How to Convert MP4 to MKV for Free

Graphic Design Jul 26, 2024 0 115 Add to Reading List

Learn how to convert MP4 to MKV for free using popular tools. Choose the MKV converter that works for you and enjoy the benefits of this video format.

Converting video files from one format to another is a common task for many users, especially those who work with multimedia content. That’s the case for video editors, content creators, and even regular users who just want to be able to play their videos on different devices.

And among various video formats, we have these two: MP4 and MKV. If you’ve been wondering how to convert MP4 to MKV, this guide will help you out.

We will explore the advantages of MP4 and MKV formats and walk you through the process using some free video converting tools available.

Advantages of MP4 and MKV Formats

MP4 Format

MP4 (MPEG-4 Part 14) is one of the most widely used video formats. It is popular for its versatility and compatibility with almost all devices and platforms. Here are some key advantages:

High Compatibility: MP4 files can be played on nearly every device, including smartphones, tablets, laptops, desktop PCs, and gaming consoles.
Efficient Compression: MP4 uses advanced compression techniques, which result in smaller file sizes without heavily compromising quality.
Support for Advanced Features: MP4 supports subtitles, multiple audio tracks, and various metadata, making it suitable for a wide range of applications.
MKV Format

MKV (Matroska Video) is known for its flexibility and capability to store a multitude of video, audio, and subtitle tracks in a single file. The advantages include:

Great Flexibility: MKV files can hold a variety of media tracks, which is ideal for projects requiring diverse multimedia elements.
Support for Various Codecs: MKV supports virtually any codec, making it a highly adaptable format for different types of media content.
Open-Source Nature: Being an open-source format, MKV does not have licensing restrictions, encouraging widespread use and development.

Overall, the verdict is such: use MP4 if you want to save space and have decent quality video; otherwise, MKV provides lossless compression, resulting in better video quality (and, with that, larger file size).

How to Convert MP4 to MKV for Free

Ready to convert MKV to MP4 or vice versa? The process doesn’t require any technical skills or expensive software. There are several free tools available on both desktop and online that allow you to do this quickly and easily.

We won’t list dozens of options here; instead, we’ll introduce you to three good tools that you can use for free. These are Movavi Online Video Converter, VLC Media Player, and Winxvideo AI. Let’s dive into each one:

1. Movavi Online Video Converter

Although Movavi is more known for its desktop software, including video converter, they also have a free online tool that lets you convert any video format to another.

It doesn’t provide that many additional settings or features, but it’s perfect for basic and, most importantly, fast video conversion.

Here’s how to use the free MKV to MP4 converter by Movavi:

Visit the website: Go to the free MKV converter page located on the Movavi website.
Add media files: Click on ‘Add Your Media’ (or upload from Dropbox). Mind that the file size must not exceed 100 MB.
Choose the video format: Pick ‘MKV’ as the output format from the list of options.
Start conversion: Hit ‘Convert’ to start the process.
Download the converted file: Once the conversion is complete, save the new MKV file on your PC.

2. VLC Media Player

VLC Media Player is mostly used to play videos, but it also has a built-in conversion option for various video formats. And since it’s popular and free software, chances are you may already have it installed on your computer.

Steps to convert MP4 to MKV using VLC:

Open VLC Media Player: If you don’t have it installed, download and install VLC Media Player from the official website first.
Open the Convert/Save dialog: Go to ‘Media’ in the menu bar and select ‘Convert/Save.’
Add your MP4 file: Click ‘Add’ to select the MP4 file you wish to convert.
Select conversion settings: Choose ‘MKV’ from the profile drop-down menu. You can also change other settings like the video codec, bitrate, resolution, etc.
Choose the destination folder: Specify the destination file and name.
Start conversion: Click ‘Start’ to begin the conversion process. VLC will create the MKV file at your specified location.

3. Winxvideo AI

If you seek a desktop option with additional settings and AI, you may want to try Winxvideo AI. The video conversion program offers AI modules and fast video processing. It also supports editing features for up to 8K videos.

Note: The free trial version of Winxvideo AI has certain limitations, and you’ll have to pay for the full version if you want to use all its features.

Here’s how to convert your video to MKV with Winxvideo AI:

Download and install Winxvideo AI: Visit the Winxvideo AI website and download the installer. Follow the prompts to install the software.
Select the video converter: From the main interface, you’ll have several options to choose from. Click the ‘Video Converter’ one.
Add videos: Use ‘+Video’ or drag and drop files into the window.
Choose the target format: In the ‘Video’ tab, pick MKV as the output.
Apply additional settings: Edit the video, adjust options, etc.
Start converting: Click ‘Run’ to initiate the conversion.

Conclusion

Here’s how to convert MP4 to MKV without losing any quality at all.

All in all, to convert MP4 to MKV, you just need the right tools. Whether you choose to use the online MKV converter by Movavi for its convenience, VLC for its versatility, or Winxvideo AI for its advanced features, you can easily convert your files without any hassle.

So, don’t let compatibility issues hold you back from enjoying your favorite videos in the format of your choice. Try out these free tools and enjoy the benefits of MP4 and MKV formats on all your devices.

Author Bio

Ron Stefanski

Ron Stefanski, once a college professor, has ventured into the realm of online business ownership. With his extensive knowledge and experience, he has assisted a multitude of individuals in building and promoting their successful online businesses.

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