AVI vs MP4: Which Should You Use?

Side-by-side comparison of AVI and MP4 video formats — features, pros, cons, and conversion options.

Quick Answer

AVI is best for Legacy video storage and Windows compatibility. MP4 is best for Video distribution, streaming, and sharing.

Quick Verdict

AVI Best for Legacy video storage and Windows compatibility

✓ Wide compatibility
✓ Simple container format
✓ Good for editing
✗ Large file size

Convert AVI to MP4 →

MP4 Best for Video distribution, streaming, and sharing

✓ Universal compatibility
✓ Excellent compression
✓ Streaming-optimized
✗ Patent-encumbered codecs (H.264/H.265)

Convert MP4 to AVI →

Specs Comparison

Side-by-side technical comparison of AVI and MP4

Feature	AVI	MP4
Category	Video	Video
Year Introduced	1992	2001
MIME Type	video/x-msvideo	video/mp4
Extensions	.avi	.mp4, .m4v
Container	✓	✓
Codecs	DivX,Xvid,MJPEG,H.264	H.264,H.265,VP9,AV1,AAC
Max Resolution	4K	8K
Streaming	✗	✓
Subtitle Support	✗	✓

Pros & Cons

AVI

Pros

✓ Wide compatibility
✓ Simple container format
✓ Good for editing

Cons

✗ Large file size
✗ Limited modern codec support
✗ No native streaming

MP4

Pros

✓ Universal compatibility
✓ Excellent compression
✓ Streaming-optimized

Cons

✗ Patent-encumbered codecs (H.264/H.265)
✗ Not ideal for editing
✗ DRM can limit playback

When to Use Each

Choose AVI when...

You need files optimized for Legacy video storage and Windows compatibility
Wide compatibility
Simple container format

Choose MP4 when...

You need files optimized for Video distribution, streaming, and sharing
Universal compatibility
Excellent compression

How to Convert

Convert between AVI and MP4 for free on ChangeThisFile

Convert AVI to MP4 Server-side conversion — auto-deleted after processing Convert MP4 to AVI Server-side conversion — auto-deleted after processing

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the difference between AVI and MP4?

AVI is best for Legacy video storage and Windows compatibility, while MP4 is best for Video distribution, streaming, and sharing. Both are video formats but they differ in compression, compatibility, and intended use cases.

Is AVI or MP4 better for video?

It depends on your use case. AVI is better for Legacy video storage and Windows compatibility. MP4 is better for Video distribution, streaming, and sharing. Consider your specific requirements when choosing between them.

How do I convert AVI to MP4?

Go to the AVI to MP4 converter on ChangeThisFile. Upload your file and the conversion processes on the server, then auto-deletes. It's free with no signup required.

Can I convert MP4 to AVI?

Yes. ChangeThisFile supports MP4 to AVI conversion. Upload your file for server-side conversion — files are auto-deleted after processing.

Which is smaller, AVI or MP4?

File size varies depending on the content, compression method, and quality settings of each format. In general, lossy formats produce smaller files than lossless ones. Test with your specific files to compare actual sizes.

Does AVI support streaming?

No, AVI does not support streaming, whereas MP4 does. This may be an important factor depending on your use case.

Is AVI or MP4 free to use?

Both AVI and MP4 are supported file formats that are free to use. You can convert between them for free on ChangeThisFile — server-side conversions are free with no signup required.

Which format is newer, AVI or MP4?

MP4 is newer — it was introduced in 2001, while AVI dates back to 1992. Newer formats often offer better compression and features, but older formats tend to have wider compatibility.