CloudConvert supports converting between a very wide range of file formats: documents, images, audio, and video, by uploading your file to their servers, processing it there, and giving you a link to download the result. That breadth is genuinely useful if you need one tool for many different conversion tasks.
For video compression specifically, that means your source file leaves your machine. Pricing is credit-based: as of September 2026, CloudConvert's own pricing page states a free allowance of 10 conversion credits per day, with additional credits available as one-time packages or a subscription. A typical conversion consumes a base credit plus more credits depending on processing time, rather than one credit per file. QuickCompress takes a different approach: your video never leaves your Mac, and one purchase covers unlimited use.
| Feature | QuickCompress | CloudConvert |
|---|---|---|
| Where it runs | 100% local. Video is never uploaded | Cloud. File is uploaded to their servers to be processed |
| Pricing model | $39 one-time, unlimited use afterward | 10 free credits/day, then one-time packages or a subscription (Sept 2026) |
| Scope | Video compression only, done well | Broad file conversion across many formats and file types |
| Platforms | Native macOS app (Apple Silicon) | Browser-based. Works on any OS, plus an API |
| Best for | Mac users who don't want to upload video anywhere | Occasional cross-format conversion, or automation via API |
If your priority is never uploading a video file, see compress video for Google Drive & sharing links for how a smaller local file still speeds up cloud sharing when you do choose to upload.