How to Convert MKV to MP4: 6 Best Converters to Try in 2024
- Last updated on 2024-11-18
Table Of Content
Introduction
Dealing with video formats and compatibility issues can often take time and effort. Various programs utilize different formats and file extensions, leading to playback difficulties with specific software. Converting MKV to MP4 is an everyday challenge users face. MKV (Matroska) and MP4 (MPEG-4) are both HD video formats, but they differ significantly in how they store data. MKV consolidates subtitles, audio, and video into a single large file, akin to how Blu-rays and DVDs store content. In contrast, MP4 files are more compact without sacrificing quality and boast wider software compatibility.
Many opt to convert MKV to MP4 to broaden playback options across devices. This article explores six effective methods to convert MKV files into versatile MP4 formats through online tools and desktop software.
Snapshot of Top 3 MKV to MP4 Converters
The following table outlines our methodology for selecting and ranking our top 3 choices.
| Features | UniFab Video Converter | OBS | HandBrake |
| Quality Retention | No quality loss | The quality of the final output is influenced by your PC settings. | Results in a moderate loss of quality. |
| Batch processing | Supported | Supported | Supported |
| Speed | Fast speed | Moderately high | Moderately high |
| Hardware Acceleration | Supported | Supported | Supported |
| Video Editing | Supported | Supported | Supported |
| Video Conversion | Supported | Supported | Supported |
Convert MKV to MP4 for improved compatibility with top-tier software or online utilities on your Windows & mac devices. Ensure seamless playback and easy sharing of videos across various devices with our conversion guide.
How to Convert MKV to MP4 on Windows & Mac
1. UniFab Video Converter
Supported Platforms: Windows & Mac
UniFab Video Converter, a versatile professional tool, offers effortless conversion between over 1000 video and audio formats, ensuring compatibility with various devices and players. Whether you need to convert MKV videos to MP4 without quality loss or transform videos for smartphone playback, UniFab delivers seamless format transitions tailored to your needs. Moreover, UniFab is a reliable video compressor, enabling precise size adjustments to meet social media platform requirements while preserving original video and audio quality, including high-definition formats like TrueHD, DTS-HD, and DTS X. It also allows you to covert MPG to MP4.
Price: Lifetime license for $59.99
Features:
- Broad Format Support
Convert videos to over 1,000 formats for seamless device compatibility.
- Lossless Compression
Reduce file sizes without compromising audio or video quality.
- GPU Acceleration
Achieve up to 50x faster speeds for conversion, compression, and editing with integrated NVIDIA CUDA, AMD, and Intel Quick Sync technologies.
- User-Friendly Interface
Designed for both beginners and professionals, UniFab's intuitive interface simplifies video creation and editing.
- Customizable Parameters
Fine-tune settings such as codec, frame rate, resolution, bitrate, encoding method, bits/pixel, and audio channels, sample rate, and more for full customization.
- Built-in Video Editing
Trim, crop, adjust volume and speed, add effects, and subtitles—everything you need for seamless video creation and editing.
- Batch Processing
Process multiple videos simultaneously with UniFab's batch function, ideal for managing multiple tasks efficiently.
How to Convert MKV to MP4 using UniFab Video Converter
30-day Free Trial with full feature access!
Open UniFab, Select 'Converter' Module, and Add MKV Video
After installing UniFab on your device. Launch the software > select 'Converter' module > import your MKV video file.
Note: Download UniFab to access two free AI tools: Vocal Remover & Video Background Remover. Additionally, you can try any other feature three times for free.
Choose MP4 Output
Click 'Format', and select 'MP4' as the desired output format.
Customize output settings (Optional)
Click 'Settings', you can customize output settings such as codec, resolution, frame rate, bitrate and more according to your preferences.
Note: You can also keep the default settings.
Start Conversion
Once the settings are adjusted, click the 'Start' button to initiate the MKV to MP4 conversion process.
2. OBS
Supported Platforms: Windows, Mac & Linux
OBS (Open Broadcaster Software), primarily for video streaming and game recording, offers a lesser-known but powerful feature: a built-in MKV to MP4 converter. Although not a conventional video converter, OBS Studio includes a Remux Recordings feature to quickly convert MKV format recordings to MP4. This open-source software supports various systems, native and third-party plugins, and software extensions, allowing for endless possibilities in video production. With OBS Studio, users benefit from high-performance real-time video/audio capturing and mixing capabilities, customizable scene setups, an intuitive audio mixer with per-source filters like noise gate, and gain adjustment and support for VST plugins.
How to Convert MKV to MP4 using OBS Studio
Download and Install OBS Studio
Download and install OBS Studio on your computer if you haven't already. Once it's installed, open OBS Studio.
Access Remux Recordings
To access Remux Recordings, click on "File" in the menu bar and then select it from the dropdown menu.
Add MKV Files
In the Remux Recordings dialog, drag and drop your MKV files into the OBS Recordings section.
Set Target File Location
Review the default save location shown in the "Target File" section. Click the three-dots (…) button to choose a different destination folder.
Initiate Conversion
Click the "Remux" button to convert the MKV files to MP4 format. The conversion process duration will vary based on the file size. Once the conversion is complete, click "OK" to finalize the process within OBS Studio.
3. HandBrake
Supported Platforms: Windows, Mac & Linux
HandBrake, renowned as one of the fastest free MKV converters, gained popularity among Windows users after its initial launch on Mac. This versatile tool offers an intuitive user interface and supports various video formats. Beyond simple conversion, users can apply video filters, adjust dimensions, modify codecs and frame rates, add audio tracks, and more. Notably, HandBrake excels in optimizing videos for specific devices like PS4 or iPhone, making it a preferred choice for diverse media consumption needs.
Features:
- Wide Format Support
Convert videos to MKV or MP4 with support for codecs like H.264, HEVC, MPEG-2, MPEG-4, Theora, VP8, and VP9, utilizing third-party libraries like x265, FFmpeg, and libvpx.
- Customizable Video Parameters
Within HandBrake, you can adjust aspect ratio, bit rate, resolution, and frame rate and perform basic video edits.
- Built-in Device Presets
Start encoding quickly by selecting optimized profiles for various devices or quality levels. You can also customize settings for tailored conversions.
- Supported Input Sources
You can process common multimedia files and non-copy-protected DVD or BluRay sources with HandBrake.
- Batch Conversion
Queue and convert multiple files simultaneously for convenient batch processing.
How to Convert MKV to MP4 using Handbrake
Download and Install HandBrake
Visit the official HandBrake website to download and install the program for free on your computer.
Import MKV Files
Open HandBrake and navigate to the "Source" tab. Click on "File" to import your MKV file(s). You can facilitate batch conversion by dragging and dropping files directly into the program interface.
Select Output Format and Settings
Switch to the "Output" tab and choose "MP4" as the desired output format. Adjust video settings like resolution, frame rate, codec, quality, audio, subtitles, deinterlacing, denoising, and video cropping or rotation as needed.
Set Output Path
Specify the destination folder for the converted MP4 file by clicking on "Browse" in the "Save As" section.
Start Conversion
Click "Start Encode" to initiate the MKV to MP4 conversion process. HandBrake will begin encoding the file according to the specified settings, and the conversion will be completed shortly.
4. VLC Media Player
Supported Platforms: Windows, Linux & Mac
VLC Media Player, known primarily for its robust video playback capabilities, is a reliable MKV-to-MP4 converter. VLC has become popular for video transcoding tasks given its massive format compatibility and user-friendly interface. VLC's built-in adjustable settings and intuitive UI simplify the conversion process, allowing users to seamlessly transcode between formats like MPG and MP4 using integrated codecs such as MPEG-2 and MPEG-4. Additionally, VLC enables conversion from DVDs, CDs, and VCDs to various file formats, enhancing its versatility as a multimedia tool.
Features:
- Wide Format Support
VLC supports playback and conversion of various media formats, including MKV, WebM, MP4, MOV, AVI, MOV, and more, catering to diverse multimedia needs.
- Integrated FFMPEG Codec
VLC leverages the FFMPEG codec, providing users with updated output files and maintaining its status as a leading media player and converter.
- No Additional Software Required
Avoid the hassle of downloading third-party converters by utilizing VLC's built-in conversion capabilities.
How to Convert MKV to MP4 using VLC
Open VLC Media Player
Launch VLC on your computer. Next, click on "Media" in the toolbar, and select "Convert / Save" to open the "Open Media" window.
Add MKV Video File(s)
To import the MKV video file(s) you want, click the "Add" button and browse to select them from your computer. You can add multiple videos simultaneously if necessary. After selection, click on "Convert / Save."
Choose Output Format
In the new window, select "Video - H.264 + MP3 (MP4)" as the output format for your conversion. If you prefer a different format or device, use the dropdown list to choose accordingly. Customize video details such as codecs, subtitles, and other settings by clicking the "Edit selected profile" button next to the dropdown list.
Specify Output Destination
Click "Browse" to select the destination path to save the converted MP4 file.
Start Conversion
Once all settings are configured, click the "Start" button to initiate the MKV to MP4 conversion process using VLC. The conversion progress will be displayed, and upon completion, your MP4 file will be generated at the specified destination.
How to Convert MKV to MP4 Online
1. Freeconvert
Supported Platforms: Web
FreeConvert.com is a user-friendly and secure online video conversion tool that is entirely free. It offers a straightforward and speedy method to convert files, including MKV format. The platform supports over 60 popular file formats, making it versatile for converting various types of files. Your uploaded videos are automatically deleted from their servers after 2 hours, and the site uses SSL encryption at 256 bits to ensure the security and privacy of your files.
Features:
- Multi-Platform Compatibility
You can effortlessly convert MKV to MP4 on Windows 10/11, Mac, Linux, or any mobile device.
- Supports Different Formats
FreeConvert supports over 1500 file conversions, including videos, audio, images, and e-books.
- Security and Privacy Assurance
Benefit from enhanced security and privacy with FreeConvert's 256-bit SSL encryption.
- Batch Processing
Utilize batch conversion to convert up to 20 videos simultaneously, making it efficient for handling multiple files simultaneously.
- Video Compression
Reduce file size without any quality compromise.
How to Convert MKV to MP4 using Freeconvert
Access FreeConvert
Visit the FreeConvert MKV to MP4 Converter page using your web browser.
Upload MKV Video
Click the "Choose File" icon to upload your MKV video from your device, Dropbox, Google Drive, or URL.
Select MP4 as Output Format
Ensure that you have selected MP4 as the desired output format for the conversion.
Start Conversion
Click the "Convert To MP4" button to begin the conversion process.
2. Restream
Supported Platforms: Web
Restream is a comprehensive professional live-streaming platform designed to enhance online visibility for content creators. With Restream, users can effortlessly broadcast high-quality live streams directly from their web browser. This versatile suite allows customization of live streams, real-time engagement with audiences, and the facilitation of interactive actions during broadcasts.
Features:
- Customizable Content
Enhance your live streams with a wide range of overlays, backgrounds, themes, and logos.
- Audio-Only Streaming
Start a live stream with a black screen or static image while broadcasting audio content.
- Flexible Audio and Video Options
Easily toggle between different microphones and cameras during your streams.
- No Bitrate Limit
Restream doesn't impose any bitrate restrictions, giving users freedom in their streaming quality.
- High-Resolution Streaming
Stream in crisp 1080p resolution for clear and detailed broadcasts.
How to Convert MKV to MP4 using Restream
Access Restream MKV to MP4 Converter Webpage
Begin by visiting your internet browser's Restream MKV to MP4 Converter webpage.
Select or Drag Your MKV File
You have the option to select an MKV file from your computer by clicking or by dragging and dropping the file directly onto Restream's video converter interface.
Retrieve Your Converted MP4 File
Once the conversion process is complete, download your newly converted MP4 file from the webpage.
Conclusion
The suitable converter can efficiently convert your MKV files to MP4 while ensuring optimal quality and performance. For efficient and comprehensive MKV to MP4 conversions, consider utilizing a versatile tool like UniFab Video Converter, renowned for its broad format support and fast conversion speeds.
FAQs about MKV to MP4
Can I just change MKV to MP4?
Simply changing the file extension from MKV to MP4 won't work because these are container formats, not codecs. You'll need to use a video converter to properly repackage or re-encode the file while ensuring compatibility and maintaining quality.
Is MKV bigger than MP4?
The file size of MKV depends on its content. When MKV stores multiple audio tracks, subtitle tracks, and data streams, it can be larger than MP4. However, the container format alone does not determine file size; it's primarily influenced by codec and compression methods.
Is MKV better than MP4?
Both MKV and MP4 are versatile container formats. MKV can store diverse audio, subtitle tracks, and metadata, making it suitable for DVD or Blu-ray backups. MP4 is more widely supported and appropriate for smaller file sizes, making it ideal for broad device compatibility.