Convert MP4 to MKV
MP4 to MKV converter that runs entirely in your browser. 100% free, no signup, no upload — your files never leave your device. One-click batch conversion.
MKV is the archivist's container: unlimited audio tracks, subtitles, and chapters in one file, beloved by media servers like Plex and Jellyfin. Converting MP4 to MKV is usually lossless repackaging — same streams, roomier box. The trade-off: some TVs, consoles, and editors still prefer MP4.
Drop any file here or click to browse
All file types supported
About formats
MP4
MP4 (MPEG-4 Part 14) is a digital multimedia container format standardized by the Moving Picture Experts Group (MPEG). It stores video, audio, subtitles, and still images in a single file and is the most widely used format for streaming and sharing video across the web, mobile devices, and living-room hardware. MP4 offers an excellent balance between compression efficiency and quality, typically using the H.264 or H.265 (HEVC) video codec together with AAC audio. Its near-universal support makes it the default choice for social media platforms, browsers, phones, and modern TVs.
- Developer
- ISO/IEC (MPEG)
- Initial release
- 2001
- Compression
- Lossy
- Color depth
- up to 12-bit HDR
- Transparency
- No
- Animation
- Yes
Best for
- Sharing videos on social media
- Streaming video over the web
- Playback on phones and tablets
- Storing H.264 or HEVC video
- Distributing downloadable video clips
Pros
- +Near-universal support across devices and browsers
- +Excellent compression-to-quality ratio
- +Supports subtitles, chapters, and metadata
- +Hardware-accelerated decoding on most devices
Cons
- −Patent-encumbered H.264/HEVC codecs
- −Not ideal for lossless archival
- −Editing streams can require re-muxing
MKV
MKV (Matroska Video) is an open standard, royalty-free multimedia container that can hold an unlimited number of video, audio, subtitle and metadata tracks in a single file. Matroska is popular for high-definition content, anime, and movie archives because it preserves multiple language tracks and subtitle streams. MKV is supported by VLC, MPC-HC and most modern smart TVs.
- Developer
- Matroska Org
- Initial release
- 2002
- Compression
- Lossy or lossless
- Color depth
- up to 12-bit HDR
- Transparency
- No
- Animation
- Yes
Best for
- Archiving HD movies with multiple tracks
- Storing multiple subtitle languages
- Anime and foreign film distribution
- Preserving multiple audio streams
- High-quality video libraries
Pros
- +Open standard and royalty-free
- +Holds unlimited video, audio, and subtitle tracks
- +Supports lossless and lossy codecs
- +Wide support in VLC and smart TVs
Cons
- −Not universally supported on mobile devices
- −Slightly larger overhead than streamlined containers
- −Less ideal for web streaming than MP4
How to convert MP4 to MKV
- 1
Select MP4 files from your computer, Google Drive, Dropbox, a URL, or by dragging them onto the page.
- 2
Choose mkv — or any other format you need as a result (more than 200 formats supported).
- 3
Let the file convert, then download your mkv file right away.
MP4 vs MKV
| Property | MP4 | MKV |
|---|---|---|
| Compression | Lossy | Lossy or lossless |
| Color depth | up to 12-bit HDR | up to 12-bit HDR |
| Multi-track | Yes | Yes |
| DRM support | Yes | No |
| Open format | No | Yes |
When to use MP4 vs MKV
MP4
- Sharing videos on social media
- Streaming video over the web
- Playback on phones and tablets
- Storing H.264 or HEVC video
- Distributing downloadable video clips
MKV
- Archiving HD movies with multiple tracks
- Storing multiple subtitle languages
- Anime and foreign film distribution
- Preserving multiple audio streams
- High-quality video libraries
Use cases for MP4 → MKV
- Sharing videos on social media
- Streaming video over the web
- Playback on phones and tablets
- Storing H.264 or HEVC video
- Distributing downloadable video clips
- Archiving HD movies with multiple tracks
- Storing multiple subtitle languages
- Anime and foreign film distribution
- Preserving multiple audio streams
- High-quality video libraries
Frequently Asked Questions
Is converting MP4 to MKV free?
Which devices and platforms can I use to convert MP4 to MKV?
Are my MP4 files uploaded to a server?
Can I convert multiple MP4 files at once?
What is the maximum file size?
Will converting MP4 to MKV reduce the quality?
Does MKV support transparency?
How will the file size change after converting MP4 to MKV?
Related Conversions
Specific converters
100% Free
No hidden fees, no subscriptions, and no limits. Enjoy complete access to all features gratis.
No Signup Required
Start converting immediately without creating an account or sharing email address.
Private & Secure
Your files never leave your device. All processing is completed locally for maximum privacy.
Batch Conversion
Convert multiple files simultaneously to save time. Fast and efficient multi-file queue.
Runs in Browser
Utilizes advanced client-side WebAssembly technology to process files directly inside your tab.
200+ Formats
Supports a wide variety of formats including images, documents, audio, video, and more.
Convert MP4 to MKV Quality Rating
How was your experience? You need to convert and download at least one file to provide feedback!