Convert any video file to MKV format online for free. Fast, secure, and easy-to-use video to MKV converter with no software installation required.
or click below to browse
Max file size: 50 MBMax duration: 30 min
Sign up for increased limitsA free account gets you up to 50 MB and 30 min.
Our powerful servers process your files quickly, delivering converted files in seconds.
Convert your files completely free with no hidden costs or subscription fees.
Your files are encrypted and automatically deleted after conversion. We never store or share your data.
Works directly in your web browser. No software download or installation required.
Drag and drop your MPEG file or click to browse. Supports files up to 1GB.
Select MKV as your output format and click convert. Our servers will process your file instantly.
Download your converted file instantly. The download link expires in 1 hour for security.
How the two formats differ on the things that change your result.
| Specification | MPEG (source) | MKV (result) |
|---|---|---|
| Container | MPEG-1/2 Program Stream | Matroska |
| Developed by | MPEG | Matroska.org |
| Introduced | 1993 | 2002 |
| Video codecs | MPEG-1, MPEG-2 | H.264, H.265, VP9, AV1 |
| Audio codecs | MP2, MP3 | AAC, FLAC, Opus, AC-3, DTS |
| Max resolution | Standard definition | 8K UHD |
| Typical bitrate (1080p) | 2–9 Mbps | 8–40 Mbps |
| Multiple audio tracks | Yes | Yes |
| Subtitle tracks | Not supported | Embedded (soft) subtitles |
| Chapter markers | No | Yes |
| Streaming optimized | No | No |
| Licensing | Patents expired | Royalty-free |
| Plays natively on | Native: Windows · Needs a player: macOS, iOS, Android, Smart TVs | Native: Windows · Needs a player: macOS, iOS, Android, Smart TVs |
| Best for | broadcast, legacy archives, DVD authoring | media archives, multi-language releases, home theatre |
This is a full transcode rather than a container swap, because MPEG-1 is not one of the codecs MKV carries. Every frame is decoded and re-encoded as H.264.
Expect the bitrate to move from roughly 5.5 Mbps to about 24 Mbps at 1080p, and file size to follow.
MKV dates from 2002 and is not natively supported by modern browsers, so plan on a desktop media player for playback.
Converting MPEG to MKV means moving audio out of the MPEG-1/2 Program Stream container, introduced in 1993, and into Matroska, which arrived in 2002. The two were designed with different priorities, and that is what determines whether this conversion costs you quality, storage, or compatibility.
Developed by MPEG in 1993, MPEG stores audio using MPEG-1, MPEG-2. That codec choice sets the upper bound on what any conversion can preserve.
MKV, from Matroska.org and dating to 2002, uses H.264, H.265, VP9, AV1 and plays natively on 1 of the six platform categories we track. That combination is usually why people convert into it.
After converting your file, you can use Scriptivox transcription services to convert your audio to text. Perfect for meetings, interviews, podcasts, and more.
Quick access to the most commonly used file conversions
And many more format conversions supported