Convert M4V to MP4: 7 Foremost Tools for High Video Quality

The digital world has expanded quickly in this generation. There are newly released media file formats. But the good thing is that there are video formats that are still used nowadays, like M4V, which was released in 2005. It is due to their capability and benefits to individuals.

However, M4V has different limitations that some individuals find inconvenient. It is the top reason why they want to convert M4V to MP4. MP4 has concrete advantages compared to M4V, which will be tackled in detail in this article. It will also show the seven leading free or paid M4V to MP4 converters. See their full descriptions as you scroll in this article.

Part 1. M4V vs MP4: What's the Difference?

Whenever we use a video format or other data types, we consider their supported devices, in short, compatibility. Is M4V the same as MP4? Shortly, no. M4V was developed by Apple in 2005, which means that only Apple devices can open the file. On the other hand, MP4 is a video format developed by ISO/IEC. It is supported with a wide range of devices, like Windows, Android, Linux, web browsers, Smart TVs, and more.

The M4V metadata uses closed captions, subtitles, album art, Apple-specific metadata, and chapter markers. However, MP4 contains all the said metadata except for Apple-specific tagging features. Another difference between MP4 and M4V is about editing. MP4 offers smooth, simple trimming and other editing operations. M4V cannot easily be edited due to its Apple FairPlay DRM encryption.

Part 2. Free Ways to Convert M4V to MP4

Countless ways or tools can be used for the M4V to MP4 conversion. But it is way more convenient if you use free ways, right? Here they are! Below are the four free tools that can help you convert M4V to MP4. Check out their full details and procedures below.

1. AVAide MP4 Converter

This tool offers a high output quality that preserves or enhances the original video quality. It also allows you to adjust the video codecs, bitrates, frame rates, etc., to ensure the highest quality of video. The best thing about it is that it is available on your Mac and Windows. Let us convert M4V to MP4 on Mac and Windows using this tool with the steps below.

Step 1Open your browser and visit the website of AVAide MP4 Converter. Then, download and set up the tool.

Step 2Click Add Files at the top left. Go to Output Format and select Video at the top. Choose MP4 from the sidebar and select your desired quality.

Step 3It is time to convert the M4V files to MP4. Select the Convert All option at the bottom right.

2. QuickTime

It was mentioned that Apple produces the M4V. Here is QuickTime, which is the best built-in media player of Mac that can convert the mentioned file to MP4. However, it can only convert DRM-free M4V files. You cannot export M4V files with this tool if purchased from iTunes. The steps will guide you on how to change M4V into MP4 with QuickTime.

Step 1Locate the M4V file and right-click it. Select Open With and choose QuickTime.

Step 2Type the file name into Save As. Click Where and select Movie to MPEG-4. Finally, click Save to convert M4V to MP4.

3. VLC

Step 1Open VLC and choose Media at the top left. Click Convert/Save to continue with the process.

Step 2Click Add on the right and import the M4V files. Click Convert/Save at the bottom right. Click Video - H.264 + MP3 (MP4). Finally, click Start.

4. Transcribe by Wreally

Transcribe by Wreally is a great tool for transcribing your media files, including audio and videos. It can convert your interviews, phone calls, and other audio and video files to 80+ languages across the globe. However, in terms of conversion, this tool cannot process your M4V to MP4 files. Alternatively, we recommend you use AVAide MP4 Converter and the two previous tools for the M4V to MP4 conversion for the best results.

Part 3. Paid Ways to Change M4V to MP4

In contrast, there are paid ways to convert your M4V files to MP4. These tools contain different prices, which you can consider. See their list below.

1. Winxvideo AI

Winxvideo AI is an AI video enhancement tool with a wide range of features. It delivers a 5X faster conversion speed due to taking full advantage of its QSV and CUDA/NVENC hardware acceleration. However, it experiences stability issues during the conversion process. The steps below will guide you through using the tool.

Step 1Download and open the tool on the computer. Click Video and import the M4V files to continue.

Step 2Select MP4 at the bottom and click RUN at the bottom right to start the conversion.

2. Wondershare UniConverter

Step 1Download and open the tool on your computer. Click Converter and import the M4V files into the software. Select Video and MP4 from the Output Format section.

Step 2Select Edit on the right to adjust other video settings. Click Start All to start the conversion.

3. HitPaw Univd

HitPaw Univd is almost similar to the previous tools. It also has ultra-fast AI-accelerated conversion features to convert M4V to MP4. It has other features like an AI video enhancer, a video compressor, editing tools, and more. However, it lacks deep customizations for your video files. See the steps below to discover how the tool works.

Step 1Download, set up, and launch the tool. Then, click Converter at the bottom. Go to Convert All To to proceed.

Step 2Select Video at the top and click MP4. Select your desired quality on the right and click Convert All to begin the conversion.

By Sylvie Hyde on Sep 18, 2025