How to Turn MKV to MP4 to Enhance Compatibility & Reduce File Size

Imagine downloading a movie in MKV format, but it will not play on your phone or TV. It is a common problem since MKV is not supported by all devices. The simple fix is to convert MKV to MP4, which works almost everywhere and is easier to stream or share. Right in this post, we will teach you how to convert MKV to MP4. We will show methods for Windows, Mac, web, and mobile so you can choose the one that works best for you.

Part 1: MKV vs MP4

When people talk about video files, MKV and MP4 are always part of the mix. Both are popular, but they are not the same. You might probably be thinking, What is the difference between MKV and MP4? Each has its strengths, and knowing them helps you decide which one to use. Here is a quick breakdown of MKV vs. MP4 to make it clear:

1. File Size - MP4 files are usually smaller, while MKV can be larger because it can hold more content.
2. Compatibility - MP4 works on almost every device and app, while MKV may not play on all players without extra support.
3. Quality - Both can keep high quality, but MKV is better for storing raw or big videos.
4. Content Support - MKV can hold many audio tracks, subtitles, and chapters, while MP4 is simpler and more direct.
5. Best Use - MP4 is best for everyday viewing and sharing, while MKV works well for archiving, editing, or advanced use.

Part 2: Easy Software Methods (Windows/Mac)

1. AVAide Video Converter

Sometimes a video cannot play because it is saved in MKV, and that can be a real headache. The easy fix is to change it into MP4, which works on almost any device. One of the best tools for this is AVAide Video Converter. It lets you convert MKV to MP4 on both Windows and Mac without trouble.

You can also turn videos into formats like MOV, AVI, WMV, and many more. This offline converter even supports batch conversion, so you can convert many MKV files all at once. If you want to be more detailed, you can fine-tune the output by setting resolution, bitrate, or frame rate. This way, you get a file that fits your needs perfectly.

Step 1Choose the right version for your system, either Windows or Mac, to download and install AVAide Video Converter.

Step 2Import your MKV video into the program by hitting the Add Files button on the upper left. Your video will then appear in the list, ready to be worked on.

Step 3Now, select the output format. Look for the Format option in the right corner, click the drop-down arrow, and a new display will show different formats. From here, pick MP4 as your output type.

Step 4You can also fine-tune the video by opening the Cogwheel button, where you may change resolution, bitrate, or frame rate. If you like your new settings, click Create New to save them.

Step 5When you are happy with everything, click Convert All at the bottom right of the screen. The program will then process your videos and save them in MP4 format on your desktop.

2. HandBrake

HandBrake's MKV to MP4 conversion process can cause a bit of quality loss, but it also gives you more control. You can pick encoders, set frame rates, and even add filters or subtitles. Many people like HandBrake because it is free, open-source, and works on Windows, Mac, and Linux.

Step 1Launch HandBrake on your computer.

Step 2Drag and drop your MKV file into the interface, or click File to add one file, or click Folder if you want to upload many files at once.

Step 3Go to the Summary tab and pick MP4 as the output format.

Step 4Next, head to the Video tab where you can choose the encoder you like, change the frame rate, or fine-tune other settings.

Step 5Click Browse to pick a folder where you want to save the converted file. Finally, press the Start Encode button and please wait for the process to finish.

3. VLC

Many people know VLC only as a media player, but it does more than just play movies or songs. You can convert MKV to MP4 using VLC. This player also lets you check codec details, capture screenshots, and even stream content. While it is reliable, VLC takes longer to finish since it re-encodes the video during conversion.

Step 1Open VLC after installing it, then click on the Media tab at the top.

Step 2Select Convert/Save from the drop-down menu and click the Add button, and choose your MKV file. After adding the file, hit Convert/Save at the bottom.

Step 3In the new window, pick Convert as the option, then choose the profile Video – H.264 + MP3 (MP4).

Step 4Choose the destination file name and location, then press Start, and please wait until VLC finishes the conversion.

4. FFmpeg

This open-source library is trusted worldwide by both regular users and big companies. FFmpeg's MKV to MP4 conversion works through simple command lines and can convert without re-encoding, which makes it fast and lossless. While it looks difficult at first, FFmpeg is stable, powerful, and often runs behind the scenes in professional video applications.

Step 1Install FFmpeg on your computer. You can get it on Windows, Mac, or Linux.

Step 2Open your command line (Command Prompt or Terminal).

Step 3Type this command:

ffmpeg -i inputVideoName.mkv -c:v copy -c:a copy outputVideoName.mp4

Step 4Press Enter and let FFmpeg do the work.

Here is what the command means: -i inputVideoName.mkv is your source file, -c:v copy -c:a copy tells FFmpeg to copy the video and audio without re-encoding, and outputVideoName.mp4 is the new file name. Since it does not re-encode, the conversion is fast and there is no quality loss.

5. Shotcut

If you want an MKV to MP4 converter for free, Shotcut is worth checking. What makes Shotcut useful is its editing flexibility. You can fine-tune bitrate, pick codecs like H.264, and even balance quality with file size before exporting. It works on Windows, Mac, and Linux, giving beginners and professionals a chance to create videos while still being able to convert formats easily.

Step 1Open Shotcut, import your MKV file, and go to the Export tab on the right side of the program.

Step 2Please make sure the Advanced tab is checked, then go to the Format section and type in MP4 to select it.

Step 3Pick the codec you prefer; a common choice is H.264. Under rate control, you can choose options like average bit rate or constant bit rate. Using the average bit rate is good if you want to keep the file size smaller.

Step 4Click Export File, choose where you want to save it, give it a name, and press Save.

6. Avidemux

Sometimes, you need a simple program that just gets the job done without confusion, and Avidemux does exactly that. You can use it to convert MKV to MP4 or even between other formats like AVI or MOV. Besides conversion, it also lets you cut, filter, or trim your video. Avidemux is lightweight, easy to run, and does not need a steep learning curve, making it great for quick everyday video tasks.

Step 1Install the latest version of Avidemux (make sure you get the right 32-bit or 64-bit version for your system).

Step 2Open Avidemux, then click File > Open and select your MKV file.

Step 3For Video Output, choose Copy so it will not re-encode the video. For Audio Output, select AAC.

Step 4Under Output Format, pick MP4 Muxer.

Step 5Finally, click File > Save, choose the folder and file name, and then the conversion will start.

Part 3: Online Converters (No Install)

1. CloudConvert

CloudConvert is a trusted online video converter, MKV to MP4, that has been around for almost a decade, helping millions of people change file formats without downloading a program. It supports more than just video, handling audio, images, documents, e-books, and even fonts. When converting MKV to MP4, you can fine-tune details like resolution, codecs, aspect ratio, and frame rate.

Step 1Go to the CloudConvert - MKV to MP4 Converter website and press on Select File.

Step 2Pick the MKV file you want to change. You can upload it from your computer, cloud storage, or even paste a file URL if you prefer.

Step 3Click on the Wrench button to customize settings. Here, you can change resolution, aspect ratio, codec, fps, or even set clarity levels.

Step 4Press the Convert button, and please wait while CloudConvert processes your file.

Step 5When the process is done, click Download to save the MP4 file to your device.

2. FreeConvert

FreeConvert is a MKV to MP4 format converter and also adds extra settings for both video and audio. You can resize videos, rotate, flip, trim, or even add subtitles before saving. The free plan allows up to 1 gigabyte per file, but you can sign up for bigger uploads and more advanced features.

Step 1Open your preferred search engine, search for FreeConvert - MKV to MP4 Converter, and open it.

Step 2Hit Choose Files to upload your MKV file. You can upload from Device, Dropbox, Google Drive, OneDrive, and URL.

Step 3MP4 is set as the Output. FreeConvert already does it for you!

Step 4Optionally, you can change the output settings by opening the Cogwheel button. The settings inside are Video Options, Subtitle Settings, Audio Options, Trim Settings, and Video Crop Settings. Once you have made some changes, do not forget to click the Apply Settings button.

Step 5For the last step, press the Convert button, please wait for a bit, and once done, download your MP4 file.

3. Restream

With this online MKV to MP4 Converter, the process is kept simple and direct. There are no extra menus or confusing steps, which makes it a good choice for people who want quick results. The best thing about it is that it is 100% free, minimal, and works well for small or medium-sized files.

Step 1Type Restream - MKV to MP4 Converter in your browser's search bar and select it.

Step 2Hit Choose File or drag and drop your MKV file to upload it.

Step 3As you can see, .mp4 is already selected as the Output. You can also see the file size below the file name.

Step 4Go, click the Convert button to initiate the MKV to MP4 conversion process.

Part 4: Mobile Solutions

1. Video Converter: mkv to mp4 (Android)

If you use an Android phone and need to change videos fast, Video Converter: mkv to mp4 is a handy choice. It supports MKV to MP4 and many other formats like MOV, MP4, AVI, and more. This app works on devices running Android 7.0 or higher, so most users can install it. Since it has ads, you do not need to pay up front.

Please check the tutorial below to learn how to turn MKV to MP4 using it.

Step 1Open your Google Play Store, and download Video Converter: mkv to mp4.

Step 2Select Video Converter, choose your MKV video, and then press Continue.

Step 3Under Select Format, mp4 is automatically selected for you.

Step 4All you need to do now is click the Convert button, and you are done!

2. MKV Converter, MKV to MP4 (iOS)

Not all video files play on iPhone, and that is where MKV Converter, MKV to MP4, makes life easy. This iOS app converts MKV to MP4, GIF, and even formats like MOV, AVI, or WEBM. It is free to use, has no sign-ups, and enables you to convert MKV to MP4 with no size limit. This app also lets you change clarity, size, or frame rate before saving.

Step 1Get the MKV Converter, MKV to MP4 app from the App Store on your iPhone.

Step 2Press the Add button, and then pick the MKV video you want to change.

Step 3Once the MKV file is added, select MP4 as the output format. If needed, click on the settings to adjust options like resolution, codec, or quality.

Step 4Tap the Convert button and please wait, and once the conversion finishes, save the MP4 file to your iPhone.

Part 5: Comparison

This part will show you a simple comparison table of the MKV to MP4 converters. Looking at them side by side helps you see which one fits best!

By Bryan Simmonds on Sep 05, 2025