WMV vs MP4: Which Format Should You Use?
The Short Answer
WMV is Microsoft's own format and plays natively only on Windows. MP4 gives better quality at the same size and plays on every device. Convert WMV to MP4 unless a specific Windows program requires WMV.
WMV vs MP4 Side by Side
| WMV | MP4 | |
|---|---|---|
| Full name | WMV: Windows Media Video | MP4: MPEG-4 Part 14 |
| File extension | WMV: .wmv | MP4: .mp4 |
| How it stores data | WMV: Windows Media Video with WMA audio | MP4: Container, usually H.264 or H.265 video with AAC audio |
| File size | WMV: depends on what is inside | MP4: depends on what is inside |
| Created by | WMV: Microsoft, 1999 | MP4: Moving Picture Experts Group (ISO/IEC), 2001 |
| Best for | WMV: old versions of PowerPoint and Windows-only software | MP4: sharing, uploading and playing video on any device |
| Watch out | WMV: Macs, phones and browsers do not play it natively | MP4: it holds fewer codec and subtitle types than MKV |
| Opens with | WMV: Windows Media Player, Movies & TV, VLC | MP4: every phone, browser, TV and media player |
Choose WMV When
- Old PowerPoint versions and Windows-only systems
Choose MP4 When
- Macs, phones, browsers, TVs and sharing
Convert Between WMV and MP4
More About Each Format
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better, WMV or MP4?
WMV is Microsoft's own format and plays natively only on Windows. MP4 gives better quality at the same size and plays on every device. Convert WMV to MP4 unless a specific Windows program requires WMV.
When should I use WMV?
Old PowerPoint versions and Windows-only systems.
When should I use MP4?
Macs, phones, browsers, TVs and sharing.
What is WMV?
WMV is Microsoft's own video format, long the default of Windows Movie Maker and PowerPoint. Older Windows software and some corporate systems still require it.
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 WMV and MP4?
Yes — free, in batches and without an account. Convert WMV to MP4, or Convert MP4 to WMV with the converter linked on this page.