How to convert MKV to MP4 on Mac quickly

Handling different video file formats can be tricky, especially for MKV files and their compatibility issues. My husband runs a music label and often converts videos. So I asked him tips on how to manage this task. He shared that knowing how to convert MKV to MP4 was a big help to his workflow. Based on his experience, I have compiled this guide to help you simplify the process.

Get MKV to MP4 in a few steps

Use Permute on Setapp to convert MKV to MP4, extract music from video, and convert audio and images.

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Understand MKV and MP4 formats

I decided to add this section to this post, but feel free to skip to the next section if you understand the difference between the two formats, or if you are not interested in it at all.

Why is MKV so popular? This format is very flexible and allows multiple video, audio and subtitle tracks to be stored in one file. This is very convenient. However, my husband often converts MKV files because they can be very large and not always work on all devices. Although MKV is very versatile, it can cause playback problems on some platforms. For example, you cannot upload videos saved in MKV format to YouTube.

On the other hand, MP4 (MPEG-4 Part 14) is usually a better choice for most people. It strikes a good balance between file size and compatibility, compresses videos well, and is compatible with a variety of devices and services. So if you need to share or watch videos easily, MP4 is usually the best choice.

I have prepared a short table for you listing the pros and cons of MKV and MP4 formats. Please see:

Let's compare	MKV	MP4
compatibility	Suitable for specific players	Playable on almost all devices
File size	Usually larger	More compact and easier to share
Playback requirements	Requires special software to play	Native playback on most platforms
When to use	Ideal for high-quality storage	Great for sharing and streaming

How to convert MKV to MP4 without losing quality

As I mentioned, many people use MKV files because they can store multiple audio and subtitle tracks in one container. This is especially useful for movies and shows in different languages. However, when you want to share these files with friends or family, you may find that MKV is compatible with not all devices. This may make it difficult for everyone to appreciate content.

I asked my husband (who is an expert in this article) about his preferred tool for handling video conversions, and here are his suggestions.

Professional file conversion software

If you want to convert MKV to MP4 without losing quality, we highly recommend using Permute. It is very user-friendly and ensures that the converted MP4 maintains the original video quality. Additionally, it supports batch conversion, so if you have multiple MKV files to share, you can convert all at once.

Here is how to convert MKV to MP4 using Permute:

1. Open Permute on your Mac.
2. Click File > Select Open in the menu bar.
3. Select the desired MKV file from your system and click "Open".
4. In the sub-window, select MP4 from the Video drop-down menu.
5. Click the play button (looks like an arrow) to start the conversion.

That's it! Your MKV file will be converted to MP4 format. However, remember the following points before starting the transfer. In the upper right corner of the child window, you will see a gear icon. Here, you can control where the converted file is stored. You can also make other changes, such as rotating videos, if you need this feature.

Tip: Try using Permute with Downie. They are created by the same developer and work well together – Downie is used to download videos from the internet, and Permute is used to convert videos to other formats. You can send the downloaded files directly from Downie to Permute.

Quick conversion online tools

While my husband mainly uses Permute for video conversion, I understand that others may want different options. If you don't want to use Permute for some reason, we found another alternative: Online-Convert.com. This is a reliable quick conversion tool without downloading software, but remember that it may not provide the same quality as Permute. However, it does the job, allowing you to easily convert MKV files to MP4.

Simply visit their website, select the video converter to MP4, upload your MKV file, adjust any necessary settings, and download the final MP4 once it is done. This is a convenient option, especially when you are out.

However, be aware that online tools may have file size limitations and may require a stable internet connection.

How to play MKV on Mac

Since MKV is not natively supported, you should not expect your Mac to start QuickTime to play downloaded files like you would with many other media file types. Instead, we have two great MKV playback options: Elmedia Player and Movis Pro.

You can get them on Setapp – all in one place. In addition, Setapp also provides Permute for easy conversion of MKV to MP4. Have all these handy tools in one subscription to make managing your Mac even more convenient. Trust me, it is really a smart choice to complete various tasks using Setapp on your Mac, iPhone, and iPad.

Can't play videos on Mac?

Elmedia Player supports MKV, AVI, FLV, etc., and provides audio equalizer and multi-display settings. Get it on Setapp.

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Why choose these players?

Elmedia Player: The obvious advantage is that Elmedia supports much more formats than other players, including rare formats. But that's not all. You can also get picture-in-picture, bookmarks, ad-free YouTube video playback and video tweaking.

Movist Pro: If you are a movie lover, you should definitely check out Movist Pro. Unlike other media players, this player places subtitles in a prominent position. You can watch multiple subtitle tracks at the same time, open auditory subtitles, adjust mailboxes, and do many other cool things.

If you want to play only specific parts of a file, Movis Pro has a very clever feature that allows you to select a range in the file and loop that range. You can also bookmark any video, which is an excellent choice if you want to follow a video lecture or tag the favorites section of a movie.

Here is how to play any MKV file using Elmedia Player or Movis Pro:

1. Open Elmedia Player/Movis Pro.
2. From the menu bar, go to File > Open.
3. Select the MKV file on the Mac you want to play.
4. Select Open.

Yes, the process for both players is the same.

How to convert MKV to MP4: The final idea

When you need to convert MKV to MP4, nothing is better than a simple and effective converter. For us, Permute is the best choice. It is simple, effective, and does not cause any problems with the converted files.

Playing is also a key component. While Permute can be easily converted, this feature is not always necessary. Also, if you want to download videos from the internet and then convert them to the desired format, you can use Permute with Downie.

Elmedia Player and Movis Pro are both excellent video player apps. In our tests, each performed well!

What is the best part? All of these apps — Elmedia Player, Movis Pro, Permute, and Downie — are available for free as part of the Setapp 7-day free trial, the best place to find Mac, iOS, and web apps for almost any task. In addition to applications, Setapp also has an AI assistant built in to help you choose the right tool for your tasks and can also explain the various features of the application it provides. This means you don't have to waste time searching for the tools that best suit your needs; just ask the assistant and it will guide you to the most suitable option.

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