MKV To MOV: 5 Easy Ways To Convert Online & Offline (Lossless)

If you have a .mkv file that won’t play in QuickTime or on iOS devices, you may need to convert it to a MOV file.

In this guide, we will walk you through how to convert MKV to MOV on both Mac and Windows, including free and paid MKV to MOV converters and step-by-step instructions.

MKV vs MOV

MKV (Matroska Video) is a versatile and open-source multimedia container format. It can store numerous videos, audio, pictures, and subtitle tracks in a single file.

MOV: MOV is Apple’s native video container format, commonly used in QuickTime and other macOS applications. It is the native format designed for smooth playback and editing within the Apple ecosystem.

MKV is known for its flexibility and support for any codec and unlimited tracks. MOV, on the other hand, is optimized for Apple devices and software. If you are not limited to Apple devices, you can also convert MKV to MP4 for broader cross-platform compatibility.

Why Convert MKV to MOV?

Since MKV and MOV serve different purposes, you may need to convert MKV to MOV when you encounter compatibility or editing limitations, such as:

• You cannot open an MKV video in QuickTime on a Mac.
• You need to play MKV videos on iOS devices, such as iPhone and iPad.
• You cannot edit MKV videos in iMovie or Final Cut Pro.

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Best MKV to MOV Converters (Online & Desktop)

We tested some popular MKV-to-MOV converters based on conversion speed, output quality, ease of use, and other factors, and summarized the results in the following table.

If you want a free solution, VLC is your best choice but it is relatively slower.

If you need batch conversion and pursue GPU acceleration, desktop converters like AVAide Video Converter are more efficient.

How to Convert MKV to MOV Step by Step

AVAide Video Converter

If you prefer a professional MKV to MOV software on the desktop, AVAide Video Converter can be your ideal solution. Besides a user-friendly interface, it also supports batch conversion and GPU acceleration.

Steps

1. Go to AVAide’s official website to download AVAide Video Converter for free.
2. Run this program, click Add Files, and upload your MKV files.
3. Set MOV as the output format.
4. Choose a saving path on the desktop.
5. Click the Convert All button.

Tip: Don’t forget to enable the hardware acceleration for large files to save time.

VLC

Most people know VLC as a free media player, but it can also handle basic MKV-to-MOV conversion. It is an ideal solution for users who want a simple, no-cost solution.

Steps

1. Open VLC on your desktop.
2. Go to Media and click Convert/Save.
3. Add your MKV files.
4. Click Convert and choose MOV.
5. Press the Start button.

Tip: Video quality may vary.

FFmpeg

FFmpeg is a powerful and advanced command-line tool for users who want full control over video encoding and remuxing.

Steps

1. Open your terminal or command prompt.

Windows: Press Windows + R, type cmd, and press Enter.

Mac: Open Terminal from Applications – Utilities.

2. Run the command: ffmpeg -i input.mkv -c copy output.mov.

Tip: If the output MOV file cannot be opened in QuickTime, try re-encoding with libx264 and aac instead of using -c copy.

CloudConvert

CloudConvert is a free online MKV-to-MOV converter suitable for small files. What makes it outstanding is that no installation is required.

Steps

1. Visit https://cloudconvert.com/ in your browser.
2. Click Select File and upload your MKV files.
3. Choose MOV in the format field.
4. Click Convert.

Tip: The free tier has a 1GB file size limit. You should upgrade to a paid plan if you want to convert larger MKV files.

FreeConvert

FreeConvert is also an online MKV to MOV converter that doesn’t require any software installation. But since it is an online tool, the conversion speed is heavily affected by the internet connection.

Steps

1. Go to https://www.freeconvert.com/ and upload your MKV video.
2. Change the output format to MOV.
3. Click Convert.

Tip: Free accounts have file size limits and limited batch support.

FAQs About Converting MKV to MOV

Does converting MKV to MOV lose quality?

It depends. If you only change the container format, there is no quality loss. If you re-encode it, there will be a slight loss in quality.

What is the fastest way to convert MKV to MOV?

The fastest way to convert MKV to MOV is to use tools that support hardware acceleration.

Can Handbrake convert MKV to MOV?

No. Handbrake does not support the MOV output format. It mainly supports converting videos to MP4 and MKV.

Why can’t QuickTime play MKV?

MKV is too flexible and diverse. QuickTime supports only Apple-optimized formats and codecs.

Conclusion

Converting MKV to MOV is quite easy, isn’t it? After learning about 5 MKV to MOV converters in this article, you can easily choose the right tool to convert your videos quickly and without losing quality.