Best 10 4k to 1080p Converters

1080P, also known as Full HD or FHD, boasts 1920 pixels horizontally and 1080 pixels vertically, with the "P" indicating progressive scan. Meanwhile, 4K, or Ultra HD/UHD, dazzles with approximately 4000 pixels horizontally (3840 × 2160). While 1080P is the consumer display and broadcast standard, 4K shines in professional production and cinema. However, the transition to 4K isn't always seamless. Today's discussion revolves around the conversion process from 4K to 1080P.

A Guide To Selecting The Right 4K to 1080P Converter

When selecting a tool to downscale 4K videos to 1080P, consider the following key factors:

1. Output Quality:

Preserving image quality is paramount when converting high-resolution 4K video to 1080P. The six converters below guarantee excellent output picture quality with robust and advanced conversion capabilities. 

2. Speed:

Speed is crucial when selecting a 4K to 1080P converter. While all the listed software options boast fast performance, DVDFab Video Converter Pro shines with its remarkable 50x GPU accelerated speed, ensuring swift operations without compromising efficiency.

3. Price:

Price is a pivotal aspect when selecting a 4K to 1080P converter. For an optimal balance between affordability and efficiency, consider DVDFab Video Converter Pro. With a lifetime license priced at just $89.99 for one PC, it offers excellent value for money. While free options like VLC may appear enticing initially, DVDFab Video Converter Pro ensures the best return on investment.

Comparison Of Our Top Three 4K to 1080P Converters

We've highlighted the most critical features of our top three tools, which have earned them their ranking in today's discussion. Let's delve into them.

10 Expert-Approved Methods for Converting 4K to 1080P

1. UniFab Video Converter 

UniFab Video Converter is the ultimate solution for video format compatibility, offering over 1000 supported formats, including MPG to MP4, AVI to MKV, and MP4 to MP3. Beyond compatibility, UniFab allows seamless compression of videos to meet social media size limits without quality loss. Whether it's YouTube, Facebook, or Twitter, sharing HD videos is effortless with UniFab, hailed as the finest 4K to 1080p converter. It ensures lossless conversion and compression, boasting flexible customization features for an exceptional visual experience. Additionally, its GPU acceleration technology guarantees 50 times faster video conversion, compression, and editing speeds, optimizing efficiency for multiple tasks.

Step-By-Step Guide To Convert 4k to 1080p Using UniFab Video Converter 

Step 1: Install UniFab Video Converter and Launch the Application

Open the program and click "Video Converter" from the main interface.

Step 2: Import and Select Format

Import your 4K video into the UniFab application and select the output format you wish to convert to. 

Step 3: Customize Video Settings

Under the Resolution tab, adjust the video resolution to 1920 x 1080. Further, users can customize other settings such as frame rate, codec, and bit rate according to their preferences.

Step 4: Start Conversion

Once configuring the settings, click the Start button to convert from 4K to 1080p.

Pros:

• 28 independent audio and video tools bring professionalism to your results.
• A built-in video stabilization can help smoothen blurred and shaky footage.
• Comes with a video-to-GIF converter, which operates with lightning-fast speed. 
• Supports batch processing to bring in time savings.

Cons:

• You need to subscribe to the premium variant to enjoy its features. 

2. VLC Media Player

VLC media player is renowned for its robust video playback and converting capabilities, making it a versatile tool for multimedia tasks. It excels in playing and converting 4K videos across various formats, offering features like video resolution adjustment, rotation, and video clip recording. 

Step-By-Step Guide To Convert 4k to 1080p Using VLC

Step 1: Open VLC Media Player

After installing VLC on your computer, launch the application.

Step 2: Access Conversion Options

Navigate to the window's top-left corner and click "Media." From the dropdown menu, select "Convert/Save…"

Step 3: Add 4K Video

In the "File" tab, click the "+Add…" button to import the 4K video you wish to downscale. Then, click on "Convert/Save" to proceed.

Step 4: Choose Conversion Profile

Expand the "Profile" list and select "Video for MPEG4 1080p TV/device." You also have the option to generate a new profile by choosing "Create a new profile." Select an output format, navigate to "Video codec," and check the "Video" box. Move to the "Resolution" tab and modify the width and height accordingly. Enter a name for the profile and click "Create" to save it. Then, select the newly created profile.

Step 5: Select Output Location and Start Conversion

Click on "Browse" to choose a destination for the converted file. Once done, click "Start" to downscale the 4K video to 1080P.

Pros:

• VLC can stream online content and save it locally. 
• With support for a wide array of formats, including MKV, MP4, WMV, and MP3, it's compatible with popular operating systems.
• VLC is free and open-source. 
• VLC offers preset profiles for easy conversion and live preview capabilities.

Cons:

• VLC lacks support for codecs like H.265 and VP9, shared in 4K videos, which may impact performance. 

3. VideoProc

VideoProc Converter AI employs a motion-adaptive pixel scaling algorithm to maintain quality during conversion. Support for over 370 formats and preset output profiles simplifies the conversion process for various devices and platforms. Notably, its level-3 hardware acceleration enables swift conversion, approximately seven times faster than real-time playback speed.

Step-By-Step Guide To Convert 4k to 1080p Using VideoProc:

Step 1: Access VideoProc Interface

Navigate to the VideoProc landing dashboard and click the "Video" icon to open the video conversion interface.

Step 2: Add 4K Video

Click the "Video" icon to open a file browser dialog box. Locate the source 4K file and add it to the interface.

Step 3: Select Output Format

In the "Target Format" panel at the bottom, click on the "Video" tab and browse through available formats to find your preferred one.

Step 4: Set Output Resolution

Click on the codec "Option" button to open a window where you can adjust parameters. Select the "Format" tab, navigate to the "Video Codec Options" section, and choose "1920 x 1080" from the "Resolution" dropdown menu. Save changes by clicking "Done."

Step 5: Determine the Output Folder and Start the Process

Select your preferred output folder, then click the "RUN" button to initiate the downscaling process.

Pros:

• Utilizing just 2% CPU, it is the perfect choice for basic computers.
• Level-3 GPU acceleration delivers super-fast conversion speed.
• You can stabilize footage, upscale videos/images, and even increase FPS banking on AI tech.
• Simple UI makes it well-suited for beginners.

Cons:

• You can't access this software on a smartphone.

4. Adobe Premiere Pro

Adobe Premiere Pro stands out as the industry's premier video converter and editor, catering to social, TV, and film content. It can seamlessly downscale UHD 4K footage to 1080P resolution, making it compatible with various devices. Renowned for its robust editing tools, flexible interface, and GPU acceleration, Premiere Pro is highly regarded by professionals. 

Step-By-Step Guide To Convert 4k to 1080p Using Adobe Premiere Pro:

Step 1: Import 4K Footage

Launch Premiere Pro, create a project and import the 4K footage you wish to downscale. Double-click on the "Import media to start" panel to open the dialog box for adding media files.

Step 2: Create Sequence

Drag your imported video file into the "Drag media here to create sequence" panel to initiate sequence creation.

Step 3: Adjust Sequence Settings

Navigate to the "Sequence" file menu and select "Sequence Settings…" Within the pop-up window, enter "1920" for the horizontal and "1080" for the vertical dimensions under "Frame Sizes." Enable "Maximum Bit Depth" and "Maximum Render Quality" for optimal results, then click "OK" to save changes.

Step 4: Scale Video

After applying changes, the video may appear zoomed in the preview window. Click on the source video in the "Sequence" panel to activate the "Effect Controls" window. Expand "Motion" under "Video" options, then adjust the "Scale" value from 100 to 50 to view the video correctly.

Step 5: Export Video

Opt for the "Export" feature within the "File" menu, and then select "Media…" from the side-kick menu. Make any necessary adjustments in the pop-up window, then click "Export" to render the final 1080P file.

Pros:

• Offers extensive video editing options, including native file support and proxy workflows. 
• Its Auto Reframe tool ensures that important content remains in the frame after downscaling.
• Users can further enhance output quality with additional features like trimming, animation effects, and audio editing.
• AI helps to animate titles & mix audio for a more professional effect. 

Cons:

• A steep learning curve makes it an ill-fit for novice users. 

5. Handbrake

HandBrake offers a user-friendly and flexible solution for converting 4K to 1080P for free on Windows, Mac, and Linux. It provides preset options for various devices and platforms, allowing basic and advanced encoding adjustments. With support for popular video and audio encoders like H.265 and AAC, HandBrake ensures quality retention during downscaling. 

Step-By-Step Guide To Convert 4k to 1080p Using Handbrake:

Step 1: Download and Install HandBrake

Visit the HandBrake website, download the software, and install it on your computer. Once installed, open the software.

Step 2: Import 4K Video

Tap on "File" or drag and drop the 4K video into the HandBrake program to import it.

Step 3: Choose Preset or Adjust Dimensions

Access the "Presets" option from the top menu bar. Then, go to "Presets > General" and choose the preferred 1080p30 setting. Instead, navigate to the "Dimensions" tab and enter "1920" in the Width field and "1080" in the Height field.

Step 4: Adjust Output Format and Destination

Change the output format if needed and select a new destination folder for the converted file.

Step 5: Start Encoding

Tap on "Start Encode" to begin the conversion process and downscale the video resolution from 4K to 1080P.

Pros:

• Its batch convert feature enables processing multiple 4K files efficiently. 
• HandBrake supports common video formats like MP4, MKV, and WEBM.
• Users can add subtitles, apply filters, crop videos, and more. 
• You can rip DVDs. 

Cons:

• It might be difficult for novice users to master. 

6. HDconvert

HDconvert is renowned for quickly downscaling videos to high-quality HD footage with a user-friendly interface. It offers free online conversion to various formats with incredible speeds of up to 900 frames/sec. No software or plugins are required for installation, and it supports popular output formats like MP4, AVI, MOV, and MP3. 

Step-By-Step Guide To Convert 4k to 1080p Using HDconvert

Step 1: Select 1080P Output Size

Click on the option for 1080P as the desired output file size.

Step 2: Browse and Upload Source File

Click "Browse" to locate and select the source file. The process may take a few seconds or minutes, depending on the file size. 

Step 3: Download Converted Video

After conversion, locate the converted file by clicking on "File." Once found, click "Download" to save the target video on your PC.

Pros:

• The converter allows conversion to different qualities, including 720p, 1080p, 4K.
• There are options for reducing file sizes. 
• It supports various compression levels, such as 240p, 360p, 480p, 576p, and 640p. 
• The speed is exceptionally high, enabling quick conversion even for large files.

Cons:

• Users have complained about sluggish uploading and downloading speed. 

7. Talkhelper Video Converter

TalkHelper Video Converter is an exceptional program for downsizing 4K to 1080P. It supports a plethora of popular video/audio formats and codecs, including AVCHD, TS, MKV, H.264/AVC, TOD/MOD, FLV, AMV, DVD, AVI, MP4, MOV, MPEG, ASF, RMVB, WMV, SWF, 3GP, M4V, and RM, among others. 

Compatibility: Windows

Step-By-Step Guide To Convert 4k to 1080p Using FreeConvert:

Step 1: Add Source 4K Video

Start TalkHelper Video Converter and expand the “Add media” drop-down menu. Select the “Add Video File…” option to open a file explorer dialog. Locate and add your source 4K video file.

Step 2: Select Output Format and Resolution

Navigate to the panel at the bottom and click on the “Video” tab. Scroll through the available formats and choose your preferred output format. Select the sub-format with “Full HD 1080p” resolution.

Step 3: Adjust Additional Parameters

Click on the “More parameters” option to adjust extra output parameters. Once satisfied, hit the “Start Convert” button to initiate the downsizing process from 4K to 1080P resolution.

Pros:

• Handling multiple 4K videos becomes effortless with batch conversion mode, saving valuable time and effort.
• TalkHelper Video Converter ensures seamless compatibility with various devices and delivers high-quality output through advanced algorithms.
• You can enjoy lossless video conversion.
• Customizable presets streamline the downsizing process, eliminating the need for extensive manual adjustments.

Cons: 

• You need to switch to the paid plan to access most of its features. 

8. FreeConvert

FreeConvert is an online 4K to 1080P converter tool offering comprehensive features for various file conversions, video compression, cropping, trimming, and GIF creation. It supports uploading videos up to 1GB in size from your computer, Dropbox, Google Drive, or URL. Premium plans also provide an ad-free experience, priority processing for faster conversion speeds, and the ability to merge up to 100 files simultaneously. 

Compatibility: Web based

Step-By-Step Guide To Convert 4k to 1080p Using FreeConvert:

Step 1. Access FreeConvert Website

Visit the FreeConvert website to initiate the downsizing process.

Step 2. Select Output Format

Navigate to the VIDEO Converters section and choose your desired output format, such as MP4.

Step 3. Upload 4K Video

Tap "Choose Files" to upload your 4K video to the platform.

Step 4. Adjust Resolution Settings

Upon uploading, click the settings icon to modify the output video resolution. Select "1920×1080 (1080p)" from the Advanced Options window's Video Screen Size drop-down list. Customize other output settings as necessary and then apply the changes.

Step 5. Initiate Conversion

Click "Convert To MP4" to begin the downsizing process from 4K to 1080P.

Step 6. Save Downscaled Video

Once the conversion is complete, save the downscaled video to your device for further use.

Pros:

• Compatible with 60 video formats, including popular ones like MP4, AVI, and MKV.
• FreeConvert ensures security with 256-bit encryption and automatic file deletion after two hours. 
• It comes with advanced options for seamless conversions.
• You don't need to download separate software to convert 4K to 1080p and other resolutions. 

Cons: 

• The free plan has a 1GB file size limit.

9. MiniTool Video Converter

MiniTool Video Converter offers versatile functionality beyond simple video conversion, doubling as a 4K to 1080P converter, screen recorder, and YouTube downloader. With its batch conversion capability, you can efficiently process multiple 4K videos to 1080P without watermarks. This Windows-based software supports numerous conversions and serves as a comprehensive solution for converting audio and video files across various audio & video formats. Best of all, it's free to use.

Compatibility: Windows

Step-By-Step Guide To Convert 4k to 1080p Using MiniTool Video Converter:

Step 1. Download, Install, and Open MiniTool Video Converter

Download the MiniTool Video Converter and follow the instructions to install it on your computer. Once installed, launch the software.

Step 2. Import Your 4K Video

Hit the "Add Files" button to choose and import the desired 4K video file from your computer into the software.

Step 3. Convert 4K Video to 1080P

Under "Target," click the diagonal icon to open the output window. Choose "Video" and select an output format, opting for the "HD 1080P" option. For customization, click the "Edit" icon to adjust settings such as quality, encoder, frame rate, bitrate, sample rate, and channel.

Step 4. Initiate the Conversion Process

Press the "Convert" button to convert the 4K video to 1080P. If you have multiple 4K videos to convert, click the "Convert All" button situated at the bottom right of the window.

Step 5. Review the Converted 1080P Video

Once the conversion is complete, navigate to the "Converted" section to locate the newly converted 1080P video. 

Pros:

• Users can sync the settings according to their preferences to attain the desired output.
• It relies on advanced algorithms for fast conversion speeds.
• It is compatible with a diverse array of formats, ensuring suitability for different devices.
• Intuitive interface caters to users with different technical proficiencies.

Cons:

• It does not offer advanced features typically needed by professional video editors.

10. Movavi Video Converter

Experience the unmatched speed of media conversion with Movavi Video Converter, a one-of-a-kind tool that can handle resolutions as high as 8K and supports over 180 media formats, including AVI, MKV, MOV, MP4, and more. Seamlessly convert your 4K videos into 1080p or lower resolutions for optimal viewing on a variety of devices. 

Compatibility: Windows & macOS

Step-By-Step Guide To Convert 4k to 1080p Using Movavi Video Converter:

Step 1. Import Your Video File

Launch Movavi Video Converter. Press the "Add Media" button, and then choose "Add Video" from the upper left corner of the interface. Browse the video files you want to convert and click "Open."

Step 2. Select Output Format and Resolution

Go to the "Video" section located at the bottom of the interface. Now select "MP4", and pick the desired preset for your screen resolution to 1080p.

Step 3. Downscale 4K to 1080p

Specify the destination folder for your converted files by clicking the "Save to" button. Start the conversion by clicking "Convert" in the bottom right corner. Once the process is complete, the folder with the converted file will open automatically.

Pros:

• Being an extremely user-friendly tool, it strikes the right balance between functionality & simplicity.
• A user-friendly interface makes it well-suited for everyday use.
• In-app tutorials make the learning curve smaller.
• It supports AI upscaling up to 8x. 

Cons:

• Often, users complain about its slow processing speed.

Final Words

As we move towards widespread adoption of 4K technology, opting to convert to 1080P remains a viable choice for experiencing high-quality visuals. Today, we've introduced convenient methods to downscale 4K to 1080P, ensuring accessibility for users of all levels. With various tools, selecting the suitable converter depends on individual preferences and needs. For beginners, Unifab Video Converter Pro stands out for its blend of speed, simplicity, stability, and versatility. 

FAQs 

Is there a quality improvement when converting 1080p to 4K?

Upscaling to 4K has the potential to enhance the viewing experience, but its effectiveness largely hinges on the upscaling technology and the quality of the original content.

What is the optimal resolution for video editing?

For optimal resolution and quality, 1080p is recommended. Videos saved in 1080p can be viewed on large screens such as TVs or projectors without appearing blurry or glitchy.

How much larger is 4K compared to 1080p?

4K boasts four times the pixel resolution 1080p (1920 x 1080 pixels). With four times the pixels, images are four times as detailed, enabling them to be viewed on larger screens without distortion. When zooming in on footage, 4K resolution features fewer visible pixels than 1080p.