How to Convert AVI to MP4 on a Mac [5 Best Ways]

• I tried five ways to convert AVI to MP4 Mac: Movavi Video Converter, VLC, HandBrake, QuickTime, and Online Video Converter. Movavi impressed me with speed, almost unlimited format variety, and extra features.
• Free tools like VLC and HandBrake give you solid output without paying, but they can demand more fiddling to get things just right. QuickTime is handy for simple AVI files, but fails if the codec isn’t supported.
• Online converters offer convenience when you don’t want to install anything, but uploads, file size limits, and internet speed become factors fast.
• What really matters is codec compatibility, output quality, and whether you need preset device formats (iPhone, iPad, etc.). Movavi’s presets helped me skip a lot of trial and error.
• To get great results, keep your original AVI backed up in case quality drops during conversion; use batch processing if you have many files; and choose a converter that supports hardware acceleration when possible for faster processing.

You know, AVI is one of those old-school video formats that's been kicking around forever. But pull one up on your iPhone or iPad, and you'll probably hit a wall – it just doesn't play nice with Apple gear. That's why MP4 is the real winner here. Think smaller files, plays pretty much anywhere, and you can actually watch it smoothly on your Mac, iPhone, or even upload it to YouTube and Instagram.

I've been digging through a bunch of AVI-to-MP4 converters on my Mac lately. I tested everything from desktop programs to online tools, even threw some big batches at them to see what could handle the work without throwing a fit. I paid close attention to what each one did well, any weird little habits it had, and how easy it was to dial in the perfect settings for the best quality.

What I've come up with is a list of the best apps that actually make converting your AVI videos to MP4 a breeze. These are the ones that truly get the job done, no headaches involved.

These two cover all your bases, whether you want a polished paid app or a powerful free one.

Why I picked it: Movavi is a winner because it's just so easy to use. It’s packed with ample features, still being free. And now it's even better at transferring DVDs to digital files smoothly. It's great for everyone, from newbies to pros.

Best for: users looking for an easy, quick way to convert AVI files

OS: macOS 10.13 or higher, Windows

When you don't know how to convert AVI to MP4, there is one great choice that is never wrong. Movavi Video Converter is a free, feature-rich app that handles converting AVI to MP4 on Mac with superior ease. It supports batch processing, has more than 180 media formats (AVI, MP4, MKV, and you name it), includes editing tools like trim, crop, filters, and offers AI video upscaling. What I especially like is that it also offers lossless compression and presets for devices like iPhone, iPad, etc. It works on macOS 10.13 or higher.
I tested Movavi thoroughly by converting several AVI files of different sizes—small clips, longer recordings. It seemed great in preserving video quality, even in non-HD originals. The batch mode saved me time. I also tried exporting for iOS and didn’t have to tweak many settings. In the latest update (version 24.3.0, released March 10, 2025), there’s better format/device compatibility and faster conversion speeds.

Why I picked it: VLC is like the Swiss Army knife of media players. It plays almost anything and converts too. The latest update makes it even more capable for all sorts of video needs.

Best for: users who want to convert and play video files

OS: macOS 10.7.5 or higher, Windows, Linux

VLC (or VideoLAN Client) is a free, open-source tool that many people already have on their Mac computers. It supports converting AVI to MP4 using the Convert/Stream feature and works across many platforms. It can decode many codecs, though sometimes audio/video sync issues pop up, depending on the AVI file.

I tried converting a few AVIs with VLC. The process was simple: drop the AVI in, select MP4 profile, start convert. But I encountered one file where the audio track didn’t carry over properly. Another time, I found that the conversion of large AVI files was slow and less stable. For casual enthusiasts, it works fine. But power users may find the quirks annoying. And, honestly, its interface does feel like it's a step behind some of the more modern, streamlined products out there.

Why I picked it: HandBrake is my go-to freebie because it gives you tons of control over your video conversions. The latest updates have made it even better with subtitles and faster performance.

Best for: users who want a free, open-source video converter

OS: macOS 10.13 or higher, Windows, Linux

HandBrake is an open-source software tool that can effectively convert AVI to MP4 on Mac. This free-to-use app is popular among enthusiasts who want control. It offers presets, support for many formats including AVI → MP4, and lets you tweak bitrate, resolution, subtitles.

When exploring the possibilities of HandBrake, I converted a few episodes of a TV show from AVI to MP4. It preserved clarity well, though I had to hunt through settings to get an acceptable audio bitrate. The interface felt more polished than VLC’s in some respects. For someone who doesn’t mind spending a few minutes configuring things, it gives better results.

Why I picked it: QuickTime is the ultimate simple tool for Mac users. It's built right in, super easy for basic conversions and edits, and just plain reliable.

OS: macOS 10.6.3 or higher, Windows

QuickTime (with its Pro features) can convert certain AVI files to MP4. It’s nice because it’s built into macOS (in older versions) and doesn’t bloat with extra features. But many AVIs use codecs that QuickTime can’t handle.

I tried QuickTime on a few AVIs encoded with common codecs (MJPEG, PCM). It worked sometimes, but with files using less common compression methods, it simply failed. Also, newer macOS versions (Catalina and later) dropped support for QuickTime Pro in many respects, reducing its usefulness. If your AVI is simple and supported, QuickTime may serve—but it’s not a synonym for a no-limit AVI-MP4 converter.

Why I picked it: If you need a cheap but good tool for conversion without downloading anything, this online tool is perfect. Just drag and drop, and it tackles various formats with no fuss.

Best for: users who want to convert AVI online

OS: any, web-based

Online Video Converter is a web-based tool you can use without installing software. You upload your AVI, choose MP4 (or another format), then download the output. It works on any system (Mac, Windows) and is nice for quick, one-off conversions.

I decided to try this tool with smaller AVI files (under ~200 MB). Upload was easy, conversion was fast for those small files, and the output was decent. But for large files or a series of files, uploading becomes tedious. Also, since you’re online, conversion speed depends a lot on your internet. Some features (format options or unlimited size) are restricted in the free tier. That means you may get a little stalled on that AVI to MP4 conversion if you're sticking to the freebie.

Forget just swapping your AVI for an MP4. Movavi Video Editor is way more than a digital handyman; it's your all-in-one creative studio. Whether you're just messing around or you've got serious vision, this thing lets you sculpt your footage into exactly what you’re dreaming up.

The nitty-gritty editing stuff

Need to chop, splice, or stitch clips together? Movavi makes it easy. But you can also dive deeper, playing with keyframes to animate movement and timing like a pro. Got some shaky-cam footage? Smooth it out. Speed things up, slow them down, or get those handheld shots looking like they were filmed on a tripod.

Punch up the visuals

Want your videos to look like they walked right out of Hollywood, or just give 'em a little something extra? Movavi’s got a whole bag of tricks. Play with colors, crank up the contrast, or dial in the mood with a bunch of filters and effects. It’s all just a few clicks away.

Titles, stickers, and all that jazz

Make your videos pop with slick text, handy subtitles, or some fun stickers. You can tweak fonts, colors, and animations to your heart’s content. Perfect for telling a story or making sure everyone catches the important bits.

Sound your best

Whip in your favorite tunes, add sound effects, or just get the volume just right. Fade audio in and out, mix tracks like a DJ, or ditch that annoying background buzz from your dialogue. Seriously handy if your AVI was recorded in a less-than-ideal spot, right?

AI: your editing sidekick

Movavi’s smart enough to bring AI to the table. Think background removal made simple, automatic scene detection, and even effects that can totally change the vibe of your clips. These tools slash your editing time while keeping things looking sharp.

Get your masterpiece out there

When you’re done, export to MP4 or a ton of other formats. You can pick presets for your iPhone, iPad, or Mac, or get into the nitty-gritty of codec settings yourself. And sharing to YouTube, Vimeo, or wherever your followers hang out? Built right in. It’s a piece of cake to get your work seen.

Need it done fast? Templates to the rescue

Some days you just need results, stat. Movavi’s pre-made templates and presets are your secret weapon for turning out polished, pro-looking videos in minutes, without endless tweaking.

Pro tip: When you’re converting those chunky AVI files to MP4 for your Apple devices, fiddle with the resolution and bitrate. You can shave off file size without turning your video into a blurry mess. And get this: you can process a bunch of files at once, even trimming and adding filters to them all simultaneously. Talk about a workflow game-changer.

Movavi Video Editor hits that sweet spot between serious power and no-fuss usability. It’s not just about changing file types. It’s about making every single video you create look its absolute best, with smart tools that let you play, refine, and polish like you’ve been doing this for years.

To better understand the differences between AVI and MP4 files, check out this comparison table that details each format.

So, you've seen the lineup of converters that can tame those stubborn AVI files for your Apple devices. When it comes down to it, the "best" really depends on what you're after. If you want a smooth, all-around powerhouse that makes converting and even sprucing up your videos a breeze (think of it as the easiest path to great results), Movavi Video Converter is tough to beat.

For those who love to tinker and want a robust, free option with loads of control, HandBrake is a solid choice that gets the job done without costing a penny. Ultimately, getting your videos playing perfectly across your devices is totally achievable, and these tools make it happen.