -crf 23 output.mp4
- 3Adjust -crf (18 = high quality, 28 = smaller file)
Best for: Scripted bulk compression, advanced control
-crf 23 is a good default. Lower = better quality, larger file.
Which Format Should You Use?
When exporting compressed video, choose the right codec:
H.265 (HEVC): Best quality per MB. 30–50% smaller than H.264. Use for archiving and storage. May not play on older devices.
H.264: Universal compatibility. Larger files than H.265 but plays everywhere. Best for sharing.
ProRes: Lossless quality, massive files. For video editing only — not for storage or sharing.