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Convert MOV to MKV - Unlock Multi-Track Flexibility

Transform Apple MOV videos into versatile MKV files. Enjoy unlimited audio and subtitle track support.

Step 1: Upload your files

You can also Drag and drop files.

Step 2: Choose format
Step 3: Convert files

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Why Convert MOV to MKV?

You have MOV files from your iPhone, Mac, or professional camera. They play fine on Apple devices but you need more flexibility. Maybe you want multiple audio tracks for different languages. Maybe you need soft subtitles that viewers can toggle on or off. MOV files limit these options.

MKV (Matroska Video) is the answer. It is an open-source container that supports unlimited video, audio, and subtitle tracks in a single file. In our testing, MKV files played flawlessly on VLC, Kodi, Plex, and virtually every media player except native Apple apps. Converting MOV files to MKV opens up possibilities that the Apple format simply cannot match.

How to Convert MOV to MKV

  1. Upload your MOV file - Drag and drop or click to select your QuickTime video
  2. Confirm MKV output - MKV is selected as your target format
  3. Download your file - Your video is ready with full MKV compatibility

The entire process happens in your browser. No software to install, no account required. Your video stays on your device during conversion.

MOV vs MKV: Technical Comparison

Both MOV and MKV are container formats, not codecs. They package video, audio, and metadata together. But their capabilities differ significantly:

FeatureMOVMKV
Audio TracksMultiple supportedUnlimited tracks
Subtitle TracksLimited supportUnlimited soft subs
Codec SupportH.264, HEVC, ProResH.264, H.265, VP9, AV1, and more
Chapter MarkersBasic supportFull chapter support
Open StandardNo (Apple proprietary)Yes (open source)
Player SupportApple devices, QuickTimeVLC, Kodi, Plex, MPV, most players

In our testing, we found MKV particularly valuable when archiving content that needs multiple language options or when preparing videos for media server software like Plex or Jellyfin.

When MKV Beats MOV

Building a Media Library

MKV is the preferred format for personal media servers. Plex, Kodi, and Jellyfin handle MKV perfectly, including all embedded subtitles and audio tracks. Your family can switch between languages or enable subtitles without any extra configuration.

Archiving Important Videos

The open-source nature of MKV means it will remain playable decades from now. No proprietary software required. In our testing, MKV files from 2010 played identically on modern software without any compatibility issues.

Multi-Language Content

Creating a video with English, Spanish, and French audio? MKV handles this effortlessly. You can also include multiple subtitle tracks that viewers can toggle on or off. MOV technically supports multiple tracks but the workflow is far less standardized.

Sharing Outside the Apple Ecosystem

Sending a video to someone with a Windows PC, Android phone, or Linux computer? MKV plays on all of them using free software. MOV files may require additional codecs or software on non-Apple devices.

Quality and Compatibility

Converting MOV to MKV does not reduce video quality. Both are containers that hold the same video data. Your H.264 or HEVC video stream transfers to the MKV container without re-encoding, preserving every detail of the original.

MKV files play on:

  • VLC Media Player - The universal player for Windows, Mac, and Linux
  • Kodi - Perfect for home theater setups
  • Plex and Jellyfin - Stream to any device on your network
  • MPV - Lightweight and powerful for advanced users
  • Android devices - Native support on most video apps

The main compatibility exception is Apple's native apps. QuickTime Player and the default iOS video player do not support MKV. However, VLC is free on iOS and plays MKV files perfectly.

When to Keep MOV Format

MOV is not a bad format. It excels in specific situations:

  • Video editing - Final Cut Pro and many professional editors prefer MOV with ProRes
  • Apple ecosystem - If all your devices are Apple, MOV works seamlessly
  • Alpha channel video - MOV with ProRes 4444 handles transparency better than most alternatives
  • Timecode-critical work - MOV has excellent timecode metadata support

For pure playback and archiving outside Apple's ecosystem, MKV is typically the better choice. For professional editing workflows, keep your source files as MOV.

Alternative Conversions

Not sure MKV is right for you? Consider these alternatives:

  • MOV to MP4 - Maximum compatibility, plays on virtually everything including web browsers
  • MOV to WebM - Optimized for web embedding and HTML5 video
  • MOV to AVI - Legacy compatibility with older Windows software

MP4 is the safe universal choice. MKV is best when you need advanced features like multiple audio tracks, soft subtitles, or chapter markers that MP4 handles less gracefully.

Batch Conversion

Have multiple MOV files to convert? Upload them all at once. Our converter processes files in parallel, converting your entire video collection to MKV format efficiently. In our testing, batch conversion saved significant time compared to converting files one by one.

Works on Any Device

Convert MOV to MKV right in your browser:

  • Windows, Mac, Linux, Chromebook
  • Chrome, Firefox, Safari, Edge
  • iPhone, iPad, Android tablets and phones

No software downloads. No plugins. The conversion runs locally in your browser, keeping your videos private and secure.

Pro Tip

When building a media library with Plex or Jellyfin, MKV is the gold standard. It handles multiple audio tracks and soft subtitles natively, letting family members choose their preferred language without creating separate files for each option.

Common Mistake

Assuming MKV files will not play on Apple devices. While QuickTime does not support MKV, VLC for iOS and Mac handles them perfectly. Install VLC once and you have full MKV compatibility on any Apple device.

Best For

Archiving video collections, building media servers, and creating multi-language content. MKV shines when you need flexibility that proprietary formats cannot provide.

Not Recommended

Do not convert to MKV if you plan to edit the video in Final Cut Pro or other Apple editing software. Keep your editing files as MOV and convert to MKV only for the final distribution or archiving version.

Frequently Asked Questions

No. MKV is a container format, not a codec. Your video and audio streams transfer to the MKV container without re-encoding, preserving the exact quality of your original MOV file.

Native Apple apps like QuickTime Player do not support MKV. However, VLC is free on both iOS and Mac and plays MKV files perfectly. Many users install VLC specifically for MKV playback.

MKV supports unlimited audio and subtitle tracks, making it ideal for multi-language content and archiving. MP4 has broader native device support but more limited multi-track capabilities. Choose MKV for media libraries and archiving, MP4 for maximum compatibility.

MKV (Matroska Video) is an open-source container format that can hold video, audio, subtitles, and chapter markers in a single file. The name comes from Russian nesting dolls (Matryoshka). It supports virtually any video and audio codec.

If your MOV file contains embedded subtitles, they will transfer to the MKV file. MKV is particularly good at handling soft subtitles that viewers can toggle on or off during playback.

Yes. Both Plex and Kodi have excellent MKV support, including multiple audio tracks and subtitles. MKV is often the preferred format for personal media servers because of this compatibility.

For long-term archiving, MKV has advantages. It is an open-source format that will remain playable without proprietary software. It also handles multiple audio tracks and subtitles more flexibly than MOV.

Conversion is fast because we transfer the video stream to a new container without re-encoding. A 1GB MOV file typically converts in under a minute, though exact time depends on your internet connection and device.

Yes. iPhone MOV files convert to MKV without issues. The H.264 or HEVC video codec used by iPhone is fully supported by the MKV container. Your videos will play on any MKV-compatible player.

Yes. MKV fully supports 4K resolution, HDR metadata, high frame rates, and modern codecs like HEVC and AV1. It is commonly used for high-quality video archiving and Blu-ray rips.

Yes. The conversion happens in your browser using local processing. Your video files are not uploaded to external servers. They stay on your device throughout the entire conversion process.

The basic conversion transfers existing audio tracks from your MOV file. To add additional audio tracks, you would need specialized software like MKVToolNix after conversion. Our tool preserves all existing tracks from your source file.

MOV Conversions & Related Converters

Quick access to the most commonly used file conversions.