How to use the MKV to MOV converter
- Choose your MKV video or drop it on the box.
- Check the settings. "Same as original" resolution is fastest and lets fast mode copy compatible videos without re-encoding. Lower it to 720p for a smaller file.
- Click "Convert to MOV". A progress meter shows how far along it is.
- Download your MOV.
Why convert MKV to MOV?
iMovie, Final Cut and QuickTime cannot open MKV. MKV to MOV moves the video into Apple's format, usually without re-encoding.
- MKV: not supported by Apple devices or many editors.
- MOV: native on Apple devices.
- MOV: can hold high-quality editing codecs like ProRes.
H.264 video and AAC sound are copied as-is, so a long file converts quickly.
MKV vs MOV
| MKV | MOV | |
|---|---|---|
| Full name | Matroska Video | QuickTime File Format |
| Type | Video | Video |
| Created by | the Matroska open-source project (2002) | Apple (1991) |
| Compression | Lossy | Lossy |
| Typical codecs | H.264, HEVC or VP9 + AAC, AC3, DTS or Opus | H.264 or HEVC + AAC |
| Best for | Movies with several languages or subtitles, OBS recordings and archiving | iPhone and Mac recordings, video editing and camera footage |
| Plays on | VLC, MPV, Kodi, Plex and most smart TVs; iPhone, iPad, QuickTime and many video editors do not open MKV | macOS, iPhone, iPad and QuickTime Player; most Windows players need a codec pack for HEVC MOV files |
Does converting MKV to MOV lose quality?
Often none. When the MKV contains H.264 video, MOV can hold it as it is, so fast mode copies the streams without re-encoding. Other codecs (including HEVC while "Play everywhere" is ticked) are re-encoded at "Balanced" quality, which looks the same as the original to most people.
How long does it take?
Seconds when fast mode applies, even for a full film. If the video must be re-encoded, expect a few minutes for a long HD video.
What is an MKV file?
MKV (Matroska) is a free, open container that can hold almost any video, audio and subtitle format in one file, including many audio languages and subtitle tracks. That flexibility makes it popular for movie and series files and for screen recorders like OBS.
What is a MOV file?
MOV is Apple's QuickTime container. iPhones and Macs save videos as MOV, usually with HEVC (H.265) or H.264 video. It can also hold editing codecs such as ProRes, which is why Final Cut Pro and many cameras use it.
Frequently asked questions
Is the MKV to MOV converter free?
Yes, completely free, with no sign-up and no watermark. Files up to 1 GB each can be converted, and there is no daily limit.
Is my file uploaded to a server?
No. The converter runs inside your browser using WebAssembly, so your file is processed on your own device and never sent to us or anyone else.
Will the MOV sound and look as good as the MKV?
Often none. When the MKV contains H.264 video, MOV can hold it as it is, so fast mode copies the streams without re-encoding.
Can I convert MOV back to MKV?
Yes, use the MKV Converter and choose MKV as the output.
An MKV will not play on iPhone or in iMovie. What should I do?
Convert it to MP4. If the video is H.264 or HEVC, the conversion is a fast copy with no quality loss.
Can I use it on my phone?
Yes. Open the page in your phone's browser and choose a file. Phones have less memory than computers, so very large files are better converted on a laptop or desktop.