AVI vs MP4: Which Format is Better for Videos? Get Answers Here

AVI (Audio Video Interleave) and MP4 (MPEG-4 Part 14) are two widely used digital video formats designed for specific purposes in media storage and playback. Developed by Microsoft in 1992, AVI is renowned for its compatibility and high-quality video output, making it a preferred choice for professional editing and archival purposes. On the other hand, MP4, introduced by the Moving Picture Experts Group (MPEG) in 2001, is highly regarded for its efficient compression and universal compatibility, which makes it ideal for streaming and sharing content online. While AVI excels in delivering superior quality, its larger file sizes can be a drawback. In contrast, MP4 strikes a balance between quality and smaller file sizes. Read the full post for a detailed comparison of AVI vs. MP4 to determine which format suits your needs best!

Detailed Comparison of AVI and MP4 Formats

Evaluation Table for AVI Format vs. MP4

Key Features Comparison of AVI and MP4

Understanding which is better AVI or MP4, is crucial for selecting the right video format for your needs. Below is a breakdown of their features based on quality, file size, portability, compression, and pros and cons.

1. What is MP4/AVI?

• MP4: A versatile format designed for high compatibility and efficient compression, ideal for streaming and sharing.
• AVI: An older format known for its high-quality outputs, widely used in professional video editing and storage.

2. Quality

• MP4: Provides high-quality video with effective compression but may slightly reduce fidelity compared to the original.
• AVI: Delivers superior video and audio quality, often used in lossless formats, suitable for editing and archival purposes.

3. File Size

• MP4: Smaller file sizes, making it perfect for saving storage and easy sharing.
• AVI: Larger file sizes due to limited compression efficiency, which can consume more storage.

4. Portability

• MP4: Universally supported across modern devices, including smartphones, computers, and streaming platforms.
• AVI: Best suited for Windows systems and older devices but less compatible with modern gadgets.

5. Compression

• MP4: Employs advanced compression methods (e.g., H.264, H.265), achieving a balance between quality and size.
• AVI: Uses less efficient compression, resulting in higher-quality files but at the cost of larger sizes.

6. Pros

• MP4: Smaller file sizes and universal compatibility make it ideal for online streaming and sharing. It maintains good video and audio quality, even with advanced compression.
• AVI: Offers excellent video and audio quality, making it suitable for professional editing and archiving. Its compatibility with legacy systems adds to its usability for older setups.

7. Cons

• MP4: Compression can cause slight quality loss, especially with highly compressed files, and it has limited flexibility for editing metadata.
• AVI: Large file sizes can strain storage capacity, and it has limited compatibility with modern devices and platforms compared to MP4.

Best Ways to Convert MP4 to AVI

1. VidElement

VidElement is a powerful tool for converting MP4 to AVI format or vice versa, ensuring seamless playback across various devices and platforms. With support for over 1,000 video and audio formats, including MP4, AVI, MOV, and more, it offers unmatched flexibility for various needs. Moreover, its user-friendly interface ensures a smooth experience, while high-speed conversion guarantees efficiency without sacrificing quality. Notably, VidElement supports resolutions up to 4K, delivering pristine results every time. Additionally, features like subtitle support and batch conversion make it perfect for managing multiple files effortlessly. Whether you’re optimizing videos for specific software or devices, VidElement combines reliability and performance, making it the ultimate solution for video format conversions. Here’s how to use the tool after knowing the difference between AVI and MP4.

Step 1 Get the Video Converter

Installing VidElement is quick and straightforward, ensuring you can use it in just a few minutes. Download the setup file from the above icon, run the installer, and follow the on-screen instructions to complete the process. Once installed, launch the software to access its powerful video conversion features immediately.

Step 2 Add the Video Into the Tool

Next, go to the “Converter” tab and select “Converting” from the software's secondary menu. Then, hit the “Add Files” button on the upper left corner to launch your computer’s file menu. Now, select the video you want to convert and import it to the converter.

Step 3 Select Format and Convert

After uploading your file, locate the format option in the right corner of the panel. Click on it to open the list of available formats. From there, select AVI and the quality you prefer. Finally, go to the bottom right corner and click the “Convert All” button to initiate the process.

Step 4 Check the New AVI Video

Once the conversion is complete, navigate to the "Converted" tab to access your processed video files. You can preview the converted AVI video or locate it for further use here. This organized section ensures you can easily find and manage all your completed conversions.

2. AceThinker Free Online MP4 to AVI Converter

AceThinker Free Online MP4 to AVI Converter is the perfect solution for those seeking a simple yet effective way to transform video formats. With a user-friendly interface and drag-and-drop functionality, this tool makes it easy for anyone to convert MP4 files to AVI online without hassle. Additionally, it guarantees no loss in quality, ensuring your videos retain their professional appearance. The tool offers fast conversion speeds, up to 3x faster than standard tools, so you can get your files ready quickly. Plus, this free video converter no watermark provides a seamless, distraction-free experience. Enjoy wide compatibility for playback across devices, anytime and anywhere, with this free and reliable solution.

User Guide:

• Launch the AceThinker Free Online MP4 to AVI Converter on your web browser. Click the “Choose Your File” button to access your device’s file menu. Browse your folders, select the MP4 file you want to convert, and hit “Open” to upload it to the tool.
• Once your video is uploaded, locate the format menu and choose “AVI” as your desired output. The tool will automatically analyze your file to prepare it for conversion.
• The conversion will begin automatically after selecting the format. Once complete, click the “Download” button to save the converted AVI video to your computer for playback or further use.

3. VLC Media Player

VLC Media Player is more than just a media player; it also doubles as a versatile video converter. It allows you to convert MP4 to AVI format seamlessly on any device, like mobile phones, computers, or any operating system. Supporting a variety of popular formats, VLC enables you to play, convert, and even record videos, making it a multifunctional tool. While its interface may appear complex at first, a bit of practice reveals its ease of use. What is more, the tool has customizable video and audio codecs, so you can play around with the output of your video. Plus, you can directly play AVI on Windows media player like VLC. This makes it a commendable tool after deciding between video format AVI vs. MP4. Here’s how to use it on your mobile phone.

User Guide:

• Download and install the VLC Media Player app from your device’s app store (Google Play Store or Apple App Store). Once installed, launch the app and familiarize yourself with the interface for a smoother experience.
• Open VLC and tap the “Media” menu, then choose “Convert / Save.” From the dialog box that appears, tap Add to browse and select the MP4 file you want to convert.
• In the conversion window, select “Profile,” then tap the “Wrench” icon to choose AVI under the Encapsulation tab. After selecting your destination folder, tap “Start” to begin the conversion process and save your new AVI file.

4. Convertio

Convertio is an online tool that simplifies converting MP4 to AVI on any device or operating system, like Windows and Mac. Supporting over 300 formats, it offers unmatched versatility for various conversion needs. Additionally, all conversions happen in the cloud, ensuring no strain on your device's resources. Advanced features like custom quality, aspect ratio, and codec settings make it highly flexible. With guaranteed privacy and secure file deletion after 24 hours, Convertio ensures peace of mind. Its browser-based functionality eliminates the need for software installation, making it accessible across all devices. Furthermore, below is a simple guide that you can follow to convert MP4 to AVI or vice versa.

User Guide:

• Begin by selecting or dragging your MP4 file onto the Convertio interface from your computer, smartphone, or tablet. Alternatively, you can upload files directly from your Google Drive or Dropbox for added convenience.
• After uploading, ensure the output format is set to “AVI.” Adjust settings like resolution, quality, and aspect ratio by clicking the gear icon to tailor the video to your preferences.
• Click the “Convert” button to start the process, which typically completes in a few minutes. Once done, download the AVI file to your device or save it directly to Google Drive or Dropbox.

5. Freemake Video Converter

Freemake Video Converter is a versatile tool that converts videos across over 500 popular and rare formats, including video format AVI vs. MP4. It allows users to upload files from their computer or online platforms such as YouTube and Facebook, ensuring convenience and flexibility. Additionally, Freemake offers basic editing features like cutting, joining, and rotating video clips, making it ideal for quick adjustments. You can even add and customize subtitles, editing their size and font for a polished result. While the software is only available for Windows, its extensive functionality and user-friendly interface make it a standout choice. With Freemake, transitioning between formats has never been easier.

User Guide:

• Install Freemake Video Converter from its official website and launch it on your Windows computer. Familiarize yourself with the user-friendly interface to ensure a seamless conversion process.
• Drag and drop your MP4 file directly into the program, or click the “+Video” button to browse and select your video. The uploaded file will appear in the program and be ready for format selection.
• From the list of formats displayed at the bottom, select “AVI” and adjust the desired preset settings. Finally, click the “Convert” button to begin the process and save the converted file to your preferred location.

Conclusion

In conclusion, understanding what is the difference between AVI and MP4 can help you choose the right format for your needs. AVI is ideal for those prioritizing high-quality video with minimal compression, making it suitable for professional editing and archival purposes. On the other hand, MP4 stands out for its smaller file sizes, broad compatibility, and efficient compression, making it perfect for everyday use and sharing across devices. Both formats have unique strengths, so the choice ultimately depends on your preferences and requirements. Whether you value quality or convenience, selecting the appropriate format ensures your videos' best viewing and storage experience.