WMV vs AVI

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

WMV

Video

Windows Media Video format

Advantages

  • Good compression
  • Windows native
  • Streaming support

Disadvantages

  • Proprietary
  • Limited non-Windows support

Best for

  • Windows systems
  • Streaming video
Convert to AVI
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  • Outdated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 WMV

Side-by-side comparison

Side-by-side comparison
FeatureWMVAVI
CategoryVideoVideo
File sizeMediumLarge
CompatibilityGoodWidely supported
QualityGoodGood

Questions and answers

What is the difference between WMV and AVI?
WMV: Windows Media Video format. AVI: Audio Video Interleave - older video format.
Which format should I choose: WMV or AVI?
It depends on the job. WMV is the better pick for: Windows systems and Streaming video. AVI is the better pick for: Video editing, Archiving, and Raw footage.
Can I convert WMV to AVI?
Yes. Open the WMV to AVI converter, drop the file and download the result.
Is WMV better than AVI?
Not in general. WMV is stronger at: Windows systems and Streaming video. AVI is stronger at: Video editing, Archiving, and Raw footage.

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