Adobe has dropped support for the MKV format since 2019. Here are 5 free tools to help you convert MKV to MP4 for compatibility. MP4 can retain the quality and features of MKV while being playable on almost any device and software.
Of course, you can also use these free tools for other media file format conversion. Whether you prefer a desktop application, an online service, or a command-line tool, we have something for you.
Free GUI MKV to MP4 Converter – Open Source
HandBrake is one of the most widely used and trustworthy open-source video converters. It can convert practically every video file, including MKV to MP4. It also offers an easy-to-use interface that makes the converting procedure quick and straightforward.
HandBrake’s primary features:
- HandBrake allows you to convert several MKV files to MP4 at the same time.
- Presets: Several presets are available that optimize the output quality and size for various devices and platforms.
- Customization: You may change the video’s resolution, frame rate, bitrate, codec, audio, subtitles, and other settings.
Use HandBrake to convert MKV to MP4:
Step 1. Download and install HandBrake for Windows, Mac, or Linux from its GitHub release page.
Step 2. Open HandBrake and drop the MKV file for conversion. You can also select a folder for batch conversion.
Step 3. Select the output location and file name for the converted file.
Step 4. Choose the Format as MP4. If you want greater control over the output quality and size, you may also manually adjust the parameters.
Step 5. Click the “Start Encode” button to begin the conversion. On the bottom bar, you can see the progress and projected time.
Once the conversion is complete, the converted MP4 file may be found in the output folder.
Convert MKV to MP4 with VLC
VLC Media Player is not only a strong media player, but also a useful video converter capable of easily converting MKV to MP4. It’s free, lightweight, and cross-platform, making it an excellent alternative for anyone looking for a straightforward and dependable converting tool.
VLC is available for Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, and iOS. Keep in mind that only the desktop version of VLC supports video conversion.
The following are the steps for converting MKV to MP4 with VLC Media Player:
Step 1. Download and install VLC Media Player from the official website.
Step 2. Within VLC, click on “Media” and select “Convert / Save” from the menu bar at the top.
Step 3. Select the MKV file to convert by clicking the “Add” button.
Step 4. At the bottom, click the “Convert / Save” button and select “Convert” from the drop-down menu.
Step 5. Choose “VideoH.264 + MP3 (MP4)” as the profile from the drop-down option in the next box.
Step 6. Select the output destination and name for the converted file by clicking the “Browse” button.
Step 7. To begin the conversion, click the “Start” button. VLC Media Player’s primary interface displays the progress.
If you use VLC as your media player on your computer, then it is perfect choice for converting MKV to MP4.
Convert MKV to MP4 Online Free [No Limit]
CloudConvert is a web-based video format conversion tool. It enables you to convert MKV to MP4 online without installing anything on your computer. It’s quick, simple, and convenient, especially if you need to convert a few files occasionally.
Benefits of using online converters include:
- Accessibility: You may use any browser and device with an internet connection to access CloudConvert.
- Compatibility: There are no concerns with compatibility between different operating systems or software versions.
- Security: SSL encryption is used by Online-Convert to safeguard your data during upload and download. It also deletes your stuff after 24 hours from its servers.
- Integration: Besides local files, you can select files from Google Drive, Dropbox, OneDrive, or input a file by URL.
How to use Online MKV to MP4 Converter:
Step 1. Open your web browser and go to MKV to MP4 Converter tool page.
Step 2. Click the “Select File” button to select the MKV file to convert. You may either drag and drop the file or input the file’s URL.
Step 3 (optional). You may choose the output file’s resolution, bitrate, frame rate, audio quality, and other parameters.
Step 4. To initiate the conversion, click the “Convert” button. On the website, you can view the progress and projected time.
When the conversion is complete, you may save the converted MP4 file to your device or upload it to a cloud service.
MKV to PM4 with FFmpeg [Command Line]
FFmpeg is a command-line video and audio transcoding program. With a single line of code, it can convert MKV to MP4. It’s great for those who want more freedom and control in their conversion settings.
Here’s how to use FFmpeg to convert MKV to MP4:
Step 1. Install FFmpeg for Mac or Windows. You can also use FFmpeg on iOS or Android with a terminal app like A-Shell or Termux.
Step 2. Navigate to the folder containing your MKV file, and open a new terminal window at the folder.
Step 3. Run the following command: Replace input.mkv with the name of your MKV file and output.mp4 with the name of the file you want to export.
ffmpeg -i input.mkv -c:v copy -c:a copy output.mp4
This command will copy the MKV file’s video and audio streams to the MP4 file without re-encoding them, preserving the original quality and saving time. However, if you wish to alter the output file’s codec, bitrate, resolution, or other properties, you may add extra arguments to the command. When converting 4K videos, be sure to remove the “-c:v copy” from the command.
If your original file includes multiple audio or language subtitles, you can use the following command to copy all streams (video, audio, and subtitles).
ffmpeg -i input.mkv -c:v copy -c:a copy -c:s mov_text -map 0 output.mp4If you need to convert files of other formats, you can change the parameters accordingly. You can also batch convert multiple files from MKV to MP4 in a folder using the following command:
for %i in (*.mkv) do ffmpeg -i "%i" -c:v copy -c:a copy "%~ni.mp4"You can also use FFmpeg on mobile devices. On iPhone or iPad, you can download the A-shell app from AppStore. It has FFmpeg built-in, so you don’t even need to install it. On Android devices, you can install Termux app from Google Play Store. You will need to install FFmpeg with Termux first.
WinX HD Video Converter Deluxe
WinX HD Video Converter Deluxe is an easy-to-use and versatile conversion program that converts MKV to MP4 in seconds. Over 370 video types and devices are supported, including 4K UHD videos. It also includes a video editor, downloader, and recorder to improve your video experience.
Key features of WinX HD Video Converter Deluxe:
- Speed: It employs GPU acceleration technology, which allows it to convert data up to 47 times quicker than conventional converters.
- Quality: It employs a high-quality engine and deinterlacing technology that can retain or even increase the original video quality.
- It offers a basic and straightforward interface that makes the converting process simple and quick. Before converting the video, you may also preview it.
How to use WinX HD Video Converter Deluxe to convert MKV to MP4:
Step 1. Install WinX HD Video Converter Deluxe for Windows or Mac from the official website.
Step 2. Launch it and add the MKV file you wish to convert to by clicking the “Video” button.
Step 3. From the pop-up box, select “MP4 Video” as the output format. You may also choose a preset from the list of possibilities for your device or platform.
Step 4 (Optional). In the next screen, you may check options like Hardware Accelerator, High Quality Engine, Auto Copy, etc. Click on the “Edit” icon. Cropping, trimming, rotating, adding subtitles, adjusting volume, and other features are available.
Step 5. Select the output destination and name for the converted file by clicking the “Browse” button.
Step 6. Click the “RUN” button to start the conversion. On the UI, you can view the progress and projected time.
Conclusion
These are my top picks for the best MKV to MP4 converters for all platforms. 4 of them are completely free. For mobile users, you can use FFmpeg or convert MKV to MP4 online. If you want to convert files at a large scale at a fast speed, I recommend WinX HD Video Converter Deluxe.