The Best HEIC Converters [February 2020]

With the release of iOS 11, Apple’s HEIC/HEIF file formats have given some users a bit of a headache. That’s not to say that there’s anything inherently wrong with this innovative format. After all, it boasts superior compression capabilities. But, it’s not as easy to read these files on every device.

So, many users still need to convert their HEIC photos to regular JPEG, PNG, or other formats. The good news is that while this was difficult at first, it’s now become trivial. There are tons of HEIC converters you can appeal to, the majority of which are also free to use. Here are some top picks that won’t disappoint.

Winner – iMazing HEIC Converter

One of the best things about the iMazing HEIC Converter app is that it handles everything locally on your computer. That means that you don’t have to worry about some third party app getting access to the photos you upload into the program.

This software can convert HEIC files into two of the most popular formats, namely JPEG and PNG. As with all easy to use file converters, the iMazing HEIC Converter offers drag and drop support as well as batch image conversion.

If you want to convert multiple images, say a whole folder of HEIC files, you can do it. The app doesn’t limit the number of photos you can upload and mark for conversion. Another cool feature is the JPEG quality setting.

Note that if you use it at 100, the maximum setting, your JPEG files will take up quite a bit of space on your drive. While it’s clear that file size can increase up to four times if you’re converting into a PNG, the preservation of quality makes up for that.

Another thing that sets the iMazing converter apart is its ad-free user experience.

Runner Up – CopyTrans HEIC

CopyTrans HEIC converter is an exciting alternative, and our overall runner up. It gives you a thumbnail preview of your HEIC files and can also act as a photo viewer. Note that this is not a standalone software but rather a plugin for Windows’s own Photo Viewer app.

By adding the CopyTrans HEIC plugin, you can then open HEIC photos and view them, or convert them to a JPEG format if you want to. You may also appreciate the batch image conversion support. To do this, all you have to do is select a bunch of HEIC photos, right-click, and then you’ll see the “Convert with CopyTrans” option.

The image processing is fast. That said, all the photos will turn out rotated 90 degrees counter-clockwise. If you do single image conversion, then your photos will turn out just fine. It’s also worth pointing out that this is a free plugin and that the converted file sizes don’t exceed the average.

But, the CopyTrans HEIC plugin is limited to HEIC to JPEG conversions, so if you need to make a few PNGs, this is not the option for you.

Apowersoft Free HEIC Converter

Another convenient and free to use HEIC converter comes courtesy of Apowersoft. You can use this to convert individual photos or batches from HEIC to JPEG, and you can also choose to remove all EXIF data from the new files.

You can also adjust the image quality via a simple slider. There’s a limit of 60 images you can convert at the same time. However, what’s cool is that once the conversion is complete, the tool deletes the files you’ve uploaded. Therefore, there’s no need to worry everyone will gain access to them.

HEICtoJPEG

The HEICtoJPEG is an online conversion tool with a fast imaging processing rate and an intuitive user interface. Although you can benefit from an ad-free experience, there are still some questions regarding the privacy and security of this app.

With that in mind, you can use this software to convert up to 50 images simultaneously. You also have some optimization features at your disposal. Finally, you get the added benefit of seeing both the initial file size and the output JPEG file size before you start converting.

It’s not the fastest image processer, nor can it tackle more than one format, but it is easy to access and use nevertheless.

IO Transfer

Although most users recognize IO Transfer as a device management software or file backup software, this app now also acts as a HEIC to JPG conversion tool.

You can convert either single files or batches of up to 50 images in one go. Drag and drop support is enabled, and the conversion is fast. On top of that, you can save the new JPEG files wherever you want on your hard drive.

However, the app will rotate almost any photo you convert 90 degrees counterclockwise, as most others do too.

Aconvert Image Converter

Another versatile online HEIC to JPEG converter comes from Aconvert. The best thing about it is that it can convert your HEIC files into a variety of formats such as ICO, PNG, BMP, and others. Since it’s not limited to doing only JPEG conversions, it’s a pretty popular choice.

That said, the Aconvert Image Converter lacks the batch conversion option. It also automatically selects an output quality. But, even though it may have some quality of life features missing, it’s still one of the few that can handle conversions for over 200 file formats.

It’s also free to use and will allow you to store output files directly on Dropbox or Google Drive.

FonePaw HEIC Converter

The FonePaw HEIC Converter is another solid piece of free software that can convert all the photos you took with your iPhone 7 (or a newer model), into more popular file formats. This tool can change HEIC files to JPEG and PNG formats at varying degrees of quality.

You may appreciate the fast conversion speed as well as the unlimited batch conversion support. That said, this converter also rotates images 90 degrees and creates significantly larger output files. But, at least you will be able to save EXIF metadata. You’ll also get to choose the local destination folder for the converted files.

WALTR HEIC Converter

The WALTR HEIC Converter is an offline conversion tool with a simple and intuitive interface. You can drag and drop your files, one by one or in large batches, or load up entire folders and queue pictures up for conversion.

This tool doesn’t support more than HEIC to JPEG. However, because it has unlimited batch conversion support, it’s free, and it gives you a sense of security, it’s worth a try. If there’s one thing that’s lacking is an option to change the image quality. That said, this is one of the newer conversion tools, so the chances are that it will improve in the future.

iMyfone

This app is one of the best HEIC converters you can use on a Windows PC. It’s a free tool that supports batch conversions, even directly from a plugged-in iPhone. You can maintain the original photo’s quality, which is always good, but you can also alter it to save space.

Although a good piece of software overall, the iMyphone tool will require registration, and it doesn’t support Mac devices. That may be a problem for some users, although the support for PNG and JPEG formats should count for something too.

TunesBro

The fact that you can use TunesBro on both Windows and macOS computers is a significant advantage. It supports HEIC to JPEG conversion and batch conversions of up to 500 photos.

The app also allows adjusting the output quality before conversion, although it’s not possible to maintain maximum quality. That said, between the batch conversion support, cross-platform compatibility, and local conversion, the TunesBro is a helpful tool if you prefer offline applications.

Aiseesoft

The Aiseesoft HEIC Converter is a lightweight software that can convert HEIC photos into JPG and PNG. Its main advantage is a super fast conversion speed, on both individual and batch photo conversions.

This tool is compatible with Windows and macOS devices and also offers direct conversion of HEIC photos on your iPhone. A great feature if you want to send JPEGs directly to your computer. Unfortunately, Aiseesoft doesn’t allow the conversion of more than ten photos simultaneously.

AnyGet HEIC Converter

If you value convenience over anything else, then an online HEIC converter like the AnyGet Converter might be the best solution for you. You can access this tool from Windows and macOS computers, it doesn’t cost anything, and it doesn’t need installing.

That said, AnyGet can only convert from HEIC to JPG and no other formats. It’s also limited to just three rates of output image quality. It’s an intuitive app that keeps EXIF data, but like all other online conversion tools, it raises privacy concerns.

Final Verdict

There’s no shortage of quality HEIC converters out there, whether you prefer an offline or an online solution. Although the online options are more convenient, it’s our experience that something like the iMazing HEIC Converter is tough to beat in terms of stability, performance, and privacy.

Just keep in mind that whenever you convert your photos, chances are you’re going to need a lot of storage space ready for your output files.