MKV vs MP4 - Which is Better in Different Criteria for Comparison

In layman's terms, MKV(Matroska) and MP4(MPEG-4) are video formats. To comprehend, better consider them as the container in which video & audio streams are contained. Usually, we have a wide range of video sources and a wide variety of encodings. MKV is currently the most suitable package format – it can help to wrap up anything. Thus, is MKV better than MP4?

- The Major Difference Between MKV and MP4:

MKV was specifically designed to be a universal container, it supports content of any codecs – which makes it an all-purpose container, unlike MP4, which is restricted in specific video/audio encoder. Encoder means much to a video file, it determines its quality, size and device support, and different encoder vary from each other to a large degree, that’s why MKV differs MP4 a lot.

Also Read: MP4 VS MPG | MPEG4 VS MP4 | MOV VS MP4 | AVCHD VS MP4

In short, if you value good video quality, MKV can be a solid answer. If not, as the format with terrific compatibility, MP4 is perfect for any-device playback. Looking for details? Sure, in three parts, I will elaborate on their pros and cons.

Usually, to judge which video format is “better”, we take these criteria for comparison:

- Part 1. Video Quality and Playback Performance

- Part 2. File Size and Network Adaptability

- Part 3. Encapsulation Performance

MKV: Video quality depends on the video/audio encoder within container, MKV can contain higher-definition encoder like AVCHD. Besides, even when MKV and MP4 have the same codecs, MKV is still better than MP4 in audio quality; Multi-video and multi-audio streams supported, multi-subtitles and multi-audio tracks supported; Easy to add subtitles or extract saved subtitles

MP4: Not much of a good format speaking of video quality compared with MKV. Video quality is restricted to its finite encoder; Subtitles can’t be properly displayed in most cases, can’t add subtitles to MP4 without a professional tool easily.

Conclusion: MKV is better.

MKV: Uncompressed video format, storage-costly and hard to transmit online.

MP4: Higher coding efficiency – minimal size for mediocre quality. Better compatibility; A perfect video format for Google Drive and other cloud services; Widely used on portable device video playback.

Conclusion: MP4 is better.

MKV: Compatible with all codecs; Allows you to directly add audio and video streams and play properly afterwards without re-encoding; VFR (Variable Frame Rate) supported.

MP4: Encoder is restricted to: MPEG-H Part 2 (H.265/HEVC), MPEG-4 Part 10 (H.264/AVC), MPEG-4 Part 2, MPEG-2 and MPEG-1.

Learn more: H264 vs H265

Conclusion: MKV is better.