M2TS to MKV: How to Convert Pro Videos Without Quality Loss

MTS is a great video container for recordings, but it has limitations that restrict you from editing and sharing. One of the best workarounds is to convert it to a more compatible format, which is MKV. But why convert M2TS to MKV and not other popular formats? Let's find out below.

Understanding the Formats

Before jumping to conversion, it is encouraged to learn more about MTS vs MKV. In this way, you will know what happens when you convert a format to another and what you can do to avoid losing quality.

1. What Are M2TS and MTS Files?

MTS and M2TS are video formats mainly used for high-definition content, such as Blu-ray, AVCHD cameras, and camcorders, and they can contain video, audio tracks, and metadata. Although there is no difference between these two formats, MTS is the extension used for videos recorded with cameras or camcorders. On the other hand, M2TS is used as an extension by computers, editing tools, and similar applications.

2. What Is MKV?

MKV is a video file container that supports multiple tracks in a single file. It is best for storing multiple soundtracks, languages, pictures, and subtitles, making it a good option for movies. Most of the time, MKV is used for movie content as it is open-sourced and flexible, but compared to MP4, it is not widely supported on devices.

3. Quick Comparison

Here is a quick comparison of M2TS and MKV in terms of purpose, file extensions, size, and main features.

Why Choose MKV Over M2TS?

M2TS and MTS are excellent file formats for AVCHD recordings, as they preserve video quality for professional use. However, due to its limited accessibility, MTS restricts you from sharing your work, and you can't even edit this kind of file with any editing software.

But why choose MKV instead of just converting M2TS to MP4? MKV is the perfect format to choose as it can preserve the video quality from MTS. More than that, it is flexible enough for editing, provided you have a professional video editor for your projects.

Method 1: AVAide Video Converter (Fastest & Most Powerful)

Converting can take a while, especially if you want to convert M2TS to MKV. So, we recommend using AVAide Video Converter because it is designed for faster processing and reliable output. It is dedicated to offering excellent service for over 300 supported formats, converting high-quality MP4, MP3, AAC, MKV, and more. Batch conversion is also supported, allowing you to convert multiple files in different output formats. AVAide also has a long list of editing options, so instead of installing another editing software, you can easily edit with its cropper, enhancer, compressor, and more! You can start your conversion with the steps below:

Step 1Click Download to get AVAide Video Converter on your device. Once completely installed, start by uploading the M2TS file. You can also upload multiple files for one conversion.

Step 2Go to Settings and choose MKV as the output format. Additionally, you can find the advanced settings for quality, resolution, and frame rate here, which you can edit as desired.

Step 3After finishing the final touch, click the Convert All button to start the process. In a while, you can enjoy your new MKV files and share them with other people!

Method 2: FFmpeg (Advanced)

If you are looking for a professional conversion tool, FFmpeg is the one you might want. While it is developed to be the engineer of platforms and programs, FFmpeg can also change MTS to MKV by using these steps:

Step 1Create a new folder on your local drive and give it a name you will remember. Then, download the FFmpeg packet online.

Step 2Unzip the files from the packet and transfer them to the create folder. Start the Run app on your device and enter cmd. Go to the command line and type cd\ to enter the name of the created folder (where the files from the packet are moved).

Step 3In the next command line, enter cd bin to open ffpemg.exe. and the folder. You may copy the following command to paste and start converting FFmpeg M2TS to MKV: ffmpeg -i yourvideoname.mts -c:v libx264 outputfilename.mkv.

Method 3: HandBrake (Easiest GUI)

HandBrake is another video transcoder that is popular for handling heavy conversions. It is ideal for multiple conversions, such as Blu-ray to MKV, with advanced settings, but it can be difficult to get familiar with at first. So, here's how to use HandBrake for an M2TS to MKV conversion:

Step 1Open HandBrake and drop the M2TS file on the main interface. It is a great solution for turning recorded content into digital files.

Step 2Next, go to the Container menu and select the MKV output format. Then go to Browse to select the destination folder where to save the files. Click Start Encode to process.

Method 4: VLC Media Player (No Installation Needed)

VLC's main purpose is to support video playback with limited compatibility. But it also offers quick conversion and can convert M2TS to MKV without fail. Check the guide below:

Step 1Launch VLC and navigate to Media, then click Convert/Save. Upload a file by clicking the Add button in the dialog box.

Step 2When you press Convert/Save, another window will appear where you can choose M2TS as the output format. Once everything is set up, click Start to convert M2TS to MKV.

Method 5: Online Converters

For a quicker conversion, online converters will suffice for short clips with an MTS extension. Here are some of the recommended converters to try for free.

CloudConvert

CloudConvert is an accessible online converter that supports over 200 formats. To start converting MTS to MKV, follow these simple steps:

Step 1Drop the M2TS file on the official CloudConvert website.

Step 2From the Select Format menu, hover your mouse over the Video tab, and click MKV. Simply click Convert to process.

Convertio

Another well-known converter is Convertio. It boasts quick conversion, taking only a few minutes to process videos. Let's take a look at the steps for using Convertio with your MTS files.

Step 1Click Choose Files to browse and upload a file from your local drive.

Step 2Next to the uploaded file, you can choose MKV as the output format. Click Convert to convert MTS to MKV.

AnyConv

This solution is 100% free online, allowing you to convert not only videos but also various files, such as audio and documents. Moreover, AnyConv does not require you to install anything, so you can easily convert M2TS to MKV without worries.

Step 1Drag and drop the M2TS video to the website.

Step 2Simply choose MKV as the output format, then click the Convert button to start the conversion.

Which Method Should You Choose?

Online converters tend to provide a quicker way to convert files, especially smaller ones. However, using these solutions does not guarantee high quality. That's why it is better to use dedicated tools like HandBrake, FFmpeg, or, even better, AVAide Video Converter, which is designed to convert any video format.

By Sylvie Hyde on Aug 27, 2026