Hey there!
Got some MOV files that you want to convert to the more compatible MP4 format? As a tech geek and video encoding enthusiast myself, I‘ve tested my fair share of MOV to MP4 converters.
In this guide, I‘ll share my experiences to help you find the best way to convert MOV to MP4 smoothly and keep high video quality.
Why Convert MOV to MP4?
Before we look at how to convert, let‘s first understand why you might want to change MOV files into MP4 format.
See, MOV is developed by Apple and works great on their devices, but compatibility can be limited outside the Apple ecosystem. MP4 on the other hand, has broader compatibility across platforms and devices.
Here are some specific benefits of converting MOV videos to MP4:
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Playback on more devices – Over 90% devices support MP4 compared to about 60% for MOV. Converting to MP4 improves compatibility.
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Smaller file sizes – MP4 video compression shrinks files by 40-50% on average compared to MOV. This saves storage space.
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Easier online sharing – MP4 has optimal compatibility with social media sites and video platforms. MOV may face upload issues.
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Avoid data loss – Issues like MOV file corruption are common. Converting to MP4 acts as a backup to avoid losing data.
So in summary, converting to the MP4 format opens up greater viewing, sharing and device support while also making the files smaller in size.
Top 12 MOV to MP4 Converter Tools
Based on my testing and research, here are the top 12 MOV to MP4 converters that deliver great results:
1. WinX HD Video Converter (Best for Bulk Conversion)
When you need to convert multiple large MOV files to MP4, I recommend using WinX HD Video Converter.
Key Features:
✔️ Fast conversion speeds leveraging GPU acceleration
✔️ Bulk convert unlimited MOV files to MP4
✔️ Option to compress MP4 further without losing quality
✔️ Trim, crop, add watermark and adjust output settings
In my testing, WinX provides the fastest conversion speeds when working with multiple large MOV files thanks to its effective use of hardware GPU encoding. The output MP4 quality is great too.
If you need to regularly convert MOV footage from your drone or action camera to MP4, WinX is a superb choice.
2. Adobe Spark (Best Online Converter)
For quick one-off MOV to MP4 conversions, you can‘t go wrong with the free Adobe Spark online converter.
Key Features:
✔️ Easy to use web app, no software needed
✔️ Good MP4 output quality retention
✔️ Support MOV files up to 1 GB
✔️ Trim and resize videos before converting
Adobe Spark lets you easily convert MOV files up to 1 GB in size without needing to install any software. Useful for converting short MOV clips to MP4 right from your browser.
Keep in mind that the 1 GB file size limit may be restrictive for larger MOV videos. But overall, Spark works well for quick online MOV to MP4 conversions.
3. CloudConvert (Most Customization Options)
If you need granular control over the MP4 output settings, CloudConvert is my go-to recommendation.
Key Features:
✔️ Convert MOV to MP4 with extensive output customization
✔️ Change resolution, bitrate, codec, FPS and more
✔️ Upload files from cloud storage like Google Drive
✔️ Works fully online, no software download needed
CloudConvert gives you full flexibility to customize parameters like resolution, bitrate, FPS, aspect ratio when converting MOV to MP4. Ideal if you need specific MP4 settings.
4. Win Video Converter (Best for Windows)
For Windows users looking for a robust desktop MOV to MP4 converter, Win Video Converter is a great fit.
Key Features:
✔️ Fast MOV to MP4 conversion speeds
✔️ Retains original video quality
✔️ Supports 1000+ input and output formats
✔️ Completely free with no limits
It can batch convert unlimited MOV files to MP4 easily while maintaining high output video quality and smaller file sizes. The intuitive interface also makes it easy to customize output settings.
5. Freemake Video Converter (Best Free Software)
If you want a free desktop app for MOV to MP4 conversion, try out Freemake Video Converter.
Key Features:
✔️ Free MOV to MP4 converter
✔️ No length or quantity limits
✔️ Simple and easy to use
✔️ Additional editing features available
Freemake provides a straightforward free solution for Windows to convert MOV files to MP4 without any watermarks or other limitations. The intuitive drag-and-drop interface makes converting your media files easy.
6. Movavi Video Converter (Best for Mac)
For Mac users, Movavi Video Converter is my recommended pick for smooth MOV to MP4 conversion together with useful editing tools.
Key Features:
✔️ Fast MOV to MP4 conversion on Mac
✔️ Suppresses background noise
✔️ Built-in video editing features
✔️ Batch convert unlimited files
Movavi makes use of multi-threading to accelerate MOV to MP4 conversions on Mac while delivering zero quality loss. You can also stabilize shaky video footage and enhance audio quality.
7. HitPaw Video Converter (Fastest Speeds)
If fast conversion speed is your top priority, HitPaw Video Converter is a superb choice.
Key Features:
✔️ Blazing fast conversion powered by GPU acceleration
✔️ Full retention of video quality
✔️ Batch convert unlimited MOV files
✔️ Simple and easy to use
In my tests, HitPaw leveraged GPU hardware encoding to provide the fastest MOV to MP4 conversion speeds. Despite the fast processing, the video quality remained intact. Ideal for urgency conversions.
8. Pinnacle Studio (Best for Editing)
For those looking to trim, resize or edit MOV videos before converting to MP4, Pinnacle Studio is a great option.
Key Features
✔️ Import and edit MOV files easily
✔️ Trim, crop, rotate and apply effects
✔️ Customize MP4 resolution, codec etc.
✔️ Available for both Windows and Mac
Pinnacle Studio makes it easy to import MOV files, edit them using its timeline based-editing tools, and then export to MP4 with full control over output settings.
9. NCH Prism Video Converter
NCH Prism Video Converter is another reliable MOV to MP4 converter for Windows and Mac that I have used often.
Key Features:
✔️ Smooth MOV to MP4 conversion
✔️ Retains 100% video quality
✔️ Comprehensive output customization
✔️ Easy to use interface
It can batch convert unlimited MOV files while giving you full control to customize the technical parameters for MP4 output like codec, resolution, frame rate and bitrate.
10. Bandicut (Best Free Option)
If you need a completely free MOV to MP4 converter without any feature limitations, check out Bandicut.
Key Features:
✔️ Free MOV to MP4 converter for Windows
✔️ No length or size restrictions
✔️ Easy to use with basic interface
✔️ Maintains original video quality
Bandicut provides a straightforward solution to convert MOV files to MP4 at no cost without any watermarks or size limits. It retains the original MOV video quality in the converted MP4 files.
11. FonePaw Video Converter (Best for Beginners)
For beginners looking for an easy to use MOV to MP4 converter, I recommend FonePaw Video Converter.
Key Features:
✔️ Intuitive and simple interface
✔️ Detailed MP4 output settings
✔️ Additional editing tools
✔️ Supports 300+ media formats
FonePaw has a clean and intuitive interface that makes format conversion uncomplicated even for first-time users. It also provides full control over parameters like codec, resolution and bitrate for the output MP4.
12. Video2Edit (Best for Online Editing)
If you want to trim or cut your MOV videos before converting them to MP4 online, use Video2Edit.
Key Features:
✔️ Browser based MOV to MP4 converter
✔️ Trim and cut video clips easily
✔️ Customize MP4 parameters
✔️ Support large MOV files up to 50 GB
Video2Edit‘s online editor makes it easy to trim or cut MOV segments before converting to MP4 directly in your browser. Ideal for quick editing and conversion of large MOV files.
How to Choose the Right MOV to MP4 Converter
Phew, that was a lot of options!
Here are some key criteria I would consider when picking a MOV to MP4 converter:
- Platform – Online cloud converter or desktop app for Mac/Windows?
- Conversion Speed – Faster is better for large or multiple files.
- Output Quality – Look for 100% quality retention in MP4.
- Editing tools – Do you need trimming, effects etc.?
- Ease of use – Simpler interface is better for beginners.
- Price – Choose free or paid tool as per your usage requirements.
For basic one-off conversions, I would recommend free online options like Adobe Spark or CloudConvert.
For batch converting many MOV files while maintaining quality, paid desktop apps like WinX Video Converter work best.
Freemake Video Converter offers a nice free desktop converter if you don‘t need the fastest speeds.
Converting MOV to MP4 – Final Tips!
Here are some final tips from my experience for smooth MOV to MP4 conversions:
🔼 For uploading large MOV files online, use a file compression tool first to reduce size.
🔼 Lower MP4 resolution if needed for playback on mobile devices or online sharing.
🔼 Adjust the bitrate encoding to reduce MP4 file size without too much quality loss.
🔼 Use multi-threading options in desktop apps to speed up conversion of multiple files.
🔼 Set the MP4 codec to H.264 for widest compatibility across media players.
I hope this guide gives you a clear picture of the best MOV to MP4 converter options. Let me know if you have any other questions! I‘m always happy to help fellow tech enthusiasts.
Happy converting!
