The Pros and Cons of Using MKV vs. MP4 for Video Streaming

Did you know that the quality of technology you use when making videos can make or break your content’s success? The wrong audio codec can mess up the sound of your video, and saving your content in the wrong format can make it unusable. So, if you want to produce high-quality streams, you need to get this part right. Regarding video streaming formats, you have two major choices today: MKV or MP4. But which one to choose?

Streamers, broadcasters, and professionals often have a hard time deciding which format works best for them, mostly because both have their own merits and usefulness. Video quality, compatibility, and other major factors are must-know factors before deciding which one to choose. Fortunately, armed with accurate, up-to-date knowledge, choosing between these two most common video file formats doesn’t have to be difficult.

In this article, we’re going into the age-old debate of MKV vs. MP4: Which is better? We’ll provide an in-depth analysis of both formats, focusing on their pros and cons. We’ll cover their distinct differences, including where each one shines and falls. By the end, you’ll know in which corner of the MKV vs. MP4 battle you stand in.

Table of Contents

• MKV Video Format: A Quick Overview
• MP4 File Format: A Quick Overview
• MKV vs. MP4
• Pros and Cons of MKV and MP4
• Converting between MKV and MP4
• Which Video Streaming Format Is Right for You?
• FAQ
• In Conclusion

MKV Video Format: A Quick Overview

MKV is short for Matroska Video, which Steve Lhomme developed in 2002. Today Lhomme works as a Google developer, while MKV is the most common video streaming format.

MKV is a free, open-source container format that allows various audio and video tracks, as well as subtitle files, to be packed into a single file. The name Matroska is derived from the Russian Matryoshka dolls, which come in decreasing sizes and fit inside one another. That’s the concept MKV uses to store various audio and video tracks and subtitles and pack them into a single file.

Matroska video files are excellent for watching videos. If your video format is MKV, you can watch videos in a media player that features audio in multiple languages with their respective subtitles. This helpful feature allows for smoother sharing and distribution of such files.

Another advantage of MKV files is the fact that they are in a lossless format, meaning you won’t lose out on video or audio quality. This, of course, has a downside, as the file sizes can be on the larger side. You could expect them to go into a few GBs for a movie. Additionally, not every platform supports MKV playback, which can restrict its reach.

Here’s a short overview of MKV’s specifications:

MP4 File Format: A Quick Overview

The Moving Picture Expert Group introduced MP4 in 1998, making it their standard video format. Of all the container formats available today, MP4 is one of the most widely used file formats due to its many benefits. It’s based on the QuickTime file format, but it’s a totally separate standard. It’s compatible with most devices, such as phones, laptops, computers, and tablets, without causing major buffering or lagging issues.

While MP4 is a flexible and extensible digital container file, MPEG-4 is the standard format for encoding the video content stored within MP4 files. Although several MPEGs are available, the MPEG-4 Type 12 is the standard output format for all your video files. Aside from storing video and audio multimedia, MP4 can contain subtitles and images.

MP4 supports various audio and video codecs similar to the MKV format, including H.264 1080p, H.265 10-bit, and AAC. The MP4 file format is also compatible with the two most powerful streaming protocols, Apple’s HLS and MPEG-DASH. This makes it a good option for streaming and downloading high-quality videos.

MP4 is a widely popular video format known for its superior compression, which leads to smaller file sizes, making it easier to share with others. However, this can also lead to a loss in video quality, which can be a potential drawback of the MP4 format.

Here’s a quick look at MP4’s technical specs:

MKV vs. MP4

Now that you know the basics of MKV vs. MP4, let’s review the major differences between the two formats. Learning where they diverge from each other will help you understand which format suits you best.

1. Licensing

When comparing MP4 vs. MKV in terms of quality, we can’t ignore the licensing issue. MKV is an open-source and free video format. It’s licensed under GNU L-GPL for personal use. It’s also available for commercial use under a BSD license, offering free parsing and playback libraries. On the other hand, MP4 is not royalty-free. It’s patent-protected and uses DRM to prevent piracy. You’ll need to jump a few extra hurdles for private and commercial use.

2. Quality

Video and audio quality also differ when it comes to MKV vs. MP4. Although MKV files are typically larger as they pack multiple data files, they don’t provide higher video quality than MP4. That’s because the quality of MKV and MP4 depends on the codecs used in the container rather than the container format itself.

Since MP4 and MKV are output formats instead of encoding formats, the final video quality will depend on the video and audio codecs you pack. The quality will be similar if you encapsulate the same codecs using the same settings in both MKV and MP4.

3. File Size

The next feature to compare in MKV vs. MP4 is file size. As with video quality, the file size depends on the multimedia codecs and video bitrate instead of the container format. When you’re using similar codecs and video bitrate with MP4 and MKV, the file size of both will be the same.

The MKV files are typically larger when compared to MP4 since they support additional features such as subtitles and multiple audio tracks. On the other hand, if you find an MKV file that’s comparatively smaller in size but features higher resolution, it’s most likely because of the more advanced codecs used in MKV format.

The incorporation of multiple audio tracks and subtitles in MKV files is definitely an advantage, especially when it’s a movie or TV show. That’s because you can have dubs in multiple languages, and viewers can choose which one they want to hear.

4. Supported Platforms

You also have to consider supported platforms in the MKV vs. MP4 debate. MKV format supports a wide range of video and audio tracks, HD-quality movies, and movies with numerous subtitles. Other than that, mainstream video editing software like iMovie and Final Cut Pro are compatible with MKV, as are video players like VLC Player and Blu-Ray.

Unfortunately, the number of MKV-supported platforms is limited compared to the MP4 output format. Considering the large number of online platforms, only a select group of video and audio players support the MKV format.

MP4 format, on the other hand, is compatible with almost every media player, operating system, browser, and operating device, such as Apple, Samsung, Huawei, Windows devices, and more.

5. Compatible Audio and Video Codecs

When comparing MKV vs. MP4 quality, you must look at the compatibility of audio and video codecs. The MKV format can store a wide range of supported multimedia content, including video, audio, subtitle tracks, still images, and more. The list of MKV-supported audio-visual encoding formats is extensive, making it ideal for streaming TV shows and movies.

On the other hand, an MP4 format video has a comparatively narrow range of supported audio and video codecs. Another area where MP4 falls behind is that it doesn’t support FLAC. MKV does, which allows for better audio. FLAC is short for Free Lossless Audio Codec, one of the top audio coding formats that allow for lossless digital audio compression.

That doesn’t mean the MP4 format doesn’t have alternatives for lossless compression. It supports Apple Lossless and ALAC, though it is far less efficient than FLAC. Users can encode MKV and MP4 with the HEVC/H.265 video codec, which supports resolutions like H.264 1080p and UHD resolutions like 4K 2160p and 8K 8320p.

6. Video Archiving and Streaming

MKV is the preferred format for long-term, high-quality video storage, especially if you want to preserve multiple audio tracks, subtitles, and detailed metadata. Its larger file sizes can be an issue, but if you’re prioritizing quality and long-term accessibility rather than size, MKV is the way to go.

MP4 is generally the better choice for streaming due to its widespread support, efficient compression, and streaming capabilities. It’s especially suited for environments with bandwidth limitations, such as mobile networks or web-based streaming.

To make things easier, here is a table summarizing the main differences between these formats at a glance:

Pros and Cons of MKV and MP4

Understanding the difference between MKV and MP4 isn’t enough to know which of the two container formats would work best in your situation. Where one video format lacks, the other can shine. So let’s look at the pros and cons of each.

Pros of MKV

• Open Source: The key advantage of using MKV format is that these container files have no licensing requirements. This helps developers optimize their files and provides better compatibility with the latest systems.
• Active Developer Community: While many might overlook this benefit, it makes using MKV extremely convenient. The highly active developer community is full of helpful tips and constantly adapts the format to the newest tech developments.
• Adaption: The MKV file format has enough compatible platforms, devices, and OSes. When compatibility with another platform is required, an update usually comes along quickly to tackle and eliminate errors.
• Support: The range of supported menus is extensive, including those found in DVDs and Blu-Rays. In addition, you can assign multiple languages to the audio tracks and subtitles, which you can manage independently for each video file. That means users don’t have to keep the subtitles activated at all times.
• Video Quality: MKV files usually offer higher video resolution. Many prefer MKV over MP4 when projecting the display on a bigger screen for better video quality.
• Embedded Files: With an MKV file, you can include multiple audio tracks and subtitles, which is great for streaming movies and TV shows. You only need a single video file for all the languages you have.

Cons of MKV

• Audio Quality: MKV format offers high-resolution video. However, when it comes to audio, if you’re recording using a low bit rate with subpar equipment, the MKV quality is usually compromised. You may also encounter issues with decoders and even experience several pauses in the files when the volume exceeds a certain level.
  
• Compatibility: Since the MKV file format is not compatible with all viewing devices, you might need to update it frequently if it fails on any device. You may also need to use additional software to extend its compatibility.
  
• Structure: At times, you may need to acquire specific components for playing MKV files, as their structure is independent of most platforms.
  
• File Size: If you produce a high-quality video in MKV format, you may end up with a larger file size than an MP4 format.

Pros of MP4

• Support: MP4 files have all the necessary support and compatibility for various devices and platforms. Loads of online and offline players support MP4 files compared to MKV files, a major advantage of this file format.
  
• Compression: MP4 files are known for improved file compression compared to their predecessors. This type of compression produces smaller files without compromising the quality of the content. You can use it to store large video files and stream video.
  
• Streaming: Another notable advantage is the ability to stream video to MP4 format, while MKV files are not directly streamable on many online platforms. So, if you want to play videos online, an MP4 container file is your best option. Not just that, you can even use YouTube live streams as MP4 for a smoother experience.
• Compatible: MP4 files are also compatible with older format types. That means devices that don’t support MP4 but do support their predecessors will experience no trouble in playing the video encoded in the stated output format.

Cons of MP4

• Compression loss: The compression of MP4 files results in a loss of information in the original file, potentially affecting the video’s quality. This makes MP4 a lossy format and not the best choice for extremely high-definition videos.
• Copyright: MP4 files are subject to copyright. However, they are sometimes distributed illegally by removing the metadata.
• Codecs: MP4 files do not support all codecs, so users must acquire them from a third party. This compatibility problem sometimes makes your video out of sync with your audio.
• Processing power: An MP4 file can contain different types of media content, making playback and editing burdensome tasks because they require a high amount of processing power.

Converting between MKV and MP4

You’ve decided which format you prefer, but all your media files are in the other format. What happens now? Thanks to the many available video converters, you can just convert them to the format you want. You have to pay to use most of them because trustworthy free alternatives are somewhat hard to find.

But if you still share the belief that the best things in life are free, here’s a list of no-cost online MP4 or MKV converters that work best with Windows and Mac systems:

• CloudConvert
• Uniconverter
• Miro Video Converter
• Faasoft Video Converter
• WinX UniConverter Deluxe
• Mediacoder

Which Video Streaming Format Is Right for You?

Between MKV vs. MP4, how do you decide which format is right for you? That depends on what you want to use them for.

For instance, the MP4 format provides backward compatibility, better compression capabilities, and a wide range of support for most platforms, including Dacast. But if you prefer video quality over convenience, the MKV format is the way to go.

It’s your call, but consider the reliability and compatibility of the software you’re using and whether it meets your requirements and preferences.

FAQ

1. What will play MKV files?

You need players that can open MKV files and play them. These include:

• VLC Media Player
• MKV Player
• KMPlayer
• Mac-go Blu-Ray Player
• MX Player

2. Is MKV better than MP4?

That depends on what you think is more important. Having your video format in MKV provides lossless compression, leading to better video quality. However, it also leads to higher file sizes. On the other hand, MP4 video is a better format for delivering videos with smaller file sizes due to compression, but it has lower video quality than MKV.

3. How to turn MKV into MP4?

There are several ways to turn an MKV file into an MP4 format. You can use one of the many online converters or an offline one like:

• CloudConvert
• Uniconverter
• Miro Video Converter
• Faasoft Video Converter
• WinX UniConverter Deluxe
• Mediacoder

4. Why won’t my MKV files play?

There could be several reasons why you’re experiencing issues when playing your MKV files. These include:

• Broken MKV file
• Incompatible player that doesn’t support MKV files
• Missing codecs
• Incorrect codec settings
• Hardware decoding issues
• Incomplete MKV file

5. What is an MKV video file?

MKV is a container format that can video and audio files of large sizes. It’s also possible to store images and subtitle tracks in these files, and it’s typically used to store movies and TV shows, which are long-form videos. It’s a lossless compression format that ensures the best video quality but leads to larger file sizes.

6. Does MKV or MP4 take more space?

An MKV file format can have multiple audio tracks, while an MP4 can only contain one. So, even though both files use the same codecs, an MKV can be larger and will take up more space if you use it for multiple audio tracks.

7. Is MP4 good for streaming?

MP4 is one of the best video formats for streaming on desktop and mobile. It can work without any plugins, software, or extensions. It also has great audio compression and is suitable for video streaming because it is highly compatible with adaptive streaming technologies. 

Files in MP4 format can also include subtitles and metadata like title, author, etc. Hence, live-streaming platforms like YouTube often encourage users to post content in MP4.

8. Does converting MKV to MP4 lose quality? 

You can convert MKV files to MP4 format videos using techniques like recoding and remuxing. When recoding an MKV file format to MP4, you may lose quality during the conversion process because it’s slow. However, remuxing is a fast process that doesn’t involve unpacking and recoding the encoded data. Therefore, it is the best technique to convert MKV to MP4.

9. What are the disadvantages of MP4?

MP4 is a lossy format, so there may be some quality loss due to the high compression and smaller file sizes involved.

10. Can MP4 be streamed ?

MP4 is a popular video format for live streaming because of its high compression, often resulting in smaller file sizes. It is compatible with two major streaming protocols: HLS and MPEG-DASH.

In Conclusion

The MKV and MP4 formats are relatively safe bets for your video streaming needs, depending on exactly what you’re looking for. Both formats offer distinct features you won’t find anywhere else. Whichever one you use will boil down to your preferences and needs.

In short, MP4 is more popular for watching online content, while MKV is better for converting DVDs and Blu-ray discs into video files. The quality and size of these file formats usually depend on the codecs they use. However, more platforms and devices support the MP4 video format. Moreover, YouTube and other popular media players convert videos uploaded to them into the MP4 format for playback, giving it a distinct usage advantage.

Dacast’s professional platform supports the MP4 and MKV video formats, so you don’t have to worry about which is better. With Dacast, you can stream MP4 content and upload MKV videos seamlessly. Dacast’s complete video streaming solution allows you to use both formats so that you can have the best of both worlds. Using Dacast, you can generate embed codes and add your videos quickly, easily, and securely.

Why not give Dacast a try? Sign up and you can try Dacast free for 14 days. No commitment and no credit card required.

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