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Convert MP4 to AVI online in 3 simple steps – upload your files, choose a format, and launch conversion. Use this MP4-to-AVI converter for free to convert small videos. To convert large files, try Movavi Video Converter.

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Best MP4-to-AVI converters

Edited by Ben Jacklin
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The MP4 format is becoming increasingly popular – it’s the perfect format for playing movies on your desktop or laptop and for publishing online. But it can lead to problems if you want to use a DVD player as not all of them are compatible with MPEG-4. This problem can be quickly overcome by converting MP4 videos to a more appropriate format.

In this article, we offer a review of a paid converter in case you want faster processing and the option to edit your videos. You’ll also find a review of 10 programs that will help you convert MP4 to AVI for free. Check out the comparison table and FAQs at the end of the article to learn more about MP4 and AVI.

Best alternative to free MP4-to-AVI converters

Most free converters are web-based and have certain limitations. If you need to convert large files over 1 GB, it’s better to use a desktop alternative. Try Movavi Video Converter – it’s a powerful converter with a simple interface and multiple features. The program supports over 180 formats and can convert audio, video, and image files. Thanks to the implemented SuperSpeed technology, the program can boast ultrafast conversion.

Unlike its free version, Movavi Video Converter offers much more than just multimedia conversion – the software has a lot of editing functions as well. It enables you to trim and rotate your videos, add filters and watermarks, stabilize your video, and adjust various color parameters. Another useful feature is adding subtitles. You can upload subtitles from your computer or search for them online right from the program. The editing tools allow you to change the font, size, and color of your subtitles as well as their position on the screen. If subtitles are not synchronized with the video, you can adjust the timecodes.

Here’s how to change MP4 to AVI with Movavi Video Converter. Download the program for Windows or Mac and follow the steps below.

Step 1. Install Movavi Video Converter

Open the installation file and install the program following the on-screen instructions. Movavi Video Converter has a simple and intuitive interface, so you can easily use this software for the conversion of MP4 and other video processing needs!

Step 2. Choose a file for conversion

Click Add Media in the upper-left corner of the screen and select Add Video. Now choose the MP4 video that you want to convert to AVI. Movavi Video Converter supports the batch conversion of MP4 as well as other formats, so you can convert multiple files or even an entire folder in one pass!

Step 2 - How to convert AVI to MP4 and vice versa

Step 3. Edit your clips before conversion (optional)

To edit your videos before converting them, click the Edit button on the right in the file info section. A new window with multiple tabs will open.

Click Stabilization and experiment with the available tools to fix shaky-cam footage. Open the Audio tab to adjust the volume or remove background noise. Go to Adjustments if you want to alter contrast, saturation, brightness, and other parameters. Use the Effects tab to apply a variety of creative filters to your videos. In the Subtitles and Watermark tabs, you can insert subtitles or watermarks, respectively. You can also cut the edges of your video, rotate it, or trim away fragments you don’t want in the appropriate tabs.

Step 4 - How to convert AVI to MP4 and vice versa

Step 4. Compress MP4 files (optional)

You can also use Movavi Video Converter to compress large MP4 files that you want to export to AVI. To do that, just click on the size value of a file in the info section. In the opened dialog box, specify the size, bitrate, and quality. To check the quality of your end file, click the Convert sample button.

Step 5 - How to convert AVI to MP4 and vice versa

Step 5. Choose a format

Go to the Video tab, find the AVI group, and select the appropriate AVI preset for conversion.

Step 3 - How to convert AVI to MP4 and vice versa

Step 6. Choose an output folder and convert MP4 to AVI

Choose the folder in which you want to place the converted files by clicking the Save to button. Finally, click Convert to convert MP4 to AVI. The process can take anything from one to several minutes, depending on the file size and the number of files you transfer.

Step 6 - How to convert AVI to MP4 and vice versa

Pros:

  • Lots of popular media formats available, including MP4 and AVI

  • Make edits to videos before converting them

  • Conversion can be done in just a few simple steps

Cons:

  • Can’t burn DVDs

Free MP4-to-AVI converters for Windows and Mac

There are many apps that allow you to change the format of your video. If you have an MP4 file you want to convert to AVI, you can use a desktop program. Alternatively, you can convert it to AVI online if you don’t want to spend time downloading and installing any software. To help you choose a conversion app for your needs, we’ve collected 10 best MP4-to-AVI converters that you can use for free. Read the overview of the programs below and pick the option that suits you most.

This is a convenient tool that allows you to convert your files between more than 180 formats. The software is easy to use – it will take you just a few clicks to convert your videos from MP4 to AVI. Movavi Free Video Converter has presets for different devices, so you can simply indicate the device on which you’re going to play your video, and the program will show you compatible formats. Being freeware, the app lacks editing features. But if you’re looking for a simple and fast conversion tool, Movavi Free Video Converter is just what you need! To convert your videos for free, download the installation file for Windows or Mac and follow the instructions below.

Here’s how to convert MP4 to AVI with Movavi Free Video Converter.

Step 1. Install the program

Open the downloaded file and follow the instructions that will appear on the screen. Then launch the converter.

Step 2. Upload your files

Click Add Media in the top-right corner of the program window and select Add Video. Now choose the files for conversion and click Open. Alternatively, you can drag and drop your MP4 videos into the converter.

Step 3. Select the output format

Open the Video tab, click AVI, and choose the desired preset.

Step 4. Convert MP4 to AVI

Click the Save to button to indicate the location for export. Then hit the Convert button in the lower-left corner of the converter and wait until the conversion is done!

Pros:

  • Free to download, install, and use

  • Convert files in batches

  • Choose where to export converted video

Cons:

  • Not all features available compared to the full version

VLC is a media player, but it also has the conversion feature. The program can convert files between the most popular formats, including MP4 and AVI. VLC’s interface might seem a little confusing especially if you use the program for the first time. But once you master the app, you’ll probably appreciate how multifunctional it is. VLC lets you play media files, convert them between different formats, and even record your screen. As for the conversion, VLC cannot convert large files and isn’t particularly fast, but it does enough for a free app.

To change the format of your video, open VLC, click the Media button in the top menu, and choose Convert / Save. In the new dialog box, click Add and select files for conversion. Then hit Convert / Save. In the window that opens, go to Profile and click the Wrench icon. Pick AVI from the list of formats in the Encapsulation tab and hit Save. Then click Browse and select the destination folder. Finally, hit Start to convert MP4 to AVI.

Pros:

  • Open-source and completely free

  • Can play media files as well as converting videos

Cons:

  • Slow conversion

CloudConvert is an online tool that allows you to easily change MP4 to AVI. It supports over 200 media formats. Apart from converting files, the tool lets you change other parameters, like video resolution, audio bitrate, and volume. CloudConvert also allows you to trim the file – you just need to specify the timecodes for the trim start and end. The service allows up to 25 free conversions per day.

To convert MP4 to AVI, first, you need to upload your files to CloudConvert. Click Select File to choose a video from your computer. Alternatively, you can upload a file from your Google Drive, Dropbox, or even by inserting a URL link. Next, choose AVI in the Convert to field. To adjust additional settings, hit the Wrench icon. When you’ve set the export parameters, click Okay. Then hit Convert and wait until the file is converted.

Pros:

  • Hundreds of file formats supported

  • Adjust a video while converting

  • Trim off unneeded parts of a video

Cons:

  • Maximum of 25 conversions per day in the free version

Freemake supports a great number of popular and rare media formats. All in all, the software can convert files between more than 500 different formats! You can upload videos to the program from your computer or from online platforms, like YouTube, Vimeo, Vevo, Facebook, and more. Freemake Video Converter also offers some editing functions – it allows you to cut, join, and rotate video clips. Another convenient feature is the ability to add subtitles, as well as edit their size and font. Note that this software is only available for Windows.

Download Freemake Video Converter and launch it. Drag and drop your files into the program or click the +Video button and select the videos you want to convert. From the list of formats at the bottom of the program’s window, pick to AVI and choose the desired preset. Finally, hit Convert.

Pros:

  • Many file formats supported

  • Upload files directly from online platforms

Cons:

  • Only available on Windows

With this tool, you can convert MP4 to AVI online in a couple of clicks. You can upload an MP4 video from your computer, Dropbox, or Google Drive. Before you start the conversion, you can adjust the export settings, like video resolution and audio bitrate. This online tool enables you to trim your video as well – simply indicate the timecodes for the start and the end of the fragment you need to convert. If your file is less than 100 MB, you can convert it to AVI for free without signing in. There’s also a limitation on the number of conversions per day. In case you need to convert files over 100 MB and want to have access to unlimited conversions, consider subscribing to one of the plans offered by the service.

To convert your files with Online Video Converter, hit Add Your Media and upload your MP4 file for conversion. Then choose AVI from the list of video formats. Click the Cogwheel icon if you want to adjust video resolution and audio quality or indicate the fragment you need to convert. When everything’s done, click Convert. Download the video to your computer after the conversion is complete.

Pros:

  • Conversion process is one of the simplest available

  • All popular formats supported

Cons:

  • Lacks editing tools

Zamzar is a free MP4-to-AVI converter that works online. It will take you just a few clicks to convert your video to AVI. You can use this MP4-to-AVI converter for free to convert files less than 50 MB. The number of conversions per day is also limited in the free version. To be able to convert an unlimited number of larger videos, you’ll need a paid subscription.

To upload your files to Zamzar, hit Add Files and select the videos from your computer. Alternatively, drag and drop your files or insert a URL of your video. Then select avi as the target format. You can also indicate the device on which you would like to play the movie, and the tool will convert your video to a compatible format. Next, click Convert Now and wait until your video is converted.

Pros:

  • Convert files in minutes

  • Free to convert smaller files

Cons:

  • If you need to convert many files or large files, you’ll need to pay

This is a desktop MP4-to-AVI video converter for Windows and Mac. The software enables you to convert and compress video files in a short time. It supports batch conversion, so you can convert multiple files at one time. Apart from converting, the program offers some editing options, including trimming and splitting, applying filters, and adding a watermark. The free version of Prism Video Converter is available for non-commercial use only.

Install the program on your computer and launch it. Hit Add Files and upload the videos you need to convert. In the Output Format section, open the list of formats and pick .avi. Click the Convert button to start the conversion.

Pros:

  • Available on both Windows and Mac computers

  • Can add a watermark to converted videos

Cons:

  • Can’t use the free version for commercial purposes

This is another online MP4-to-AVI converter that can help you change the format of your videos to AVI. Online-Convert lets you adjust audio and video settings before you start the conversion. You can change the width and height of your video, the bitrate, and the frame rate. Other options include cutting, rotating, and flipping your video. The converter enables you to change the audio quality as well. Keep in mind that you can only convert files up to 100 MB for free. If you have large files to convert, choose one of the plans for a paid subscription. With paid plans, the conversion speed will also be higher than in the free version.

Go to the Online-Convert website, click Video converter, and select Convert to AVI from the menu on the left. Then select the appropriate option for uploading your files depending on their location – you can choose to add files from your computer, Dropbox, or Google Drive. You can also enter the URL of your video. Adjust the parameters in Video settings and Audio settings if needed. Finally, hit Start conversion.

Pros:

  • Adjust the video bitrate and frame rate

  • Crop videos

Cons:

  • Need to pay to convert files faster

Converting MP4 to AVI with Convertio is quite easy. You simply need to upload your files, choose AVI as the target format, and start the conversion process. You can adjust additional settings if needed. For example, you can change video resolution and audio bitrate, rotate or flip your video, increase or decrease the volume. So, if your file is not larger than 100 MB, you can use Convertio to convert MP4 to AVI online for free; unlimited conversions, however, are available only with a paid plan.

To convert your files, go to Convertio’s main page. Click Choose Files and upload the video you wish to convert. Open the drop-down list of formats, click Video, and choose AVI. To open the dialog box with additional settings, click the Cogwheel icon. Adjust the parameters for export and click OK. When you’re ready to start the conversion process, hit Convert.

Pros:

  • Can rotate or flip videos

  • Make conversions without having to download or pay anything

Cons:

  • Free version limits the number of conversions

ConvertFiles is one more tool that can help you convert your video to AVI online. This service doesn’t impose any limitations on the file size or the number of conversions per day. After the conversion is done, you can download the file to your computer. Alternatively, you can choose to receive a download link to your email – just check the corresponding box before starting the conversion. There are no options to adjust the export parameters, but if you simply want to change the format of your video, then ConvertFiles might be just what you need.

On the ConvertFiles main page, click Browse and select the video you wish to convert. Open the list of formats next to Output Format and choose Audio Video Interleave File (.avi). Hit the Convert button and wait until your file is converted. After that, follow the link for downloading your file and click Download Free.

Pros:

  • No limits on file size or number of daily conversions

  • Can send a download link to an email address

Cons:

  • No editing or adjustment options

Which converter to choose?

If you simply want to convert a small file, the best option is to use one of the free programs mentioned in the review. You can choose between desktop and online tools. Free converters, however, usually have different limitations, like relatively low conversion speed, limited file size, or inability to convert multiple files at one time. To convert files without such limitations, you can use a paid alternative, like Movavi Video Converter. It offers ultrafast batch conversion and many editing features. Download the program and check it out!

MP4 vs. AVI – comparing formats

Both MP4 and AVI are popular video formats. Have a look at the comparison table below to learn the difference between these formats.

Comparison parameter

AVI

MP4

File extension

.avi

.mp4

Video-encoding formats

H.263, VC-1, MPEG-1, MPEG-2, MPEG-4, others

H.264, H.265, MPEG-2 Part 2, MPEG-4 ASP, H.263, VC-1, Dirac, others

Audio-encoding formats

AAC, WMA, MP3, FLAC, AMR, others

AAC, MP3, AC-3, Apple Lossless, ALS, SLS, others

Device and OS compatibility

All Windows-based devices, Mac OS X, Linux

Compatible with almost all devices and operating systems

Here’s what Movavi Content Team does to provide you with only verified information:

  • When selecting products to include in our reviews, we research both demand and popularity.

  • All the products covered in this article have been tested by our team.

  • When testing, we compare key characteristics, including supported input and output formats, quality loss when converting, and other significant features.

  • We study user reviews from popular review platforms and make use of this information when writing our product reviews.

  • We collect feedback from our users and analyze their opinions of Movavi software as well as products from other companies.

Frequently asked questions

What is an AVI file?

What is an MP4 file?

Which format offers better quality: MP4 or AVI?

Is AVI a good video format?

How do I convert multiple MP4 files to AVI?

How can I play AVI files?

How do I convert MP4 to AVI on a Mac?

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