Videos are great content. Folks would rather watch videos than reading content. Videos are entertaining. Times like these, videos are greatly appreciated.
However, there are a lot of video file formats. With so many options, it can get pretty confusing. Two of the most common video file formats are MKV and MP4.
If you’re wondering about these two file formats, MKV vs. MP4, then you’ve come to the right place. Read this article and learn about these two file formats. Make sure to read until the end to learn the differences between MKV and MP4.
Part 1. Is MP4 or MKV Better?
Before comparing MKV vs. MP4, take some time to look into these two files first. The extension you see at the end of a file name like MP4 or MKV specifies what kind of container the video files are in. However, there's more to formats than just the container.
Truth be told, the video clips and trailers that you have could be using different codecs. A codec is used to compress or decompress a file. Now, there are lots of codecs.
However, the most common ones are H.264 and H.265. These are both supported by MKV and MP4. Some service providers, like Netflix, use whichever codec works best on the device the users are watching from.
Get to Know MKV
MKV container is one of the fastest-growing it can support just about any combination of audio and video codecs including newer ones like H.265. It was developed to replace AVI. Most of your Blu-ray discs are in the MKV file format.
MKV has more flexible support for menus and chapters as well as the ability to playback a corrupted file. When it comes to video codecs, MKV supports almost all of them.
However, it does not support major media devices and players. You would need to convert an MKV file to MP4. When it comes to size, well, it takes up a lot of space on your Mac.
Get to Know MP4
MP4 probably sounds familiar to you. Well, it’s pretty popular considering its wide compatibility. It stores video, audio, and subtitles.
MP4 can hold either an MPEF or an H.264 encoded video along with an AAC or MP3 audio stream. This is a very popular video file format among YouTubers. It can play on a lot of devices and video streaming.
MP4 supports both 4k and 8 resolution. You get a good quality video that does not take up so much space on your Mac. The reason for that is because MP4 is a small-sized file format.
Part 2. MKV vs. MP4: Differences between These Two File Formats
When it comes to differences between MKV vs. MP4, they’re very compelling. Take a look at their differences when it comes to compatibility with platforms, sound quality supported audios and videos, and most importantly, size.
Compatibility with Platforms
- MKV has very limited platform compatibility. It can only be played on video players like XBMC, PotPlayer, and VLC.
- MP4 is very compatible with both PCs and portable devices.
Sound Quality
- MKV supports MPEG4, MPEG2, and MPEG1. It also supports both H.264 and H.265.
- MP4 supports both H.264 and H.265. It also supports Xvid, MPEG4.
Supported Audios and Videos
- MKV supports AAC, AC3, ALAC, and FLAC to mention a few.
- MP4 supports AAC, MP3, and ALAC to mention a few.
Size
- MKV is a larger file since it contains more functions like subtitles and audio tracks.
- MP4 is a smaller file but nonetheless, has the same quality as MKV.
Take Away:
The take away in the MKV vs. MP4 comparison actually depends solely on your needs. As you can see you get good quality sound with both MKV and MP4.
The main differences are blatant in size and compatibility with platforms. So, if you’re looking for a more portable file format that won’t take up a lot of space, then you would have to go for MP4.