MOV vs MP4: Which Format Should You Use?
The Short Answer
MOV is Apple's version of nearly the same container as MP4, and usually holds the same H.264 or H.265 video. Quality is identical. MP4 is the one that opens reliably on Windows, Android and the web; MOV is preferred inside Final Cut and for ProRes footage.
MOV vs MP4 Side by Side
| MOV | MP4 | |
|---|---|---|
| Full name | MOV: QuickTime File Format | MP4: MPEG-4 Part 14 |
| File extension | MOV: .mov | MP4: .mp4 |
| How it stores data | MOV: Container, usually H.264, H.265 or ProRes video | MP4: Container, usually H.264 or H.265 video with AAC audio |
| File size | MOV: depends on what is inside | MP4: depends on what is inside |
| Created by | MOV: Apple, 1991 | MP4: Moving Picture Experts Group (ISO/IEC), 2001 |
| Best for | MOV: editing on a Mac, footage straight from an iPhone or camera | MP4: sharing, uploading and playing video on any device |
| Watch out | MOV: Windows, Android and many websites handle MP4 more reliably | MP4: it holds fewer codec and subtitle types than MKV |
| Opens with | MOV: QuickTime, Final Cut Pro, iMovie, VLC, Premiere Pro | MP4: every phone, browser, TV and media player |
Choose MOV When
- Editing on a Mac
- ProRes and other production codecs
Choose MP4 When
- Sharing, uploading and playing on any device
- Windows and Android
Convert Between MOV and MP4
More About Each Format
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better, MOV or MP4?
MOV is Apple's version of nearly the same container as MP4, and usually holds the same H.264 or H.265 video. Quality is identical. MP4 is the one that opens reliably on Windows, Android and the web; MOV is preferred inside Final Cut and for ProRes footage.
When should I use MOV?
Editing on a Mac. ProRes and other production codecs.
When should I use MP4?
Sharing, uploading and playing on any device. Windows and Android.
What is MOV?
MOV is Apple's QuickTime container — the format iPhones record in and Final Cut Pro edits in. Technically it is a close relative of MP4.
What is MP4?
MP4 is the default video format of phones, cameras, browsers and social networks. It wraps compressed video and audio — usually H.264 and AAC — in a container almost every device can play.
Can I convert between MOV and MP4?
Yes — free, in batches and without an account. Convert MOV to MP4, or Convert MP4 to MOV with the converter linked on this page.