Choosing a reliable video converter is critical if you regularly transcode, compress, rip DVDs, or download online videos. Two well-known options for casual creators are Wondershare UniConverter 17 and Freemake Video Converter. While Freemake attracts users with a free version, UniConverter delivers a complete all-in-one toolkit with fewer hidden restrictions.
In this side-by-side comparison, we break down performance, features, limitations, pricing, and usability to help you pick the right tool for your media workflow.
Read our full UniConverter 17 review for full feature breakdown
Quick Verdict Summary
- Pick UniConverter 17 if you need DVD ripping, screen recording, batch processing, fast GPU acceleration, and no forced watermarks on paid exports. Great for long-term regular media work.
- Pick Freemake Video Converter only if you need occasional simple file conversion and refuse to pay for software, and you can tolerate heavy watermarks, slow speeds, and locked advanced functions.
1. Core Feature Comparison
Supported Formats
- UniConverter 17: Over 1000 video/audio formats, lossless MKV/MP4 output, support for rare device-specific presets (phones, smart TVs, gaming consoles).
- Freemake: Around 500 mainstream formats only; limited support for lossless codecs and modern device profiles.
DVD & Blu-ray Tools
- UniConverter 17: Native decryption for copy-protected commercial DVDs, one-click digital backup, DVD burning, batch disc processing, no extra plugins required.
- Freemake: Only works with unprotected homemade DVDs. Ripping encrypted discs demands third-party add-ons that are hard to install and often unstable. No built-in Blu-ray support.
Extra Built-in Tools
- UniConverter 17: Screen recorder, YouTube video downloader, audio trimmer, video compressor, subtitle editor, GIF maker, metadata fixer, CD burner. All tools integrated in one window.
- Freemake: Basic converter + simple downloader only. No screen capture, advanced compression, or DVD backup tools. You must install separate software for extra media tasks.
Batch Processing & Speed
- UniConverter 17: Full GPU hardware acceleration (NVIDIA/AMD/Intel), batch convert dozens of files at once, 30x faster transcoding speed, background processing.
- Freemake: CPU-only encoding with minimal acceleration. Batch conversion exists but slows drastically with more than 5 files; long videos take double or triple the time of UniConverter.
2. Free Version Restrictions (Major Difference)
Freemake Free Tier Limitations
- Large branded watermark covers the center of every exported video.
- Conversion capped at 3 minutes per file for long clips.
- Slow download speeds for online video grabbing.
- No access to high-quality presets for 4K/HDR footage.
- Constant pop-up ads prompting you to upgrade.
UniConverter 17 Free Trial Limitations
- Truncates files to 1/3 of original length, but no watermark on output videos.
- All tools fully unlocked for testing (DVD rip, screen record, compression).
- Zero ads inside the software interface.
- No forced pop-ups during conversion.
3. Usability & Learning Curve
- UniConverter 17: Clean, organized sidebar layout with labeled tabs for every tool. One-click presets for WhatsApp, YouTube, iPhone, Android. Beginners can finish a conversion in under 60 seconds.
- Freemake: Cluttered interface with hidden advanced settings. Menus are disorganized, and many useful options are locked behind paywalls. New users spend extra time searching for basic functions.
4. Pricing Plans 2026
Wondershare UniConverter 17
- 1-Year Subscription: Affordable annual license with all updates, full commercial rights.
- Perpetual Lifetime License: One-time payment, permanent use of version 17 with all bug fixes.
- No recurring hidden fees; one purchase unlocks every built-in tool.
Freemake Pricing
- Paid unlock removes watermarks and length limits, but upgrades are expensive.
- Extra separate fees for DVD decryption plugins, 4K conversion, and fast download speeds.
- Multiple add-on costs stack up, making total ownership pricier than UniConverter long-term.
5. Stability & System Compatibility
- UniConverter 17: Regular monthly bug patches, optimized for low-end i3 laptops up to high-end gaming PCs. Minimal crashes even during long batch tasks.
- Freemake: Fewer official updates. Users report frequent freezing when processing large 4K files or DVD content; high RAM usage on weak systems.
Side-by-Side Comparison Table
| Feature | UniConverter 17 | Freemake Video Converter |
|---|---|---|
| Number of supported formats | 1000+ | ~500 |
| Copy-protected DVD ripping | Native support | Requires extra third-party plugin |
| GPU acceleration | Full CPU/GPU hybrid | Only basic CPU encoding |
| Free trial watermark | None | Large central watermark |
| All-in-one toolkit (record/download/compress) | Included | Not available |
| Batch processing speed | Very fast | Slow with multiple files |
| Ad-free interface | Yes | Constant upgrade pop-ups |
| Commercial usage allowed (paid) | Full rights | Extra paid add-on required |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Freemake completely free to use without limits?
No. The free version adds a huge watermark to all videos and cuts long files short. Advanced functions like DVD decryption and fast downloads cost extra add-on fees.
Can UniConverter replace Freemake for all media jobs?
Yes. UniConverter covers every function Freemake offers, plus DVD backup, screen recording, lossless compression, and fast GPU encoding with fewer restrictions.
Which converter works better on low-end i3 dual-core PCs?
UniConverter 17. Its proxy and GPU acceleration reduce CPU load significantly. Freemake relies purely on your processor and lags heavily on weak hardware.
Can I use either tool for commercial client videos?
UniConverter’s paid licenses fully permit commercial work. Freemake requires an additional premium upgrade to remove commercial usage blocks.
Final Verdict
For anyone handling video conversion, DVD backups, screen recording, or online downloads regularly, UniConverter 17 is the clear winner. It combines faster speeds, more built-in tools, cleaner free trial terms, and transparent pricing without stacked add-on charges.
Freemake only makes sense if you do extremely occasional short conversions and refuse to spend any money, and you do not mind watermarks, slow exports, and missing core media tools.
If you want a single program to handle all your video, audio, and disc media tasks without switching multiple apps, UniConverter 17 delivers far better overall value in 2026.