Movavi Video Converter
The ideal way to get your media in the format you need!
Convert MOV to MP4 Online for Free
Use this MOV to MP4 converter to change the format
This tool lets you convert MOV to MP4 online for free. To convert large files, try Movavi’s desktop converter.
Convert to
MOV files are high-quality videos, but not every media program will play them. MP4 files offer universal accessibility and take up less storage space. There are several easy ways to convert MOV files to MP4 to provide broader access and smaller file sizes.
Below, we’ll discuss some of the easiest ways to do MOV-to-MP4 conversion. If you're looking for a free app or an online video converter, keep on reading.
Here’s what Movavi Content Team does to provide you with only verified information:
When selecting products to include in our reviews, we research both demand and popularity.
All the products covered in this article have been tested by our team.
When testing, we compare key characteristics, including supported input and output formats, quality loss when converting, and other significant features.
We study user reviews from popular review platforms and make use of this information when writing our product reviews.
We collect feedback from our users and analyze their opinions of Movavi software as well as products from other companies.
If you prefer text instructions, you can read our short guide below. Just download the program for your Windows PC or Mac and give it a try yourself.
How to convert large MOVs to MP4 on Windows and Mac with Movavi Video Converter
Best for: rapid, high-quality video conversion
OS: Windows, macOS
Movavi offers an efficient application for converting MOV files to MP4 without loss of quality – Movavi Video Converter. The program uses SuperSpeed technology, which allows it to convert even large files in a matter of minutes. Apart from converting, the app also lets you edit your files the way you want: crop, rotate, and trim your videos, adjust the color parameters, change the video resolution and bitrate, or add subtitles. Movavi Video Converter supports more than 180 media formats and has over 200 presets for all popular devices, including iPhone, iPad, Android-based devices, Xbox, PlayStation, and many more.
Read our short guide below to learn how to transform MOV files to MP4 in just a few clicks with Movavi. Just download the program for your Windows PC or Mac and give it a try yourself.
Step 1. Install the MOV-to-MP4 converter
Run the downloaded file and follow the instructions to install Movavi Video Converter on your computer.
Step 2. Open files for conversion
Click the Add Media button in the upper-left corner and select the Add Video option. Now locate the MOV files that you want to turn to MP4 and add them to the app by clicking Open.
Step 3. Specify the output format
Open the list of supported video formats by clicking the Video tab. Locate the collection of MP4 presets and select the desired one.
Step 4. Edit your videos (optional)
If you want to make changes in your videos before conversion, click the Edit button in the right portion of the file information section. You’ll see a new window with a number of tabs.
Select the Stabilization tab and try different available options to reduce shaking in your video. Choose the Audio tab to manage the volume levels of the video or even reduce background noise. In the Adjustments tab, you can set desired values of brightness, contrast, saturation, and other parameters. You can also add effects, subtitles, or watermarks by opening the appropriate tabs and specifying elements you want to add. Use the tabs Crop, Rotate, and Trim to cut video edges, rotate the footage, or trim away unwanted fragments.
Step 5. Compress MOV files (optional)
If you have large MOV files that you want to export to MP4, you can also compress them on the way using Movavi Video Converter.
Just click on the file size value shown in the output information. In the dialog box that opens, set the desired size, quality, and bitrate by moving the appropriate slider. Click Convert sample to see how a file fragment will look after conversion.
Step 6. Convert MOV to MP4
Click Convert to start the operation. The app supports batch conversion so you can transcode multiple files simultaneously. When the conversion is complete, the folder containing the output files will open automatically.
Pros:
AI tool can upscale video quality
Convert files quickly
Compress large video files without losing any quality
Cons:
Can’t use to download online videos
How to convert MOV (QuickTime) to MP4 (MPEG-4) for free online
One of the ways to convert your MOV files to MP4 is to use an online converter. Take a look at the few options described below and choose the one you like best.
- Movavi Video Converter – full video conversion package
- CloudConvert – best for users who want to create GIFs online
- Zamzar – best for small file sizes
- Online Video Converter – fast online video conversion
- FreeConvert – easy-to-use interface
- Movavi Free Video Converter – automatic file conversion
- AVS Video Converter – converting using presets
- VLC – playing and ripping media
- Freemake Video Converter – best for converting 4K videos
CloudConvert
Best for: converting videos from cloud storage
This online MOV-to-MP4 converter supports more than 200 formats, MOV and MP4 among them. You can upload a file for conversion from your computer. Alternatively, you can upload a video from your Google Drive, Dropbox, or OneDrive. You can use CloudConvert to convert MOV to MP4 online even over 500 MB – the maximum size of uploaded files is 1 GB. Before you start the conversion, you can adjust various settings. For example, you can select the audio codec and change the audio volume. CloudConvert also lets you customize the resolution of the output video. If you want to convert a fragment from your video, you can use the trimming option.
CloudConvert allows up to 25 free conversions per day. For more conversions, you’ll need to buy additional conversion minutes either in a form of a package or a monthly subscription.
Here’s how to convert MOV to MP4 with CloudConvert.
Step 1. Open the converter’s website
Click the link below to go to the CloudConvert website.
Step 2. Add your file
Hit the Select File button, pick your MOV video for conversion, and click Open.
Step 3. Set the export parameters
Click the Wrench icon and adjust the settings of the output video. Hit Okay.
Step 4. Transfer MOV to MP4
Hit the Convert button, wait until the conversion is done, and click Download to save the file on your computer.
Pros:
Convert videos straight from a cloud storage
Free to use
More than 200 file formats supported
Cons:
Number of free conversions per day is limited to 25
Can only upload files smaller than 1 GB
Zamzar
Best for: converting video files without changing any of the parameters
Zamzar is another tool that can help you convert MOV to MP4 for free online. The service supports the most popular video formats, and can also convert other types of media: audio, images, and documents. As for video conversion, Zamzar lets you convert files up to 50 MB for free. This online MOV-to-MP4 converter doesn’t offer any options for adjusting the parameters of your output video. But if you simply need to change MOV to MP4, Zamzar will be helpful. To convert videos larger than 50 MB, you’ll need to subscribe to one of the paid plans offered by the service. The conversion speed will be 5 times higher than in the free version.
To convert MOV to MP4 online with Zamzar, follow these simple steps.
Step 1. Open the converter
Open the converter by clicking the link below.
Step 2. Upload your MOV video
Click the Add Files button and select the MOV video you want to convert. Alternatively, you can drag and drop your file into the converter’s page or click select link and insert the URL of your video.
Step 3. Start the conversion and save the file
Hit Convert Now. Once your file is converted, click Download.
Pros:
Can convert multiple types of media
Most common video formats supported
Convert files smaller than 50 MB for free
Cons:
Have to pay to convert files larger than 50 MB
Free version converts files significantly slower than the paid version
Online Video Converter
Best for: converting MOV files while adjusting video and audio quality
With Online Video Converter, you can convert .mov files to all popular video and audio formats. Apart from changing the format, you can also change the video resolution and audio bitrate of your file. If you want to convert a fragment from your video, you can specify the timecodes for the start and the end of this fragment, and the converter will trim your video accordingly. Mind that the file size for the free conversion is limited. To convert large files, you’ll need to sign up for a paid plan.
Follow the steps below to convert QuickTime (.mov) to MP4 with Online Video Converter.
Step 1. Visit the website
Click the link below to open the Online Video Converter website.
Go to the Online Video Converter website
Step 2. Upload your MOV file
Click Add Your Media to find and select the MOV file you want to convert. If you want to upload a video from Dropbox or Google Drive, click the arrow next to Add Your Media and select the suitable option.
Step 3. Adjust the export parameters (optional)
Click the Cogwheel icon. Choose the desired value from the Video resolution drop-down list. To change the audio bitrate, open the list of bitrates under Audio quality and select the option you need.
Step 4. Do the online MOV-to-MP4 conversion
Hit the Convert button. After the file has been uploaded and converted, you’ll be able to download the new file to your computer.
Pros:
Edit the resolution of videos before the conversion
Convert files from a cloud storage
Fast conversion speeds
Cons:
Paid subscription required to convert larger files
Freeconvert
Best for: editing videos while converting them to MP4s
Freeconvert is a useful tool that can help you convert MOV to MP4 online (over 100 MB). It also enables you to adjust additional settings for your output video. You can choose the video codec, resolution, aspect ratio, and frame rate. Freeconvert lets you rotate and flip your video as well. There’s even an option to add subtitles to your video file. Apart from that, you can adjust the audio parameters, including the audio codec, bitrate, and volume. You can add fade-in and fade-out effects if you wish or remove the audio track from your video. Keep in mind that the free version has some limitations, for example, the file size is limited to 1 GB, and there are ads on the converter’s webpage.
This is how to change the format of your video from MOV to MP4 with Freeconvert.
Step 1. Open Freeconvert’s website
Click the link below to open Freeconvert.
Step 2. Add your MOV file
Click Choose Files, select the video you want to convert to MP4, and click Open. You can also add your file from your device, Dropbox, Google Drive, or URL. Click the arrow on the right of the Choose Files button and select the option you need.
Step 3. Adjust the settings (optional)
Click the Cogwheel icon and adjust the video and audio settings as needed. Then click Apply Settings.
Step 4. Convert the file
Hit Convert To MP4. Once the conversion is done, click Download MP4.
Pros:
Adjust various video settings before converting
Remove audio from videos
Cons:
Unable to convert files larger than 1 GB
Have to view ads
Pros and cons of the online method
Online conversion is a convenient way to change the format of your videos since you don't have to install any software on your computer. Almost all online conversion tools support MOV and MP4, so you have a wide range of converters to choose from. Many online converters offer additional options, like adjusting the video and audio parameters, rotating and trimming your file, or adding subtitles.
However, online services have certain limitations. In most cases, the size of the uploaded file is limited in the free version. Sometimes, the number of conversions per day is limited as well. The speed of conversion is not as fast as in desktop converters. Another drawback is that some converter websites contain a lot of ads.
So, online conversion tools are the best choice if you have only one small file to convert. If you have large files for conversion, consider using desktop apps.
How to use desktop MOV-to-MP4 converters: free options
Another way to convert your video files is to use a free MOV-to-MP4 converter. There are a lot of options available. We’ve reviewed a few free desktop apps to help you choose the one that suits you best.
Free MOV-to-MP4 converter from Movavi
Best for: converting multiple video files at once
OS: Windows, macOS
The first on our list of free desktop apps is Movavi Free Video Converter. This software enables you to convert video files in just a few clicks. The program allows batch conversion, so you can convert multiple files at once. Movavi Free Video Converter supports more than 180 formats and can convert videos, audio, and image files. If you have large MOV files, you can compress MOV to MP4 as well. You can change the width and height of your video, resolution, and frame rate. There’s also an option to choose the audio codec and bitrate type.
Here’s a simple explanation of how to convert videos with Movavi’s free MOV file converter.
Step 1. Download and install the program
Download the installation file for Windows or Mac from the converter’s main page. Launch the downloaded file and follow the installation instructions, then start the application.
Here’s the link to Movavi Free Video Converter’s main page.
Go to the Movavi Free Video Converter main page
Step 2. Add your files to the program
Click Add Media in the top-left corner of the program window and select Add Video. Next, find the files you want to convert, select them, and click Open. Alternatively, drag and drop your videos into the app.
Step 3. Set the target format
Open the Video tab and click MP4. From the list of presets that will appear on the screen, select the option you need.
Step 4. Adjust additional settings (optional)
Hit the Cogwheel icon at the bottom of the converter and adjust the video and audio parameters as needed. Then click OK.
Step 5. Save MOV as MP4
Click the Save to button and choose the folder for export. Next, hit Convert and wait until the conversion is complete.
Pros:
Can convert a batch of files in one go
Over 180 file formats supported
Able to compress large files
Cons:
Requires an app download
AVS Video Converter
Best for: converting for different platforms and mobile devices
OS: Windows
AVS Video Converter is a free-to-download video converter for Windows. This software lets you convert between 150+ formats for free. It also provides presets for mobile devices and different social platforms. Thanks to the hardware acceleration feature, the software allows for a fast conversion process. Compatible with Windows 10, 8, 7, Vista, and XP, AVS Video Converter is a versatile option for Windows users but not a good one for Mac users.
Here’s how to convert videos with AVS Video Converter:
Step 1. Install the program
Download and install the software from the AVS4YOU website. Go through the installation wizard and launch the app.
Step 2. Load your files into the converter
Click on Browse and select the files you want to convert.
Step 3. Customize the conversion parameters
In the Formats tab, you can select the appropriate file formats for conversion. The Devices tab will show you the presets for different mobile phones, tablets, and consoles. The Web tab will open a list of video hosting platforms.
Step 4. Select the output folder
Click the Browse button next to Output File Name to specify the output folder.
Step 5. Convert your files
Click Convert Now! to start the conversion process.
Pros:
Over 150 file formats supported
Conversion presets for most popular social platforms save you time
Cons:
Only available on Windows
How to use VLC to convert MOV to MP4
Best for: converting files in the background while you do other things on your computer
OS: Windows, macOS, Linux
VLC is a media player, but it has a lot of functions, including file conversion. It can convert videos to some of the most popular formats, MP4 among them. The processing speed is not very high, so conversion might take quite a lot of time, especially if you’re converting a large file. But if you’re OK with this, you can make good use of VLC.
The program’s interface might seem a bit confusing to inexperienced users, so here’s a simple guide to help you use VLC to convert MOV to MP4.
Step 1. Install VLC on your computer
Go to the VLC website by clicking the link below and download the installation file. Go through the installation process and launch the app.
Step 2. Upload your MOV video
Go to the upper-left corner of the program’s interface and click Media, then pick Convert / Save. Hit Add to upload the MOV files you want to convert and then click Convert / Save.
Step 3. Choose the output format
Open the drop-down list of formats in the Profile section and select Video – H.264 + MP3 (MP4). If you want to use other video and audio codecs in the output file, click the Wrench icon next to the list of formats. Open the Video codec tab and select the appropriate option from the list in the Codec section. Here you can also change the bitrate and frame rate of your video. You will find the settings for audio in the Audio codec tab. Hit Save when you’ve set the necessary parameters.
Step 4. Convert the file
Click Browse and indicate the folder where you want to save the file. Then hit the Start button to convert MOV to MP4 with VLC.
Pros:
Completely free
Can leave conversions running in the background while you do other tasks
Cons:
Conversions take longer than most other programs
New users often find the user interface confusing
Freemake Video Converter
Best for: converting files to be compatible with specific devices
OS: Windows
Freemake Video Converter lets you convert video and audio files between more than 500 formats. When converting, you can choose a certain output format or specify the device on which you’re going to watch the movie, and the app will convert the file to a compatible format. The program has some editing functions as well – it enables you to cut, merge, and rotate video clips. You can also use the converter to add subtitles to your video. Some of the functions are only available with a paid subscription to an upgraded version of the app. The conversion speed in the free version is not particularly high, so converting large files might take quite a while. Also, mind that in the free version, output videos will have a watermark on them.
Here’s how to change MOV to MP with Freemake Video Converter.
Step 1. Install and launch the app
To install the Freemake MOV-to-MP4 converter, download the installation file from the page linked below and launch it. Follow the instructions that will appear on the screen and then open the app.
The Freemake Video Converter website
Step 2. Upload your video to the program
Hit the +Video button and choose the MOV file you want to convert, then click Open.
Step 3. Edit your file (optional)
Hit the Scissors icon to open the editing window. Use the editing tools to cut and rotate your video. Click OK when you’ve made the necessary changes.
Step 4. Set the export parameters
Now select the output format – click to MP4 in the lower part of the program window. To adjust additional settings, click the Cogwheel icon. Here you can select the video and audio codecs that will be used in the converted video as well as the resolution and bitrate of your video. When everything’s ready, click OK.
Step 5. Convert your file to MP4
In the Save to field, indicate the folder where you want to export the output video. Hit the Convert button and then pick Continue with logo to convert your file for free.
Pros:
Over 500 file formats supported
Ability to automatically select the best format by choosing which device you want to play the converted file on
Cons:
Free version takes a long time to convert files
Watermark placed on files converted with the free version
Pros and cons of the free method
Free desktop apps normally don’t impose any limitations on the size of the uploaded file and can process relatively large video files. Desktop converters also provide additional options, like changing the bitrate and resolution of your video. So, in some cases, it’s worth spending some time to download and install software on your computer.
The drawback of free apps is that they can’t boast a very high conversion speed and processing large files might take a lot of time. And free converters include only basic editing features. To sum up, free desktop apps may come in handy when you want to convert relatively small files, or you want to convert large files and you’re ready to wait as much as needed until the conversion is done.
So, you have a wide choice of online and desktop MOV-to-MP4 converters that are free. But if you want to have a fast converter with a lot of editing functions, it’s better to take a look at a paid alternative, like Movavi Video Converter.
MOV vs. MP4 – comparing formats
Which format to choose: MOV or MP4? Let’s compare these formats to see the difference between them. First, it should be noted that .mov is an extension of the QuickTime format. This is why it makes more sense to discuss the comparison between QuickTime File Format and MP4. Another important factor is that MP4 as a format was created based on the QuickTime group of formats, so they have a lot in common. The most significant difference between QuickTime and MP4 is that the first was developed by Apple and is mostly used by Apple devices, from phones and tablets to computers, and MP4 was developed by the International Organization for Standardization, so the format is more universal, and it’s supported by almost any device manufacturer, including Apple.
Frequently asked questions
▶️ How do I convert MOV to MP4 on a Mac?
Depending on the number and size of the files you want to convert, you can try one of three approaches:
Use the Mac version of Movavi Video Converter if you need to transform multiple files or if your files are large.
Download the Movavi software for MacTry a freeware program such as VLC for Mac: it is primarily used to play back media files, but you can also use it to convert video.
Download the VLC player for MacTry an online tool if you just want to transform a single file and would rather not download anything.
Proceed to the conversion website
▶️ How do I open a .mov file?
If you want to open an MOV file on an Apple device, you should not have any problems because MOV is an Apple creation. QuickTime and iTunes can both play back MOV files. As for Windows, you can use VLC or Windows Media Player – both have an option to open MOV files.
▶️ Can Windows Media Player play MOV files?
Yes, it can play MOV files, but you may need to install an appropriate codec. MOV is a container, and a video component in it may be encoded using different codecs; if you have the right one, the software will work.
▶️ Is MOV compatible with Windows?
Basically, MOV is compatible with both of the most commonly used operating systems: Windows and macOS. MOV and MP4 containers work in the same way. Any problems you encounter may be with specific codecs used to encode your MOV file. If Windows doesn’t recognize these codecs, it cannot recognize your file.
▶️ Can Windows 10 play MOV files?
Yes, it can, if they are encoded with the right codec. If not, try installing a codec pack or a media player like VLC or Windows Media Player. Please note that the latter option may require additional codecs too.
▶️ Why should I convert MOV to MP4?
MOV files are only compatible with Apple devices, while MP4s can be played on virtually any device. MOV files also take up more storage space than MP4s.
▶️ How do I convert MOV to MP4 with QuickTime?
To convert an MOV to MP4 with QuickTime, follow these steps:
Open QuickTime Player.
Click File to add your video.
Click File, Export, and then choose MP4.
To save your file, click the Save button.
▶️ How do I convert MOV to MP4 on Google Drive?
To convert MOV files to MP4 files on Google Drive, follow these steps:
Sign in to Google.
Go to Google Drive.
Click New.
Click File upload.
Right-click the file you want to convert, choose Open With, then choose CloudConvert.
From the list of formats, choose MP4.
Click Start Conversion.
The file will automatically be saved to your Google Drive.
▶️ How do I convert MOV to MP4 on an iPhone?
To convert MOV to MP4 on an iPhone, you will need to download a video converter app. Here are a few to try:
iConv
iPhone Video Converter App
PlayerXtreme Media Player
▶️ How do I convert a large MOV to MP4?
Converting an MOV to MP4 of more than 1 GB is best accomplished with a desktop app. Movavi Video Converter is a fast MOV-to-MP4 converter for over 1 GB video files. It can even convert multiple video files at once.
Popular
Join for how-to guides, speсial offers, and app tips!
1.5М+ users already subscribed to our newsletter