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Convert MOV to MP4

MOV and MP4 are just containers. Often the video inside is already H.264 or HEVC, so you can switch containers in seconds without re-encoding.

Updated 2026-11-05. Facts and prices checked on official pages that day.

Option 1: Lossless remux (seconds, no quality loss)

If the MOV contains H.264/HEVC video and AAC audio (true for most iPhone and many camera clips), copy the streams into an MP4 container:

ffmpeg -i input.mov -c copy -movflags +faststart output.mp4

If the result does not play, the streams are not MP4-compatible – use option 2.

Option 2: Re-encode with HandBrake

  1. Open the MOV in HandBrake.
  2. Pick the preset Fast 1080p30 (or a matching resolution).
  3. Format: MP4. Start Encode.

Re-encoding takes longer and loses a little quality, but always produces a widely compatible file. To hit a size limit, use the video compression calculator.

Option 3: VLC

VLC media player also has a Convert / Save option in its Media menu. It is fine for occasional conversions but gives fewer quality and size controls than HandBrake.

iPhone tip

iPhones record HEVC by default. Settings → Camera → Formats → Most Compatible records H.264, which plays everywhere, at the cost of bigger files.

Tools mentioned

Free, open source

FFmpeg

  • Command-line converter used inside many video apps
  • Exact control over bitrate, resolution and codecs
  • No graphical interface

Source: official page, checked 2026-11-05. Prices and limits change – confirm before buying.

Visit FFmpeg →
Free, open source

HandBrake

  • Converts video from nearly any format to modern codecs (H.264, H.265, AV1)
  • Windows, Mac and Linux
  • Has an Avg Bitrate + multi-pass mode that hits a target size

Source: official page, checked 2026-11-05. Prices and limits change – confirm before buying.

Visit HandBrake →
Free, open source

VLC media player

  • Plays almost any file, including MOV and MKV
  • Media → Convert/Save can re-encode to MP4
  • Fewer size controls than HandBrake

Source: official page, checked 2026-11-05. Prices and limits change – confirm before buying.

Visit VLC media player →

Wondershare UniConverter

  • Graphical converter + compressor with batch processing and GPU acceleration
  • Official FAQ: the trial converts only 1/3 of a video's length
  • Official store listed a Yearly Plan at US$45.99/yr (auto-renews) on the date checked

Source: official page, checked 2026-11-05 · official pricing. Prices and limits change – confirm before buying.

Visit Wondershare UniConverter →

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