6 Free Ways to Convert MKV to MOV without Losing Quality

Summary: This post shares 6 easy ways to convert MKV to MOV on Mac, Windows, and online. Whether you want to keep the original quality, convert a large MKV file, make the video work with QuickTime, iMovie, Final Cut Pro, or use a free online tool, you can find a suitable method below.

MKV is commonly used for movies, TV shows, and high-quality videos because it can store video, audio, subtitles, and multiple tracks in one file. But it is not always convenient to use on Apple devices or editing apps. QuickTime Player may not open MKV files directly, and apps like iMovie or Final Cut Pro usually work better with MOV.

That is why many users want to convert MKV to MOV. The good news is that the conversion does not always have to reduce video quality. If the video inside your MKV file is already compatible with MOV, some tools can simply change the file container and keep the original quality. If not, you can convert it to a more Apple-friendly MOV file, such as MOV H.264, HEVC, or ProRes.

Below, we will show you 6 practical MKV to MOV converters, including desktop software, online tools, FFmpeg, and VLC. Some are better for large files and batch conversion, while others are more suitable for quick online conversion of small videos.

Will Converting MKV to MOV Reduce Quality

Not always. If the original video and audio can be kept unchanged, the MKV to MOV converter only changes the file container from MKV to MOV, so the quality stays the same. If the file needs to be converted to a different codec for QuickTime, iMovie, Final Cut Pro, or iPhone, the video may be re-encoded. In that case, choosing a high-quality setting can help keep the output looking close to the original.

Which MKV to MOV Converter Should You Choose

Now that you know MKV to MOV conversion may work in different ways, the next step is choosing the right tool. Some converters can keep the original streams without re-encoding, while others mainly create a new MOV file through re-encoding. Here is a quick comparison before we go through each method.

How to Convert MKV to MOV without Losing Quality

VideoProc Converter AI

When you need a speedy, easy, and powerful capable MKV to MOV converter, VideoProc Converter AI should be your first port of call. It can convert 4K, 8K, 120FPS, HDR, and 10-bit MKV videos smoothly even on less-robust machines. The ability to handle 370+ formats ensures you can convert a video to MKV, MOV, MP4, H.264, HEVC, Apple ProRes, Cinepak, or whatever other formats you need without hassles. Thanks to the support of batch conversion and the uncluttered interface, even a beginner can turn a large collection of MKV video files to MOV at a time with ease.

Step 1. Import MKV Files

Launch VideoProc Converter AI and go to the Video Converter module. Click Add Video, or drag and drop your MKV file into the program.

Step 2. Turn MKV to MOV

Open the target format panel and choose MOV as the output format. If you want to keep the original quality and the file is compatible, enable Auto Copy. This changes MKV to MOV without re-encoding. If the MOV file needs to work better with Apple devices or editing software, choose a MOV format with H.264, HEVC, or ProRes instead.

Step 3. Start the Conversion

Choose an output folder and click Run to start the conversion. The program will convert your MKV file to MOV based on your selected settings.

Watch VideoProc Converter AI's Key Video Conversion Capabilities in Action!

How to Convert MKV to MOV Online for Free

If your MKV file is small and you do not want to install software, an online MKV to MOV converter can be a quick option. Online tools are easy to use: upload the MKV file, choose MOV as the output format, start the conversion, and download the converted file.

However, online MKV to MOV converters are not always the best choice for large movies, private videos, or batch conversion. Most free online tools have file size limits, upload speed depends on your internet connection, and the output settings are usually more limited than desktop software.

Freeconvert

Freeconvert is a convenient option for converting small to medium-sized MKV files to MOV online. It supports video conversion, compression, subtitles, trimming, aspect ratio changes, and several advanced output settings. Compared with many online tools, its free file size limit is more generous, so it can be useful when Convertio or Zamzar is too limited.

Step 1. Open the MKV to MOV converter page of FreeConvert.

Step 2. Click Choose Files and upload your MKV file.

Step 3. Choose MOV as the output format. Open Advanced Options if you want to adjust the video codec, frame rate, resolution, or other settings.

Step 4. Click Convert to MOV and download the converted file when the process finishes.

Keep in mind:

FreeConvert is suitable for quick online conversion, but it is not ideal if you need to convert many large MKV files, keep full control over codecs, or export MOV ProRes for professional editing.

Convertio

Convertio is another popular online converter that supports video, audio, image, document, archive, and other file conversions. For MKV to MOV conversion, it lets you upload a file, choose MOV as the output format, and adjust some basic settings such as codec, quality, frame rate, and trimming.

Step 1. Navigate to the MKV to MOV conversion page of Convertio.

Step 2. Hit Choose Files and select the original video that you'd like to convert its format from MKV to MOV.

Step 3. Hit the gear icon to open the Settings panel. Herein, you can modify the codec/frame rate, trim the video length, change the orientation, etc. Hit OK to confirm the adjustments.

Step 4. Hit Convert to start converting MKV to MOV online with Convertio.

Keep in mind:

Convertio is easy to use, but the free plan is better for small files under 100MB. If your MKV file comes with the size larger than 100MB, you'll need a paid plan or a desktop MKV to MOV converter.

Zamzar

Zamzar is a user-friendly web-based service that offers a set of small online video-to-video, video-to-audio, and audio-to-audio converter tools. The size limit for a free Zamzar account is 50MB, which means you can't convert MKV files exceeding 50MB to MOV. It offers paid plan but is expensive and limited. For example, the maximum file-size limit for a business account is 2GB, but it costs 25USD per month. Even worse, it only supports the output of the H.264 codec. Thus, Zamzar is not for you if you need to remux MKV to MOV with an HEVC, Apple ProRes, MPEG-1, MPEG-2, or Cinepak codec. There are no options to make simple edits or adjust the resolution, frame rate, size, and other basic video properties.

Step 1. Navigate to the MKV to MOV conversion page of Zamzar.

Step 2. Hit Choose Files and select the original MKV files that you want to convert to MOV H.264.

Step 3. Hit Convert Now to start converting MKV to MOV online via Zamzar.

Keep in mind:

Zamzar is best for very small files and simple one-time conversions. If you need to adjust video quality, convert large MKV files, or process videos in batch, other methods in this guide may be more practical.

How to Convert MKV to MOV on Mac and Windows for Free

FFmpeg

FFmpeg is a free and open-source tool for users who are comfortable with command lines. It is not as beginner-friendly as regular video converter software, but it gives you strong control over the conversion process. You can use it to change MKV to MOV without re-encoding, or convert the video to a more compatible MOV format when needed.

Option 1. Convert MKV to MOV without re-encoding

If the video and audio streams in your MKV file are compatible with MOV, use this command:

ffmpeg -i input.mkv -map 0 -c copy output.mov

This command copies the original video and audio streams into a MOV container. Since it does not re-encode the video, the conversion is fast and the original quality is preserved.

Option 2. Convert MKV to MOV for better compatibility

If the output MOV file cannot be opened in QuickTime, iMovie, Final Cut Pro, iPhone, or iPad, you can convert it to MOV H.264 instead:

ffmpeg -i input.mkv -c libx264 -crf 18 -preset medium -c aac output.mov

This method re-encodes the video, but it usually provides better compatibility with Apple devices and apps.

Keep in mind:

FFmpeg is a good choice if you want a completely free method and do not mind using commands. For beginners, large batch tasks, or users who prefer a visual interface, a desktop converter may be easier.

VLC media player

VLC media player is another free way to convert MKV to MOV on Mac, Windows, and Linux. Many users already have VLC installed for playing videos, so it can be a convenient option when you only need to convert one or two MKV files and do not want to install another video converter.

However, VLC is mainly a media player, not a dedicated video converter. It can handle basic format conversion, but it does not give you as much control over output quality, codec, file size, subtitles, or batch conversion as FFmpeg or desktop video converter software. It is best for simple one-time MKV to MOV conversion.

Step 1. Launch up VLC media player on Mac. Hit File and choose Advanced Open File.

Step 2. Choose Browse and then select the original MKV file that you want to convert into MOV. Hit Open to confirm.

Step 3. Hit Stream Output and then click on Settings.

Step 4. Hit Browse, name the output MOV file and select the output location.

Step 5. Choose Quicktime for Encapsulation Method.

Step 6. Choose the target video codec and video bitrate. In my case, I choose H.264 as the video codec. As for the bitrate, the common setting for a regular 1080P video is around 3000 to 5000 kbps.

Step 7. Select the audio codec. Specify the audio bitrate and channels.

Step 8. Hit OK and choose Open to enable VLC to convert MKV to MOV on Mac.

Since VLC media player is not a dedicated video converter, it is less convenient if you are trying to convert MKV to MOV in batch. Plus, the container format is mandate to .mp4 even if you choose the QuickTime codec. For a streamlined workflow and batch tasks, you can find help with these free video converters for Mac.