What is the difference between MP4 and MOV files?

Quick Answer

MP4 and MOV are both video file containers that can store similar video and audio codecs. The main differences are:

MP4 is a popular standardized container format supported by many applications.
MOV is developed by Apple and is more commonly used on macOS and iOS devices.

MP4 has better support and compatibility across different platforms.
MOV can store some additional metadata that MP4 cannot.

Overall, MP4 tends to have better compatibility while MOV works better for Apple ecosystem devices and apps.

MP4 File Format

MP4 is a digital multimedia container format standard specified as MPEG-4 Part 14. It is a common format for storing and transmitting video content such as movies, TV shows, and clips on the Internet. Here are some key details about MP4 files:

MP4 is a container format that can store video, audio, subtitles, images, and metadata.
It supports a wide variety of audio and video compression formats.

Common video codecs used include H.264 (AVC) and H.265 (HEVC).
Common audio codecs include AAC and MP3.
Other advanced features include support for 3D video, subtitles, metadata tags.

Widely supported on most consumer devices and software media players.
High compatibility and ideal for cross-platform delivery of media content.

The MP4 file format was standardized by the Moving Pictures Expert Group (MPEG) which maintains and develops media standards. It is based on Apple’s older QuickTime container format but aimed to provide greater compatibility and flexibility.

MP4 provides a reasonably well-documented container able to hold different multimedia content in a single file. The content is encoded through various compression formats designed to reduce file size while retaining quality. This makes MP4 well suited for distributing media over the internet.

Advantages of MP4

Here are some of the main advantages of using the MP4 file format:

Portability – High compatibility across different platforms and devices like Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, web browsers, and media players. Works well for online distribution.

Flexibility – Ability to contain different multimedia tracks in a single file. Reduce need for separate video and audio files.
Compression – Uses modern video (H.264, HEVC) and audio (AAC) codecs to achieve good compression. Reduces file sizes for sharing and streaming.
Scalability – Files can be encoded at different qualities levels for adaptive bitrate streaming.

Supported features – Contains metadata and supports advanced features like subtitles, chapters, multiple audio tracks.
Adoption – The popularity of MP4 makes it widely compatible with all major media platforms and ecosystems.

MOV File Format

MOV is a multimedia container file format developed by Apple and supported by QuickTime and iTunes software. Some key details:

Primarily used by Apple software and devices running macOS, iOS, iPadOS, tvOS.
Can contain video, audio, text, timecode, subtitles, data etc.
Common media codecs include H.264, HEVC, ProRes for video and AAC for audio.

Commonly used for downloading movies and clips from iTunes store.
MOV files can have .mov, .qt extensions.
More flexible with metadata compared to MP4 but less cross-platform support.

The MOV format was created by Apple to store timed metadata along with media content. It is based on the older QuickTime format. The official name for MOV is QuickTime File Format.

MOV can store data encoded using various compression formats similar to MP4. It supports many proprietary media created by Apple like ProRes and supports features like alpha transparency.

Advantages of MOV

Here are some benefits of using the MOV file format:

Apple ecosystem support – Works seamlessly with QuickTime, iMovie, Final Cut Pro, and across Apple devices.
Advanced metadata – Can store richer metadata for images, effects, timing, synchronization.
Editing – Works well with professional non-linear video editing tools used for production.

Apple codec support – Works well with Apple proprietary codecs like ProRes for high quality video.
Transparency – Supports alpha channel transparency effects in videos.
Streaming – Can store adaptive bitrate streams for HTTP Live streaming on Apple devices.

MP4 vs MOV Comparison

Now that we have looked at MP4 and MOV file formats separately, let us compare some of their key similarities and differences:

Similarities between MP4 and MOV

Both are digital multimedia container formats that can store audio, video, subtitles, metadata etc.
Support similar audio/video codecs like AAC, H.264, HEVC.

Contain media encoded using compression like MPEG standards.
Have comparable formats to store high quality lossless media.
Offer capabilities like streaming adaptive bitrate media.

Differences between MP4 and MOV

MP4	MOV
Open standard format maintained by MPEG	A proprietary Apple format based on QuickTime
Higher cross-platform compatibility across devices and software	Optimized for Apple ecosystems like macOS, iOS, iTunes
Better support on non-Apple devices like Windows, Android, websites	Works seamlessly with Final Cut Pro, iMovie, QuickTime
Adopted for online streaming and digital distribution	Used more in production and post-production workflows
Less support for metadata like effects, color information etc.	Can store richer meta-data, especially for video editing
Limited to AAC and MP3 for audio	Supports wider range of audio formats

In summary, MP4 has wider support across platforms while MOV is focused towards Apple’s ecosystems. MP4 is more widely used for online distribution while MOV works better for production workflows.

Converting Between MP4 and MOV

Since MP4 and MOV can support many of the same media encodings, it is possible to convert video files from one format to another without transcoding the audio or video stream. This helps retain the original quality.

There are many software tools available to remux (repackage) media streams from MOV to MP4 or vice versa. Some options include:

FFmpeg – free command line tool for converting media files
Handbrake – open source video transcoder with GUI
VLC Media Player – has basic format conversion capabilities

MOV to MP4 converters – purpose built tools for converting between formats
Cloud convertors – online services to convert MOV to MP4
Adobe software like Premiere Pro, Media Encoder

Apple Compressor

The conversion process just involves changing the container format from MOV to MP4 or vice versa, without any transcoding. This re-packages the media streams into the target format.

However, in some cases transcoding may be required if the audio or video codec used in the source is not supported by the target format. Overall, MOV to MP4 conversion is generally seamless.

Software Support for MP4 and MOV

Due to their popularlity, both MP4 and MOV files are supported in a variety of media applications and platforms:

MP4 File Support

Media players – Windows Media Player, VLC, QuickTime, iTunes
Smartphones and tablets – playback via native apps on iOS, Android, Windows Phone

Video streaming platforms – YouTube, Facebook, Vimeo
TV streaming devices – Apple TV, Roku, Amazon Fire TV
Online video sites – support MP4 video playback

Web browsers – can play MP4 videos natively or via plug-ins
Video editing software – iMovie, Premiere Pro, Final Cut Pro, DaVinci Resolve
Gaming consoles – PlayStation 4 and Xbox One support MP4 playback

MOV File Support

Apple devices – full support for QuickTime MOV files across macOS, iOS, iPadOS, tvOS
iTunes – plays back MOV files on Mac and Windows
QuickTime Player – default player for MOV files on Mac

Final Cut Pro, iMovie – native support for editing MOV files
Windows Media Player (partial) – can play back some MOV files
VLC, MPlayer and others – third-party media players that support QuickTime and MOV

Limited support on Android, depends on device and app capabilities

In general, MOV support is stronger on Apple devices while MP4 works better for cross-platform use cases.

Uses of MP4 vs MOV

Some typical uses of MP4 vs MOV file formats include:

MP4 Uses

Sharing videos online – social media, YouTube, Vimeo etc.
Online streaming – adaptive bitrate streaming using MPEG-DASH or HLS
Digital downloads – video sales and rentals from iTunes, Google Play etc.

Augmented reality – AR experiences using MP4 videos
Video compression – reducing file size using codecs like H.264
Flash video distribution (older sites) – MP4 could be played back directly by Adobe Flash

Video podcasts – adding video to podcast feeds

MOV Uses

Production and post production – video editing in Final Cut Pro, iMovie
Broadcast workflows – professional workflows using Apple software

Apple device media – recording videos on iPhone, iPad and Apple Watch
QuickTime streaming – older HTTP streaming method for Apple devices
High quality media – using Apple ProRes codec

Professional codecs – like ProRes, Apple Animation
Alpha channel support – transparency effects in videos

In summary, MP4 is geared for delivery and consumption while MOV focuses more on media production workflows.

Pros and Cons

Some of the key pros and cons of using MP4 vs MOV include:

MP4 Pros

Cross-platform portability across many devices and apps
Web compatibility for online streaming and sharing

Better support on non-Apple devices
Standardized open format with good documentation
Efficient compression using modern video codecs

MP4 Cons

Limited metadata support compared to MOV
Reduced compatibility with professional production workflows
No native support for Apple ProRes codec

Not ideal for professional editing compared to MOV

MOV Pros

Designed for Apple ecosystem with seamless experience
Supports richer metadata for effects and editing

Works natively with Final Cut Pro, iMovie, Compressor
Needed for Apple ProRes high quality media
Alpha channel transparency supported

MOV Cons

Limited compatibility and support outside Apple ecosystems
Not widely supported across non-Apple devices and platforms
Larger file sizes compared to more modern MP4 compression

Proprietary Apple format – specs not openly documented

Conclusion

In conclusion, both MP4 and MOV are popular container formats for storing digital video and audio.

MP4 offers greater portability and cross-platform support making it ideal for delivering media online across devices. MOV is optimized for Apple’s ecosystems and professional production workflows.

For most consumer usage like watching videos on laptops, smartphones and online sharing, MP4 is likely the better choice. Professionals working with Apple tools and platforms will benefit from using MOV more.

Ultimately the decision depends on the specific devices, software and use cases required. Both formats have their place and are likely to co-exist for the foreseeable future.