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Tools to convert M4V to MP4 on Mac & Windows 10/8/7

Edited by
Joey Edits
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Compatibility problems and wrapper files like M4Vs can sometimes be frustrating. Lots of us have libraries of these files and no way to use them. I started this update with a simple goal. To make old M4V videos play on any device without headaches – that meant turning them into MP4s. I grabbed a stack of clips and ran them through eight converters I know well.

Some tools felt super convenient to me (VLC and Movavi Video Converter, for instance); others were better for quick and free web jobs. Below is the list I actually used and what stood out while I was converting M4V to MP4.

My top picks

  • Best overall (desktop): Movavi Video Converter
    Fast, simple presets, and easy tweaks when I need them.
  • Best free & open‑source: HandBrake
    Tight control over format, bitrate, and filters.
  • Best for power users: FFmpeg
    Scriptable and fast once you know the flags.
  • Best player‑that‑also‑converts: VLC
    Already on my machine and good for quick jobs.
  • Best for online convenience: CloudConvert
    Converts straight from Google Drive/Dropbox with adjustable output.

Comparison table of M4V to MP4 converters

Program

Convert M4V to MP4

Platform

Online/Offline

Notes

Download

Yes

Windows, macOS

Offline

Fast conversion, presets, light editing

Yes

Windows

Offline

Windows‑only; preset‑driven

Yes

Windows, macOS, Linux

Offline

Media player with convert/stream

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8 best M4V to MP4 converters – free and paid tools

I have found there to be a lot of other options including both paid and free M4V-to-MP4 converter options. I found some of the free options to be limited, but they can be useful when you only need to convert files occasionally, not every day.

  • Why I picked it

    It converted big files quickly and let me fine‑tune bitrate and resolution without digging through jargon.

  • OS

    Windows 11/10/8/7, Mac OS X 10.13 or higher

  • Best for

    Beginners and advanced users for changing video formats

With Movavi Video Converter, you can convert videos from M4V to MP4, AVI, WMV, MOV, MP3, and many other popular video and audio formats. I used the program to rip unprotected DVDs, i.e., convert VOB DVD files to other video formats.

I didn’t have to mess around with settings much as Movavi Video Converter also offers ready-to-use conversion presets. It is easy to convert M4V to MP4 in the exact format you need.

Ratings

4.8/5

Pros:

  • Fast conversion with hardware acceleration (my CPU stayed responsive)

  • Clear presets and manual controls when I need exact format settings

  • Handy built‑in trim/crop and subtitle support

Cons:

  • Trial version adds output limits

How to convert M4V to MP4 with Movavi Video Converter

Movavi Video Converter is a handy app. It lets you convert files between 180+ formats, edit videos, and add subtitles. The program can also automatically detect any device connected to your computer and choose the best preset for this device. Download the program and follow step-by-step guide below. The Movavi M4V-to-MP4 converter is free for download.

Step 1. Install the Movavi's M4V to MP4 converter

After you’ve downloaded the installation file for the Movavi M4V converter, run it and install the software following the on-screen instructions.

Step 2. Add the M4V videos you want to convert

To add files for conversion, click the Add Media button and then Add Video. The files you add will appear in the list of input files. Note that you can convert multiple files simultaneously using Movavi’s batch conversion function.

Step 3. Edit your M4V videos (optional)

If you want, you can edit M4V files before conversion. To do this, click the Edit button in the file information section. A new window will appear. Use the Stabilization tool to make your video less shaky. Click the Audio tab to reduce the background noise or adjust the volume level. On the Adjustments tab, you can tweak the brightness, saturation, and contrast of your clip. On the Effects tab, various filters from the built-in library are available. On the Watermark and Subtitles tabs, you can add a watermark of your choice and insert subtitles. You can also crop, rotate, and trim your video. Click Save and Close when you are happy with the edits.

Step 4. Specify the output file format

Open the Video tab and choose your desired output video format from the list. If you want to convert video for a particular mobile device, open the Devices tab and select your specific device model. To detect the model automatically, just plug the device into your computer and click the Cell Phone icon.

Step 5. Change M4V to MP4

All converted files are saved by default to the Movavi Library folder. If you want to change the default folder, click the Save to button at the bottom of the program window and choose another folder or create a new one. Now click Convert. After the conversion is done, the folder containing the converted files will open automatically. Now you can transfer the videos to your mobile device or watch them on your PC or Mac whenever you want.

This is a simple way to convert M4V to MP4 on your PC or Mac quickly and easily!

  • Why I picked it

    A simple Windows tool with lots of device presets and simple profiles

  • OS

    Windows 11/10/8.1/8/7/Vista/XP

  • Best for

    Users who want to convert videos for mobile devices and social platforms

This is great software for Windows users. I normally use a Mac, but booted up my partner’s Windows 11 PC to test it. I found it pretty simple (even though I wasn’t as used to Windows software)

AVS Video Converter lets you convert between 150+ formats for free. It also provides presets for mobile devices (iPhone, iPad, Android, Samsung) and social platforms.

For a free option, I found that the software allows for a fast conversion process. With AVS Video Converter, you can convert multiple files at one time. If you want to enjoy more features, like editing and audio extraction, you can upgrade to the full AVS4YOU package.

How to use AVS Video Converter to convert M4V to MP4 for free

  1. Download and install the app.
    Download AVS Video Converter
  2. Open the converter and select To MP4 on the upper panel.
  3. Click Browse and import the files you want to convert.
  4. From the Profile list, choose the preset you need.
  5. Hit Convert Now!

Pros:

  • Wide format support

  • Batch conversion mode

  • Some editing options

Cons:

  • No Mac version

  • Some features are not available in the free version

  • Why I picked it

    This is a widespread tool a lot of people use for viewing. The Convert/Save workflow allows for quick M4V to MP4 jobs.

  • OS

    All versions of Windows, Mac OS X 10.7.5 or higher

  • Best for

    People who want to watch videos in all formats on their device

I am a big fan of VLC considering it is freeware. The VLC media player app has many additional features beyond a simple player, including video conversion and capturing a video stream through a capture device.

It is a pretty powerful free option but its interface appears somewhat complicated to newbies. I get a bit stuck and confused and I do a lot of converting files. Also, since VLC’s main job is to playback files and not convert them, conversion speed isn’t super fast.

How to use VLC to convert M4V to MP4 for free

Please note: this instruction is for converting M4V to MP4 on Windows. On other platforms, your actions may vary.

  1. Download the installation file to your computer using the link below, launch it, and follow the instructions on the screen.
    Download the VLC media player
  2. Open the program. Click Media, then Convert / Save in the upper-left corner. In the new window, hit the Add button to upload the file, and click Convert / Save.
  3. Check the Profile field to make sure that the MP4 format is chosen. Click Browse next to the Destination field and select a location for export. Hit Start and wait until the video is converted.

This is how to convert M4V to MP4 in VLC. This feature may not be on the surface, but it functions just fine.

Ratings

4.7/5

Pros:

  • Supports a wide range of formats

  • Multiple extensions available (free)

  • Offers various features, like playback and screen recording

Cons:

  • The conversion process may seem confusing

  • The conversion speed is not particularly high

Quick summary

  1. Top choice for fast, high‑quality offline conversion.

  2. HandBrake

    Best for free, open‑source control with a friendly UI.

  3. CloudConvert

    Quickly convert video files right in your browser.

  • Why I picked it

    I found this provides full control over quality (bitrate/CRF), encoder, filters, and subtitles

  • OS

    Windows 11/10, Mac OS X 10.13 and higher

  • Best for

    Film creators, YouTubers, social media influencers, and anyone who wants to change video formats

HandBrake is another handy open-source M4V-to-MP4 converter with a free download. I love the level of control it gives (without the interface being too confusing)

I thought one of the main benefits is the ability to customize the transformation process for your own needs: many options are changeable, from video resolution to codecs and framerate.

I can see how some beginners find it a bit complex to get used to.

How to use the HandBrake M4V-to-MP4 converter

  1. Download the M4V converter for free via the link below, install and launch it.
    Download HandBrake
  2. Find your M4V file on your computer and drag it to the program window. You can also click the File button. Your video will appear on the HandBrake main screen.
  3. Click Browse at the bottom and enter the new file name and destination folder. Take care that the correct file extension is used – it should be MP4. Customize other conversion preferences if you wish. Hit Start Encode at the top. You’ll have to wait for a while: HandBrake may seem slow in comparison with other programs.

This is how you can convert M4V to MP4 with HandBrake.

Ratings

4.7/5

Pros:

  • Powerful presets and per‑title controls

  • Filters (deinterlace, denoise) when you need them

  • Free and open‑source

Cons:

  • Not as many output formats as some others

  • I can see how the controls could be confusing for people if they haven’t used encoders before

  • Why I picked it

    I found it useful for batch jobs and scripting

  • OS

    Windows, macOS, Linux

  • Best for

    Advanced users

FFmpeg is a free M4V converter or command-line tool that converts video and audio formats. I am not the best at using code but found that I could work out all of the controls. It supports a wide variety of video formats, including BFI, ASF, GXF, GIF, and MP4.

The M4V-to-MP4 converter is easy to use. If you want to convert videos for YouTube, M4V files can be converted to MP4 with a few simple controls.

How to convert from M4V to MP4 with FFmpeg

  1. Visit the FFmpeg website. You’ll find the M4V to MP4 converter download for Windows or Mac when you click on the download tab on the left of your screen. Simply follow the prompts to install the M4V player for Windows or Mac.
    Download FFmpeg
  2. Open the program and upload your M4V file by clicking on the Open tab at the top left corner of your screen.
  3. Click on the Save As menu to choose MP4 as your output video format. By clicking on the Details tab, you can edit the video parameters.
  4. Start the conversion process by clicking on the Encode button at the bottom of the box to change your file’s format to M4V to MP4.
  5. Your new video format will automatically be saved to your device. You can now enjoy watching your videos on other devices that support MP4 or upload your content onto YouTube.

Ratings

4.6/5

Pros:

  • Lots of support for multiple formats

  • I love the batch converting functions

  • Offers basic editing tools

Cons:

  • Command Line can be complicated for inexperienced users

  • Why I picked it

    When I needed a free browser tool with simple controls, this was the quickest way to change format and resolution

  • OS

    Any (works online)

  • Best for

    People who want to convert video files online

This M4V-to-MP4 converter, free and online, can help you convert files between all the most popular formats. I put myself into the shoes of people who just want to make a quick conversion online. I found it quick and streamlined.

How to use Online Video Converter

  1. Proceed to the website using the link below:
    Go to the Online Video Converter website
  2. On the website, upload your M4V file by clicking the Add Your Media button. The MP4 format is already selected. To change the additional options like video resolution or length, hit the Cogwheel icon after adding your video. Make the changes you want.
  3. Click Convert. When the conversion completes, hit Download if the process doesn’t start automatically.

Pros:

  • I love the simple conversion process

  • Option to change video resolution

  • Trimming tool

Cons:

  • Limited file sizes

  • No batch trimming

  • Why I picked it

    When I needed a free browser tool with simple controls, this made a simple conversion

  • OS

    Any (works online)

  • Best for

    Anyone who wants to convert videos for YouTube, Facebook, or their TV

I like this all-round conversion tool. If I need to make a change to a file I can use this to really quickly make the changes anywhere. CloudConvert is useful not only when you want to convert a video but also for transforming documents and even fonts. I like the features for batch conversion, and you can change many parameters, including the volume and aspect ratio.

It isn’t my go-to tool as it is a bit limited, but the fact you don’t have to download any software is great. The main disadvantage is the conversion speed. I found it a little slow.

How to use CloudConvert

  1. Proceed to the website using the link below:
    Go to the CloudConvert website
  2. Click Select File. Choose one or several files and hit Open.
  3. Define MP4 as the output format in the drop-down menu at the top of the page.
  4. Click Convert and wait for a while. Then hit Download.

Ratings

Pros:

  • Can convert video, audio, images, and documents

  • High-quality conversion

  • Advanced output settings

Cons:

  • Limitations in the free version

  • Why I picked it

    I often pull files from Google Drive or Dropbox. It’s great to export MP4 without touching the desktop

  • OS

    Any (works online)

  • Best for

    Anyone who needs to convert video files on the go using a laptop

I like this option that can transform your M4V files into MP4, but it has some limits. If you regularly convert files with similar settings, Online-Convert.com lets you save those preferences if you log in. You can also customize the conversion parameters. This tool is excellent when your videos are small.

I never love credit systems for payment, and this has one. It’s not easy to understand and it means the software isn’t totally free.

How to use Online-Convert

  1. Follow the link below to get to the website
    Proceed to the Online-Convert.com website
  2. In the Video Converter menu on the left, find and click Convert To MP4. Then hit the Choose Files button to locate and add your files.
  3. To launch the conversion process, click Start Conversion. After it completes, hit the Download button if your browser doesn’t download the videos automatically.

Ratings

4.3/5

Pros:

  • Multiple presets

  • Option to set the file size

  • Video cutting tool

Cons:

  • Many features are available only in the paid version

Which M4V to MP4 converter to choose

There's no definitive answer. The choice depends on many factors. Take into account how often you need to convert files, whether those are just single files or batches, what you convert – full-length movies or short videos. Online converters and freeware work well for small or single files or when you only infrequently want to change your videos’ format.

I convert a lot of videos so the best approach is to get more flexible desktop software with advantages like stability and functionality – Movavi Video Converter covers a huge number of features.

  • I need fast, high‑quality offline conversion: pick Movavi Video Converter. If you’re on Windows and prefer presets, AVS is fine too.
  • I want free, open‑source control: Use HandBrake for a friendly UI or FFmpeg if you like the command line.
  • I’m doing a quick browser conversion: Try CloudConvert or Online‑Convert. For small files, Online Video Converter is simple and effective.
  • I already have VLC installed: VLC works for basic conversions and especially short clips.
Bestseller
CloudConvert

M4V vs. MP4 comparison

M4V vs. MP4: what’s the difference between these two formats? Find out in this MP4 vs. M4V comparison!

Comparison parameter

M4V

MP4

File extension

.m4v

.mp4

Video-coding formats

H.264

MPEG-4, H.264, H.265, others

Audio-coding formats

MP3, AAC, AC-3, others

MP3, AAC, AC-3, others

Supported devices

Apple products only

Most media players and devices

Copy protection

May optionally be protected by DRM copy protection

Not copy protected

Developer

Apple Inc.

Moving Picture Experts Group (MPEG)

Don’t know how to convert .m4v to .mp4? Watch our video that explains how to change formats in Movavi Video Converter. This guide will also help you to convert M4V to MP4.

Frequently asked questions

How do I convert M4V to MP4 for free with Movavi Free Video Converter?

Follow this step-by-step guide:

  1. Follow the link below to download the installation file for the M4V file converter:
    Get Free Video Converter from Movavi
  2. Install and launch the app. Click the Add Media button and choose Add Video. Find your files with the M4V extension, select them, and hit Open.
  3. By default, the MP4 preset is already chosen. If you want to customize it, for instance, to change the resolution, go to the Video tab, open the MP4 list of presets, and find the one that best suits your needs.
  4. Click the Save to button to change the destination folder (optional). Hit Convert and wait for a few moments. The folder with the transformed files will open automatically.

How do I convert M4V to MP4 online?

For one-off conversions or when you don’t want to install new software on your computer, consider services like CloudConvert or Online-Convert. You just upload the M4V, pick MP4, adjust settings if needed, and download. Keep in mind that the free plans have file size limits, so big movies may need a desktop app.

What is M4V?

M4V is a video file format Apple created, very similar to MP4. Many older iTunes movies and TV shows used it. The main difference is that M4V can have Apple’s FairPlay DRM. This may stop you from converting or playing the file outside iTunes.

Can VLC play M4V?

Yes, VLC opens M4V clips without any problems. As long as the file doesn’t have DRM, VLC will play it just like an MP4.

What are the differences between M4V and MP4?

The main differences are:

Compatibility: M4Vs are only supported on Apple devices, whereas MP4s can be played on almost any device and are recognized by nearly every media player.

Encoding: an M4V file is always encoded with H.264 uniquely, while MP4 files can be encoded with either H.264, HEVC, or MPEG-4 codecs.

Use: MP4 is probably the most widely used format to date, whereas M4V is really only popular with Apple users.

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