How to use the MOV to MP4 converter
- Choose your MOV 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 MP4". A progress meter shows how far along it is.
- Download your MP4.
Why convert MOV to MP4?
MOV is Apple's format and often uses HEVC, which many Windows PCs, Android phones and websites cannot play. MP4 with H.264 plays everywhere and is accepted by every upload form.
- MOV: iPhone MOV files often use HEVC, which some Windows PCs and older Android phones cannot play.
- MP4: plays almost everywhere.
- MP4: good quality at small sizes with H.264.
If your MOV already uses H.264, this is a fast copy with no quality loss. iPhone HEVC videos are re-encoded to H.264 so they play everywhere; untick "Play everywhere" to copy HEVC into MP4 in seconds instead.
MOV vs MP4
| MOV | MP4 | |
|---|---|---|
| Full name | QuickTime File Format | MPEG-4 Part 14 |
| Type | Video | Video |
| Created by | Apple (1991) | Moving Picture Experts Group (MPEG) (2001) |
| Compression | Lossy | Lossy |
| Typical codecs | H.264 or HEVC + AAC | H.264 + AAC |
| Best for | iPhone and Mac recordings, video editing and camera footage | Sharing videos online, phone recordings, social media uploads and streaming |
| Plays on | macOS, iPhone, iPad and QuickTime Player; most Windows players need a codec pack for HEVC MOV files | Windows, macOS, iPhone, Android, smart TVs, game consoles and every modern browser |
Does converting MOV to MP4 lose quality?
Often none. When the MOV contains H.264 video, MP4 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 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.
What is an MP4 file?
MP4 is a container that usually holds H.264 or H.265 video with AAC sound. It is built on Apple's QuickTime file structure and became an ISO standard in 2001. Because almost every phone, browser, TV and editing app can play it, MP4 is the safest choice when you need a video to just work.
Frequently asked questions
Is the MOV to MP4 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 MP4 sound and look as good as the MOV?
Often none. When the MOV contains H.264 video, MP4 can hold it as it is, so fast mode copies the streams without re-encoding.
Can I convert MP4 back to MOV?
Yes, use the MP4 to MOV converter.
A MOV from an iPhone will not play on Windows. What should I do?
It is probably HEVC. Convert it to MP4 (H.264) and it will play anywhere.
Does it work on iPhone and Android?
Yes, in Safari, Chrome and other modern mobile browsers. Short files work best on phones; for long or high-resolution videos a computer is faster.