Understanding Video Formats: MP4 vs. MKV vs. MOV vs. AVI

Published on November 10, 2025

Choosing the right video format can be confusing. You might have asked "Which format is best for playback?", "Which one keeps subtitles or multiple audio tracks?", or "What should I archive my ripped DVDs as?" This guide breaks down MP4, MKV, MOV, and AVI in plain terms and practical recommendations so you can pick the right format for the job.

Quick summary: which format to pick

• MP4: Best for general compatibility and streaming.
• MKV: Best for archiving and advanced features (multiple tracks, subtitles).
• MOV: Preferred for Apple ecosystems and professional editing workflows.
• AVI: Legacy format, sometimes useful for older tools but limited for modern use.

What is a container vs. a codec?

It helps to separate two concepts: containers and codecs. A container (MP4, MKV, MOV, AVI) is like a box that holds video, audio, subtitles, and metadata. A codec (H.264, H.265, VP9, ProRes) is the method used to compress the audio or video inside that box. The container determines compatibility and features; the codec determines quality and file size.

MP4 - the compatibility king

MP4 is ubiquitous. It is widely supported across phones, tablets, browsers, smart TVs, and social platforms. If you want the broadest possible playback support with good compression, MP4 with H.264 is a reliable choice.

Pros

• Excellent device and platform support.
• Good balance of quality and file size with H.264/H.265.
• Well-supported by streaming services and editing tools.

Cons

• Limited support for multiple audio tracks and advanced subtitle features compared to MKV.
• Metadata and chapter support are more limited in some players.

MKV - the flexible archivist

MKV (Matroska) is designed for flexibility. It can hold an unlimited number of audio, subtitle, and video tracks. For archiving DVDs or Blu-rays where you want to preserve multiple languages, commentary tracks, and subtitles, MKV is ideal.

Pros

• Supports many tracks and advanced subtitles (ASS/SSA).
• Great for long-term archival or complex releases.
• Open format with wide community support.

Cons

• Not as universally supported on some devices (older smart TVs, phones) without a compatible player.
• Can be slightly larger when including many tracks, though codecs still dominate size.

MOV - Apple and pro-editing friendly

MOV started at Apple for QuickTime and remains common in professional video editing environments. It can carry high-quality codecs like ProRes, which editors prefer because they resist quality loss during repeated edits.

Pros

• Excellent integration with macOS and Final Cut Pro.
• Supports high-quality codecs suited for editing and post-production.

Cons

• Less ideal for wide distribution or web playback without conversion.
• Files with professional codecs can be very large.

AVI - legacy container with limits

AVI is one of the oldest container formats from Microsoft. While still supported, AVI lacks modern features and has compatibility limits around subtitles, metadata, and streaming. It can be useful for legacy workflows or when a specific tool requires it.

Pros

• Simple and widely supported by older tools.

Cons

• Poor support for modern codecs and subtitles.
• Tends to produce larger files for equivalent quality.

Comparing common use-cases

Best for playback on any device

Choose MP4 with H.264 - it plays almost anywhere and streams well.

Best for archiving DVDs and keeping everything

Rip to MKV. Keep multiple audio tracks and subtitles inside a single file. If you want a lossless or very high-quality master, consider MakeMKV for initial rips and then encode to MKV with your chosen codec.

Best for editing and post-production

Use MOV with an editing-friendly codec (ProRes, DNxHD). These formats prioritize editability over small file size.

Best for legacy compatibility

Use AVI only when a legacy system or tool requires it. Otherwise, prefer MP4 or MKV.

Practical tips when converting

• Match the codec to the use-case: H.264 for compatibility, H.265 for storage savings, ProRes for editing.
• If you need multiple subtitles or audio tracks, favor MKV.
• Use consistent naming and metadata for libraries (title, year, resolution, codec).
• Keep a high-quality master when possible and create distribution copies for devices.

SEO tips & related searches

For SEO and discoverability, target long-tail keywords such as "best format for streaming", "best format for editing video", and "MP4 vs MKV for subtitles". Include clear headings, FAQs, and internal links to other articles like "How to Convert Old DVDs to Digital Files Without Losing Quality" and "Top 10 Reasons to Convert Your Old DVDs into Digital Files in 2025" to improve on-site relevance.

Conclusion - pick the right tool for the job

There is no single "best" video format - the right choice depends on what you need. For broad playback and sharing, use MP4. For archiving and preserving every bit of DVD content, pick MKV. For professional editing, MOV with ProRes or DNxHD makes sense. Save AVI for niche or legacy needs. With a clear goal, you can optimize quality, compatibility, and storage.

Want help converting your DVD collection into the right format? Visit DvdConverter.APP for presets tuned to common use-cases, batch processing, and easy quality-first workflows. Also see our blog index for more guides and in-depth tutorials.