MP4 VS MOV: The Comparison between MP4 and MOV

When we are talking about the differences between MP4 and MOV, we should acknowledge that MP4 and MOV have more similarities than any other format.

MP4 and MOV are two file containers used to hold lossy video. The file structure of MP4 is developed based on MOV or QuickTime technology, when you convert MP4 to MOV or convert MOV to MP4, the video does not have to re-encode in a QuickTime only environment, that is, you can simply change the extension from MOV to MP4.

• Part 1: MP4 vs MOV
• Part 2: Best way to convert MP4 to MOV/MOV to MP4

Part 1: MP4 vs MOV

MP4 is short for MPEG-4 Part 14. The format specification is based on QuickTime format specification published in 2001. The format contains audio, video as well as subtitle, still image and Metadata. It is an International standard widely accepted by most of the programs and devices.

MOV is Apple QuickTime movie format. It is a multimedia container format developed by Apple in 1998. The format contains one or more tracks storing a particular type of data, audio, video, effects or text. The format is compatible with Mac and Windows.

Part 2: Best way to convert MP4 to MOV

What are the major differences between MP4 and MOV? MP4 is versatile and the successor of MOV, but it does not mean that MP4 can replace MOV for all devices. There are still some compatibility issues for playing MP4 on QuickTime, iMovie, iTunes, Final Cut Pro or Apple related environment that use MOV as the default format, you need to convert MP4 to MOV as for the case.

As an industry standard, MP4 has a broader support in operation systems and widely used for video sharing on the Internet. You should convert MOV to MP4 for non-Apple environment, such as Operation system with MP4 Player, portal devices, web browsers and instant messaging.

Below we will recommend a professional video converter to you for converting MP4 to MOV/MOV to MP4 according to your request. Aiseesoft Video Converter Ultimate is a useful video converter. With this converter, you can freely convert MP4 to MOV or any popular formats you like. Moreover, you can also edit the video before converting.

1Install Video Converter Ultimate on your computer

Download Video Converter Ultimate on your computer, open and launch it for using later.

2Add MP4 file

After download the product, click the "Add Files" button to load MP4 file to the program. You can add multiple files at the same time. And you can rename or merge different MP4 files for converting to MOV.

3Edit your MP4 video before converting

Click the "Clip" button to trim the video file with the desired part. Click the "Edit" button to rotate, flip, enable 3D, enhance, adjust effects and add watermark to the video file.

4Select output format

Click the "Custom Profile" button to select MOV as the output format. You can also click "Settings" to adjust the Audio Settings. Before converting MP4 to MOV, you can also change the destination folder by clicking the "Browse" button.

Moreover, if you want to get an animated file, you can select GIF to convert MOV to GIF for eyes' enjoyment.

5Convert MP4 to MOV

Click the "Convert All" button to start convert MP4 to MOV.

You can watch below video to learn the detailed steps of converting MP4 to MOV.

Extended reading: How to convert MOV to MP4

In one word, MP4 and MOV are different containers, but not different codec. Both MP4 and MOV container format usually contains the same MPEG-4 formats. Choosing MP4 or MOV is depending on the environment for your devices.