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MKV Converter - Transform Matroska Video Files

Convert Matroska videos while preserving quality and tracks

Step 1: Upload your files

You can also Drag and drop files.

Step 2: Choose format
Step 3: Convert files

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What is MKV?

MKV (Matroska Video) is an open-source multimedia container format designed to hold unlimited video, audio, subtitle tracks, and metadata in a single file. Named after Russian nesting dolls, Matroska can contain almost any media format.

MKV is the preferred format for high-quality video distribution, including Blu-ray rips, anime with multiple audio tracks, and videos with embedded subtitles. It supports virtually all video and audio codecs.

While MKV offers exceptional flexibility and quality, it's not universally supported by all devices, making conversion to MP4 necessary for broad compatibility.

Why Convert MKV Files?

MKV is powerful but has compatibility limitations:

  • Device compatibility - Many phones, TVs, and streaming devices don't play MKV
  • Platform uploads - Social media and video platforms prefer MP4 over MKV
  • Apple devices - iPhones and iPads don't natively support MKV
  • File size - Converting can reduce size while maintaining quality
  • Gaming consoles - PlayStation and Xbox have limited MKV support
  • Simpler format - MP4 when you don't need MKV's advanced features

Convert MKV to Other Formats

Transform MKV for device compatibility while preserving quality:

MKV to MP4

The most common conversion. MP4 offers universal compatibility while maintaining excellent quality. Perfect for mobile devices, streaming, and sharing.

MKV to AVI

Convert for legacy Windows media players and older video editing software.

MKV to MOV

Transform for Apple ecosystem compatibility and professional editing in Final Cut Pro.

MKV to WebM

Create web-optimized video. WebM and MKV are related formats, making this conversion efficient.

MKV to WMV

Convert for Windows-specific applications and older Windows devices.

MKV to MP3

Extract audio from MKV videos as MP3 files. Useful for soundtracks and audio content.

Convert Other Formats to MKV

Create MKV files for high-quality archival and multi-track support:

MP4 to MKV

Convert for adding multiple audio tracks, subtitles, or chapters. MKV's flexible container supports features MP4 cannot.

AVI to MKV

Modernize AVI files with MKV's superior container while preserving video quality.

MOV to MKV

Archive Apple videos in MKV format with additional metadata support.

WebM to MKV

Convert between these related formats for different playback scenarios.

MKV Technical Specifications

  • Full name: Matroska Multimedia Container
  • Developer: Matroska.org (open source)
  • First released: December 2002
  • File extension: .mkv (video), .mka (audio), .mks (subtitles)
  • MIME type: video/x-matroska
  • Video codecs: H.264, H.265/HEVC, VP9, AV1, virtually any codec
  • Audio codecs: AAC, AC3, DTS, FLAC, MP3, Opus, virtually any codec
  • Special features: Multiple tracks, chapters, subtitles, attachments
  • License: Open source (LGPL)

MKV Compatibility

Devices That Support MKV

  • VLC Media Player (all platforms)
  • Most Android devices
  • Windows 10/11 (native support)
  • Plex, Kodi, and media servers
  • Some smart TVs (varies by brand)
  • Potplayer, MPC-HC, and power-user players

Devices That Don't Support MKV Well

  • iPhones and iPads (no native support)
  • Many streaming devices (Chromecast, Roku limitations)
  • Older smart TVs
  • Gaming consoles (limited support)
  • Web browsers (no native playback)

How to Convert MKV Files

  1. Upload your MKV file - Drag and drop your video or click to browse. We handle large MKV files with multiple tracks.
  2. Choose your output format - Select MP4 for universal compatibility, or other formats for specific needs.
  3. Download converted file - Get your video optimized for your target device or platform.

Pro Tip

If your MKV uses H.264 video and AAC audio (common), you can often 'remux' to MP4 without re-encoding-preserving 100% quality instantly. Look for a remux option when converting.

Common Mistake

Converting MKV to MP4 and losing multiple audio tracks or subtitles. MP4 has limited track support. If you need multiple languages or subtitle options, keep the MKV or choose your primary track before converting.

Best For

MKV is ideal for archiving high-quality video, anime with Japanese/English audio, movies with multiple audio tracks, and videos with embedded subtitles. It's the power user's format.

Not Recommended

Avoid MKV when sharing with non-technical users or uploading to social media. Convert to MP4 for sharing. Also avoid MKV on Apple devices and many streaming platforms.

Frequently Asked Questions

MKV (Matroska Video) is an open multimedia container that can hold video, audio, subtitles, and metadata in one file. It supports virtually any codec and is popular for high-quality video content.

iOS doesn't natively support MKV format. Convert MKV to MP4 or MOV for iPhone playback, or use a third-party app like VLC for iOS to play MKV directly.

MP4 is the best choice for maximum compatibility. It plays on all devices, browsers, and platforms while maintaining excellent quality. Choose MP4 unless you need MKV's advanced features.

Quality loss depends on conversion settings. With proper bitrate settings, quality loss is minimal or imperceptible. If the MKV uses H.264 video, you can often remux without re-encoding.

Both are container formats, but MKV supports more features: multiple audio tracks, embedded subtitles, chapters, and more codecs. MP4 has better device compatibility but fewer features.

Subtitles can be preserved during conversion, either burned into the video or kept as separate tracks (depending on output format). MP4 supports subtitle tracks but with some limitations compared to MKV.

MKV files are often large because they contain high-quality video, multiple audio tracks, and lossless codecs. The format itself is efficient-it's the content quality that determines size.

MKV is more feature-rich (multiple tracks, any codec), while MP4 is more compatible. For archiving and home media, MKV is better. For sharing and mobile playback, MP4 is better.

Many smart TVs support MKV, but compatibility varies. Check your TV's specifications. If your TV won't play MKV, convert to MP4 or use a media streaming device like Plex.

YouTube accepts MKV uploads, but processing may take longer. For best results, convert to MP4 before uploading. YouTube recommends MP4 with H.264 video and AAC audio.

MKV Conversions & Related Converters

Quick access to the most commonly used file conversions.