8 Best Ways to Convert MOV to MPEG [Online/Windows/Mac]

• I tested 8 different MOV file to MPEG converters (4 desktop software, 4 online tools) to find the most reliable options.
• Desktop software generally offers better quality and batch conversion, while online tools provide quick conversions without installation.
• Your choice depends on file size, frequency of conversion, and if you need additional editing features.
• Free options exist, but paid software delivers faster speeds and better quality outputs.
• MOV files (Apple's format) need conversion to MPEG for wider compatibility across devices and platforms.

Recently, I've been trying to deep dive into the best MOV to MPEG converters to see which ones actually deliver on their promises. Most software claims to be "the best," but once you use it, you realize that the marketing team thinks it's the best…not so much the users themselves.

After converting hundreds of test files to compare speeds, quality, and ease of use, I narrowed it down to 8 options: 4 desktop programs and 4 online converters. Each one I picked has individual strengths for various sizes of projects, from massive 4K files to quick online (and free!) solutions.

Best overall: Movavi Video Converter

Fast conversion speeds, intuitive interface, handles large files without quality loss.

Best free software: HandBrake

Completely free, powerful encoding options, works on Windows, Mac, and Linux.

Best for mobile users: CloudConvert

Supports 200+ formats, integrates with cloud storage, no software installation needed.

Best for professionals: Zamzar

Straightforward interface, fast results, minimal fuss for casual users.

Why I picked it: the interface is clean, conversion happens quickly, and I didn't lose any video quality even with HD files.

System requirements: Windows 10/Windows 11, macOS 12.0 or higher

I've used Movavi Video Converter for dozens of conversions. What impressed me most was the GPU acceleration feature. It cuts conversion time almost in half compared to CPU-only processing. The software supports batch conversion, so I could queue up multiple files and walk away. The editing tools are basic but useful: I was able to crop videos, adjust aspect ratios, and add subtitles without switching to another program. The device-oriented presets are handy if you're converting for a specific phone or tablet.

How to convert MOV to MPEG with Movavi Video Converter:

1. Download Movavi Video Converter and install and run the program.
2. Drop and drag your MOV file into the interface or click Add Media and select the file.
3. Under the Video tab at the bottom of your screen, scroll and select MPG as the output format.
4. Set your video parameters – edit, encoding, frame rate, etc.
5. Choose a destination folder by clicking Save to at the bottom of the screen.
6. Click Convert.

Why I picked it: it's a completely free download, offers professional-grade encoding, and I appreciated the amount of control I had over conversion settings.

System requirements: Windows 10 and later, macOS 10.13 or later, Linux

HandBrake surprised me. Despite being open-source, it produces conversion quality that matches paid software. I used it to convert several 4K files and the output looked nearly identical to the original. The learning curve is steeper than some alternatives, but once you understand the presets, it becomes straightforward. Batch processing is supported, and I could queue up 10 files without any performance issues. The latest version includes improved hardware encoding support for faster conversions.

Instructions:

1. Download, install, and launch HandBrake.
2. Click Open Source on the toolbar and select the MOV video you want to convert. You can also drop and drag your file into the interface after clicking.
3. Under Preset, click the drop-down menu next to Format and select the type of MPEG file you want to generate.
4. Adjust your encoding, framerate, and quality settings as you want.
5. Select a destination folder.
6. Click the Start button to convert MOV to MPEG.

Why I picked it: the free version has all the essentials, and it handled my 4K files better than I expected.

System requirements: Windows Vista, 7, 8, 8.1, 10, 11

Freemake is one of the most downloaded video converters and for good reason. I tested both the free and paid versions. The free version includes the core conversion features without watermarks, which is unusual. What I liked was the straightforward to MPEG button at the bottom; no hunting through menus. The conversion speeds were solid, typically completing a 1 GB file in under 2 minutes. The built-in editor and slideshow feature add value, though the paid Mega Pack version unlocks faster processing and removes ads.

Instructions:

1. Download, install, and open the Freemake Video Converter.
2. Click the Video tab at the top.
3. Drop and drag your MOV files into the interface or click File and then Add Video and select your files.
4. Click the to MPEG icon at the bottom of the interface – you may need to scroll left or right to find it.
5. Set the parameters for your new MPEG file.
6. Click Convert.

Why I picked it: I already had VLC installed, and I was surprised to discover it's a capable MPEG converter hidden behind its media player interface.

System requirements: Windows XP SP3 and later, macOS 10.7.5 or higher, Linux

VLC is famous as a media player, but most people don't realize it converts video too. I tested its conversion capabilities and found them reliable, though not as fast as dedicated converters. The interface for conversion is less intuitive than purpose-built software but once you're in, the options are solid. I could adjust bitrate, codec, frame rate, and audio settings. The fact that it's completely free and runs on virtually any operating system made it useful as a backup option.

Instructions:

1. Download and install VLC, and then launch it on your computer.
2. At the top left, click Media and then select Convert / Save. You can also access this menu by clicking Ctrl + R.
3. Click the + Add icon on the right and select your MOV file. Then click Convert / Save.
4. Find the Profile dropdown menu and select which type of MPEG you want (MPEG 1, MPEG 2, MPEG 4 AVC).
5. Click the Wrench icon to adjust your parameters.
6. Choose your destination file and click Start.

Why I picked it: I could convert files directly from my Google Drive, which saved me time uploading and downloading.

CloudConvert impressed me with its integration capabilities. I connected my Google Drive account and was able to pull files directly from cloud storage without downloading them first. The conversion interface offers detailed parameter controls like resolution, codec, bitrate, audio settings. I tested the free tier (25 conversions per day) and it was plenty for casual use. The subscription plans are reasonable if you need more conversions. What I appreciated was the ability to add watermarks and subtitles during conversion.

Instructions:

1. Visit CloudConvert.com and at the top of the page, you’ll see two drop-down menus within the phrase Convert to.
2. On the left drop-down menu, click Video and then select MOV.
3. On the right drop-down menu, click Video and then select MP4 – older MPEG versions are not available for conversion on CloudConvert.
4. Click the red Select File button and find your file. You can also use the drop-down menu to find your file from an alternative source.
5. Click the Wrench icon to adjust your settings.
6. Click Convert and the file will auto-download when complete.

Why I picked it: when I needed to convert a small file quickly, Zamzar's simplicity and speed were exactly what I needed.

Zamzar is straightforward: drag your file, pick your format, convert. I tested it with several files under 50 MB and got results in minutes. The interface is clean and ad-free, which I appreciated. The free version allows 2 conversions per day with a 50 MB limit per file. If you frequently convert large files, the paid subscription removes these restrictions. The conversion quality was solid on all my tests, and the file downloaded automatically when ready.

Instructions:

1. Navigate in your browser to the Zamzar site.
2. Drag and drop your file directly onto your screen. Or find the green Choose Files button and click the down arrow to the right. Under the drop-down menu select the source of your MOV file and then click the Choose File button and select your file. Note: Zamzar will only convert files 50 MB and under for free.
3. Click the Convert to dropdown menu and scroll down to the Video Formats sub-list and select MPEG.
4. Click Convert Now and your file will convert and download when complete.

Why I picked it: the free tier is generous (25 conversion minutes per day!) which covered all my testing needs without paying.

FreeConvert offers one of the best free tiers I've tested. Instead of limiting file count, they limit "conversion minutes", meaning the actual time spent converting. I found this to be fair since a large file takes longer. The platform handles files up to 1GB for free, which is significantly more generous than competitors. The interface includes helpful editing features like cutting, rotating, and adding subtitles. My conversions typically completed in 3-5 minutes.

Instructions:

1. Use your browser to navigate to the FreeConvert website.
2. Drop and drag your MOV file anywhere on the page or click the Choose Files button and select your file – up to 1 GB. You can also click the drop-down arrow to choose another source from the menu.
3. For video files, the program should auto-select MP4 as your output, but just in case, confirm this at the drop-down menu next to Output. FreeConvert doesn’t convert to older MPEG file formats.
4. Click the Gear icon to adjust your settings.
5. Then, click the Convert button. Your file will download when it’s ready.

Why I picked it: solid, reliable converter with consistent uptime and excellent customer feedback for straightforward conversions.

Online-Convert has been around since 2012, and I can see why. It just works. I tested it with several MOV files ranging from 50 MB to 500 MB, and every conversion completed without errors. The interface is intuitive without being overly simplified. I appreciated that you can upload files directly or paste a URL. The conversion quality maintained good video fidelity, and the download happened automatically. Unlike some competitors, there were no hidden subscription traps or misleading pricing.

Instructions:

1. Visit Online-Convert.com in your web browser.
2. On the homepage, select Convert to MPEG or use the file converter tool.
3. Click the upload area to select your MOV file, or drag it directly onto the page.
4. (Optional) Enter a URL if you're converting from a web-based MOV file.
5. The format should auto-detect as MOV input and MPEG output.
6. (Optional) Adjust quality and compression settings if needed.
7. Click Convert to start.
8. Download your file when complete.

The MOV format is supported primarily by Apple devices, while MPEG is used more widely across other platforms. Besides, MOV files are media containers that are easier to edit than MPEG files. More details are in the MPEG vs. MOV comparison table below.

Picking the right converter depends on several factors, but here's how I'd recommend choosing:

For maximum speed and quality: use Movavi Video Converter. For regularly converting dozens of video, image, and audio files, the time savings from batch processing will quickly pay for itself. 

For budget-conscious users: HandBrake is completely free and produces professional results. VLC also works if you already have it installed. These are perfect if you convert .mov files occasionally and don't mind a slightly longer wait.

For 4K video: Freemake Video Converter handled my 4K test files beautifully. If you're working with high-resolution footage, this is worth the investment. HandBrake is also excellent for 4K and it's free.

For cloud-based workflows: Online-Convert integrates with Google Drive, Dropbox, and OneDrive. Pull your files directly from cloud storage without downloading them to your computer. This saves time if you're already working in the cloud.
For absolute simplicity: Zamzar or Online-Convert require zero learning curve. Drag, select format, convert. Perfect if you're not tech-savvy and only convert occasionally.