MKV VS AVI: Comparison Between MKV and AVI

AVI or MKV? I am downloading movies from the internet and i have 2 options to choose from : The AVI format and The MKV format. Is there any quality difference ? And why do you think they have offered these 2 formats if there is actually no difference between them ?

Do you have the same puzzle about MKV and AVI? If so, then follow me and I will tell you the differences between MKV and AVI and show you their respective pros and cons.

• MKV VS AVI Review
• Convert/Compress MKV/AVI if You Need

What is MKV?

MKV, the short form of the Matroska Multimedia Container, is an open standard free container format capable to hold innumerable videos, audios, pictures, or subtitle tracks in one file. Also it carries out its duty as a universal format to store common multimedia content, e.g., movies, TV shows, etc.
>>>See how to convert MKV to AVI

What is AVI?

AVI, (also Audio Video Interleave), widely called AVI by its initial letters, is a multimedia container format as well, introduced by Microsoft in November 1992 as a counter from Windows software against MOV format from Apple computers. AVI files can contain both audio and video data in a file container inside which synchronous audio-with-video playback can be achieved.

Differences Between MKV and AVI

Differences:
1. MKV is an open standard free container format while AVI is a proprietary format from Microsoft.
2. In addition to the common codecs, MKV supports H.264/AVC and HEVC/H.265, which are not supported by AVI. H.264 and H.265 are two major codecs for HD and 4K UHD videos.
3. AVI may support multiple video or audio streams based on the codecs, while MKV is able to store multiple tracks of audio, video and subtitles.
4. AVI is a common video format supported by many video players, mobiles, online sites due to its simplicity, and MKV is not suitable for average users who don't need all the features of the format.

Similarities:
1. Both MKV and AVI are container formats that can store audio and video data.
2. AVI can be a large file due to its minimal compression, and MKV can be larger as it holds multiple streams.

Also see: AVI VS MP4, MKV VS MP4, convert AVI to MKV, convert M2TS to MKV, M4V VS MP4, AVCHD VS MP4

MKV VS AVI: Respective Pros and Cons

How to Convert MKV and AVI

After the MKV vs AVI review, read this part if you also need to convert or compress the two formats.

If you can't play MKV or AVI smoothly on anywhere, or can't stand the large file size, this MacX Video Converter Pro can help.
1. It will convert videos from/to MKV, AVI, MP4, MOV, WMV, 3GP, any other formats;
2. You can also convert video to Apple iPhone, iPad Air 2/mini 4, iPad Pro, Galaxy Note 9/S9, HTC, Sony Xperia, Surface Pro 4, Kindle Fire, etc.
3. Reduce large files to 90% smaller with 98% quality reserved.
4. 3-Level Hardware Acceleration delivers the fastst speed converting videos, 5X faster than other tools.

First, get the software:
Free download the Mac version
Free download the Windows version

Step 1: Install the program and run it. Click Video from the interface and then click Video with a Plus button to load the file.
Step 2: Then you will see a window like the image above, select an output format from the profile bar on the bottom. You can select a digital format, or mobile device. The ToolBox contains some advanced editing features like denoise, deshake, 3D-2D, make GIF, split, etc. Use it as you want.

Step 3: To compress large MKV or AVI videos, click the Gear button behind the video info, where you can adjust the video settings. See the window above, you can adjust the video quality, video/audio codecs, bit rates, resolutions and many more. Also the editing features like cut and trim also help reduce video size.
Step 4: After all the settings, click Run to apply the adjustment. Before that, don't forget to check the Hardware acceleration engine on the interface.

Author: Candice Liu | Updated on Jan 8, 2024