11 Best Free MOV Converters [Mac/Windows/Online]

Want to convert MOV video? Download Movavi Video Converter!

  1. Install and launch the app.

  2. Add files to the program.

  3. Select the output format and launch the conversion.

Edited by
Ben Jacklin
18,392

Key takeaways

  • After putting all these tools through their paces, I can safely say Movavi Video Converter stands out as the most balanced choice: lightning-fast, reliable, and polished enough to feel premium. It’s the one I reach for first when someone asks for the best MOV to MP4 converter.
  • The rest split into two camps: quick online options like CloudConvert or Zamzar that handle simple jobs with zero installs, and classic desktop picks such as VLC and HandBrake that give you full control as an offline converter.
  • Depending on what you’re after – speed, control, or simplicity – your choice will differ. But the smartest move is to go for a free MOV converter that keeps quality intact while staying friendly to both Windows 10, Windows 11, and Mac users.
  • If you’re learning how to convert MOV to MP4, don’t just click “start.” Always adjust the output format and resolution settings; that’s how you lock in HD quality without bloating file size.
  • And here’s a quick pro tip: never skip the test run. Convert a short clip first, check the sharpness, and only then go all-in, it saves time, saves nerves, and guarantees clean results every single free download session.

Ever tried sending a MOV file to a friend, only to realize it won’t play on their phone? Yeah, this happens to the best of us! Turns out, not every device speaks the same “video language.” So, I decided to test a bunch of MOV converters (some offline, some online) on both Windows 10 and macOS just to see which ones truly get the job done. After a few long nights (and a few too many cups of coffee), I narrowed it down to the best of the bunch.

Here’s the fun part: one of my test clips, a cat jumping in slow motion, looked sharper after conversion than the original. Who knew an HD-quality converter could actually improve the vibe? Anyway, from simple drag-and-drop online tools to full-blown desktop editors, each app had its merits, quirks, and hidden gems.

If you’re curious how to convert MOV to MP4 without wrecking your footage, this list’s for you. And just between us: Movavi Video Converter feels like a stroke of luck. Rapid-fire, steady, and packed with smart extras, it’s the one I kept coming back to.

My top picks

  • Best overall: Movavi Video Converter
    It combines speed, versatility, and marvelous ease of use. Movavi handles any format you throw at it and keeps your footage looking crisp in HD quality. Given its impressive features, it’s kind of the gold standard if you often convert MOV to MP4.
  • Best free option: HandBrake
    HandBrake’s been around forever, and for good reason. It’s open-source, zero-cost, and gets the job done if you’re patient enough to tweak a few settings. Great for users who want full control without spending a dime.
  • Best for Windows users: Freemake Video Converter
    Freemake makes conversion feel friendly, with a neat interface and flawless output. Works seamlessly on Windows 10 and Windows 11; offers quick results for people who want simplicity and decent customization.
  • Best for Mac users: QuickTime Player
    Apple’s native player doubles as a lightweight converter that fits perfectly into the macOS ecosystem. It may be not as feature-packed as some rivals, but for basic MOV jobs and exports, it’s rock-solid.
  • Best online converter: CloudConvert
    When you’re in a hurry and don’t want to install anything, CloudConvert’s online platform just works. Fast uploads, good format range, and reliable output straight from your browser.
  • Best for Tech Enthusiasts: Online-Convert
    This one’s for the tinkerers. Tons of options, adjustable settings, and even audio/video tweaks before conversion. If you like to fine-tune every bit, this online MOV converter gives you the control you crave.
  • Best for quick sharing: FileZigZag
    Simple, email-based conversions that work straight from your inbox. FileZigZag is great for small, on-the-go tasks. No setup, no installs, just send and receive your new format in minutes.

Comparison table of the best free MOV converters

Program

OS

Main features

Download

Windows, macOS

Lightning-fast conversion, HD quality, batch processing, sleek interface

Windows, macOS, Linux

Built-in player + converter, open-source, supports countless formats

Windows 10, 11

Clean UI, quick presets for mobile and web

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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.

Best MOV file converter software for Mac & Windows

  • Why I picked it:

    whirls through edits and converts files without leaving a scratch on quality. It’s my go-to for turning MOV clips into HD-ready MP4s, especially when juggling Windows 10 and Windows 11 setups.

  • OS:

    Windows, macOS

Movavi Video Converter tackles a whopping 180+ formats! So, whether it’s a quick MOV to MP4 switch or compressing a massive file for online sharing, it copes with the ultimate ease. The latest release introduced a set of nifty revamps, like a better DVD conversion capability. Now, it truly meets the definition of the best offline converter.

So, what magic can you conjure up with Movavi Video Converter? Well, a helluva lot. You can rotate, crop, merge, and even touch up clips to fix shaky shots. It works offline and supports Mac too, which is handy when swapping between devices. If you’ve wondered how to convert MOV to MP4 efficiently, this service gets it done fast without cutting corners.

I dove into Movavi Video Converter to turn several heavy MOV clips from my Mac into lightweight MP4s for a project I was finishing on Windows. The software handled everything effortlessly, though I had to take a bit of work to install and launch it on the machine.

The conversion itself was blazing fast, and the files kept their crisp HD quality without ballooning in size. I even trimmed a few scenes right inside Movavi before exporting, which saved me from opening another editor. It’s one of those rare tools that just works, and works excellently. Smooth, fast, and reliable across both macOS and Windows.

Ratings

Pros:

  • Lightning-fast

  • Convert to more than 180 file formats, including HD options for the best possible result

  • Compresses files without quality loss

  • Allows for easy editing, including rotating, cropping, and merging video fragments for a stunning result

  • Will help fix and improve the overall quality of your videos if needed

Cons:

  • Doesn’t convert videos from a URL

2. VLC

  • Why I picked it:

    sails effortlessly through every format and platform. VLC grabbed my attention for being a free MOV converter that actually delivers HD quality without making a fuss about codecs or hidden costs.

  • OS:

    Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS

VLC is an open-source gem that works on Windows 10, Windows 11, macOS, Linux, Android, and iOS. It handles MOV files pretty nicely. With it, you can convert MOV to MP4 offline or on the Web without scratching your head.

The program blazes a trail in multimedia support, from discs to streams, webcams to files, and even rare formats without needing extra codec packs. You can customize skins, add extensions, or keep it simple; the core features get the job done. Free download ensures you can test it with no strings attached.

Jumping in myself, I tossed a pack of MOV files from my iPhone into VLC just to see if the hype matched reality. Within minutes, I had crisp MP4 versions ready to share. No plugins, no trial pop-ups, no compression nightmares. The conversion felt effortless: select Convert/Save, choose MP4, hit Start, and watch it work. Even large files sailed through without losing a hint of quality. For something completely free, VLC punches well above its weight.

Ratings

Pros:

  • Works on a variety of different platforms

  • Allows you to convert to and from a wide range of file formats

  • Provides extensions that can increase the options offered

  • Doesn't require a codec pack for most codecs

  • No spyware and ads

  • Free MOV converter with HD quality output

Cons:

  • Editing metadata can prove more complex than in some other players

  • The multitude of conversion options can prove overwhelming for new users

  • Can produce annoying lags

  • Why I picked it:

    Freemake fell under my notice for being a free MOV converter on Windows that orchestrates everything from tiny clips to huge HD files without stress.

  • OS:

    Windows

Freemake Video Converter converts MOV to MP4 in three simple clicks and keeps HD quality intact. It supports batch processing, lets you export directly to iTunes, and offers basic editing like cut, join, rotate, and subtitles.

It’s an offline service. Once installed, you’re set, no internet connection required. If you wonder how to convert MOV to MP4 quickly on Windows 10 or Windows 11, this tool is especially noteworthy.

I grabbed a handful of MOV clips from my drone and popped them into Freemake on my Windows 10 laptop. Would it handle the chunky 4K files without choking, my curiosity asked me? Three clicks later (add, choose MP4, hit convert), the progress bar started cruising, and I kicked back with a coffee while it worked.

In no time, every clip was transformed into crisp MP4s, no glitches, no weird color shifts, and audio stayed perfectly in sync. The files landed right in my chosen folder, ready to drop straight into my editing project or upload online without any extra fuss.

Ratings

Pros:

  • Simple: 3 easy clicks to convert your files

  • Can handle very large file formats

  • Creates high-quality conversions

Cons:

  • Why I picked it:

    runs like a dream for macOS and older Windows versions. QuickTime stole my heart as a free MOV converter that keeps things simple and clean, perfect when you just need the basics done right.

  • OS:

    macOS, Windows 7 or Vista

QuickTime handles MOV files finely, letting you convert MOV to MP4 on macOS or Windows 7/Vista. The Pro version can export individual frames or turn videos into numbered stills, giving you more creative flexibility.

The latest security-focused update, QuickTime 7.7.9, addressed vulnerabilities on Windows while keeping playback smooth. New also mentions that QuickTime 7.7.9 is no longer supported by Apple, and newer versions of Windows may have built-in support for the key media formats that QuickTime enabled.

While it does not abound with advanced editing, it’s an offline program that delivers HD quality in its core tasks. If you’re wondering how to convert MOV to MP4 quickly without overcomplicating things, QuickTime will not let you down.

Diving into my own workflow, I had a bunch of old family trip MOVs on my Mac and needed to convert them to MP4 for my Windows-using relatives. QuickTime made it super easy. Drag the file, hit export, and boom, MP4s were ready. Even an old Windows 7 laptop played them perfectly, no glitches. The best part? It's all offline! No worrying about uploads or dodgy plugins. If you just want a simple way to convert MOVs, QuickTime totally nails it.

Ratings

Pros:

  • Quick and easy conversion

  • Allows for exportation of individual frames in the Pro version

  • Free to download and use

Cons:

  • Free version contains only basic playback options

  • Does not have as many features as other video converters, especially when using the free option

  • Can’t convert files from a link

  • No longer supported by Apple

Quick summary: Best MOV converters

  1. Movavi Video Converter: it lies through MOV files (and hundreds more), keeps that HD quality intact, and works reliably on Windows and Mac.

  2. FileZigZag: a good match when you need something quick and painless.

  3. CloudConvert: all browser-based, flexible, handles batches, and churns out polished files without making you install a thing.

  • Why I picked it:

    I gravitated toward HandBrake because it’s a free MOV converter with deep control over output and minimal limits.

  • OS:

    Windows, macOS, Linux

HandBrake is a great little tool that covers video transcode needs with surprising efficiency. It supports macOS, Windows, and Linux, quite solid versatility. It lets you convert MOV to MP4 (and other formats like MKV) while giving you granular control over codecs, filters, bitrate, resolution, subtitles, chapters, and more.

The 1.10.2 update (released September 2025) fixed crashes for deep-color videos and improved preset and hardware decoder handling. With its queue system and GPU acceleration via NVENC / QSV / VCE, it’s built for batch tasks. It’s an offline solution that won’t nag you or inject ads – just pure video work.

I dropped twenty MOV clips from a street basketball tournament into HandBrake on my Windows laptop to see how it would handle different resolutions and file sizes. I set them all to convert to MP4, adjusted the bitrate and resolution for social media upload, and queued them up. HandBrake processed each file quickly, using GPU acceleration to cut down conversion time. When I reviewed the MP4s, the colors, sound, and timing matched the originals perfectly, ready to share or edit further.

Ratings

4.7/5

Pros:

  • Simple to use

  • Allows conversions from almost any format

  • Includes DVD and Blu-ray sources, when they don't include copy protection

  • Allows for batch scanning

  • Works on Windows, Mac, and Linux, so you can use the same conversion software across a variety of platforms

  • A free solution that still allows for professional conversions

Cons:

Bestseller
Freemake Video Converter
3.7/5

Best free online MOV converters

  • Why I picked it:

    the allure of fast and install-free online MOV-MP4 conversions is hard to resist. Zamzar’s simplicity just clicked.

Zamzar is a simple yet powerful online file conversion service that makes changing MOV files into MP4 a walk in the park. You just upload your file, pick the format, and hit convert. No clutter, no complicated menus. Works on Mac or Windows 10/11, totally online, and even has email notifications when your file is ready. It’s perfect for anyone who wants a quick, reliable way to handle video formats in HD quality without thinking too much about tech.

Trusted since 2006 and used for over 510 million file conversions, it’s a reliable choice for anyone needing a speedy, unstressful online MOV converter. For heavier users, paid plans unlock bigger file sizes, batch conversions, desktop app support, and extra online storage,

I recently had a batch of MOV clips from a client shoot that needed to be MP4 for social media delivery. I uploaded them to Zamzar, and within minutes they were converted to HD quality. I could then download them directly and drop them into my editing timeline without issues. It saved me from installing extra software, and everything came out clean and ready to share.

Ratings

4.6/5

Pros:

  • Fast

  • Very accurate

  • Offers multiple conversion options

  • Has a long use history, with plenty of time to work out the bugs

Cons:

  • Why I picked it:

    when my workflow demands quick, versatile file conversions without software bloat, CloudConvert is my default.

CloudConvert is a multi-faceted online tool that helps you convert almost any file type imaginable! It deals with over 200 formats, including videos, audio, documents, images, and all the jazz. You can even fine-tune specific settings like video quality, and it works seamlessly with Google Drive and Dropbox to both grab and save your files.

How was it in my hands? Well, a client recently sent me a stack of large MOV videos, all needing to be MP4s for a web project. I just popped them into CloudConvert, picked MP4, and easily tweaked the resolution and quality settings. The MP4s came out perfectly optimized and ready to go, though I did notice a bit of a wait for the bigger files to upload since it's an online-only tool.

Ratings

Pros:

  • More than 200 file formats supported

  • Simple file conversion

  • Strong data security

  • High-quality conversions

  • Lots of software options

Cons:

  • Why I picked it:

    I chose ConvertFiles because it perfectly embodies the kind of handy, no-fuss tool we all need sometimes.

This little online tool may seriously surprise you with its multiple skills! It is simply described by its developers as a file converter between multiple file formats. But I can additionally say it tackles almost any file conversion you can throw at it: documents, images, audio, video, you name it – up to 300 file formats. And all up to a generous 250MB!

What truly stands out is its commitment to privacy: files are encrypted and disappear from their servers quickly, all without needing to sign up or install anything. Seriously, it's a digital chameleon for your files, making quick work of conversions from MOV to MP4.

Just last week, I wanted to upload a hilarious video of my friend's cat to my social media story, but it was in MOV format from their iPhone, and the platform preferred MP4. Instead of fretting, I popped onto Convertfiles, uploaded that MOV file, selected MP4 as the output, and within minutes, there it was – the video, perfectly converted and ready for upload. No software to download, no annoying sign-up pop-ups, just a smooth, secure conversion that made sharing effortless.

Pros:

  • Fast

  • Simple interface

  • Email download option that can make it easier to keep track of your downloads or come back to the conversion later

  • Impressive versatility of supported formats for conversions

Cons:

  • Fewer options than other types of file converters

  • Can’t convert videos by URL

  • Why I picked it:

    I took it because I needed a quick way to turn a stack of MOV files into MP4 while putting the finishing touches on a short film on my MacBook Pro.

OnlineConvert.com is an online system that handles over 400 formats. MOV, MP4, AVI, WEBM, oh, you name it. You can tweak screen size, bitrate, rotation, even mirror a clip if that’s your thing. Drag. Drop. Adjust. Hit convert. 

I threw in a bunch of raw clips, dialed the settings for quality and size, and let it run while I scrolled through emails. The progress bar crawled at first, then zipped. A latte in one hand, headphones on, I watched the files materialize. The interface is clean, self-explanatory, and doesn't make you dig through layers of menus. 

Uploading stalled a couple of times thanks to flaky café Wi-Fi. No desktop version is a bummer, you’re tethered to the web. Still, it chewed through multiple files without a hiccup. Fine-tuning the output was smooth, surprisingly satisfying. 

For fast, one-off conversions, it punches way above what you expect from a free online tool. By the time I packed up, the MP4s were ready to go. No-brainer, no extra software.

Ratings

4.3/5

Pros:

  • Plenty of editing and conversion options, including screen size, bitrate, rotation, and mirroring settings

  • Drag and drop and file selection features

  • Quick conversion

  • Great customer service

Cons:

  • Why I picked it:

    it lets me quickly convert any file be it video, audio, image, or e-book. On any device, anywhere.

This one can safely be called an online powerhouse. FreeConvert supports over staggering 1,500 file conversions, from videos to images, audio, and even e-books. Surely, FreeConvert.com lets you convert MOV files, forwards or backwards, completely free, supporting files up to 1 GB. With Advanced Options, you can tweak settings , adjusting bitrate, resolution, and more. 

The platform claims that it takes privacy seriously: SSL encryption, secure servers, and automatic deletion after a few hours. But with a web-hosted service, a small risk of  leaks or data sales to third parties always exists, you know.

I dragged in a batch of raw MOV clips, set the parameters, and let it rip. The conversion was faultless, and within minutes, MP4s were ready for download. 

I loved that it works anywhere where the internet is live. So whether it’s Windows, Mac, Linux, even mobile, I could handle files straight from my laptop in a noisy café. The drag-and-drop interface made managing multiple files a child’s play. 

Uploads never froze, and fine-tuning the output felt surprisingly precise. Sure, being online means you need a decent connection, but that’s a small price for convenience. By the end, all my clips were ready to go, perfectly formatted and secure. FreeConvert turned a tedious process into something almost enjoyable. Fast, flexible, and worry-free, exactly what I needed.

Ratings

Pros:

  • Open source and custom software combination

  • Fine-tuning options available

  • High-quality video conversion

  • More than 500 file formats supported

  • Options available up to 1 GB

Cons:

  • Why I picked it:

    for a solopreneur, it is a mighty online tool where you install nothing and get incredible results.

FileZigZag supports over eye-popping 5,000 formats: videos, audio, images, docs, eBooks, archives. Incredibly. It’s all in the browser, so no extra stuff on your machine. You just drag your file, drop it, pick the format, hit “Start Converting,” and boom, done. You can even get the converted file emailed to you, which is perfect when you’re hopping between devices.

I first gave it a whirl one late evening while editing a short promo video. I had a batch of MOV files to be turned into MP4 for Instagram and YouTube, and a couple of PNGs to flip into PDFs for a client deck. I dragged the MOV files into FileZigZag, set the target format to MP4, and let it run while I drafted captions and brainstormed music cues. In mere minutes, the MP4 files were ready to download straight from my inbox.

I loved how intuitive it was. No menus to wrestle with, no settings to memorize. As it can handle both video and document conversions in one place, I avoided hopping between apps.

On the flip side, free users get ten conversions a day, and the 50 MB max per file can be annoying if you’re dealing with longer videos. Also, it relies on a solid internet connection; slow Wi-Fi will drag the process out.

Still, for small projects and solopreneur usage, it’s a wise choice. I wish there was batch processing for larger workloads. But honestly, for MOV-to-MP4 conversions and quick, versatile file handling, FileZigZag covers the essentials beautifully.

Ratings

4.2/5

Pros:

  • Easy, no-install conversion

  • Supports literally thousands of formats

  • Works anywhere

  • Email delivery option

Cons:

  • Limited to ten conversions per day

  • 50 MB max file size

  • Requires internet

  • No advanced batch processing

How to choose the best MOV converter

Choosing the right MOV converter really comes down to how and where you work. If you want a fast, reliable all-rounder, Movavi Video Converter is hands-down the smoothest experience I’ve tested: sleek design, HD output, and zero hassle. If you’re a power user who loves tweaking every codec, HandBrake will scratch that itch. Need something quick and online? Go with CloudConvert or Zamzar, they both are fast and browser-friendly. QuickTime fits perfectly for Mac users doing light edits. Freemake still holds up well on Windows for everyday conversions.

Bottom line: whether your strategy demands granular control, blistering speed, or seamless convenience, there’s a tool here that’ll turn those MOV clips into the desired format without a single bottleneck.

Movavi Video Converter

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

Frequently asked questions

What is MOV?

MOV is a video container file format used primarily by Apple's Quicktime program. It offers a high-quality video experience. However, MOV viewing is not available on all devices, so users often need to convert their videos to other formats in order to view them without downloading an external app. On the other hand, MOV files can be viewed on:

  • QuickTime Player
  • Roxio Toast
  • Roxio Popcorn
  • Adobe® Flash®
  • Windows Media Player by Microsoft

Why are MOV files so big?

Modern video files have become increasingly larger in an effort to retain more of the detail associated with the original video. Extra detail in the raw file makes it easier to manage many editing tasks, including adjusting color, recovering shadows, and more. Many people, however, do not require these large file sizes in order to later playback the video effectively.

How to choose a MOV video converter?

If you’re struggling with picking a MOV video converter, here’s what you should pay attention to:

  • OS – make sure it works on your system.
  • Functionality – read the software description or watch videos to see if it has the desired features.
  • User score – look for what other people say about the program, maybe it has some unique characteristics or notable shortcomings.
  • Freeware or paid – if you’re on a budget, make sure the software is free or at least has a trial version.

You can try out Movavi Video Converter and see if it works for you. 

Download Movavi Video Converter for Windows

Download Movavi Video Converter for Mac

How do I reduce the size of a .mov file?

Try using Movavi Video Converter to easily reduce the size of your videos. Its built-in MOV file compressor makes it easy to manage your size needs.

How to easily decrease the size of your MOV files

Video conversion has become increasingly necessary as more file types become available. With the right video converter, however, you can streamline the process and make the entire experience easier to manage. Check out Movavi Video Converter today to learn more about its advantages and discover the benefits of our conversion software.

What is the best converter for MOV to MP4?

I’d pick Movavi Video Converter every time. It’s quick, handles .mov files without hiccups, and keeps that HD quality on both Windows and Mac.

Does MOV to MP4 lose quality?

It can, but only a little if you use a solid converter. Stick to reliable tools and the difference is hardly noticeable.

How do you convert MOV to MP4 without losing quality?

Keep the resolution and bitrate the same, skip extra compression, and use a trustworthy converter. That’s all it takes.

Does VLC convert MOV to MP4?

Yep, VLC can do it. Works on multiple platforms. It’s simple enough, though bigger files take a bit longer than with dedicated converters.

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