Movavi Video Converter: What It Does & How to Use It

Movavi Video Converter is a desktop program for Windows and macOS that changes video, audio, and image files from one format to another, such as converting an MKV file to MP4 or extracting the audio track from a video as an MP3. You select files, pick an output format, and click a button to get a converted file that plays on your target device. The program is known for its simple interface, hardware-accelerated encoding for faster results, and a free trial that adds a watermark to output files.

Background and What the Software Is

Movavi Video Converter is developed by Movavi, a Russian software company founded in 2004 that also makes video editors, screen recorders, and photo editors. The converter has been around for over a decade and has gone through many versions, with the current one being Movavi Video Converter 2025. It is a paid application, but a free trial version lets you convert a limited number of files or adds a watermark, depending on the version you download. The software supports a wide range of formats including MP4, AVI, MKV, MOV, WMV, FLV, MP3, WAV, and more, plus output presets for specific devices like iPhones, Android phones, PlayStation, and Xbox.

How the Conversion Process Works

At its core, the program decodes the source file’s compressed data, processes it, and then re-encodes it into the target format. The steps you follow in the interface are:

Add files by clicking “Add Media” or dragging them into the window.
Choose an output format from the bottom panel, such as MP4, or select a device preset.
Optionally adjust settings like resolution, bitrate, frame rate, or codec by clicking the gear icon.
Select a destination folder and click “Convert”.

The program uses hardware acceleration (NVIDIA CUDA, Intel Quick Sync, and AMD) to speed up encoding when your computer has compatible hardware. This can make conversions several times faster than using only the CPU. The software also supports batch conversion, so you can add many files at once and convert them all in one go.

Key Features and What You Can Do With It

Format conversion: Change containers and codecs, e.g., MKV to MP4, AVI to MOV.
Device presets: One-click settings for popular gadgets, so you don’t have to know the technical specs.
Audio extraction: Save the sound from a video as MP3, WAV, or other audio format.
Basic editing: Trim clips, crop, rotate, add subtitles, and apply simple effects before converting.
Compression: Reduce file size by lowering resolution or bitrate.
GIF creation: Turn a short video segment into an animated GIF.

These features make it more than a plain converter, but it is not a full video editor. For complex editing, you would use a dedicated editor like Movavi Video Editor or another program.

How to Choose Between Movavi and Other Converters

When deciding if Movavi is right for you, consider these factors:

Ease of use: Movavi is designed for beginners; if you want a simple drag-and-drop interface, it is a good match.
Format support: It covers most common formats, but if you need exotic codecs, check the full list on the official site.
Speed: Hardware acceleration is a big plus, but the actual speed depends on your CPU/GPU and the file size.
Price: It is paid, so compare with free options like HandBrake or VLC if cost is a concern.
Operating system: Movavi works on Windows and macOS, but not on Linux or mobile.

Common Problems and How to Fix Them

Users often encounter a few issues:

Converted file has no sound: This usually happens when the audio codec is not supported by the output format. Choose a preset that includes audio (e.g., MP4 with AAC) or use the “Custom” settings to set the audio codec.
Conversion is slow: Make sure hardware acceleration is enabled in settings, close other heavy programs, and check that your device drivers are up to date.
Output file is too large: Lower the bitrate or resolution in the settings. A common target is 1080p at 8 Mbps for good quality.
Watermark on trial output: The free trial adds a watermark; you need to purchase a license to remove it.
Cannot add a certain file: The file might be corrupted or use an unsupported codec. Try converting it with another tool first or re-download the file.

Pricing and License Options

Movavi Video Converter is not free. As of 2025, the full version costs around $79.95 for a one-time purchase, which includes free updates for one year. There is also a subscription option at about $39.95 per year. The trial version is free but has limitations: it can convert only a certain number of files (often 3) or adds a watermark, and some features are disabled. Educational discounts are sometimes available for students and teachers. Prices can change, so check the official Movavi website for current rates.

Safety and Legitimacy

Movavi is a legitimate, well-known company, and the software is safe to download from the official site. However, be cautious when downloading from third-party sites, as they may bundle adware or outdated versions. The installer may offer optional third-party software; you can decline these during installation. The program itself does not contain malware, but always download from the official source and keep your antivirus active.

Alternatives to Movavi Video Converter

If Movavi does not fit your needs, here are common alternatives:

HandBrake: Free, open-source, and powerful, but with a steeper learning curve. It supports batch conversion and many formats.
VLC Media Player: Free and can convert files via the “Convert/Save” menu, though it is less user-friendly for this task.
FFmpeg: A command-line tool for advanced users; it is extremely flexible but not for beginners.
Online converters (e.g., CloudConvert): Free for small files, but you upload your data to a third party, which may raise privacy concerns.
Any Video Converter: Freemium software with similar features, but beware of adware in the free version.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Movavi Video Converter free?

No, it is paid software. There is a free trial that lets you test the program, but the output will have a watermark or be limited in the number of files you can convert. To remove the watermark and unlock all features, you must buy a license.

Does Movavi Video Converter work on Mac?

Yes, Movavi Video Converter is available for both Windows and macOS. The Mac version has a slightly different interface but the same core features.

Can I convert MKV to MP4 without losing quality?

Yes, you can. When converting, choose a high bitrate (e.g., 10-20 Mbps for 1080p) and use the H.264 codec. The conversion will re-encode the video, so there is always a tiny generational loss, but with high settings, it is visually indistinguishable.

How long does a conversion take?

It depends on the file size, your computer’s hardware, and the selected settings. With hardware acceleration, a 1-hour 1080p video might take 5-10 minutes on a modern PC. Without acceleration, it can take 30-60 minutes.

Does Movavi Video Converter support 4K and 8K video?

Yes, the current version supports 4K and 8K resolutions, both as input and output. You can convert 4K videos to 1080p to save space, or upscale to 4K if needed.

What is the difference between Movavi Video Converter and Movavi Video Editor?

The converter focuses on format conversion and basic edits like trimming and cropping. The editor is a full video editing suite with timelines, transitions, effects, titles, and audio tools. You would use the editor to create a video, then the converter to export it in a specific format.

Method: the standard formula for this calculation, rounded as each result states. See how the calculators work or report an error.

More cards in this drawer

The whole Numbers and Powers drawer →