AVI vs MKV

Compare AVI and MKV formats to find the best option for your needs.

AVI

Video

Audio Video Interleave - older video format

Advantages

  • High quality
  • Wide compatibility
  • No compression
  • Easy to edit

Disadvantages

  • Very large files
  • Outdated
  • Limited compression
  • Not streaming-friendly

Best for

  • Video editing
  • Archiving
  • Raw footage
Convert to MKV
MKV

Video

Matroska multimedia container

Advantages

  • Supports multiple streams
  • Open format
  • High quality

Disadvantages

  • Large file size
  • Limited device support

Best for

  • High-quality video
  • Multiple audio tracks
  • Subtitles
Convert to AVI

Side-by-side comparison

Side-by-side comparison
FeatureAVIMKV
CategoryVideoVideo
File sizeLargeLarge
CompatibilityWidely supportedGood
QualityGoodLossless

Questions and answers

What is the difference between AVI and MKV?
AVI: Audio Video Interleave - older video format. MKV: Matroska multimedia container.
Which format should I choose: AVI or MKV?
It depends on the job. AVI is the better pick for: Video editing, Archiving, and Raw footage. MKV is the better pick for: High-quality video, Multiple audio tracks, and Subtitles.
Can I convert AVI to MKV?
Yes. Open the AVI to MKV converter, drop the file and download the result.
Is AVI better than MKV?
Not in general. AVI is stronger at: Video editing, Archiving, and Raw footage. MKV is stronger at: High-quality video, Multiple audio tracks, and Subtitles.

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