Click Add Your Media and upload your AVI file.
Make sure that the output format is set to MP4.
Click Convert.
Popular converters:
You can also convert your files with our powerful desktop app.
11 best free AVI to MP4 converters
Have a bunch of AVI files that you want to convert to MP4? In this article, we discuss how to change the video format to MP4 using Movavi Video Converter, online services, and freeware.
Here’s what Movavi’s team does to provide you with verified information:
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.
The first option to change the format of your videos is to convert AVI to MP4 for free using a desktop program. Finding good freeware may be a difficult task since there are a lot of potentially harmful apps out there. Another issue is the limited functionality of these converters. Our list of free AVI-to-MP4 converters will help you choose the perfect app for your needs.
I remember struggling with bulky AVI files early on in my professional editing journey. Converting them to MP4 not only reduces file size but also makes them more compatible with today’s devices.
1. Movavi Video Converter
Movavi Video Converter is a powerful tool that supports more than 180 media formats, including AVI and MP4. It offers the batch conversion option so you can convert multiple videos at once. Another feature worth mentioning is an instant file merging that lets you merge your videos without losing quality.
Follow the steps below to learn how to use Movavi’s AVI-to-MP4 converter for free.
Step 1. To download the converter, follow the link below.
Download Movavi Video Converter for Windows
Download Movavi Video Converter for Mac
After the installation file is downloaded, follow the instructions on your screen to finish the installation process. Launch the converter.
Step 2. To upload your files to the program, click the Add Media button, then – Add Video. Locate the videos you want to convert, then hit Open. Alternatively, you can drag and drop the files into the program window.
Step 3. Open the Video tab in the lower part of the program window. Click MP4 and select the appropriate preset. If you want to compress AVI to MP4, select the preset with the lower resolution.
Step 4. To change the output folder for the converted files, click the Save to button. Hit the Convert button to start converting AVI to MP4 on Windows or Mac. After the conversion is complete, the folder with your transformed files will open automatically.
Pros:
Very quick way to convert AVI files to MP4s
Cool editing tools
Extremely user-friendly interface
Cons:
Can’t convert files via URL
AVI files were once the go-to format for high-quality video, but today MP4 has taken over due to its better compression and flexibility. Converting from AVI to MP4 ensures future-proofed videos, as MP4 is universally accepted across platforms, whereas AVI may struggle with compatibility on newer devices.
2. VLC
Another way to convert videos to MP4 is by using VLC. Even though VLC is a media player, it also has the ability to convert media files. The app is available for free and works well. Note that this option may not be suitable for beginners since the process of converting is a little bit complicated.
To know how to convert AVI to MP4 with VLC, check out this step-by-step guide.
Step 1. Download the program for your PC or Mac using the link below.
Install the media player following the on-screen instructions and launch it.
Step 2. Open the Media menu in the top left part of the program window and click Convert / Save. In the window that opens, click the Add button to upload your video to the program. Find the file on your hard drive and click Open. Next, click Convert / Save.
Step 3. Choose Video - H.264 + MP3 (MP4) from the Profile drop-down menu. If you want to change video or audio codecs, click the Wrench icon next to the Profile drop-down menu.
Step 4. Click the Browse button, select the output folder for the video, and enter a name for the file. To launch the conversion, hit the Start button.
Pros:
AVI-to-MP4 conversion freeware
Includes audio file conversion capabilities
Cons:
Some users report low conversion speeds
3. Freemake
With Freemake, you can easily convert your AVI file to MP4. The program has a simple user interface and converts videos pretty fast without any file size or length limitations. The converter has a couple of drawbacks, though: a watermark will be added to the transformed videos, and the app is only available for Windows.
Below you will find a short guide on how to convert AVI to MP4 on Windows 10.
Step 1. Get the converter by following the link below.
Follow the instructions on your screen to complete the installation. Launch the program.
Step 2. To upload your videos to the converter, hit the Video button in the upper-left part of the program window. Locate your files and click Open.
Step 3. If you want to cut your video before the conversion, click the Scissors icon next to the file name, trim the video as needed, and hit OK.
Step 4. To select the target format, click the to MP4 button. In the window that opens, specify the saving settings: select the preset and the output folder. To start the conversion, hit the Convert button.
Pros:
Support for a lot of popular video file types
Easy conversions from AVI to MP4
Cons:
Free version includes a watermark and an intro clip
Only available for Windows
4. HandBrake
HandBrake is an open-source video editor available for popular platforms. One of the app’s advantages is that the conversion process can be customized – you can create your own presets with appropriate video and audio settings. It’s a great option for advanced users, however, beginners may find the app confusing and difficult to navigate.
To learn how to convert the AVI videos using Handbrake, read our short tutorial.
Step 1. Download the appropriate version of the AVI file converter from the HandBrake website.
Install the converter by following the on-screen instructions. After the installation is complete, run the program.
Step 2. Drag and drop your videos to the program window. Alternatively, you can click the Folder (Batch Scan) button if you’re converting multiple files or File to convert a single file.
Step 3. MP4 will be selected as a target format by default. If you want to change the video codec or frame rate, open the Video tab and specify the settings.
Step 4. To change the destination folder, click the Browse button in the lower-right part of the program window. Click the Start Encode button to launch the conversion.
Pros:
100% free video converter option
No watermark on free video conversions
Cons:
Can be intimidating if you’re not a veteran video maker
Although having the option to edit converted files is not a must, I’d suggest choosing a converter that provides the tools for that. Such programs allow you to make simple adjustments without needing to switch between multiple software.
How to convert AVI to MP4 online
One of the easiest ways to convert AVI to MP4 is to use an online converting service. If you don’t want to download and install any software on your computer, an online converter is a way to go. Below, you’ll find seven online converters we picked for you. Use the links below to navigate through the reviews.
5. Online Video Converter by Movavi
This handy tool allows you to change video, audio, and image formats on the fly, as well as their resolution and bitrate. Movavi's web app supports all popular video, audio, and image formats and has an unlimited number of conversions. However, it’s better to use a desktop converter for larger files due to the file size limit.
Step 1. Open the app in your browser
Go to the Online Video Converter page
Step 2. Click the Add Your Media button, find the file for conversion, and hit Open. Alternatively, you can add a file from Dropbox.
Step 3. Select the desired format from the list in the right part of the program interface. To change video resolution and audio quality, click the cogwheel icon.
Step 4. Start converting your file by hitting the Convert button.
Pros:
Supports all popular video, audio, and image formats
Free and easy to access
Fast and straightforward conversion
Cons:
Has a file size limit
6. CloudConvert
CloudConvert is a handy online AVI-to-MP4 converter that you can use for free. Before the conversion, this web service lets you select a video codec, a preset, a video resolution, as well as other settings. You can also add the subtitles for your video if needed. Note that the number of free conversions is limited to 25 per day, and the service also has a file size limit.
Step 1. Visit the CloudConvert website.
Proceed to the CloudConvert website
Step 2. To upload your media file to the website, click the Select File button, find your video, and hit Open. Alternatively, you can add a video by entering the video’s URL or upload a file from your cloud storage.
Step 3. If you want to specify the video settings, click the Wrench icon. To start converting your video, hit the Convert button.
Step 4. After the conversion is complete, a preview window will appear. You can check the converted video. To download the clip, click the Download button.
Pros:
Get extra security with encryption on every video
Convert from AVI to MP4 and 200 other file formats
Cons:
You’ll have to pay if you want to convert more than 25 videos in a day
7. Zamzar
With its simple interface, Zamzar is the perfect tool for beginners. It’s very easy to master, and it works relatively quickly, so you will get your converted video in a matter of minutes. The service has a couple of downsides: editing options are not available, and the file size is limited to 50 MB.
To change the format of your video with this AVI-to-MP4 converter online, follow the steps below.
Step 1. Go to the Zamzar website.
Step 2. Click the Add Files button to upload your video. To add a video by entering the URL, click Select link under the Add Files button.
Step 3. To start the process, hit the Convert Now button. Wait until the conversion is complete and click the Download button to save the converted file on your computer.
Pros:
Super user-friendly for beginners
Pretty quick video conversion rates
Cons:
No video-editing tools
No video conversions over 50 MB with the free version
8. FreeConvert.com
With FreeConvert.com, you can easily transfer your video files into the desired format. It has a wide range of video and audio options for advanced users. For instance, the web service allows you to change the video aspect ratio and frame rate, cut the video, rotate or flip it, and also add subtitles. Keep in mind that the conversion service has restrictions: maximum file size is 1 GB, and the number of conversions per day is limited. If you want to remove these restrictions, you need to purchase a subscription.
To change the file format from AVI to MP4 with FreeConvert.com, follow these steps.
Step 1. Follow the link below to get to the website.
Step 2. Click the Choose Files button to locate your video for the conversion. Alternatively, you can upload your video from Google Drive or Dropbox or enter the video’s URL.
Step 3. If you need to change the video and audio settings, hit the Cogwheel icon, specify the settings, and click the Apply Settings button.
Step 4. To start converting AVI to MP4, hit the Convert to MP4 button. Once the conversion process is finished, click Download MP4 to save your video.
Pros:
Get 256-bit encryption on every video export
Convert to MP4 and 60 other common video file formats
Cons:
You’ll have to pay if you want to convert videos larger than 1 GB
Sometimes, converting AVI to MP4 can cause slight audio sync issues. To avoid this, try using a converter that offers settings to adjust audio and video synchronization – this can make a big difference in playback quality.
9. Online-Convert.com
The next option to change AVI to MP4 online is to use Online-Convert.com. This service allows you to convert files fast as well as to apply some basic options, like changing a preset and screen size, cut and flip your video. As for the audio settings, you can select an audio channel and audio codec and also change audio quality. Note that the free plan has some restrictions: the maximum video size is 100 MB, you can convert up to 20 files per day, and the number of concurrent conversions is limited. If you want to remove these limitations, the service offers a few subscription plans.
To convert your AVI files to MP4 with Online-Convert.com, check out the short guide below.
Step 1. Go to the Online-Convert.com website.
Step 2. Drag and drop the video to the browser window. Or click the Choose Files button to upload your file. To upload the video from your Dropbox or Google Drive, click the corresponding links.
Step 3. If you want to change the saving settings, go to Video settings (optional) and Audio settings (optional) below. To launch the conversion, hit the Start conversion button. After the process is finished, the video will be downloaded automatically. You can also upload the converted file to your cloud storage or download it as a ZIP file.
Pros:
Very user-friendly for new video creators
Video conversions with no software download
Easy customization of output video size
Cons:
If you need to convert a video larger than 100 MB, you’ll need to pay or find a different solution
10. ConvertFiles
ConvertFiles is the next online conversion service on our list. It’s a free tool that is very easy to navigate. You only need to upload your file to the website and hit one button to start the conversion. Keep in mind that the service doesn’t provide any editing tools and advanced options. Additionally, the maximum file size is limited to 250 MB.
To learn how to use this AVI-to-MP4 video converter, follow these steps.
Step 1. Visit the ConvertFiles website.
Proceed to the ConvertFiles website
Step 2. Hit the Browse button to upload your file. Locate your video with the .avi extension and click Open.
Step 3. Check Send a download link to my email (optional) and enter your email if needed. To launch the conversion process, hit the Convert button.
Step 4. Once the conversion is complete, follow the Click here to go to the download page link and hit the Download Free button to save the file to your computer.
Pros:
Free, simple video converter
No download necessary
Cons:
Lacks video-editing capabilities
11. Convertio
Convertio is an online conversion tool available for free. It supports almost all popular media formats, including AVI and MP4. Before the conversion, the service allows you to cut your video, select the codec and frame rate, and resize and rotate the clip. Note that if you don’t have a paid subscription, Convertio has some limitations: the maximum file size is 100 MB, and you can convert up to 10 files per day.
Check out the short guide below to learn how to use Convertio.
Step 1. Go to the Convertio website.
Proceed to the Convertio website
Step 2. To upload your files, hit the Choose Files button. Or simply drag and drop the file into the browser window.
Step 3. Click the Cogwheel icon if you want to specify the advanced settings. To start converting your file, hit the Convert button.
Step 4. When the conversion is finished, click the Download button to save the file with the .mp4 extension to your computer.
Pros:
Easy online file conversions from AVI to MP4 and other formats
Customizable settings for output videos
Cons:
Major limitations on the free version
If you need to convert multiple files or your file is too large for the online converter, try the desktop alternative. The Movavi converter is a versatile audio, video, and image format changer. It deals with over 180 file formats, can convert files in bulk quickly, with high output quality and resolution. Its SuperSpeed mode gives you the fastest conversion speed and no quality loss. It has versions for both Windows PC and Mac and is really lightweight, allowing you to process photos, movies, and music files even on a weak computer.
How to convert AVI to MP4 fast and easy? Read the guide below to find out!
Step 1. Download and install the Movavi converter
How to use a file converter? First, download the version of the software for Microsoft Windows or Macintosh, launch it, and proceed following the on-screen instructions. When the app is installed to your computer, it will run automatically.
Locate the AVI files you want to convert and drag-and-drop them into the program’s window. The application can convert big batches of files – there’s no limit to how many files you can transfer at once.
In the Formats menu, select the file type you want to turn your media into and choose the target format for the files. Also, you can change the conversion settings: choose a different bitrate, resolution (including HD, Ultra HD, and even 4K), codec, etc. Pay attention to the SuperSpeed label: it indicates that the conversion will be performed with a very high speed and without losing quality.
To specify the output folder, click the Save to button. Hit the Convert button to launch the process. When the converting is done, the new media files will be saved to the chosen folder.
Now you know how to change the file format using the Movavi converter. WIth this tool, you can also reduce the file size, cut out clips from videos, crop pictures, and create animations from your favorite movies. Get the free trial version and test it out!
If you’re worried about losing quality during conversion, look for software that supports high bitrate MP4 encoding. This setting can help preserve video details from the original AVI file, which is especially useful for professional or HD videos.
How to choose the best AVI to MP4 converter
As the article shows, there are two main types of free converters – online and desktop. Let’s sum up their pros and cons.
Online converters can be a huge help when you want to convert a single media file or don’t want to waste time downloading and installing a desktop app on your computer. However, this option has some major drawbacks, too. Almost all online tools have a file size limit, so you won’t be able to convert a movie or any other large file. Another problem is that online services usually don’t support batch conversion and allow you to process only one file at a time. So if you want to transfer multiple files, it’ll take a lot of time to convert them all one by one.
Free desktop converters are a good option when you only convert files occasionally because the functionality of these apps is rather limited. But if you usually don’t use any advanced editing features and tools, it’s a good idea to give a free converter a try. Just make sure that the app you install isn’t malware and doesn’t pose a security risk to your computer.
Online Video Converter by Movavi offers a straightforward and efficient solution for those looking for a way to convert AVI to MP4 for free. This web-based tool is designed with user convenience in mind, making it accessible to both beginners and experienced users.
MP4, or MPEG-4 Part 14, is a versatile multimedia container format known for its widespread support across various devices and platforms. MP4 files can contain video and audio codecs that ensure high-quality playback on smartphones, tablets, computers, and even smart TVs. The format's adaptability and compatibility make it a preferred choice for multimedia enthusiasts.
The decision to convert AVI to MP4 online for free is often driven by the need for improved compatibility and accessibility. MP4 files are universally supported, making them ideal for sharing videos with others or streaming them on different devices. Additionally, MP4 allows for efficient video compression without significant loss of quality, which is beneficial for conserving storage space.
Wondering how to convert AVI to MP4 online using Movavi's tool? It is a hassle-free process. Users can upload their AVI file, select MP4 as the output format, and initiate the conversion with just a few clicks. Once the conversion is complete, a download link is provided for the MP4 file, ready to be enjoyed on a wide range of devices. Say goodbye to format-related compatibility issues and embrace the versatility of MP4 with this user-friendly online tool.
What is AVI?
Full name
Audio Video Interleave
Format type
Video
Developed by
Microsoft
Description
AVI, or Audio Video Interleave, is a container format created by Microsoft in November 1992. Files in the AVI format can store both video and audio data and allow synchronous audio-video playback. If you are wondering how to open AVI files, see the list of associated programs below.
File extension
.avi
Technical details
AVI is a subformat of the Resource Interchange File Format (RIFF). Data within this file type is divided into two blocks. One block stores the video width, height, and frame rate, while the other contains audio and video data. Certain media players may not play the original AVI specification correctly since it doesn’t support modern compression techniques.
Associated programs
Windows Media Player, QuickTime Player, VLC, DivX Player, etc.
What is MP4?
Full name
MPEG-4 Part 14
Format type
Video
Developed by
Moving Picture Experts Group
Description
MP4 is a format created in 2001 by an ISO/IEC working group. MP4 files are multimedia files used for storing video/audio and other content. Short for “MPEG-4 Part 14,” this file type is very common and recognized by most systems and devices. Check the list below if you’re not sure how to open MP4 files and which programs can play them.
File extension
.mp4
Technical details
MPEG-4 Part 14, also known as ISO/IEC 14496-14:2003, is one instance of a more general standard (ISO/IEC 14496-12:2004) with specifications based on Apple’s QuickTime File Format. The MPEG-4 container uses AAC for encoding audio as a means to restrict data copying via lossy compression and playback. Like its many counterparts, the container supports web streaming.
Associated programs
iTunes, QuickTime Player, Windows Media Player, VLC, RealPlayer, etc.
Frequently asked questions
Movavi Free Video Converter is a free version of Movavi Video Converter with the same functionality. Unlike many free tools It offers the batch conversion option so you can convert multiple videos at once. However, the app has one drawback: it adds a watermark to the converted videos.
Follow the steps below to learn how to use Movavi’s AVI-to-MP4 converter for free.
Pros:
Cons:
To transform your files on Windows 10, you need to use an AVI-to-MP4 video converter. We recommend you try Movavi Video Converter – a handy program that will help you to convert your videos in a matter of minutes. Just follow the simple steps below.
Download the converter.
Download Movavi Video Converter
Follow the on-screen instructions to install the program and run it.
To upload your videos to the converter, click the Add Media button, then – Add Video. Select your files and click Open.
Open the Video tab in the lower part of the program window, find MP4, and choose the appropriate preset.
To start the conversion process, hit the Convert button. After the conversion is complete, the folder with the transformed videos will open automatically.
Here are a few simple solutions to this issue that you can try. The first way is to download and install the necessary video codecs. Next, make sure you use the latest version of your media player. If not, upgrade it. If your media player still doesn’t play AVI files, change the format of your video to a more popular one, for example, try to convert your AVI file to MP4.
Yes, you can open some AVI files on a Mac using the default QuickTime Player. But keep in mind that this app doesn’t support some video and audio codecs that your AVI file may be encoded with. If you can’t open your video with QuickTime Player, try using another media player, like VLC.
MP4 and AVI are both container formats, so the quality of a video mostly depends on the video codec the file is encoded with. MP4 is the most widely used container for compressed videos since it’s supported by almost all devices and provides rather good quality while maintaining smaller file sizes. AVI is an older container format that’s supported by fewer media players and devices. Some video codecs used with AVI can result in higher quality, but the compression level will be rather low.
So if you want to play your videos on multiple devices or save hard drive space, we recommend you to change AVI to MP4. In case you plan to watch your videos on your computer only, AVI is a good choice.
You can use special conversion apps. Try one of these options:
,Movavi Video Converter
See other useful how-to guides
How to convert HEIC images to JPG
How to convert WMV to MOV
How to add subtitles to a movie on PC
How to reduce the size of MP3 audio files
How to change format from MP3 to M4A
5 Best DVD to MP4 converters [PC & online]
FLV to MP4 converter online [Free, fast & easy]
How to convert MP4 to MP3 on a Mac
How to open SWF files on Windows 11/10/8/7
15 Best RAW File Converters in 2025 – Movavi Image Converter
Have questions?
Join us for discounts, editing tips, and content ideas
1.5M+ users already subscribed to our newsletter
