15 Best MP4 Cutters in 2026: Trim & Split Video Without Quality Loss

Trimming MP4 videos is the most common post-production task, whether you’re removing dead air from a YouTube vlog, shortening a clip for TikTok, or extracting highlights from a massive 4K recording. However, the biggest challenge isn't just "cutting"—it's doing so without losing original quality or waiting hours for re-encoding.

In this 2026 guide, we have hands-on tested over 30 tools to narrow down the 15 best MP4 cutters that balance speed, precision, and ease of use. From professional-grade desktop software with hardware acceleration to lightweight online trimmers for instant edits, we’ll help you find the perfect tool that delivers clean, watermark-free results.

Part 1. What is the MP4 Format?

MP4, formally known as MPEG-4 Part 14 (ISO/IEC 14496-14), is the world’s most popular digital multimedia container format. To understand how to cut MP4 files without losing quality, it is crucial to distinguish between the Container and the Codec.

• • The Container (MP4): Think of it as a "digital wrapper" that holds various data streams, including video, audio, subtitles, and metadata (like GPS info or timestamps).
• • The Codec (H.264/HEVC/AV1): This is the actual compression math inside the wrapper. Modern MP4 files often use H.264 (AVC) for universal compatibility or H.265 (HEVC) and AV1 for 4K/8K high-resolution efficiency.

Why MP4 is the Standard for Video Cutting

• 1. High Compatibility: Plays natively on every modern OS (Windows 11, macOS Sonoma), smartphone, and AI device.
• 2. Metadata Support: Stores essential info that allows AI video editors to "read" and organize your footage automatically.
• 3. Efficiency: Delivers professional-grade visual fidelity with remarkably small file footprints.

Expert Note on Trimming: Most MP4 files use Inter-frame compression (GOP structure), meaning only some frames (Keyframes) are full images. When you trim an MP4, the software must either cut exactly on these keyframes (Lossless) or re-calculate every frame (Re-encoding). Choosing a tool that supports "Lossless Keyframe Cutting" is the only way to preserve 100% of your original quality.

Part 2. Top 10 MP4 Cutters to Cut MP4 Files Offline (Desktop)

Top 1. AnyMP4 Video Converter Ultimate – Best for Lossless 4K Trimming

If you are looking for a professional MP4 video cutter, AnyMP4 Video Converter Ultimate will be your first option for cutting MP4 videos. This video cutter has multiple editing features that allow you to cut the MP4 video length by setting the start and end point, or using the Fast Split function to trim your video to different parts.

The toolbar on the timeline also provides some of the tools you can use like adding, deleting, and copying segments, etc. Moreover, you can convert MP4 files to other formats on Converter and customize the MP4 video using many advanced tools on the Toolbox. Try to cut and create a unique MP4 video now!

Top 2. iMovie – The Most Stable Free Choice for Mac Users

As for Mac users, iMovie is the default MP4 cutter to trim the MP4. iMovie offers lots of excellent features that you can easily cut video into pieces and edit any part of the video as you like. The high-resolution videos can be processed with iMovie in high quality. It is a powerful and effective MP4 cutter and video editor free for Mac and iOS users.

Top 3. CapCut (Desktop) – Best for Social Media & Trending Effects

CapCut has rapidly evolved from a mobile app into a powerhouse desktop editor, becoming the go-to choice for TikTok and Reels creators. It stands out by offering a massive, cloud-synced library of trending music, stickers, and AI-powered templates that allow users to cut MP4s and style them for social media in minutes. Its "Auto-cut" and "Smart Trimming" features use AI to identify the most engaging parts of your footage, making it a high-efficiency tool for the modern attention economy.

Top 4. Shutter Encoder – Best for Technical Users & Lossless Cutting

If you are looking for a "Swiss Army Knife" for video, Shutter Encoder is the professional’s secret weapon. Unlike traditional editors that re-encode video (which takes time and loses quality), Shutter Encoder features a dedicated "Cut" function that performs a direct stream copy. This allows you to split a 5GB MP4 file in seconds without touching the original pixels. It is built on the powerful FFmpeg engine but wraps it in a much more accessible interface for those who want professional results without typing command lines.

Top 5. Avidemux – Best Open Source Tool for Quick Direct Streams

Avidemux is another open source MP4 cutter for Windows, Mac and Linux. There are some features to cut, filter and encode video files. What is more, you can find a lot of interactive options and step by step guide for using these features within the program.

Top 6. Lightworks – Best for Hollywood-Style Storytelling

Compared to the other MP4 cutters, Lightworks is one of the most advanced video editing tools. If you are a novice user, you might not able to handle the features to cut MP4 files to desired part. If you are familiar with the toolset of Lightworks, you can quickly get the results.

Top 7. VSDC Free Video Editor – Best for Older Windows PCs

VSDC Free Video Editor is a simple and easy to use video editor and MP4 trimmer. It has a full support for various video codecs and formats. You can split and combine multiple sources of videos in MP4 and different formats into a high quality video. What's more, you can save the video segments with multiple profiles, including many popular smart phones and game consoles.

Top 8. DaVinci Resolve

DaVinci Resolve is a Hollywood-standard tool that has disrupted the market by offering a free version more powerful than most paid competitors. While it is famous for its color grading, its "Cut Page" is specifically designed for high-speed trimming and assembly. It is ideal for users who want to transition from simple MP4 cutting to professional filmmaking. In 2026, its DaVinci Neural Engine uses AI to automatically detect scene changes, making the "cutting" process significantly smarter and faster for long-form content.

Top 9. Shotcut – Best Cross-Platform Open Source Editor

Shotcut is the champion of the open-source world for those who find Avidemux too simple but DaVinci Resolve too complex. It supports an astonishing array of formats thanks to its FFmpeg backend and offers a sleek, customizable interface. One of its standout features for 2026 is "Native Timeline Editing," which means you don’t need to "import" files into a library—you just drag them from your folder and start cutting. This makes it incredibly fast for quick one-off trimming tasks.

Top 10. Freemake Video Converter – Best for Basic Visual Cutting

SPG Video Splitter is another MP4 Splitter with simple features. The program allows you to cut more precisely than some others here. It makes the cutting process a little more involved but is perhaps worth it for the control this ability brings to your output.

Part 3. Top 5 MP4 Cutters to Trim MP4 Files Online (Web-Based)

Online MP4 cutters are the go-to solution for one-off edits without the hassle of software installation. In 2026, the best online tools focus on Privacy and Zero Watermarks. Below is our curated list based on speed, security, and output quality.

1. AnyMP4 Video Trimmer Online – Best for Instant, Private Edits

AnyMP4’s online utility is built for maximum speed and data privacy. AnyMP4 Video Trimmer Online features a streamlined interface that works flawlessly on both desktop and mobile browsers, making it ideal for trimming social media clips on the fly. Because it doesn't require an account, your personal information stays protected.

2. 123Apps Online Video Cutter – Best for Large Files (Up to 500MB)

This is arguably the most feature-rich web trimmer available today. It functions like a mini-editor, allowing you to rotate, crop, and change the output format (like MP4 to GIF) within the same session. Its high file limit makes it a rare find in the free online space.

3. Ezgif Video Cutter – Best for Web-Sourced Videos & GIFs

Ezgif is a favorite in technical communities for its "no-nonsense" utility. Its standout feature is the ability to paste a direct video URL—the server fetches the video, allowing you to trim it without using your own upload bandwidth. It is also the best tool for converting trimmed MP4s into high-quality GIFs.

4. Kapwing – Best for Social Media Creativity & AI Features

Kapwing is more of a cloud-based studio than a simple cutter. It is the best choice if you need to add text, auto-subtitles, or progress bars to your trimmed clip. It’s perfect for creators working on TikTok, Reels, or LinkedIn content who need a polished look.

5. Aconvert – Best for Technical & Manual Precision

Aconvert is a "utility-first" site that handles exotic video formats other sites reject. It is unique because it allows for numeric timestamp input, which is essential if you have exact start and end times (e.g., from a log) and don't want to rely on a visual slider.

Conclusion

Selecting the right MP4 cutter depends entirely on your workflow and the size of your files. After our extensive testing on Windows 11 and macOS Sonoma, here is our final verdict:

• • For Professionals & 4K Content: AnyMP4 Video Converter Ultimate is the winner. Its unique "Lossless Fast Split" technology allows you to cut massive files in seconds without any quality degradation, making it indispensable for high-bitrate editing.
• • For Creative Social Media: CapCut and iMovie offer the best balance of trending effects and intuitive trimming for mobile-first creators.
• • For Technical Purity: Shutter Encoder remains the gold standard for open-source, frame-accurate cutting without re-encoding.
• • For Quick, One-Off Edits: AnyMP4 Video Trimmer Online is the fastest way to get a watermark-free clip without installing any software.

Don't let clunky software ruin your video quality. Start with a professional-grade tool to ensure every frame stays as sharp as the original.