How to Convert AVI to MP4 on Mac (2026 Comprehensive Guide)

Still struggling with AVI files that won't open in QuickTime? Since AVI isn't a native Apple format, viewing these videos on a modern Mac often requires a workaround. The most efficient solution is converting them to MP4 - a universally compatible format that works perfectly across macOS, iOS, and social platforms. In this guide, we’ve cut through the noise to bring you the 3 most reliable methods to convert AVI to MP4 on Mac. Whether you want a completely free built-in option or a professional-grade AI converter for batch processing, we’ve got you covered for macOS Sequoia and M1/M2/M3 chips.

Way 1. AnyMP4 Video Converter Ultimate: The Most Powerful All-in-One Solution

AnyMP4 Mac Video Converter Ultimate is a powerful and robust video and audio converter. It can efficiently convert AVI videos to MP4 files as needed, providing various MP4 profiles with different parameters. Moreover, you can even manually set the output resolution, encoder, bitrate, and others. With the next-generation AI Video Enhancement, it not only converts videos but also actively upscales blurry, low-resolution 480p AVI files into stunningly crisp 4K/1080p MP4s by reducing video noise and stabilizing shaky footage. Besides, it has multiple video editing tools for you to adjust video effects, such as Rotate & Crop, Effect & Filter, Watermark, etc.

Now, here are the detailed steps on how to use it.

1. Download and install AnyMP4 Video Converter Ultimate on your computer. Launch the software and click Add Files to add the AVI files you want to convert.

2. Click the Output Format button to open its drop-down list. There are mainly Video, Audio, and Device sections. Go to the Video area and choose MP4, Same as Source as the output profile. To manually adjust the video parameters, click the right gear icon.

3. If you want to edit the video, click the Edit, Cut, or Enhance Video option to apply the corresponding function. Lastly, select Convert All to start the AVI to MP4 conversion.

The steps are easy, and you can also use it in person to explore its various features. Its batch convert feature is helpful when you want to process a massive number of AVI files. Along with the multiple video editing tools, you can get high-quality MP4 videos.

Way 2. QuickTime Player: The Built-in Way to Convert AVI to MP4 for Free

If you think downloading an extra video converter is troublesome, and just convert AVI to MP4 occasionally, QuickTime Player is suitable for you. As the native media player bundled with macOS, it doubles as a basic, secure video transcoder. It allows you to transform video containers without paying a dime or compromising your privacy. However, because Apple dropped native support for legacy codecs (like DivX or XviD) in recent macOS updates, QuickTime will only open AVI files encoded with modern, Apple-compatible streams.

So, how to use this player to convert video?

1. Open the QuickTime Player on your Mac. Choose File > Open File to open the AVI file you want to convert.

2. After loading it, click File > Export As > 1080P to proceed.

3. In the output settings, choose a destination folder and click the Save button to export the file. By default, the output file is the MOV format. You can usually directly change the file extension from .mov to .mp4 in Finder, as the H.264 encoding exported by QuickTime is compatible with both MOV and MP4 formats.

The feature of QuickTime exporting MP4 is ideal for casual users who need to convert AVI to MP4 once in a while. Sometimes, you may encounter the error "The file is not compatible with QuickTime Player." It means your AVI file uses an obsolete codec that Apple no longer supports. If this happens, try the other two methods.

Way 3. HandBrake: Best Open-Source AVI to MP4 Converter for Techies

HandBrake is a well-known video converter that can convert AVI to MP4 for free. As a legendary, 100% open-source video transcoder, it guarantees a clean installation with absolutely zero ads, no hidden paywalls, and no intrusive watermarks. It is fully optimized with native support for Apple Silicon (M1, M2, and M3/M4 chips), giving you a convenient experience on Mac. HandBrake leverages your Mac’s hardware to transcode complex container structures like AVI into highly compressed, web-ready MP4s with granular precision.

Here is how to use HandBrake to convert AVI to MP4.

1. Download and install HandBrake on your Mac from its official website. Open it and click the top left Open Source button to load the AVI file.

2. Under the Summary section, choose MP4 as the output format. Then click the bottom-right Browse button to set the download folder.

3. Lastly, click the top Start button to begin the process. You can batch input the AVI and convert them together.

HandBrake supports batch AVI video input and conversion, which can improve your conversion efficiency. With multiple video presets, you can set up the appropriate settings yourself. While incredibly powerful, its crowded, technical interface can feel overwhelming for beginners.

Part 4. FAQs

Conclusion

Now, you have learned the 3 easy ways to convert AVI to MP4. QuickTime Player, it provides easy but limited features for video conversion. For better video conversion effects, HandBrake supports lossless and batch video conversion. More advanced, AnyMP4 Video Converter Ultimate offers a lossless and multi-function way that allows you to convert AVI to MP4 and improve video effects at a fast speed.