How to Convert MOV to MP4 Free on Computer [3 Ways]

Have you ever stumbled upon a MOV video file and wondered why it won't play on your device? MOV is the filename extension for the QuickTime File Format. It's widely popular on Apple devices since Apple developed this format. The fact that it does not require data copying makes it very suitable for editing. An MOV file typically boasts high quality and a significant file size.

However, not all devices and systems work well with them. They are still not as universally compatible as the MP4 files. Converting MOV to MP4 is essential for seamless playback across various devices and for reducing file size for online sharing or further editing. So how to convert MOV to MP4? You'll find the answer in this post. Now, let's dive in.

How to Convert MOV to MP4 on Windows

There's a plethora of video converters available on Windows OS that can meet your needs if all you want is MOV to MP4 conversion. But besides that, if you want to convert MOV to MP4 for further editing or compress MOV video size for sharing, iTop Screen Recorder can be your best choice.

Don't get fooled by its name. iTop Screen Recorder is a screen recorder, but it also comes with a robust video editor and compressor. Both these features support multiple input and output formats, making it a breeze to convert a MOV to MP4 for free.

• Video Editor: As mentioned, many people want to convert MOV to MP4 for video editing. And, the versatile video editor in iTop Screen Recorder allows you to edit MOV format without converting. From basic video editing tasks like cutting, flipping and rotating to adding music, text, or images into the video, it's got you covered. Plus, you can export MP4 videos in high quality up to 4K to fit your needs.
• Video Compressor: If you are concerned about file size, the video compressor in the free screen recorder is a lifesaver. It offers three levels of compression to ensure your video retains quality while shedding unnecessary weight. Even better, it supports multiple output formats including MP4.

Before we jump to how to convert MOV to MP4 free on Windows with iTop Screen Recorder, feel free to download and install the program by clicking the button below. It's 100% clean and safe with no malware. Then you can follow the steps below to convert MOV to MP4.

How to Convert MOV to MP4 with Video Editor in iTop Screen Recorder?

Step 1. Launch iTop Screen Recorder.

Step 2. Go to Tools > Advanced Editor from the left menu bar.

Step 3. Drag and drop the MOV video into the timeline.

Step 4. Edit the video as you want. You can cut unwanted parts, apply effects/transitions, add background etc.

Step 5. Click the Export button and select MP4 as the output format. Then iTop Screen Recorder will save the MOV video to MP4.

How to Convert MOV to MP4 with Video Compressor in iTop Screen Recorder?

Step 1. Open iTop Screen Recorder.

Step 2. Click Tools > Compressor in the left menu bar.

Step 3. Import the MOV file you want to convert.

Step 4. Choose a compression ratio from 30%, 50% and 70%. All levels ensure you to compress the video without losing quality.

Step 5. Select MP4 from the drop-down list. Then click Compress to start converting the MOV file to MP4.

How to Convert MOV to MP4 on Mac

There are not as many video converters on Mac as there are on Windows OS. Luckily we have the Swiss Army knife in the digital world, VLC media player. It's far more than just a media player. Besides being able to play almost all multimedia files you throw at it, VLC boasts a format conversion utility and a vast codec library. Its extensive format support includes both MOV and MP4. That means you can transform MOV to MP4 effortlessly via its built-in presets. Follow the steps below to convert MOV to MP4 on Mac with VLC.

Step 1. Download and install the VLC media player on your Mac, then open the program.

Step 2. Click Media > Convert / Save in the top menu bar.

Step 3. Import the MOV file by clicking the Add button. Then click Convert / Save to bring up the Convert dialog box.

Step 4. Click to expand the Profile drop-down list. Select Video - H.264 + MP3 (MP4). You can also choose Video - H.265 + MP3 (MP4) for a smaller video size.

Step 5. Choose a file location and set the file name by clicking the Browse button.

Step 6. Click the Start button to convert MOV to MP4 with VLC.

Also Read: 5 Easy Ways to Compress Video with VLC Free >>

How to Convert MOV to MP4 Online

For those who don't feel like downloading and installing software, online converters are always a godsend. Among the many MOV to MP4 online converters, FreeConvert is our favorite. It has a pretty simple and straightforward user interface. All you need to do is upload your MOV video and wait for the conversion to finish. In addition, FreeConvert has fewer limitations on file upload size. The maximum file size you can upload with FreeConvert is 1GB. You can also set output parameters like video codec, audio codec, resolution, aspect ratio, frame rate, etc. Here's how to convert MOV to MP4 online with FreeConvert.

Step 1. Visit the FreeConvert website in your browser.

Step 2. Click the Choose Files button to select the MOV video. FreeConvert also allows you to use files from Dropbox or Google Drive.

Step 3. Select MP4 from the Output drop-down list.

Step 4. Click the gear icon to customize more video and audio options, such as codec, resolution, frame rate, etc.

Step 5. Click Convert to change MOV to MP4 online with FreeConvert.

Step 6. Download and save the converted MP4 video to your device after converting.

FAQs of MOV and MP4

What is MOV?

MOV is a multimedia filename extension born in the QuickTime framework. It's a container format developed by Apple. The MOV format can contain one or more tracks for video, audio, or text. Its feature of importing and editing in place makes it suitable for editing. While it's a favorite in the Apple ecosystem, it's not always compatible with other devices.

Also Read: How to Compress MOV Files Without Losing Quality >>

What is MP4?

MP4, or MPEG-4 Part 14, is the most widely used digital multimedia container format today. The MP4 format can store video, audio, subtitles, still images, etc. It’s like the universal language of the digital realm, speaking to a variety of devices and platforms with ease and versatility. It is worth mentioning that MP4 is directly extended from the QuickTime File Format.

What are the differences between MOV and MP4?

Both MOV and MP4 are multimedia container formats. Actually, in a QuickTime-only environment, the two of them are mostly interchangeable since MP4 is directly based upon the QuickTime File Format. They both hold multimedia elements like video, audio, text streams, etc. However, MOV is primarily associated with Apple's QuickTime, whereas MP4 is a universal format supported by various devices and platforms.

Is MP4 better than MOV?

Better is subjective. MP4 is usually more compressed and smaller in file size. It's more universally compatible for sharing and playback on various devices. However, MOV holds its ground with potentially better quality with larger file sizes in certain Apple-centric contexts. It's more suitable for editing.

Conclusion

That's all about how to convert MOV to MP4 for different uses. Converting MOV to MP4 is a breeze with the right tools. VLC media player and online converters provide a fast and simple solution for those who don't prefer to install additional software. They are ideal for occasional format conversion needs.

For users seeking more comprehensive functions and better quality, iTop Screen Recorder, the top-ranked screen recorder Windows 10, can be the best choice. It offers a multifaceted toolkit for MOV file conversion. Besides converting and compressing, you can customize the parameters of the converted MP4 video according to your needs. Feel free to give it a try. The perfect MOV to MP4 conversion is just a download away with iTop Screen Recorder!