Quick answer: To convert MOV to MP4, add the file and press Convert; when the MOV contains H.264 it is only re-packed, so it takes seconds and loses nothing. HEVC video is re-encoded to H.264 at a high bitrate. It runs in your browser, also in Safari on iPhone.
MOV is Apple's video format; MP4 is the one every other device and website expects. Most MOV files only need re-packing, so the conversion takes seconds and loses nothing.
MOV to MP4 at a glance
| Price | Free, no sign-up, no watermark, no daily limit |
|---|---|
| Accepts | MOV |
| Largest file | 2 GB per file, several files at once |
| Where it runs | In your browser: files are never uploaded |
| Works on | Chrome and Edge, Safari 17+, Firefox 130+ on iPhone, Android, Windows, Mac and Linux |
| Send the result | Download it, or send it free with a link or by email (up to 20 GB) |
How to convert MOV to MP4
- Choose your MOV files from your iPhone, Mac or camera.
- Keep “Plays everywhere” to get H.264, or “Fastest” to keep HEVC video as it is.
- Press Convert MOV to MP4.
- Download the MP4 files or send them with a link.
MOV and MP4 are close relatives
MP4 was based on Apple's QuickTime MOV format, and both usually carry the same H.264 or HEVC video and AAC sound. That is why most conversions here are a straight copy: the video and sound are moved into an MP4 wrapper byte for byte, with the rotation and timing kept, in a few seconds even for large files.
iPhone videos in HEVC
Since iOS 11, iPhones record in HEVC (H.265) by default (Settings, Camera, Formats, “High Efficiency”). HEVC in an MP4 plays on Apple devices and recent Windows and Android devices, but not everywhere. With “Plays everywhere” selected, HEVC is converted to H.264, which takes longer and needs a browser that can decode HEVC: Safari, or Chrome and Edge on Windows and macOS. Choose “Fastest” to keep HEVC when you only need the .mp4 name, for example for an upload form.
ProRes and other pro formats
ProRes MOV files from cameras or Final Cut cannot be decoded in a browser. Export an H.264 version from your editor, or send the ProRes original as it is: how to send ProRes files, free up to 20 GB.
How this compares
| This tool | Online converters (e.g. Clideo, FreeConvert or CloudConvert) | Desktop apps (e.g. HandBrake) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Your file is uploaded | No | Yes, to their servers | No |
| Install or account | None | Account for some features | Install needed |
| Watermark or daily limits | None | Common on free plans | Depends on the app |
Plans of other services change; check their sites. More video tools.
Frequently asked questions
How do I convert MOV to MP4 on iPhone?
Open this page in Safari, choose the video from Photos or Files, press Convert and save the MP4. It runs on the phone itself.
Does converting MOV to MP4 reduce quality?
No, when the MOV contains H.264: the video is copied unchanged. HEVC converted to H.264 is re-encoded at a high bitrate that looks the same.
Why is the MP4 a different size?
A copy is almost exactly the same size. If HEVC is converted to H.264, the file gets larger, because H.264 needs more data for the same quality.
Are my videos uploaded?
No. The conversion happens on your device.
Need to send a big file?
Send files up to 20 GB with a download link or by email. Free, no account needed, original quality.
Send large files free