Convert MP4 to AVI Online for Free [Fully Tested]

• The best all-round MP4-to-AVI converters include Movavi Video Converter, VLC Media Player, HandBrake, FFmpeg, and CloudConvert – each excelling in different scenarios.
• Free tools (like VLC or online converters) are quick and accessible but often come with limits such as file size caps, slower speeds, or fewer customization options.
• Advanced users who want full control over codecs and settings should consider open-source options like HandBrake or FFmpeg, while those seeking speed and convenience will prefer paid software such as Movavi.
• For the smoothest results, always match your output settings to your playback device and use features like batch conversion or GPU acceleration when available.

Ever tried playing an MP4 on an old DVD player and gotten the dreaded “unsupported format” message? I’ve been there – nothing ruins movie night faster than that. Funny enough, the AVI format, which debuted back in 1992, is still the safer bet when you want maximum compatibility with older devices.

So, in the name of science (and maybe a little masochism), I tested nearly every MP4-to-AVI converter I could get my hands on – from heavy-duty desktop downloads to sleek browser-based quick fixes. This isn’t marketing fluff; it’s the messy, real-world truth of what actually happens when you put these tools to work. Some were fast, some were fussy, and a few had personalities of their own. Below, you’ll find my definitive list of the ten best options, whether you’re looking for a quick MP4-to-AVI converter download or a no-install online tool. I’ve also added a handy comparison table and FAQs at the end, because yes, I did the homework so you don’t have to.

Best overall: Movavi Video Converter

Movavi is sleek, fast, and easy to use, offering broad format support and useful extras for everyday conversions.

Best free budget software: VLC Media Player

VLC is completely free and open-source, and since it’s already on most computers, it’s a simple but reliable choice.

Best for professionals: FFmpeg

FFmpeg is the ultimate command-line powerhouse, giving professionals total control and automation options.

Best for mobile users: CloudConvert

CloudConvert runs in your browser with cloud integration, making it perfect for quick conversions on the go.

Best open-source powerhouse: HandBrake

HandBrake is a cross-platform favorite that combines deep customization with constant updates from its open-source community.

Why I picked it: Movavi Video Converter makes the cut because it’s the tool you grab when you want lightning-fast conversions and a polished interface that feels built for everyday use, not endless tweaking.

I’ve used Movavi Video Converter many times to turn MP4s into AVI files, and what stands out is the balance of speed and simplicity. The process is as straightforward as drag, pick AVI, and convert – but you also get extras like trimming, merging, subtitle handling, and GPU-accelerated performance. I particularly like the built-in AI upscaling, which makes older or lower-resolution clips and even home movies look sharper without extra steps. Support for 180+ formats means you won’t hit compatibility walls, and I find the presets especially useful when I don’t want to mess with codec settings. For everyday conversions, it feels like a fast, reliable workhorse.

Why I picked it: VLC earns a spot because it’s the app you already have on your computer – ready to convert when you don’t want to install anything new.

Over the years I’ve turned to VLC when I needed a quick MP4 to AVI conversion without installing a full video-converter. You use “Media → Convert / Save,” drop in your MP4, pick an AVI profile (or edit settings), and hit “Start.” VLC supports many codecs and containers out of the box (no extra codec packs needed) and lets you tweak bitrate, resolution, codec etc. VLC works cross-platform (Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android) and stays actively maintained by the VideoLAN community.

How to convert MP4 to AVI using VLC

1. Open VLC → Media → Convert / Save.
2. Click Add and select your MP4 file.
3. Click Convert / Save.
4. In Profile dropdown, pick an AVI-based profile (or click the settings icon to create/edit one).
5. Choose destination file path/name (with .avi extension).
6. Hit Start.
7. Wait while VLC converts – then open the new .avi file.

Why I picked it: CloudConvert lands here because it’s the web converter you turn to when you want to skip installs, grab any format, and not worry about compatibility.

When I don’t feel like installing extra software, I open CloudConvert in my browser and just get the job done. I upload my MP4, choose AVI, and if I need to, I tweak the codec, bitrate, or resolution before hitting convert. What I like is that it handles a ton of formats beyond video, so I can rely on it for images and documents too. The integration with Google Drive and Dropbox makes it easy to save straight back to the cloud, which saves me a step. For bigger projects I sometimes hit the free limit, but the credit system is straightforward. It’s not the fastest option, since uploads take time, but for simple conversions it feels effortless.

How to convert MP4 to AVI using CloudConvert

1. Go to cloudconvert.com.
2. Click Select File → upload your MP4 (or choose from cloud service or URL).
3. In the Convert to dropdown, pick AVI.
4. Click the Settings (gear icon) if you want to adjust codec, bitrate, resolution.
5. Choose output destination (download, save to Drive/Dropbox).
6. Hit Convert.
7. Download the converted AVI when done.

Why I picked it: HandBrake makes the cut because it’s the open-source converter you reach for when you want full control, no licensing fees, and serious power under the hood.

I’ve used HandBrake many times when I needed more control than most converters allow. When I’m turning MP4s into AVI files, I can start with a preset and then dive into the “Video” tab to pick codecs, tweak the bitrate, or resize the resolution exactly how I want. The batch queue is handy when I have multiple files to process overnight. The most substantial 2025 update – version 1.10.0 – added new “Social 10 MB” presets, improved metadata passthrough, and a color range option, which gives me even more flexibility with custom exports (though the “Social 10 MB” presets are mainly aimed at MP4). HandBrake runs on Windows, macOS, and Linux, and being open-source, it’s free to use without restrictions.

How to convert MP4 to AVI using HandBrake

1. Launch HandBrake.
2. Click Open Source → select your MP4 file.
3. In the Summary tab, set the Format/Container to AVI.
4. Adjust codec, bitrate, or resolution under the Video tab if needed.
5. (Optional) Add to queue if processing multiple files.
6. Choose your destination folder and filename.
7. Click Start Encode → HandBrake will output your .avi file.

Why I picked it: Movavi Online Video Converter earns a place because it gives you neat web-based conversion when you’re away from your main workstation but still want solid format support.

Whenever I need to convert something quickly and don’t have access to my desktop tools, I turn to Movavi’s Online Video Converter. I just upload my MP4 (or another format), choose AVI as the output, tweak basic options if needed, and download the result. The web version lets me convert across a wide range of video, audio, and image formats, AVI included. In the free tier, files are capped at about 100 MB – if I try to upload anything bigger, I get prompted to use the Movavi desktop converter instead. So it’s convenient for small jobs or casual tasks, though for heavy files or batch work I prefer desktop software.

How to convert MP4 to AVI using Movavi Online Video Converter

1. Open the Movavi Online Video Converter webpage.
2. Click Add Your Media and select your MP4 file (or import from cloud).
3. In the Convert to dropdown, pick AVI.
4. (Optional) Use any available settings to adjust bitrate or resolution.
5. Click Convert.
6. Download your converted AVI once the process finishes.

Why I picked it: FFmpeg earns its place because it’s the low-level tool you grab when you want total control, scripted workflows, and zero GUI limits.

I use FFmpeg when I need surgical control over MP4 → AVI. From the terminal I can set the container, pick a compatible codec, dial in bitrate/resolution, and chain filters in one command. For quick jobs I’ll do a straight ffmpeg -i input.mp4 output.avi; when I need compatibility I switch to classic MPEG-4 + MP3/PCM inside AVI and fine-tune with flags. What I like most is how predictable it feels once you’ve learned the switches – I can batch entire folders, log results with ffprobe, and reproduce the exact encode later. FFmpeg’s docs cover containers, codecs, and filters in depth, so it’s easy to confirm what AVI supports before converting.

How to convert MP4 to AVI using FFmpeg

1. Download and install FFmpeg from the official FFmpeg website.

2. Place your MP4 video file(s) in the same folder where you installed or extracted FFmpeg (this makes the command easier).

3. Open a command window in that folder:

• On Windows: hold Shift, right-click inside the FFmpeg folder, and select Open Command Window here or Open PowerShell window here.
• On macOS/Linux: open the Terminal and navigate (cd) to the FFmpeg folder.

4. Type the conversion command and press Enter. The simplest command is: ffmpeg -i input.mp4 output.avi

5. This will create an AVI file with default codecs.

6. For better compatibility, use AVI-friendly codecs: ffmpeg -i input.mp4 -c:v mpeg4 -q:v 3 -c:a mp3 output.avi

• -c:v mpeg4 → uses MPEG-4 Part 2 video codec (well supported in AVI).
• -q:v 3 → sets video quality (lower is higher quality).
• -c:a mp3 → uses MP3 audio codec (widely supported in AVI).

7. Wait for FFmpeg to process the file. When finished, you’ll find your new .avi video in the same folder.

Why I picked it: Zamzar makes the list because it’s the online converter I reach for when I want to toss a file into a browser and get (almost) anything back – no installs, no fuss.

I’ve often used Zamzar for quick format swaps – MP4 to AVI included. I upload the MP4, pick AVI, and it queues the job. For free accounts, there’s a 50 MB upload limit before it insists you upgrade. After conversion, it gives me a download link (or optionally emails me the file). No application installation is needed. The site claims support for 1,100+ formats across video, audio, documents, images, and more. Free users are limited to two conversions per 24 hours – beyond that, you need a paid plan.

How to convert MP4 to AVI using Zamzar

1. Go to zamzar.com.
2. Click Add Files or drag your MP4 into the window.
3. In the Convert to dropdown, select AVI.
4. (Optional) Enter your email to get the link sent to you.
5. Click Convert Now.
6. Wait until the conversion completes.
7. Download the AVI file from the link provided.

Why I picked it: I use Online-Convert when I want a powerful web converter that gives me more control than most, without needing to install anything.

When I open Online-Convert to turn an MP4 into an AVI, I upload the file, pick AVI as the target format, and then adjust options like bitrate, frame rate, or resolution if I want more control. I like that it gives me these advanced settings – not every online converter does. In my experience, it’s been reliable for everyday conversions, though I do notice that in the free mode the uploads are slower and the file size limits can get in the way. Still, when I need a browser-based tool that feels closer to a desktop converter in terms of flexibility, Online-Convert is the one I reach for.

How to convert MP4 to AVI using Online-Convert

1. Go to online-convert.com.
2. Choose Video converter → to AVI.
3. Click Choose Files (or drag MP4 in).
4. (Optional) Expand settings to adjust bitrate, frame rate, resolution.
5. Click Start conversion.
6. Wait for conversion to finish.
7. Download the converted AVI file.

Why I picked it: Convertio lands here because it’s the online converter I reach for when I want to drop in a file from anywhere (local, cloud, URL) and get a clean MP4 → AVI without dealing with installs.

When I use Convertio to convert MP4 → AVI, I upload my MP4 (or choose from Dropbox, Google Drive, or via URL), select AVI, and tweak settings like codec, bitrate, frame rate or trim segments via its settings gear. I like how fluid the UI feels – conversions start quickly, and there’s no need to install anything. I’ve noticed the free version limits individual files to 100 MB, and larger files demand paying or upgrading. The site automatically deletes files after 24 hours, which gives me peace of mind about lingering data.

How to convert MP4 to AVI using Convertio

1. Go to convertio.com.
2. Click Choose Files (or drag your MP4, or link from cloud or URL).
3. In Convert to, select AVI.
4. Click the Settings (gear icon) to adjust codec/bitrate/frame rate/trimming as needed.
5. Press Convert.
6. Wait for the conversion to finish.
7. Download your AVI file.

Why I picked it: Freemake Video Converter earns its place because it offers a familiar, Windows-friendly GUI for converting videos and even burning DVDs – useful when you want functionality without diving into command lines.

I’ve run MP4 to AVI conversions in Freemake multiple times. I launch the app, drag in the MP4, choose AVI as the output, and then hit convert – it’s straightforward. Freemake also offers basic trimming, joining, and rotation tools without needing an external editor. It supports a wide range of formats (AVI, MP4, WMV, MPEG, etc.). But because it's freemium, the free version includes a watermark on exports and a reduced conversion speed, unless you pay for the premium “Mega Pack.” It’s strictly Windows software, so it doesn't run natively on macOS or Linux.

How to convert MP4 to AVI using Freemake Video Converter

1. Install and open Freemake Video Converter (Windows only).
2. Click Video or drag your MP4 file into the window.
3. At the bottom, select AVI as the target format.
4. (Optional) Use the built-in editor to trim or rotate if needed.
5. Click Convert.
6. Wait for processing, then find your exported AVI file.

The “best” converter really depends on what kind of mess you’re dealing with. Just trying to flip a single file fast? Just trying to flip a single file quickly? Grab VLC Media Player (yes, that orange cone on your desktop) or use an online quick-fix like CloudConvert or Convertio if you want to convert MP4 to AVI online for free without limits – no fuss, no downloads. If you’re the type who actually enjoys tinkering with codecs and bitrates, HandBrake or FFmpeg will give you all the knobs to turn when you need to convert to AVI, but brace yourself for a learning curve. And if you’re staring down a mountain of big files and want them processed yesterday, skip the freebie stress and use Movavi Video Converter. It’s fast, polished, and loaded with presets and editing tools, so, basically the all-in-one solution you’ll keep coming back to.

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