Video Recovery and Repair Software for Ubuntu - 5 Options

Do video files on your Ubuntu system sometimes refuse to play correctly? The root cause typically involves corruption issues such as incomplete file transfers or damaged data blocks. This article outlines a selection of video repair tools for Ubuntu. These tools are specifically designed to address and fix various types of video corruption and restore files to their original playable state. Their effectiveness is supported by widespread adoption and positive user feedback within the Ubuntu community. These factors confirm they are reliable solutions for your video repair needs.

Available Video Recovery Software for Ubuntu

We dedicated an amount of time to research and analyze the numerous video repair tools available. We selected only five that truly succeeded in repairing videos on Ubuntu systems. Starting with online options, which typically provide ease of use and immediate access, we will also examine less convenient utilities and tools. Each solution we discuss includes an assessment of its pros and cons to offer you a complete review.

Pay attention: In this article, we will not provide detailed steps for each tool to fix corrupted videos; instead, we offer a general overview of the available tools and their capabilities.

1. Clever Online Video Repair

Clever Online Video Repair is the tool we have encountered most often in user recommendations and in various selections of the best video repair tools. This online tool allows you to operate on computers with Ubuntu and also on phones and tablets. It can repair videos that do not play at all or when there are audio discrepancies within the file. The tool is completely free, which contrasts with many other options that either require purchase after a trial period or offer limited capabilities in their free versions.

Pay attention: This service requires the presence of both a damaged video and a healthy reference video. The reference must share the same settings and have been shot on the same device as the damaged one.

PROS

The tool features a user-friendly interface that makes the repair process easier, even if you have minimal technical expertise.
Clever Online Video Repair’s webpage now includes a detailed video demonstration. The video explains the steps to use the tool and provides a clear visual guide for navigating and using the service.
It processes video repairs quickly, which minimizes the wait time typically associated with video restoration.
Clever Online Video Repair supports over ten video formats, including popular ones like MP4, AVI, and MOV.
You can upload and repair videos up to 5GB in size, which is ideal for high-resolution videos.

CONS

To initiate the repair process, you must create an account. While this adds a layer of security to the service, it may deter users who prefer not to register or provide personal information online.

2. Restore.Media

Restore.Media is another online tool we frequently encounter in reviews of video repair tools. This tool specializes in the repair of videos that appear visually intact but fail to play in any media player. Such issues typically stem from corrupted metadata and indexes. Although Restore.Media provides successful solutions, but it is not free; after you repair the video, you must pay to download it. Prices start at $4.99 per file, but the cost never fell below $9.99 in our testing.

Pay attention: Like Clever Online Video Repair, Restore.Media also requires a damaged video and a healthy reference file for the repair process.

PROS

The tool features an easy-to-navigate interface, which makes the repair process simple for you.
Each repair step includes detailed descriptions and helpful hints that guide you through the process and reduce the likelihood of errors.
Restore.Media supports seven video formats, including MP4, MOV, M4V, QT, 3GP, MXF, and INSV.
If you encounter problems uploading a damaged video directly, you can upload it to cloud storage and provide a link, which improves the service’s flexibility.

CONS

You must create an account to use the service, which may deter those who prefer anonymous transactions.
The tool is not free, and you must pay for each file they wish to download after repair.
Restore.Media cannot fix videos that play but contain distortions, freezes, or artifacts.
Only low-resolution previews are free, and you must pay for full-quality downloads.

3. DivFix++

DivFix++ differs from the previously discussed tools as it requires installation on the system and is aimed at more specialized use. Primarily, DivFix++ serves as a video repair tool for AVI files and reconstructs the index part of files necessary to preview movies that initially lack this component. This functionality is valuable if you need to preview incomplete downloads or corrupted files before you commit to a full repair.

Pay attention: This tool works exclusively with AVI files, so you should look at the other options if your format differs.

PROS

You can access all features of DivFix++ without any cost.
Despite its technical capabilities, DivFix++ offers an interface that you find relatively easy to navigate.
The tool can handle AVI files up to 2GB, which accommodates a substantial range of video files.

CONS

DivFix++ does not include a help file within the application, which can be a problem for beginners who may need to seek external resources to understand its use fully.
It supports only the AVI file format.
The tool’s interface, while intuitive, appears outdated compared to more modern software.

4. FFmpeg

The next software we will consider is FFmpeg. This tool operates as a free command-line interface application accessible through the Terminal and handles a wide range of video types. FFmpeg can fix broken file structures, regenerate metadata, and correct synchronization issues between audio and video tracks. Additionally, it can convert video formats and stream multimedia content, making it a versatile tool for various multimedia processing tasks.

Pay attention: FFmpeg does not offer a universal command that fixes all video problems. You must consult the usage instructions to familiarize yourself with the general syntax and discover the appropriate commands for your specific needs. Often, you must run several commands in sequence to achieve the desired result.

PROS

FFmpeg is available at no cost and provides powerful video processing capabilities for free.
The tool supports an extensive array of video formats, including MP4, AVI, MKV, and MOV.
FFmpeg’s main site hosts a large database of materials and instructions, which helps you use it to its full potential.

CONS

Using a command line interface makes FFmpeg difficult if you are unfamiliar with terminal commands.
To use FFmpeg, you need to review additional materials, as it requires a good knowledge of command syntax and options.

5. Untrunc

The last tool on our list is Untrunc. This utility specializes in restoring damaged (truncated) video files but supports a relatively limited number of video formats, specifically MP4, M4V, MOV, and 3GP. It addresses only one specific issue: the missing MOOV atom, which is necessary for video playback. Untrunc operates on a principle similar to Clever Online Video Repair, requiring a healthy reference file to function. However, like FFmpeg, it functions through the command line. Its operation, while powerful, is highly specialized and suited for a narrow range of problems.

PROS

Untrunc is free, making it accessible if you need to repair specific types of video corruption.

CONS

Using a command-line interface can be difficult if you are unfamiliar with terminal commands, limiting its accessibility.
There is scant information about Untrunc, making it difficult to find additional resources or user guides.
Untrunc can repair only one type of damage—missing MOOV atoms. It does not address other forms of video corruption, which limits its applicability.

Conclusion

You must find a reliable repair tool when videos fail to play, show signs of corruption, or lose synchronization between audio and video tracks. In summary, the selection of tools we reviewed caters to various needs and technical abilities. Each tool provides unique benefits for specific types of video problems.

Clever Online Video Repair is best for quick and free video repairs when you have a reference file.
Restore.Media is suitable if you deal with corrupted metadata and indexes and are willing to pay a small fee for high-quality repairs.
DivFix++ offers a reliable solution specifically for repairing AVI files.
FFmpeg is a versatile choice for tech-savvy users who need a powerful tool that handles various video formats and complex repair tasks.
Untrunc is the go-to option for repairing truncated MP4, M4V, MOV, and 3GP files when missing the MOOV atom.

We recommend that you evaluate your specific needs and technical comfort level before choosing the most appropriate tool to restore your video files to their pristine condition on Ubuntu.