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Convert MP4 to AVI Online for Free [Fully Tested]

Edited by
Ben Jacklin
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Key takeaways

  • 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.

My top picks

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.

Сomparison table: Tools to convert MP4 to AVI

Program

Main Advantage

OS

Download

Fast, user-friendly, and supports 180+ formats

Windows, macOS

Free, open-source, and pre-installed for many users

Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS

Browser-based with cloud storage integration

Web (works on all platforms)

Best Ways to convert MP4 to AVI

1. Movavi Video Converter

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.

Ratings

Pros:

How to convert MP4 to AVI with Movavi Video Converter

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 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. 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. Choose a format

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

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.

2. VLC Media Player

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.

Ratings

4.4/5

4.7/5

Pros:

Cons:

3. CloudConvert

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.

Ratings

Cons:

4. HandBrake

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.

Ratings

4.7/5

3.5/5

Pros:

Cons:

5. Movavi Online Video Converter

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.

Cons:

  • Free version limited to ~100 MB file size

  • Offers fewer advanced settings than desktop converters

6. FFmpeg

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.

Ratings

4.6/5

Pros:

Cons:

7. Zamzar

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.

Ratings

4.6/5

Pros:

Cons:

8. Online-Convert

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.

Ratings

4.3/5

Pros:

  • No install required – fully browser-based

  • Supports many file types, not just video

  • Advanced settings for bitrate, frame rate, resolution

  • Generally reliable conversion quality

Cons:

  • Free mode has file size/speed limitations (users complain of slowness)

  • Interface and settings can be overwhelming for casual users

  • Occasional conversion failures or output issues reported

  • No editing tools beyond conversion (feature set is focused)

9. Convertio

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.

Ratings

4.4/5

Pros:

Cons:

10. Freemake Video Converter

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.

Ratings

Pros:

Cons:

  • Free version embeds a watermark unless you pay

  • Free mode suffers from slowed conversion speeds

  • Windows-only; no native macOS or Linux version

  • Some users report crashes or failure with complex codecs / large files

How to Choose the Best MP4 to AVI Converter

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.

VLC
4.5/5
Bestseller
Movavi Video Converter
5/5
Movavi Online Video Converter
4.2/5

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

disclaimer_person

Here’s what Movavi’s team does to provide you with 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.

Movavi Video Converter

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Frequently asked questions

How do I convert MP4 to AVI with Movavi for free?

If you’re looking for freeware to convert MP4 to AVI, try Movavi Free Video Converter. It’s an easy-to-use app that will help you convert files in just a few clicks. Here’s how to convert MP4 to AVI:

  1. Launch the program and upload your AVI videos.
  2. On the Video tab, select MP4 and choose the desired preset. 
  3. Hit Convert

Get Movavi Free Video Converter

What is an AVI file?

AVI is a multimedia container format developed by Microsoft. AVI files can store both audio and video and support multiple streaming audio and video tracks. The filename extension is .avi.

What is an MP4 file?

MP4 or MPEG-4 is a multimedia container format used to store video and audio. It can also store subtitles and images and can be streamed over the Internet. The official extension for MPEG-4 is .mp4.

Which format offers better quality: MP4 or AVI?

MP4 and AVI are both container formats – wrappers for video, audio, and other streams. The quality of a file depends on the codec that the video stream was compressed with. Both containers can hold video compressed with older codecs like MPEG-4 as well as newer ones like H.264. More recent codecs provide better video quality with the same file size, so it is better to pay attention to the codec than the format.

Is AVI a good video format?

Both MP4 and AVI are popular video formats. However, many mobile devices don’t support AVI, while MP4 is a default format for iPhone, iPad, and many other devices. So, if you want to transfer videos to your phone, it’s better to choose MP4. But if you only want to watch your videos on a PC, you can keep them in AVI.

How do I convert multiple MP4 files to AVI?

Use appropriate software, such as Movavi Video Converter – it lets you easily convert video files to AVI in bulk.

How can I play AVI files?

Just download a media player that is compatible with this format – for example, VLC.

How do I convert MP4 to AVI on a Mac?

To convert MP4 files to AVI, try Movavi Video Converter. Just follow these simple steps.

  1. Click the link below to download Movavi Video Converter. Install and launch the program on your computer.
    Download Movavi Video Converter for Mac

  2. Hit Add Media and select Add video from the drop-down list. Pick the files for conversion.

  3. Open the Video tab, click AVI, and select the desired preset.

  4. Hit the Convert button.

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