Are you looking to convert your video files on Ubuntu but don’t know where to start? HandBrake is your answer! This powerful, open-source video transcoder has become the go-to solution for millions of users worldwide. In this comprehensive guide, I’ll walk you through every method to install HandBrake on Ubuntu, ensuring you get the best setup for your needs.

What is HandBrake and Why You Need It

HandBrake is a free, open-source video transcoder that converts video files from nearly any format to modern, widely supported codecs. Think of it as your Swiss Army knife for video conversion – whether you’re compressing large files, changing formats, or optimizing videos for different devices, HandBrake handles it all with remarkable efficiency.

Key Features of HandBrake

What makes HandBrake stand out in the crowded field of video converters? Here are the features that have made it a favorite among both casual users and professionals:

• Universal format support: Convert from virtually any video format to modern standards like MP4, MKV, and WebM
• Advanced filtering: Apply deinterlacing, denoising, and sharpening filters to improve video quality
• Batch processing: Queue multiple files for conversion and let HandBrake work while you focus on other tasks
• Hardware acceleration: Leverage your GPU for faster encoding on supported systems
• Preset configurations: Choose from dozens of device-specific presets or create your own custom settings

The latest version, HandBrake 1.10.0, was released on August 9, 2025, bringing enhanced performance and new features that make video conversion even more streamlined.

HandBrake vs Other Video Converters

You might wonder why choose HandBrake over other video conversion tools. The answer lies in its unique combination of power and accessibility. Unlike commercial alternatives that cost hundreds of dollars, HandBrake delivers professional-grade results completely free. Its active development community ensures regular updates and improvements, while the open-source nature means transparency and security you can trust.

System Requirements for HandBrake on Ubuntu

Before diving into installation, let’s ensure your system meets HandBrake’s requirements. Don’t worry – the requirements are quite modest, and most Ubuntu installations from the past decade will run HandBrake smoothly.

Minimum Hardware Requirements

HandBrake is surprisingly efficient, but video conversion is inherently resource-intensive. Here’s what you’ll need:

• Processor: 400 MHz minimum (though a modern multi-core processor is highly recommended for reasonable conversion times)
• RAM: 1 GB minimum, 4 GB or more recommended for smooth operation
• Storage: 100 MB for the application, plus adequate space for your video files
• Internet connection: Required for downloading and updates

Supported Ubuntu Versions

HandBrake maintains excellent compatibility across Ubuntu releases. The current version supports:

• Ubuntu 24.04 LTS (Noble Numbat)
• Ubuntu 22.04 LTS (Jammy Jellyfish)
• Ubuntu 20.04 LTS (Focal Fossa)
• Most intermediate releases and Ubuntu-based distributions

Architecture Compatibility

One of HandBrake’s strengths is its broad hardware support. It runs on:

• amd64: Standard Intel and AMD 64-bit processors
• arm64/armhf: ARM-based systems including Raspberry Pi
• ppc64el: IBM POWER platform
• riscv64: RISC-V hardware
• s390x: IBM zSystems and LinuxONE

Pre-Installation Preparation

Proper preparation prevents installation headaches later. Let’s make sure your system is ready for HandBrake.

Updating Your Ubuntu System

Always start with a system update. This ensures compatibility and prevents conflicts during installation:

sudo apt update
sudo apt upgrade

This two-step process refreshes your package list and upgrades existing software to their latest versions. It’s a good practice that takes just a few minutes but can save hours of troubleshooting later.

Checking Current HandBrake Installation

If you’re unsure whether HandBrake is already installed, check with:

which handbrake
dpkg -l | grep handbrake

If HandBrake is installed, you’ll see its location and package information. If you have an older version from third-party sources, consider removing it before proceeding with a fresh installation.

Method 1: Installing HandBrake via Ubuntu Default Repository

The simplest way to install HandBrake is through Ubuntu’s default repositories. This method works out of the box and requires minimal setup.

Using APT Command

Installing HandBrake from the default repository is straightforward:

sudo apt install handbrake

That’s it! Ubuntu handles all dependencies automatically, and you’ll have HandBrake ready to use in under a minute on most systems.

Pros and Cons of Repository Installation

Advantages:

• Simplest installation method
• Automatic dependency management
• Stable, tested packages
• Easy updates through the standard system update process

Disadvantages:

• Often contains older versions of HandBrake
• Limited to what Ubuntu’s maintainers have packaged
• May lack the latest features and improvements

This method is perfect if you need a reliable, stable version of HandBrake and don’t require cutting-edge features.

Method 2: Installing HandBrake via Official PPA

Personal Package Archives (PPAs) bridge the gap between stability and current features. The official HandBrake PPA provides more recent versions while maintaining Ubuntu compatibility.

Adding the HandBrake PPA

For the most up-to-date stable releases, add the official PPA:

sudo add-apt-repository ppa:ubuntuhandbook1/handbrake
sudo apt update

If you’re feeling adventurous and want the absolute latest features, there’s also a nightly builds PPA:

sudo add-apt-repository ppa:stebbins/handbrake-git-snapshots
sudo apt update

Installing from PPA

Once the PPA is added, install HandBrake:

sudo apt install handbrake

For command-line enthusiasts, you can also install just the CLI version:

sudo apt install handbrake-cli

Choosing Between Stable and Nightly Builds

Stable releases are your best bet for production use. They’ve been thoroughly tested and are less likely to have bugs that could interrupt your workflow.

Nightly builds offer the latest features and fixes but come with increased risk of instability. Choose these only if you need specific new features or are comfortable troubleshooting potential issues.

Method 3: Installing HandBrake via Flatpak

Flatpak represents the future of Linux application distribution, offering sandboxed applications that work across different distributions. The official HandBrake team recommends this method for most users.

Setting Up Flatpak

First, ensure Flatpak is installed on your system:

sudo apt install flatpak

For older Ubuntu versions (16.04/18.04), you might need to add the Flatpak PPA first:

sudo add-apt-repository ppa:flatpak/stable
sudo apt update
sudo apt install flatpak

Installing HandBrake Flatpak Package

Install HandBrake directly from Flathub:

flatpak install https://dl.flathub.org/repo/appstream/fr.handbrake.ghb.flatpakref

Or use the more traditional Flathub method:

flatpak install flathub fr.handbrake.ghb

Managing Flatpak Updates

Keep your Flatpak HandBrake installation current with:

flatpak update fr.handbrake.ghb

Benefits of Flatpak installation:

• Always gets the latest official release
• Runs in a secure sandbox environment
• Works across different Linux distributions
• Self-contained with all dependencies included

Considerations:

• Requires more disk space due to bundled libraries
• Slightly slower startup times
• May have limited system integration compared to native packages

Method 4: Installing HandBrake Command Line Interface

Power users often prefer the command-line interface for its scripting capabilities and lower resource usage. The CLI version is perfect for batch processing and server environments.

CLI Installation Process

Install just the command-line version:

sudo apt install handbrake-cli

Or if using the PPA method:

sudo add-apt-repository ppa:stebbins/handbrake-releases
sudo apt update
sudo apt install handbrake-cli

When to Use CLI vs GUI

Choose CLI when:

• Automating video conversion tasks
• Working on a server without a desktop environment
• Processing large batches of files
• Integrating HandBrake into scripts or workflows

Choose GUI when:

• You prefer visual interfaces
• Need to preview settings before conversion
• Working with complex encoding scenarios
• Learning HandBrake’s capabilities

Launching and Configuring HandBrake

Congratulations! You now have HandBrake installed. Let’s get it running and configured for optimal performance.

First-time Setup

Launch HandBrake from your application menu or by typing:

handbrake

For Flatpak installations:

flatpak run fr.handbrake.ghb

The first launch might take a moment as HandBrake initializes its components and scans for available encoders.

Interface Overview

HandBrake’s interface is intuitive, but understanding its layout will help you work more efficiently:

• Source selection: Choose your input video file or disc
• Destination: Set where your converted file will be saved
• Output Settings: Choose format, quality, and encoding options
• Preview: See how your settings affect the final output
• Queue: Manage multiple conversion jobs

Take a few minutes to explore the interface and familiarize yourself with the various tabs and options.

Common Installation Issues and Troubleshooting

Even with careful preparation, installations sometimes encounter hiccups. Here are solutions to the most common problems.

Permission Errors

If you encounter permission-related errors during installation:

1. Ensure you’re using sudo for system-level commands
2. Check that your user account has sudo privileges
3. Verify the package sources are accessible

Dependency Conflicts

Dependency issues can arise, especially if you have multiple package sources:

sudo apt --fix-broken install
sudo dpkg --configure -a

These commands resolve most dependency-related problems automatically.

Fixing Broken Packages

If your package system becomes inconsistent:

sudo apt clean
sudo apt autoremove
sudo apt update
sudo apt upgrade

This sequence cleans the package cache, removes unnecessary packages, and refreshes your system.

Updating HandBrake on Ubuntu

Keeping HandBrake updated ensures you have the latest features, performance improvements, and security fixes.

Update Methods for Different Installation Types

For APT installations:

sudo apt update
sudo apt upgrade handbrake

For Flatpak installations:

flatpak update fr.handbrake.ghb

For PPA installations:
The standard system update process handles PPA packages automatically.

Checking for Updates

Stay informed about new releases by:

• Following HandBrake’s official website
• Checking the GitHub releases page
• Subscribing to HandBrake’s news feed

Uninstalling HandBrake from Ubuntu

If you need to remove HandBrake, the method depends on how you installed it.

Removing Different Installation Types

APT installation removal:

sudo apt remove handbrake
sudo apt purge handbrake  # Removes configuration files too

PPA installation removal:

sudo apt remove handbrake
sudo add-apt-repository -r ppa:ubuntuhandbook1/handbrake

Flatpak installation removal:

flatpak uninstall fr.handbrake.ghb

Cleaning Up Configuration Files

Remove user configuration files manually if needed:

rm -rf ~/.config/ghb
rm -rf ~/.HandBrake

HandBrake Performance Optimization on Ubuntu

Get the most out of HandBrake with these performance tweaks tailored for Ubuntu systems.

Hardware Acceleration Settings

Modern systems can leverage hardware acceleration for significantly faster encoding:

1. Check if your GPU supports hardware encoding (NVENC for NVIDIA, VCE for AMD, Quick Sync for Intel)
2. Enable hardware acceleration in HandBrake’s preferences
3. Choose hardware-accelerated presets when available

CPU and Memory Optimization

Optimize HandBrake’s performance:

• Set appropriate thread count: Usually matches your CPU core count
• Allocate sufficient RAM: Close unnecessary applications during conversion
• Use SSD storage: Faster read/write speeds improve overall performance
• Monitor system temperature: Ensure adequate cooling during intensive operations

Getting Started with HandBrake

Now that HandBrake is installed and optimized, let’s convert your first video.

Basic Video Conversion

1. Open HandBrake and click “Open Source”
2. Select your video file or disc
3. Choose a preset from the right panel (start with “Fast 1080p30” for most needs)
4. Set your destination and filename
5. Click “Start Encode”

HandBrake will show a progress bar and estimated completion time during conversion.

Popular Preset Configurations

HandBrake includes presets for common scenarios:

• General presets: Fast 1080p30, HQ 1080p30 Surround
• Device presets: Android, Apple devices, Roku, PlayStation
• Web presets: YouTube HQ, Vimeo YouTube HQ 2160p
• Professional presets: Production Standard, Production Max

Start with these presets and customize as you learn more about video encoding.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Which installation method should I choose for HandBrake on Ubuntu?

For most users, I recommend the Flatpak method as it provides the latest official version with automatic updates and enhanced security through sandboxing. If you prefer native Ubuntu packages, use the PPA method. The default repository method is best for users who prioritize stability over having the latest features.

2. Can I install both the GUI and CLI versions of HandBrake?

Yes, you can install both versions simultaneously. The GUI version (handbrake-gtk) and CLI version (handbrake-cli) serve different purposes and don’t conflict with each other. Many users find it helpful to have both available for different use cases.

3. Why is my HandBrake installation slower than expected?

Slow performance can result from several factors: insufficient system resources, lack of hardware acceleration, or suboptimal encoding settings. Ensure your system meets the recommended requirements, enable hardware acceleration if available, and consider using faster presets for initial testing.

4. How do I fix “No valid source found” errors in HandBrake?

This error typically occurs when HandBrake can’t read your input file. Common solutions include: ensuring the file isn’t corrupted, checking file permissions, trying a different source file, or installing additional codec support through Ubuntu’s restricted extras package.

5. Can I use HandBrake to convert copy-protected DVDs or Blu-rays?

HandBrake itself doesn’t include DVD or Blu-ray decryption capabilities due to legal restrictions. While some users install additional libraries to handle encrypted content, you should only convert media you legally own and ensure compliance with your local copyright laws.