How to use the MPEG to MP4 converter
- Choose your MPEG 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 MPEG to MP4?
MPEG files use MPEG-2, which needs several times more space than H.264. MP4 makes old camcorder and TV recordings smaller and shareable.
- MPEG: much larger than H.264 at the same quality.
- MP4: plays almost everywhere.
- MP4: good quality at small sizes with H.264.
MPEG-2 is often interlaced; the converter keeps the original frames, so very old footage may show slight combing on fast motion.
MPEG vs MP4
| MPEG | MP4 | |
|---|---|---|
| Full name | MPEG-1/MPEG-2 Program Stream | MPEG-4 Part 14 |
| Type | Video | Video |
| Created by | Moving Picture Experts Group (MPEG) (1993) | Moving Picture Experts Group (MPEG) (2001) |
| Compression | Lossy | Lossy |
| Typical codecs | MPEG-2 or MPEG-1 + MP2 | H.264 + AAC |
| Best for | DVD authoring, older camcorders and TV captures | Sharing videos online, phone recordings, social media uploads and streaming |
| Plays on | Windows, VLC and DVD software; browsers and phones generally do not | Windows, macOS, iPhone, Android, smart TVs, game consoles and every modern browser |
Does converting MPEG to MP4 lose quality?
MPEG (MPEG-2 or MPEG-1) has to be re-encoded to MP4 (H.264). At "Balanced" quality the difference is very hard to see; choose "High" for footage you will edit again.
How long does it take?
Re-encoding video uses your device's processor. A short clip takes seconds; a 10-minute 1080p video can take several minutes. Choosing 720p makes it 2–3 times faster.
What is an MPEG file?
.mpeg files hold MPEG-1 or MPEG-2 video in a program stream, the same technology behind Video CDs and DVDs. Older camcorders, TV capture cards and DVD authoring tools 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 MPEG 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.
Do you keep a copy of my files?
We never receive them. All processing happens on your device, so there is nothing for us to store or delete.
Will the MP4 sound and look as good as the MPEG?
MPEG (MPEG-2 or MPEG-1) has to be re-encoded to MP4 (H.264). At "Balanced" quality the difference is very hard to see; choose "High" for footage you will edit again.
Can I convert MP4 back to MPEG?
Yes, use the MPEG Converter and choose MPEG as the output.
An MPEG file is huge. What should I do?
Converting it to MP4 usually makes it far smaller.
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.