MKV vs MP4: which video format is better?
The choice between the MP4 and MKV formats has been a burden on video makers ever since the formats were released. Today, we will be putting each to the test, to see which of them you should be using and why. We will also clear up some of the confusion and specify what the differences between the two really are.
Choose MP4 for playback, sharing, and web delivery. Choose MKV for recording, archiving, or files that need multiple audio tracks, subtitle tracks, chapters, and flexible codec support. Neither container determines video quality: with the same encoded streams, MKV and MP4 have identical quality and almost identical file sizes.
What are the MKV and MP4 formats?
Both MKV and MP4 are video containers that allow for both audio and visual content to be stored in the same file. Matroska Video Files (MKV) is one of the leading open-source file container formats. Its chief claim to fame is that it lets users add multiple audio, video and subtitle tracks, making the format extremely useful for storing high-definition media online. On top of that, MKV has the added benefit of chapter and menu support, multiple language support, and fast-seeking capabilities.
MP4, on the other hand, is a standardized media container from the MPEG family. Most commonly, the H.264 or H.265 video codec and the AAC audio codecs are used as part of the MP4 container. MP4 has broad browser, mobile, TV, and social-platform support, which makes it the usual choice for online video. MP4 segments are also commonly used by HLS and MPEG-DASH streaming workflows.
| Requirement | Better default | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| Browser, phone, or social playback | MP4 | Broad hardware and software support |
| Multiple audio and subtitle tracks | MKV | Flexible track and metadata support |
| OBS or long-running recording | MKV | An interrupted recording is easier to recover |
| Web streaming | MP4 | Commonly supported by HLS and MPEG-DASH players |
| Maximum codec flexibility | MKV | Supports a wider range of stream types |
Encoding examples
If you are looking to encode or convert a video file into MP4, or a video-streaming format like HLS or MPEG-Dash, take a look at the demos below.
Video Encoding
Implement HTTP Live Streaming (HLS)
Video Encoding
Implement MPEG-Dash using Transloadit
Video Encoding
Encode video to HEVC
What are their differences?
Let's now take a look at some of the key differences between both container formats.
What is better quality, MP4 or MKV?
Neither container inherently offers better video quality. Keeping the same encoded video and audio streams preserves their quality when changing containers. Using the same codec alone does not guarantee identical quality: encoder settings and bitrate also matter. Adaptive streaming workflows can offer several encoded versions for different connections, independently of this container comparison.
Does converting from MKV to MP4 reduce video quality?
Changing the container without re-encoding compatible video and audio streams is called remuxing. It preserves their quality, but the destination container must support those streams. Re-encoding is a different operation and can reduce quality.
The Template below demonstrates HEVC re-encoding with Transloadit's /video/encode Robot, not lossless remuxing.
For the storage Step, create your own named Amazon S3 Template Credential
and replace YOUR_AWS_CREDENTIALS with its saved name. Use a private bucket with S3 Block Public
Access enabled and do not supply ACL or grant headers. The bucket-default setting omits the
generated ACL header; it does not make a bucket private or override its bucket policy. Reading
private results requires separate read authorization; a returned URL does not grant access.
{
"steps": {
":original": {
"robot": "/upload/handle"
},
"converted": {
"use": ":original",
"robot": "/video/encode",
"result": true,
"ffmpeg_stack": "v6",
"preset": "hevc"
},
"exported": {
"use": [":original", "converted"],
"robot": "/s3/store",
"credentials": "YOUR_AWS_CREDENTIALS",
"acl": "bucket-default"
}
}
}
Follow our guide on creating a Template to get started re-encoding video with HEVC.
Which format offers more compatibility?
Compatibility is an essential factor to consider when choosing between the MKV and MP4 formats. MP4 has broad compatibility across devices, operating systems, and media players. It is the standard for many popular platforms and streaming services. MKV, although it has been gaining support over the years, may still encounter compatibility issues with certain devices and media players, especially older or less mainstream ones.
What format should I use to record video in?
Conventional non-fragmented MP4 recordings usually need a finalization step to write the MOOV metadata. If your recording software crashes before that step, the incomplete file may produce the "MOOV atom not found" error. Fragmented and hybrid MP4 recording modes handle finalization differently and can improve recovery after an interruption.
MKV can often make an interrupted recording easier to recover, which can be helpful after a power outage or software crash while recording with software such as OBS. It does not prevent corruption or guarantee that a damaged file will play.
What are the advantages and disadvantages of both?
Now that we understand some more about the differences between the two, let's take a look at the advantages and disadvantages of both – and see which format truly comes out on top.
MKV Pros
- Versatile and flexible container format.
- Supports a wide range of video and audio codecs.
- Enables advanced features like multiple audio streams, chapter markers, and embedded subtitles.
- Can make interrupted recordings easier to recover; damaged files may still be unplayable.
MKV Cons
- Limited compatibility with certain devices and media players.
- Extra tracks and attachments can increase file size; the container alone is not the main factor.
- Less commonly used in mainstream applications and platforms.
MP4 Pros
- Wide compatibility across devices, platforms, and media players.
- Supports H.264; compression efficiency and video quality depend on the codec and encoder settings.
- Preferred format for streaming services and online video platforms.
- Well-established and widely supported in the industry.
MP4 Cons
- Limited codec flexibility compared to MKV.
- Less support for advanced features and fewer customization options.
- May not offer the same level of error resilience as MKV.
Conclusion
Both MKV and MP4 have their strengths and weaknesses. Which one is best, will ultimately depend on your use case. That said, we recommend MKV if you are looking for flexible codec support, advanced chapter and menu support, or easier recovery of interrupted recordings.
For online publication, check the destination's supported containers and codecs. MP4 offers broad compatibility and is a practical default for streaming services and general multimedia consumption. Choosing MP4 does not by itself guarantee that a platform will accept the encoded streams without conversion.
That's all for today's look at video container formats. Stay tuned for more blogs from us, and consider signing up for our newsletter below!