Parallel Media Encoder Parallel Media Encoder
Key Feature

Parallel video encoding on Apple Silicon

Why wait for one file when you can encode 10?

Parallel encoding means transcoding several files at the same time instead of one after another. Apple Silicon Macs have dedicated hardware media engines, and Parallel Media Encoder runs 2 to 10 encodes at once depending on the chip, so a batch finishes sooner. The free tier runs 2 at once.

The problem with traditional transcoders

Every other transcoder on macOS processes files one at a time. Even on a machine with multiple hardware media engines, they sit idle and waste the silicon you paid for.

Traditional (Sequential)

Slow
File 1
File 2
File 3
File 4
File 5
File 6
File 7
File 8
File 9
File 10

Each file waits for the previous one to finish

Parallel Media Encoder

Fast
File 1
File 2
File 3
File 4
File 5
File 6
File 7
File 8
File 9
File 10

All 10 files encode at the same time

Hardware-aware scheduling

Parallel Media Encoder reads your Apple Silicon chip configuration and automatically sets the optimal number of simultaneous encodes. No tuning required.

Detect

Identifies your chip model and media engine count at launch

Configure

Sets the maximum concurrent encodes for your hardware

Encode

Runs files in parallel, managing the queue automatically

MacBook Neo / M1–M6 Base
Up to 2 simultaneous encodes
M1–M5 Pro
Up to 4 simultaneous encodes
M1–M5 Max
Up to 8 simultaneous encodes
M1–M5 Ultra
Up to 10 simultaneous encodes
Performance

Batch faster. Not just faster.

Parallel Media Encoder doesn't speed up individual encodes. It eliminates the dead time between them. Every sequential transcoder has a gap: one file finishes, the hardware idles, the next file starts. When you're generating proxies for an entire project, that compounds fast.

Measured
8-file batch · Apple M4 Max
Sequential (one at a time) 197.5s
197.5s
Parallel (8 at a time) 119.5s
119.5s

We tested both modes on an M4 Max with 8 identical 4K clips. Sequential took 197 seconds. Parallel took 119. Same machine, same files, same output. 78 seconds faster. just by keeping the hardware busy.

Estimated
Projection

100 clips. 16 minutes back.

A 100-clip proxy batch takes about 41 minutes on a sequential transcoder. On an M4 Max running Parallel Media Encoder, that same batch finishes in about 25 minutes. That's 16 minutes back in your edit session for every batch.

Sequential (one at a time) ~41 min
~41 min
Parallel (8 at a time) ~25 min
~25 min

41 min

sequential, one at a time

25 min

parallel, 8 at a time

~16 min

saved per 100-clip batch

Measured: Apple M4 Max · 8 × 60s 4K UHD MXF source (H.264 10-bit 4:2:2) → H.265 HEVC · Wall-clock time, start to last file complete. Estimated projection extrapolated from measured data: Projection based on 100 clips at measured per-file average, 12 full rounds of 8 + 1 final round of 4. Assumes consistent thermal performance and drive throughput. Actual results vary by source format, clip length, output settings, and chip configuration.

Parallel encoding comparison

PME HandBrake EditReady
Parallel encoding Yes No Yes
Max simultaneous encodes Up to 10 1 2
Hardware-aware scheduling Yes No No
Chip tier detection Yes No No
Queue management Automatic Manual Manual
AI assistant can fill the queue (MCP) Yes No No

Parallel encoding FAQ

How many files can I encode at once on my Mac?
It depends on your chip. Base chips (MacBook Neo and M1–M6) run up to 2 simultaneous encodes, Pro chips up to 4, Max chips up to 8, and Ultra chips up to 10. Parallel Media Encoder detects your chip tier and sets this automatically. The free tier runs 2 at once on any Mac.
Is parallel encoding faster than encoding one file at a time?
For batches, yes. On an Apple M4 Max, eight 60-second 4K UHD MXF clips (H.264 10-bit 4:2:2) encoded to H.265 took 119.5 seconds in parallel versus 197.5 seconds one at a time, about 39% faster. Each file encodes at the same speed; the gain comes from removing the idle time between files.
Do I need to configure anything?
No. Parallel Media Encoder detects your Apple Silicon chip tier and sets the number of simultaneous encodes for you. Add files to the queue and it runs them in parallel.
Is parallel encoding free?
The free tier runs 2 encodes at once, for personal, educational, and evaluation use. Pro, a one-time $39 per Mac, unlocks the full number of simultaneous encodes for your chip.
Which Macs are supported?
Parallel Media Encoder runs on all Apple Silicon Macs, from MacBook Neo (A18 Pro) through M1–M6 Base and M1–M5 Pro, Max, and Ultra chips.

Start encoding in parallel

Download Parallel Media Encoder free. Unlock parallel encoding for $39.

Download Free

Requires macOS 14.5 or later. Apple Silicon required.