Convert MOV to MKV Online
Large file sizes with ProRes (1 minute of 4K ProRes 422 is about 7.5 GB) and less universal than MP4 on non-Apple platforms. Converting to MKV gives you a key advantage: the most flexible container: unlimited audio tracks, subtitle formats (srt, ass, pgs), chapter markers, and attachment files in a single open-standard file. MKV is best for archiving high-quality video with multiple audio tracks, subtitle streams, and chapter markers in one file.
Why Convert MOV to MKV?
Large file sizes with ProRes (1 minute of 4K ProRes 422 is about 7.5 GB) and less universal than MP4 on non-Apple platforms β converting to MKV overcomes this by providing the most flexible container: unlimited audio tracks, subtitle formats (srt, ass, pgs), chapter markers, and attachment files in a single open-standard file
MKV is the right choice when you need to: archiving blu-ray rips with original audio tracks (dts-hd, truehd) and subtitle streams
Gain broader compatibility β MKV works with VLC, MPC-HC, mpv, Plex, Kodi, Jellyfin; partial support on Android and some smart TVs
Your MOV files were created for delivering broadcast-quality master files to tv networks and streaming services, but now you need a format suited to different workflows
MOV vs MKV β Format Comparison
Apple QuickTime Movie (.mov)
Matroska Video Container (.mkv)
How to Convert MOV to MKV
Upload your MOV file
Drag your .mov file onto the upload area or click to browse. We accept MOV files up to 2 GB.
Choose MKV as output format
Select .mkv (Matroska Video Container) from the format list. Configure any format-specific settings to match your requirements.
Convert and download
Click Convert and wait for processing. Your MKV file will be ready to download in seconds. The result is optimized for archiving high-quality video with multiple audio tracks, subtitle streams, and chapter markers in one file.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the MOV to MKV conversion lossless?
expand_more
When both formats support lossless data, the conversion preserves all content. Container-agnostic: supports any codec (H.264, H.265, AV1, VP9) at any quality level.
How large will my MKV file be compared to the original MOV?
expand_more
MOV files are typically 100 MB β 50 GB, while MKV files are typically 50 MB β 30 GB. The actual size depends on content complexity and any quality settings you choose.
What software can open the converted MKV file?
expand_more
MKV is compatible with: VLC, MPC-HC, mpv, Plex, Kodi, Jellyfin; partial support on Android and some smart TVs.
What is the maximum file size I can convert?
expand_more
PureConverter accepts MOV files up to 2 GB. Your files are processed securely and deleted from our servers after conversion.
What's the difference between MOV and MKV?
expand_more
MOV (Apple QuickTime Movie) is best for professional video editing on apple platforms with support for prores and high-quality intermediate codecs. MKV (Matroska Video Container) is best for archiving high-quality video with multiple audio tracks, subtitle streams, and chapter markers in one file. Key tradeoff: MOV's advantage is native support for apple prores, which is the industry standard intermediate codec for video production and post-processing, while MKV's advantage is the most flexible container: unlimited audio tracks, subtitle formats (srt, ass, pgs), chapter markers, and attachment files in a single open-standard file.
Pro Tips for MOV to MKV Conversion
Review the output MKV file to ensure all formatting and content transferred correctly from your MOV source
Keep a backup of your original MOV file β while our conversion is reliable, having the source is always recommended
MKV works especially well for: storing anime with multiple subtitle tracks (soft-subs) for different fan translations
Did you know? Matroska is named after Russian nesting dolls (ΠΌΠ°ΡΡΡΡΠΊΠ°) because the format is based on EBML, which nests data structures inside each other like layers of a doll.
Ready to Convert?
Upload your MOV file above and get your MKV in seconds. Free, fast, and secure.