Convert AVI to MKV
Free, fast and secure — convert AVI to MKV right in your browser.
Convert AVI to MKV for wider compatibility
Converting AVI to MKV gives you a more widely supported file that opens cleanly across more devices, apps and platforms — handy when AVI will not play nicely everywhere.
How to convert AVI to MKV
- 1 Drop your AVI file into the converter above.
- 2 It is converted to MKV automatically — no settings to fiddle with.
- 3 Download your new MKV file instantly.
AVI vs MKV
| Feature | AVI | MKV |
|---|---|---|
| Compression | Lossy | Lossy |
| Transparency | No | No |
| Animation | Yes | Yes |
| MIME type | video/x-msvideo | video/x-matroska |
| Best for | Legacy desktop video — usually converted to MP4 for sharing and streaming. | Archiving high-quality video with multiple tracks — converted to MP4 for everyday playback. |
About the formats
AVI video
AVI is a long-standing Microsoft container. It is widely readable on desktops and can store high-quality video, but its files are large and it lacks modern streaming features.
Strengths
- Broad desktop compatibility
- Simple, well-understood format
- Can hold high-quality video
Limitations
- Large file sizes
- No modern streaming features
- Weak mobile/browser support
Best for: Legacy desktop video — usually converted to MP4 for sharing and streaming.
Matroska video
MKV (Matroska) is a flexible open container that can bundle many video, audio and subtitle tracks in one file. It is popular for high-quality archives and media libraries.
Strengths
- Holds multiple audio/subtitle tracks
- Open and future-proof
- Great for high-quality storage
Limitations
- Not supported on many phones/browsers
- Often needs converting to play
- Larger than streaming formats
Best for: Archiving high-quality video with multiple tracks — converted to MP4 for everyday playback.