How to convert M4V to MOV
To convert M4V to MOV, upload your M4V file, choose MOV as the output format and press Convert. The finished MOV file is ready to save to your phone or computer in seconds, free, with no watermark and no sign-up. Your file is deleted from our server about 30 minutes after the conversion.
This free online converter turns M4V videos into MOV files in your browser, with no software to install and no watermark. When the video and audio inside your M4V file can be placed in MOV as they are, the streams are copied without re-encoding, which is faster and keeps the original quality. Otherwise the video is re-encoded as H.264 video with AAC audio (QuickTime container).
Reasons to switch from M4V to MOV
- Native to Apple devices and Final Cut Pro
- Holds high-quality codecs such as ProRes
- Reliable timecode and metadata handling
- Plays on: macOS, iOS, QuickTime Player, Final Cut Pro, Premiere Pro and VLC
What to expect from this conversion
- Expect a larger file than the M4V original, because MOV is a less efficient format for the same quality.
- Videos bought from iTunes may be copy-protected. DRM-protected files cannot be converted by any tool, but your own M4V recordings work fine.
- The first audio track is kept. Subtitle tracks, extra audio tracks and chapters are not included in the converted file.
M4V vs MOV
| Property | M4V | MOV |
|---|---|---|
| Full name | iTunes Video | QuickTime File Format |
| Released | 2001, Apple | 1991, Apple |
| Generation | Modern | Modern |
| Typical file size | Small | Medium |
| Plays on | iTunes, Apple TV, iOS, macOS and VLC | macOS, iOS, QuickTime Player, Final Cut Pro, Premiere Pro and VLC |
| Best for | syncing videos to iPhone or iPad; playing on Apple TV | editing in Final Cut Pro or iMovie; archiving iPhone footage |
Steps to convert M4V to MOV
- Drop your M4V video file onto the converter, or click to choose it.
- Check that MOV is selected as the target and adjust the options if you want.
- Press Convert, then download your new MOV file when it finishes.
Tips for the best result
- Leave Fast mode on to keep the original quality whenever the streams can be copied.
- Pick a lower resolution if the file is for a phone or messaging app.
- Use Mute if you only need the picture.
Frequently asked questions
How do I convert M4V to MOV?
Upload your M4V file, make sure MOV is the selected target and press Convert. When the progress bar finishes, download the MOV file. No account or software is needed.
Is the M4V to MOV converter free?
Yes. It is free, with no watermark, no sign-up and no daily limit on how many files you convert. The site is supported by ads.
Will I lose quality when converting M4V to MOV?
Not necessarily. If the video and audio streams already fit inside MOV, they are copied without re-encoding, so quality stays identical. If the file has to be re-encoded, the High setting keeps almost all visible detail, while Small trades some detail for a smaller file.
Why is my MOV file larger than the M4V original?
Expect a larger file than the M4V original, because MOV is a less efficient format for the same quality. Choosing a lower quality or resolution reduces the size further.
Which devices can play MOV files?
MOV files play on macOS, iOS, QuickTime Player, Final Cut Pro, Premiere Pro and VLC.
How large a file can I upload?
You can upload videos up to 500 MB. Files are deleted from the server about 30 minutes after conversion.