Convert AVI to MP4 [Online & Free]

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11 best free AVI to MP4 converters

Edited by Sam P Dunn
23,394

Key takeaways

  • I tested the most popular desktop and online tools to convert AVI to MP4, as I wanted to find out which ones offer the best performance, ease of useб and features.
  • Movavi Video Converter stood out for its speed, usability and editing features, while HandBrake offered powerful customization for advanced users.
  • As online options, CloudConvert, Zamzar and Convertio provided quick and convenient conversions, but most had file size or usage limits.
  • I’d recommend desktop tools for handling large files or batch conversions, and online tools for quick, one-off tasks.
  • For the best results, look for a converter with no watermarks, batch processing support, and custom settings.

Like a lot of people who work with video, I’ve had my fair share of frustration dealing with bulky AVI files. They used to be the gold standard years ago, but now, MP4 has taken over the world thanks to its flexibility, compression, and compatibility across devices. I wanted to find the best AVI to MP4 converter as I had a big library of files that I needed to download online on my PC, onto platforms like YouTube, without losing quality. I decided to try out the most popular free converters – both desktop programs and online services. I’m no tech expert, so here’s my honest take on how to convert AVI to MP4 after putting each converter through their paces.

My top picks

  • Best overall: Movavi Video Converter
    Full video conversion package
  • Bets for cloud-based conversion: ConvertFiles
    Quick, free, online conversion, including an audio converter
  • Best for playback: VLC
    Playing and converting media files
  • Best for batch converting: Freemake
    Converting multiple files and up to 4K videos
  • Best for formatting: HandBrake
    Free conversion program supporting all popular formats

Comparison table of the best apps to сonvert AVI to MP4

Program

OS

Best for

Download

Windows, Mac

Fast conversion and simple editing

Windows, Mac, Linux, iOS, Android

Converting and playing video files

Windows

Converting 4K videos

disclaimer_person

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.

Best ways to convert AVI to MP4

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.

  • Why I picked it

    I’d heard Movavi was one of the most popular names on the market, so it felt like the obvious place to start

Movavi Video Converter supports more than 180 media formats, including AVI and MP4, and it offers the batch conversion option, so you can easily convert multiple videos at one time. Right away, everything felt intuitive – no digging through menus or cryptic options and I loved the clean interface. It’s clearly designed for people who just want something that works without much fuss.

Ratings

Pros:

  • Very quick way to convert AVI files to MP4s

  • Cool editing tools

  • Extremely user-friendly interface

Cons:

  • Can’t convert files via URL

How to convert AVI to MP4 using Movavi Converter

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.

Step 2. Add your AVI files

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.

Step 3. Select MP4 as the output format

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.

Step 4. Convert AVI to MP4

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!

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

  • Why I picked it

    I already had VLC on my laptop for playback, so I figured – why not see if it could also handle conversions?

Everyone knows VLC as a player that “just plays anything.” But what most people don’t realise (myself included, until recently) is that it also doubles as a converter. It’s not fancy and the interface hasn’t changed in years, but it’s free and trustworthy.

How to convert AVI to MP4 using VLC

Step 1. Download the program for your PC or Mac using the link below.

Download VLC

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.

Ratings

4.7/5

Pros:

  • Totally free to use

  • Includes audio file conversion capabilities

Cons:

  • Some users report low conversion speeds

  • Why I picked it

    Users on Windows forums kept recommending Freemake for 4K conversions, so I had to give it a go

Freemake is one of those names you’ve probably seen floating around forums for years. The program has a super-simple user interface and converts videos pretty fast, without any file size or length limitations. It’s a Windows-only tool, and people love it because it makes converting 4K and large videos fairly easy. That said, it does push you toward the paid version.

How to convert AVI to MP4 using Freemake

Step 1. Get the converter by following the link below.

Download Freemake

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.

Ratings

Pros:

  • Support for a lot of popular video files types

  • Easy conversions from AVI to MP4

Cons:

  • Free version includes a watermark and an intro clip

  • Only available for Windows

Quick summary: Best AVI to MP4 converters

  1. Free software that works across all devices: VLC

  2. Cloud-based online conversion: CloudConvert

  • Why I picked it

    Every editor I know swears by HandBrake for pro-level control, so I wanted to see if it lived up to the hype

HandBrake is an open-source powerhouse. If you’ve ever talked to video editors or hardcore techies, you’ve probably heard them rave about it. One of the best things about it is that the conversion process can be customized, so you can create your own presets with appropriate video and audio settings. It’s not the prettiest, but it gives you so much control over every little detail of the conversion.

How to convert AVI to MP4 using HandBrake

Step 1. Download the appropriate version of the AVI file converter from the HandBrake website.

Download HandBrake

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.

Ratings

4.7/5

Pros:

  • 100% free video converter option

  • No watermark on free video conversions

Cons:

  • Can be intimidating if you’re not an experienced 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.

  • Why I picked it

    I didn’t feel like installing software just for a quick test, so the online version sounded super-convenient

If you don’t want to install software, Movavi also has a free online tool. It allows you to change video, audio and image formats on the fly, as well as their resolution and bitrate. I found it really convenient for quick, one-off conversions. Just don’t expect it to handle huge files.

How to convert AVI to MP4 using Movavi Online Video Converter

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

  • Why I picked it

    I liked that CloudConvert promised advanced conversion settings – it felt like the most versatile web option

CloudConvert supports over 200 formats and even lets you tinker with advanced settings like codecs, resolution, and subtitles. You can also add the subtitles to your video if you need to. It feels like the most “pro” of the web-based tools.

How to convert AVI to MP4 using CloudConvert

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.

Ratings

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

  • Why I picked it

    Zamzar has been around forever, and its no-fuss reputation made me curious to try it out

It works pretty quickly, so you will have your converted video ready to go in a matter of minutes. It’s one of the simplest tools I tried, so if, like me, you hate fiddling with settings, this might be your go-to. Just upload, choose MP4, and grab your file.

How to convert AVI to MP4 using Zamzar

Step 1. Go to the Zamzar website.

Proceed 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.

Ratings

4.6/5

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

  • Why I picked it

    I wanted something with a modern interface but still some advanced features and FreeConvert looked like a solid balance

FreeConvert felt like a happy medium between simplicity and power. If you’re a bit of a tech pro, it has a wide range of video and audio options for advanced users, so you can cut, rotate or flip until your heart’s content! The interface is modern, and it offers useful extras like aspect ratio control and subtitle options.

How to convert AVI to MP4 using FreeConvert

Step 1. Follow the link below to get to the website.

Proceed to FreeConvert.com

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 over 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.

  • Why I picked it

    I’d seen this one pop up in search results a lot, and I was intrigued by all the customisation options

Online-Convert feels like a nerdier cousin of FreeConvert. It gives you tons of customisation - screen size, bitrate, audio tweaks - but at the cost of a slightly clunky interface. It’s great for sound as the audio settings let you select an audio channel and audio codec, as well as change the audio quality, but just be careful of the free plan offer as it comes with restrictions. If you do want to remove these limitations, it will mean opening one of their subscription plans - and your wallet!

How to convert AVI to MP4 using Online-Convert

Step 1. Go to the Online-Convert.com website.

Proceed to Online-Convert.com

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.

Ratings

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

  • Why I picked it

    I picked ConvertFiles because I needed a quick, no-install way to convert AVI files to MP4

It’s one of the simplest tools I’ve tried – just upload, click convert, and download. It’s great if you want something hassle-free, though it’s limited in features and file size. The service doesn’t provide any editing tools and advanced options, so if you need more attention to detail, you may need to look elsewhere..

How to convert AVI to MP4 using ConvertFiles

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

  • Why I picked it

    The slick, drag-and-drop interface caught my eye, and I wanted to test if its polish matched its performance

Convertio is one of the slickest-looking online tools I tested to change AVI to MP4. Before the conversion, the service allows you to cut your video, select the codec and frame rate, and resize and rotate the clip. The drag-and-drop interface is modern and clean, and it supports a huge range of file types. But again, the free version has strict limits.

How to convert AVI to MP4 using 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.

Ratings

Pros:

  • Easy online file conversions from AVI to MP4 and other formats

  • Customizable settings for output videos

Cons:

  • Major limitations on the free version

Convert AVI to MP4 Online for Free

  1. Click Add Your Media and upload your AVI file.

  2. Make sure that the output format is set to MP4.

  3. Click Convert.

5.053 reviews

Available translations:

EN, DE, FR, IT, ES, PT, PL, KR, ZH
Convert to

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

The video converters come in all shapes and sizes, and, like anything, they all have their pros and cons. Online converters are perfect for when you just want to quickly change a file format without downloading anything. They’re super-handy for one-off jobs, but they usually have file size limits and make you convert one file at a time. So not great if you're trying to convert your whole film collection!

Desktop converters are the real MVPs for big files or batch converting. They work offline, handle more formats, and are way more powerful.

Personally, I love Movavi Video Converter for desktop – it’s fast, easy, and handles pretty much anything. For quick fixes, Movavi’s online version does the trick. CloudConvert is fun for making GIFs, Zamzar is solid for smaller files, and FreeConvert.com is great if you need to tweak audio. And of course, VLC and HandBrake are classics for ripping and playback. Basically, there’s a converter for everyone – you’ve just got to pick the right one.

Online-Convert
Bestseller
Freemake
3.7/5

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.

Movavi Video Converter

The ideal way to get your media in the format you need!

Movavi Video Converter

Frequently asked questions

▶️ How do I use Movavi's free AVI to MP4 converter?

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.

  1. Download the converter, by following the link below.
    Get Movavi Free Video Converter
  2. To upload your files to the program, click the Add Media button, then – Add Video.
  3. Open the Video tab in the lower part of the program window. Click MP4 and select the appropriate preset.
  4. Hit the Convert button to start the conversion.

Pros:

  • Easy video conversions from AVI to MP4 and all other formats
  • Quick and easy captions, filters, and other video edits
  • Fast and convenient conversion speeds

Cons:

  • Get the full version to enjoy all conversion tools and features

▶️ How to convert AVI to MP4 on Windows 10?

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.

  1. Download the converter.
    Download Movavi Video Converter
    Follow the on-screen instructions to install the program and run it.

  2. To upload your videos to the converter, click the Add Media button, then – Add Video. Select your files and click Open.

  3. Open the Video tab in the lower part of the program window, find MP4, and choose the appropriate preset.

  4. To start the conversion process, hit the Convert button. After the conversion is complete, the folder with the transformed videos will open automatically.

▶️ How to solve the problem of an AVI file not playing on Windows?

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.

▶️ Can I play AVI files on a Mac?

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.

▶️ Which format has better quality – MP4 or AVI?

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.

▶️ How can I convert AVI to MP4 on Android?

You can use special conversion apps. Try one of these options:

VideoConverter by Inverse.AI

,

Video Format Factory

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