It can be frustrating to download a video only available in a format that is not supported by the device you want to use. Or to guess which video format is the best option for you.
MKV and MP4 are two of the most popular video file formats. What is the difference between MKV and MP4? Is MKV better than MP4? To ease your dilemma, we have explained and compared these two commonly used video file types. Here's what you need to know.
First things first: Defining containers and codecs
Multimedia files consist of two parts: a container and a codec. Once you understand the difference between them, you will see why some video files are different or better than others. A video file with a common extension is actually a type of container.
The container determines which types of data can be kept in the file and how that data is arranged within the file. It contains a video codec, an audio codec, and subtitles. Having all three key video components in the same file makes transfer and playback much simpler. Container types do not necessarily specify how the data is encoded.
Raw videos require a lot of space, so there is a need for videos to be compressed to a reasonable file size. Compression methods differ and each has its advantages and disadvantages.
Video codecs represent different compression methods. Note that container files can support multiple codecs. This can cause problems. If your device can read the MP4 video format, it may not be able to decode the video within that MP4 file (which may be encoded as Xvid, x264, or x265).
It is also possible to combine different codecs. For example, if it suits you, choose a high-quality video codec but use medium-quality audio.
Commonly used video containers
Many types of video containers have been introduced. However, only a few are used daily. When you download a video from the web, that file will almost certainly be one of the following two container formats:
MP4 (MPEG-4 Part 14)
What does MP4 stand for? MPEG-4 Part 14 is a standard specified as a part of MPEG-4.
MP4, a digital multimedia container format, was first introduced in 2001. The MP4 format then replaced the popular QuickTime file format and improved it in several ways. It is most commonly used to store video and audio, subtitles, and still images. It supports a wide variety of video and audio codecs but is most commonly used with H.263 / H.264 for video and AAC for audio. Like most modern container formats, it allows streaming over the Internet.
MKV (Matroska video file)
So, what is an MKV file?
MKV format was first introduced in 2002. It has certain features that set it apart from previous file formats. MKV files can contain almost all types of video and audio codecs. It can hold an unlimited number of video, audio, picture, or subtitle tracks in one file, making it a very flexible format.
It is a free and open standard, which has helped it stay relevant for years. Matroska file extensions are .mkv for video.
MKV vs. MP4
When it comes to platform compatibility, MP4 has better compatibility than MKV in video editing software and playback devices. It is widely used to play videos in a web browser and has fewer overhead files. MP4 is also a suitable format for uploading videos to YouTube. Videos optimized for mobile devices usually use MP4 as the container. MP4 video can be played on many types of portable players without limitations. If you have installed specific third-party media players on a mobile device, you may also be able to play MKV files.
On the subject of quality, keep in mind that it can be influenced by many factors (e.g. frame rate, resolution, sample rate, etc.). MKV usually has a larger file size than MP4 videos. However, this does not mean that the quality of the MP4 file is worse than MKV. Since MKV and MP4 are both container formats, they can contain the same video and audio.
The most important factor for video quality in MP4 compared to MKV is the codec. As previously mentioned, MKV supports multiple codecs, making more options available. Always make sure that the selected codec is reliable and supported by the software you are using.
Which video format is the best for your video?
There is no fixed answer. Both video formats have their advantages for some use cases and disadvantages for others.
Overall, choose a video container format that fits your actual needs. When creating a video, weigh the pros and cons. Consider how many people can play a particular container file type and codec.
Finally, after everything you have learned about the two formats, make your own choice and decide: which is better, MKV or MP4?
Can I convert MKV to MP4?
Yes, you can. If you use the online video converter, you can not only convert MKV to MP4, but also change other settings such as screen size, video bitrate, audio quality, audio codec, video frame rate, and more.
