Convert MPG to MP4: 6 Best MPG to MP4 Converters for Windows, Mac & Online

MPG (typically MPEG‑1/2 Program Stream) and MP4 (ISO Base Media File Format) are different containers. MP4 is widely supported and works with modern codecs like H.264/H.265, so converting MPG to MP4 improves compatibility and can reduce file size at comparable quality.

Why Convert MPG to MP4

Both MPG and MP4 are digital media containers, but MP4’s modern design and codec support often make playback, streaming, and storage more flexible across today’s devices and platforms.

• MP4 is a modern ISO base media container that can hold video, audio, subtitles, still images, and metadata. MPG (MPEG‑1/2 Program Stream) is older and more limited.
• Compatibility: MP4 plays on most phones, browsers, smart TVs, and platforms. MPG is mainly associated with VCD/DVD-era workflows and legacy players.
• Compression and quality: With modern codecs (e.g., H.264/H.265), MP4 usually achieves smaller files at similar quality compared to MPEG‑2 in MPG. Both can deliver high quality, and MPEG‑2 supports SD and HD up to 1080i/p.
• Codec support: MP4 commonly carries H.264/AVC, H.265/HEVC, MPEG‑4 Part 2 video and AAC audio. MPG containers typically carry MPEG‑1/2 video and MPEG audio.

Because of these reasons, converting MPG to MP4 helps ensure smoother playback on modern devices and platforms while keeping file sizes reasonable.

How to Convert MPG to MP4 (Quick Methods)

You can convert MPG to MP4 online, with VLC, or using dedicated software. Pick the method that best fits your device, file size, and quality needs.

Method 1: Use video conversion software (UniFab, HandBrake)

• Install a converter like UniFab Video Converter or HandBrake and open your MPG file.
• Select MP4 (H.264/H.265) as the output; choose a preset or customize resolution/bitrate.
• Start the conversion and export the MP4 to your chosen folder.

Method 2: Use a free online converter (e.g., CloudConvert or Zamzar)

• Open a trusted online converter and upload your MPG file.
• Choose MP4 as the output format and adjust quality (resolution/bitrate) if available.
• Start the conversion and download the MP4 when finished.

Method 3: Use VLC Media Player (Windows/macOS)

• Open VLC > Media (Windows) or File (macOS) > Convert/Save (Windows) or Convert/Stream (macOS).
• Add your MPG file and choose an MP4 profile (e.g., H.264 + AAC).
• Set the destination file, then Start to convert.

Snapshot of Top 3 MPG to MP4 Converters 

We select the top 3 most powerful MPG to MP4 convertersfor you by comparing the 6 tools in usability, highlights and features. Here is the result:

Windows MPG to MP4 Converters

On Windows, you can convert MPG to MP4 with free tools or dedicated software. Choose based on the balance of speed, quality, and customization you need.

• UniFab Video Converter (desktop, 30-day free trial): comprehensive editing, hardware acceleration, and flexible output profiles.
• VLC Media Player (free): built-in Convert/Save workflow for quick transcodes.
• HandBrake (free, open-source): robust presets and advanced controls.
• Format Factory (free): Windows-focused batch conversion utility.

UniFab Video Converter

UniFab Video Converter is a dedicated MPG to MP4 converter for Windows and macOS that helps you convert MPG to MP4 with hardware-accelerated H.264/HEVC encoding, batch processing, and device presets. You can fine-tune resolution, bitrate, frame rate, audio codec, and subtitle handling (burn-in or pass-through) to balance quality, size, and compatibility.

Price: $59.99/Lifetime (30-day free trial)

Features

• High‑quality MPG to MP4 conversion with broad format support (e.g., MP4/H.264, H.265/HEVC, MKV, MOV).
• Hardware‑accelerated encoding on supported GPUs for faster processing.
• Efficient compression to reduce file size while preserving visible quality.
• Flexible controls for resolution, bitrate, frame rate, subtitles, encoder, plus basic editing (trim/crop/rotate).

Step 1: After launching the UniFab on your Windows PC, select the “Converter” module from the left-hand column and upload your desired MPG video for conversion to MP4.

Step 2: While selecting the output format as MP4, you can also customize the frame rate, resolution, codec, etc.

Step 3: Select the “Start” option to initiate the MPG to Mp4 conversion process.

VLC MPG to MP4 Converter

For a free and customizable option, VLC Media Player can convert MPG to MP4 on PC. As a cross‑platform, open‑source tool, VLC offers a straightforward Convert/Save workflow. It can transcode to MP4; final quality depends on the chosen codec and bitrate.

Price: Free 

Features

• Plays and converts a wide range of files, discs, streams, and devices.
• No trackers, ads, or spyware.
• Supports many popular codecs and formats, including MP4 (H.264/H.265), MP3, AAC, and more.
• Subtitle support, basic filters, and profile‑based conversion via Convert/Save.

Step 1: After opening the VLC tool on your PC, go to the “Media” header and select “Convert/Save.” You will then be taken to the window where you will see the video conversion option.

Step 2: Use the “Add” option to import your preferred MPG file into the software. Then, by selecting the “Convert/Save” option, you can save the converted MPG to an MP4 file.

Step 3: Before initiating the MPG to Mp4 conversion, personalize the output settings according to your specifications.

Step 4: In the “Profile” drop-down menu, select the Mp4 option > select the “Browser” option to decide the filename and output location. Next, select the “Start” option to complete the MPG to Mp4 conversion process.

Mac MPG to MP4 Converters

On macOS, you can convert MPG to MP4 with VLC, HandBrake, or an online converter. VLC offers a simple Convert/Stream flow; HandBrake provides more control and presets.

• Open VLC > File > Convert/Stream, then drop in your MPG file.
• Choose an MP4 profile (e.g., H.264 + AAC) and adjust options if needed.
• Click Save, select a destination/name, and start the conversion.

HandBrake Open-Source MPG to MP4 Converter

To convert MPG to MP4 on Mac, HandBrake is a reputable free, open‑source transcoder. It offers built‑in presets and advanced controls, and outputs to MP4/M4V, MKV, or WebM with modern codecs. It does not process copy‑protected content.

Price: Free software 

Features 

• Outputs MP4/M4V, MKV, or WebM with modern encoders (H.264/AVC, H.265/HEVC, AV1, VP9).
• Optional hardware‑accelerated encoding on supported GPUs.
• Batch queue, presets (e.g., Fast 1080p30), and extensive tuning controls.
• VFR/CFR support, chapter markers, and filters (deinterlace/denoise/crop/scale).
• Constant Quality (CQ) and bitrate modes for predictable quality or file size.

Step 1: After installing HandBrake on your Mac system, select the “Open source” program in the upper left corner to import the MPG to the program. Otherwise, you can also drag & drop the option to import files.

Step 2: In the Summary tab, choose MP4 as the format. Pick a preset (e.g., Fast 1080p30) or adjust bitrate, frame rate, audio tracks, and subtitles as needed.

Step 3: After selecting the output directory, select the “Start” option to convert MPG to MP4.

MacX Video Converter Pro

If you are a Mac user and want a more versatile option to convert MPG to MP4, MacX Video Converter Pro is an all-arounder program. This All-In-One tool supports video file conversion, compression, screen recorders, slide show makers, and more. It also supports seamless decoding and encoding with a hardware-accelerated HEVC transcoding option. 

Price: $39.95 (lifetime) 

Features

• It supports lossless file compression with a 5X faster file conversion option.
• It reduces the file size while ensuring the video quality to 4K up to 8K
• With 420 format support, it can also upscale video up to 4K
• Exclusive video editing options like split, merge, trim, rotate, etc
• You can import files without requiring any extra codec
• It also lets you download videos from 1000 websites

Step 1: Once you successfully launch the MacX Video Converter Pro on your Mac, import your desired MPG file to the program by selecting the “+” option or using the drag-and-drop option

Step 2: After that, select the “Output Profile” option from the pop-up Windows > select Mp4 (h264+AAC) as your required output format. You can also select your desired device option, such as iphone, iPad, etc, as an output profile.

Step 3: By selecting the “Browser” option, choose the folder to save the converted file. Then, select the “RUN” option to start the MPG to MP4 conversion process.

Online MPG to MP4 Converters

CloudConvert MPG to MP4 Converter Online

If you want an MPG to MP4 converter for any device, CloudConvert is a choice. It offers various file format support and lets you customize your output profile with file size, resolution, quality, etc. You can use this online converter without any hassle with software installation or registration.

 Price: Free tier available; paid subscriptions and packages are offered.

 Features

• Supports 200+ formats, including MP4, MOV, AVI, MKV, and more.
• Quality controls for resolution, bitrate, and codec to balance size vs. fidelity.
• Upload from local storage or cloud sources like Dropbox, Google Drive, and OneDrive.
• Batch conversion is supported (limits depend on plan).

Step 1: Access the CloudConvert tool on any device using any web browser > Hit the “select file” option to upload your required MPG file to the tool.

Step 2: You can also select multiple MPG files for batch conversion, select MP4 format as the output profile, and select the “Red” button for conversion.

Step 3: Once complete, you can save the converted MP4 file on your device by downloading it.

2. ZAMZAR Online MPG to MP4 Converter

Zamzar is another convenient online MPG to MP4 converter available in multiple languages. It supports many audio, video, document, and image formats, works in the browser without installation, and account creation is optional. File size and concurrency limits depend on the selected plan.

Price: Free tier available; paid plans unlock higher limits and additional features.

Features

• Registered users can store and manage converted files in the cloud.
• Wide format support across documents, images, audio, and video.
• Offers a desktop app in addition to the web service.
• Works on any device through a web browser.

Step 1: Once you open this tool on your device, upload your required MPG file to the program for conversion.

Step 2: Choose the Mp4 format as the output profile, and finally, hit the “Convert” option to finish the MPG to Mp4 conversion process.

Conclusion

Converting MPG to MP4 improves compatibility across modern devices and services. Free tools (VLC, HandBrake), desktop software (e.g., UniFab Video Converter), and online services (e.g., CloudConvert, Zamzar) all work—choose based on your needs for speed, quality controls, and batch processing.

FAQs about MPG to MP4

How long will it take to convert MPG to Mp4?

It depends on your CPU/GPU, codec (H.264 vs. H.265/AV1), resolution, bitrate, filters, and whether hardware acceleration is used. On modern hardware with optimized settings, conversion can approach real‑time or faster; older systems or heavier settings will take longer.

Can you convert MPG to MP4 without compromising quality?

Yes—if you choose appropriate settings. Note that MPEG‑2 (often used in MPG) supports HD up to 1080i/p, and converting to MP4 does not add detail beyond the source. Use a suitable codec (e.g., H.264) and adequate bitrate to preserve quality; you can also keep the original resolution and frame rate to avoid unnecessary re‑scaling.

How do I change an MPG file to MP4?

You can convert an MPG file to MP4 using video converter software or online tools. Simply open the MPG file in the converter, choose MP4 as the output format, and start the conversion.

Can VLC convert MPG to MP4?

Yes, VLC Media Player can convert MPG files to MP4 using its “Convert/Save” feature.

Is an MPG file the same as an MP4?

No, MPG and MP4 are different video file formats. MP4 is newer and more widely supported, while MPG is an older format mainly used for DVDs and some media players.

What is the best software to convert MPG to MP4?

UniFab Video Converter is highly recommended for its fast, high-quality, and feature-rich MPG to MP4 conversion. UniFab Video Converter can also convert M4V to MP4 or convert MP4 to WAV.