MKV vs. MP4: Get Strengths and Weaknesses of Two Formats
MKV vs. MP4 is a debate that many people face when saving or sharing videos. Both are widely used video formats that are supported across devices and platforms. MP4 is known for universal compatibility and small file size, while MKV focuses on flexibility and rich features. If you want to learn more about the differences between MKV and MP4 formats, you can continue reading.
Guide List
What Is MKV What Is MP4 MKV vs. MP4, What's the Difference When to Choose MKV When to Choose MP4 Can You Convert Between MKV and MP4What Is MKV
MKV (Matroska Video) is a free and standard multiple container format that contains several videos, audio files, subtitles, and even chapter information. It is a versatile container format because almost all the file formats can be saved in MKV format. Thus, it can support high-quality encoders, but at the same time, some uncommon codecs can't be played by the default video players on your computer.
What Is MP4
Just like MKV, MP4 (MPEG-4 Part 14) is also a powerful video container format that includes audio, video, image, and subtitle files. With fewer encoders in it, MP4 format can be played on any device, including portable devices and computers. MP4 is designed for efficient compression while maintaining quality. So MP4 is commonly used for streaming, YouTube uploads, and mobile playback. In short, MP4 is widely used to save videos and stream videos on websites.
MKV vs. MP4, What's the Difference
After knowing the basic information, it is time to compare MKV and MP4 in different aspects. Is MKV better than MP4? Or is MP4 better than MKV? It depends on the scenarios in which you use the video format. Now, check the following comparisons together.
Quick Comparison Table
| Feature | MKV | MP4 |
| File Extension | .mkv | ,mp4 |
| File Size | Larger | Smaller |
| Resolution | SD, HD, 4K, 8K | SD, HD, 4K |
| Compression | Compression | Lossy |
| Quality | Higher | Lower |
| Subtitles | Multiple (SRT, PGS, ASS, etc.) | Limited, often SRT and TTML. |
| Video Codecs | H.264, H.265, VP8, VP9, AV1, MPEG-1, MPEG-2, ProRes, DNxHD, etc. | H.264, H.265, AV1, MPEG-4 Visual, etc. |
| Audio Codecs | AAC, MP3, AC-3, DTS, FLAC, Vorbis, Opus, etc. | AAC, MP3, ALAC, AC-3, MP2, MP1, etc. |
Compatibility
MKV: Works well with VLC, MPC-HC, and some smart TVs. But you cannot play MKV on iPhone, iPad, and older players directly.
MP4: You can open MP4 files on almost all devices, including phones, tablets, web browsers, media players, editors, smart TVs, and more.
File Size
MKV: MKV has a large file size because of the less aggressive compression. MKV files are larger than MP4 files in most cases, especially with high-quality codecs.
MP4: MP4 files are smaller than MKV files with efficient compression. So you can convert video to MP4 to reduce the video size effectively.
Video Quality
MKV: MKV supports lossless video compression. It can hold multiple audio and subtitle tracks, as well as a wide range of metadata.
MP4: Though MP4 uses lossy compression, MP4 videos still have high audiovisual quality.
Subtitles
MKV: MKV has strong subtitle support, including SRT, SSA, ASS, PGS, and more subtitle tracks. You can get multiple language options and advanced subtitle styles.
MP4: MP4 has a single-language subtitle. You can add only one subtitle track to the video.
Audio Tracks
MKV: Support multiple audio tracks. You can add commentary, dub, and more to your MKV video.
MP4: Support one or audio tracks. You can extract, add, or replace audio tracks to an existing MP4 file.
When to Choose MKV
- • Preserve the highest video quality with enough free storage space.
- • Rip Blu-ray and DVD to MKV for high-fidelity media archives.
- • Keep multiple subtitles, forced subtitles, chapter points, and audio tracks in MKV videos. For example, you can save multilingual films and TV shows in MKV format.
- • Watch videos on media players that support MKV, including AnyRec Blu-ray Player, VLC, Plex, and more.
When to Choose MP4
- • Keep your videos in a small size for easy sharing and saving. MP4 balance quality and file size.
- • Upload videos to YouTube, TikTok, Instagram, and all media platforms.
- • Edit MP4 videos in all media editors with high compatibility.
- • Watch videos on smartphones, TVs, game consoles, and more devices.
- • Good choices for streaming and downloading due to the high web performance.
Can You Convert Between MKV and MP4
Whether you want to convert MKV to MP4 or convert MP4 to MKV, AnyRec Video Converter is your best choice. The 120x faster speed and batch conversion support enable quick conversion of large video files. You can compress, trim, crop, rotate, remove watermark, reverse video, and access over 20 video editing tools to optimize MKV and MP4 videos.
Convert video to MKV, MP4, and over 1000+ formats and profiles.
Edit video with 20+ basic and advanced editing tools.
Improve video quality and make your video look better in clicks.
Batch conversion support with 120x faster acceleration.
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- 1. Open AnyRec Video Converter. Click the "Add Files" button to add your videos.
- 2. Click the "Format" button to select the output video format. You can click the "Device" button to convert video to iPhone, iPad, and more device-friendly formats directly.
- 3. Click the "Settings" button to upscale the video to a higher resolution if necessary. You can click the "Edit" button under the video to do video editing. At last, click the "Convert All" button to complete the video conversion.
Conclusion
All in all, both MKV and MP4 have their strengths. MP4 is better than MKV because of the high compatibility, small file size, and easy sharing. MKV is better than MP4 if you want to get better flexibility, archiving, and video quality. The answer of the MKV vs. MP4 comparison is not fixed. If you want to convert and edit MKV and MP4 videos, free download AnyRec Video Converter to get easy-to-use functions.
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