18 Best MP4 to TS Converters in 2026 (Free and Paid)

TS (MPEG Transport Stream) is the format your video has to be in for a surprising number of professional workflows. HLS streaming, IPTV, satellite and over-the-air broadcast, set-top boxes, and many digital signage systems all expect TS. Unlike MP4, a TS file is split into small packets so the stream can be played starting from any point, which is why it dominates streaming and broadcast.

Converting MP4 to TS is usually a remux (the H.264 video and AAC audio inside the MP4 are already compatible), so it can be very fast and lossless when the tool supports stream copy. We tested 18 desktop, command-line, and online converters to find the ones that handle MP4 to TS without re-encoding when possible, and re-encode cleanly when needed.

1. How to Convert - Best Local-First MP4 to TS Converter

Disclosure: How to Convert is built by the company that publishes this article.

How to Convert converts MP4 to TS locally on your device. Drop the MP4 file in, choose TS, and convert. The desktop app handles batch conversion. There is also a free browser MP4 to TS converter for one-off jobs. For HLS or IPTV workflows you can keep your stream files local and never upload sensitive content to a third party.

Pros

• Local conversion. Files never leave your device.
• Batch convert entire folders of MP4 to TS.
• One-time purchase. No subscription.
• Mac, Windows, and Linux.

Cons

• Desktop app is a paid one-time purchase.

Pricing

• Free browser converter for common formats.
• Desktop: One-time purchase.

2. FFmpeg - Best for Stream-Copy MP4 to TS Remux

FFmpeg does MP4 to TS in one fast command without re-encoding: ffmpeg -i input.mp4 -c copy -bsf:v h264_mp4toannexb -f mpegts output.ts. The -c copy flag stream-copies, so the video is not re-encoded. The bitstream filter converts the H.264 stream to the Annex B format that TS requires.

For HLS segmenting, add -hls_time 10 -hls_list_size 0. FFmpeg is the right tool for any kind of streaming or broadcast workflow that needs reliable, scriptable MP4 to TS conversion.

Pros

• Stream-copy means lossless and instant.
• Built-in HLS segmenting.
• Free, open source, runs everywhere.

Cons

• Command-line only.

Pricing

• Free (open source).

3. VLC - Best Free GUI for MP4 to TS

VLC converts MP4 to TS through Media > Convert/Save. Add the MP4, pick a profile that uses MPEG-TS as the container, save the output as .ts. VLC is a good fit for one-off jobs when you need a GUI and already have it installed.

Pros

• Free, open source, probably already installed.
• Built-in MPEG-TS profile.
• Cross-platform.

Cons

• Conversion menu is buried under Media > Convert/Save.
• Less control than FFmpeg or Shutter Encoder.

Pricing

• Free (open source, GPL).

4. Shutter Encoder - Best Free GUI for HLS-Ready TS

Shutter Encoder wraps FFmpeg in a clean GUI and includes dedicated HLS and TS output presets. For broadcast workflows that need precise GOP, bitrate, or audio settings, this is the best free GUI tool.

Pros

• HLS and TS presets out of the box.
• Detailed bitrate, GOP, and audio controls.
• Excellent for batch jobs.
• Free, cross-platform.

Cons

• UI has a lot of options.

Pricing

• Free (donations welcome).

5. HandBrake - Use the MKV-to-TS Workaround

HandBrake does not output .ts files directly. It outputs MP4, MKV, or WebM. For TS, you need a follow-up step in FFmpeg or VLC. We include HandBrake here because it is the most-recommended free video tool, and many guides incorrectly claim it does MP4 to TS.

Pros

• Best-in-class for re-encoding to MP4 or MKV.
• Free, open source, cross-platform.

Cons

• Does not output TS directly.

Pricing

• Free (open source).

6. Wondershare UniConverter - Polished Paid MP4 to TS App

Wondershare UniConverter handles MP4 to TS through its polished UI with hardware acceleration. Drop the MP4, pick TS as the output format, optionally tweak bitrate, and convert. Good fit for non-technical users who want a paid all-in-one app.

Pros

• Polished UI with strong presets.
• Hardware acceleration.
• Mac and Windows.

Cons

• Paid software, subscription model.
• Free trial limits output length.

Pricing

• Subscription: From around $40/year.
• Lifetime: Around $80 one-time.

7. Movavi Video Converter - Beginner-Friendly TS Output

Movavi Video Converter includes TS as one of the output presets. Drag in MP4 files, pick TS, hit Convert. Friendly UI with built-in trim and merge for prepping clips before encoding.

Pros

• Very beginner-friendly.
• Built-in trim and merge.
• Mac and Windows.

Cons

• Paid software.
• Persistent upsell prompts.

Pricing

• Subscription: Around $40/year.
• Lifetime: Around $50 one-time.

8. Any Video Converter - Free Windows MP4 to TS

Any Video Converter (Free edition) supports TS output and runs batch jobs. Free for personal use. Decline bundled offers during install.

Pros

• Free TS output.
• Batch friendly.
• Mac and Windows.

Cons

• Installer may bundle offers.
• UI feels dated.

Pricing

• Free edition available.
• Pro: One-time around $50.

9. Freemake Video Converter - Familiar Windows Tool

Freemake Video Converter handles MP4 to TS with a friendly drag-and-drop UI. Free version adds a watermark on output. Use the official download and decline bundled offers.

Pros

• Friendly UI.
• Familiar to Windows users.

Cons

• Free version watermark.
• Installer may bundle offers.
• Windows only.

Pricing

• Free with watermark.
• Gold Pack: Around $20 one-time.

10. Switch by NCH - Reliable Batch MP4 to TS

Switch by NCH includes TS in its output options. Add files, pick TS, set quality, hit Convert. Reliable for boring repeatable jobs. Free for personal, paid for commercial.

Pros

• Simple batch queue.
• Mac and Windows.

Cons

• Dated UI.
• Personal vs commercial license confusion.

Pricing

• Free for non-commercial use.
• Plus: Around $35 one-time.

11. Prism Video Converter - Lightweight TS Tool

Prism Video Converter outputs TS with low system requirements. Good fit for older machines. Same NCH licensing model as Switch.

Pros

• Lightweight, runs on older hardware.
• Mac and Windows.

Cons

• UI feels dated.
• Personal vs commercial license confusion.

Pricing

• Free for non-commercial use.
• Plus: Around $50 one-time.

12. Permute - Best Mac-Native MP4 to TS

Permute is a beautifully designed Mac app that uses FFmpeg under the hood. Supports TS output with drag-and-drop simplicity. Best Mac pick for occasional conversions.

Pros

• Native Mac UI.
• Drag-and-drop.
• FFmpeg under the hood.

Cons

• Mac only.
• Paid app.

Pricing

• One-time around $20 (or via Setapp).

13. CloudConvert - Best Online MP4 to TS

CloudConvert offers a dedicated MP4 to TS conversion page with bitrate control. Free tier allows 25 conversion minutes per day. Best online pick when you cannot install software.

Pros

• No installation required.
• Adjustable bitrate.
• API for automation.

Cons

• Files uploaded to the cloud.
• Free tier limited for large jobs.

Pricing

• Free: 25 minutes per day.
• Paid: From $9 for 500 minutes.

14. Convertio - Simple Online MP4 to TS

Convertio offers a clean MP4 to TS flow with Google Drive and Dropbox integration. Free tier supports files up to 100 MB.

Pros

• Clean, simple UI.
• Cloud integrations.
• 100 MB free file size.

Cons

• Files uploaded to the cloud.
• Free tier limited to about 10 minutes per day.

Pricing

• Free: 100 MB, 10 minutes per day.
• Light: From $9.99/month.

15. Zamzar - Easiest Online MP4 to TS

Zamzar is the simplest online MP4 to TS converter. Upload, pick TS, click Convert, download. Free tier allows 2 conversions per day, 50 MB.

Pros

• Dead-simple workflow.
• No account needed.
• Works on mobile.

Cons

• 2 free conversions per day.
• 50 MB free file cap.

Pricing

• Free: 2 conversions per day, 50 MB.
• Basic: From $18/month.

16. FreeConvert - Generous Free Tier

FreeConvert handles MP4 to TS with a generous 1 GB free file size limit. Useful for full-length recordings.

Pros

• 1 GB free file size limit.
• Advanced bitrate and codec settings.

Cons

• Files uploaded to servers.
• Daily usage limits on free tier.

Pricing

• Free: 1 GB file size limit.
• Pro: From $9.99/month.

17. Online-Convert - Most Detailed Output Settings

Online-Convert exposes the most detailed output controls of any web tool: codec, bitrate, frame rate, audio settings, crop, rotate. Useful when you need a precisely configured TS file.

Pros

• Most detailed settings of any web tool.
• Crop, rotate, resize during conversion.

Cons

• Cluttered UI with ads.
• 100 MB free file size limit.

Pricing

• Free with ads.
• Paid: From $7.99/month.

18. Adapter - Minimal MP4 to TS Tool

Adapter is a free FFmpeg-based converter on Mac and Windows. Drag in an MP4, pick TS, convert. Minimal interface with a built-in preview.

Pros

• Minimal, distraction-free UI.
• Free, FFmpeg-based.

Cons

• Development has slowed.

Pricing

• Free.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a TS file used for?

TS (MPEG Transport Stream) is the format used for HLS adaptive streaming, IPTV, satellite and over-the-air broadcast, set-top boxes, and many digital signage systems. It splits the stream into small packets so playback can start at any point, which is why it dominates streaming.

Will I lose quality converting MP4 to TS?

If your MP4 already has H.264 video and AAC audio (the most common case), you can stream-copy without re-encoding. Use FFmpeg with -c copy -bsf:v h264_mp4toannexb -f mpegts for a lossless remux. If the codecs are not compatible, you will re-encode and may lose some quality depending on settings.

Can I split an MP4 into multiple TS segments for HLS?

Yes, FFmpeg can produce HLS-ready TS segments and a master playlist in one command: ffmpeg -i input.mp4 -c copy -hls_time 10 -hls_list_size 0 output.m3u8. This generates 10-second TS segments and an M3U8 playlist that streaming servers can serve directly.

Final Thoughts

For one-off MP4 to TS conversion in the browser, our free MP4 to TS converter handles the file locally. For HLS or batch broadcast workflows, FFmpeg or Shutter Encoder are the strongest options. For a polished local app that handles MP4 to TS alongside every other format, How to Convert is the cross-platform pick.