Top 8 AVI to MKV Converters [2024]

Is there anything more frustrating than media compatibility issues? With many options out there, it can be confusing to find a way to convert the files you need into more usable formats when you need them. One of the most common conversions for media lovers is AVI to MKV, and we've compiled a list of eight best tools for anyone to convert files easily. Any of these options will have you converting AVI to MKV for free right away.

Here, we’ll review different options to convert AVI to MKV for free. We’ve included both desktop apps and tools that let you convert AVI to MKV online. These programs will have you converting in seconds, often still with High Definition results.

Supported OS: Windows, Mac

Movavi Video Converter offers high-speed conversion and can transform your files to a wide range of media formats. Apart from conversion, the app provides editing features: trimming, cropping, color adjustments, subtitles editing, stabilization, and more. To make sure your file is compatible with your device, use ready-made device presets.

To convert AVI to MKV, download Movavi Video Converter and follow these steps:

1. Open the converter, click Add Media > Add video, and select your AVI files. 
2. Go to the Video tab, click MKV, and choose the desired preset.
3. Hit the Convert button. 

To read a detailed step-by-step guide, click the link below.

Read the guide

Supported OS: Windows

AVS Video Converter is a free tool that lets you convert video files to/from many popular formats, including MKV and AVI. The app supports batch conversion, so you can convert a number of files at once. Check out presets for mobile devices and find the one you need – this way, you’ll make sure that the video is compatible with your device. 

If you want to use editing tools in addition to conversion, consider a paid subscription to AVS4YOU. 

Here’s how to convert AVI to MKV with AVS Video Converter:

Step 1. In the upper part of the program window, pick To MKV. 

Step 2. Click Browse and add your AVI video. 

Step 3. Open the Profile drop-down menu and select the appropriate preset. 

Step 4. Click Convert Now! 

Supported OS: any (web-based)

Movavi Online Video Converter is a convenient and reliable tool to convert AVI to MKV for free in one easy-to-use browser window. It offers high-speed conversion and reliably converts to high definition video, though as browser-based freeware, it does lack some options that higher-level programs can offer. Though file sizes are capped, for small personal video clips and shorter videos in your media library though, Movavi Online Video Converter is a useful tool for converting AVI to MKV.

As a browser app, Movavi Online Video Converter's greatest strength is its ease of use. Just go to the site and select Add Your Media, and choose the file you want to convert. Choose MKV as output type and click the Convert button.

Supported OS: any (web-based)

FreeConvert is another great online tool to convert AVI to MKV free online. Unlike most online converters, FreeConvert offers an option for batch conversion, which allows users to queue multiple files for sequential conversion. FreeConvert allows video to be uploaded from a URL or cloud services as well as an additional convenience.

Though it has many options and customizations, FreeConvert makes it easy to learn how to convert AVI to MKV. Simply go to the site, click the Choose Files button, and select files from your device, Dropbox, or Google Drive. Alternatively, you can simply drag files to the button. Once files are selected, choose any of the optional advanced settings you desire, then click Start.

Supported OS: Windows, Mac, Linux, and Android

In addition to being one of the best media players for playing almost any file extension, VLC Media Player also offers a powerful conversion tool. Many video file extensions are supported for conversion to or from, and it is simple to convert AVI to MKV on VLC.

To convert AVI to MKV using VLC:

Step 1. Under the Media menu in the top left of the program, select Convert/Save.

Step 2. Select the Add button on the menu and select the AVI file you want to convert.

Step 3. Under output type, simply select MKV, then click Convert, and your AVI-to-MKV conversion will begin.

Supported OS: any (web-based)

CloudConvert is a free-to-use, online tool for converting all types of video files. It can easily convert without the need for downloading AVI-to-MKV software. While it is capped at 25 conversions a day and requires subscription packages for conversion beyond that, it still offers plenty of use for a casual user who just wants to occasionally convert a video from AVI to MKV.

To use CloudConvert, simply go to the site and click the Select File button. Once you've chosen your file, select any additional options you may want for the conversion. Though there are many options, they are all set to the most common choice by default, so these advanced settings could be skipped for quick conversion. Once your settings are the way you want them, click the Convert button and your file will begin to change into the new MKV file.

Supported OS: any (web-based)

ConvertFiles is another great online tool for converting AVI to MKV. It is entirely free and supports dozens of video file types. For convenience, ConvertFiles provides a download link through email when your file is complete, eliminating the need to leave a browser open.

To use ConvertFiles to convert AVI to MKV, select Browse and choose an AVI file. Select MKV as the destination format and click Start, then retrieve your download link through your email quickly after.

Supported OS: Windows, Mac, and Linux

HandBrake is surprisingly sophisticated for a free video converter. As open-source software, it's continually developed by the community, which has added numerous advanced options and technical advantages to it. While it is easy to convert AVI to MKV with HandBrake, more advanced users will get the most out of this software.

To convert AVI to MKV using HandBrake:

Step 1. Click on Source in the top left of the screen and choose Open File.

Step 2. Select the AVI file you wish to convert.

Step 3. Under the Destination heading, select Browse to choose where your file will save to.

Step 4. On the main window, simply click Start, and your conversion is underway.

Movavi Video Converter is a powerful resource for converting video files to over 180 different file formats. It has numerous high-level features for ease of use and quality of the final product. Batch conversion allows you to leverage the power of your PC or Mac to convert multiple files and web capture tools allow you to convert streaming movies or clips into your choice of file type. While it is a paid product, Movavi offers a free trial that will allow you to test drive all features and get to converting right away.

To convert AVI to MKV using Movavi:

With all these resources, you should have no problem converting AVI to MKV for free. There are many tools for troubleshooting compatibility issues for your media and converting file types, but these eight tools are the best ways to get converting your library right away into high-quality MKV videos. While there are advanced options available for more sophisticated users, these 8 methods will get anyone converting AVI files to MKV files with just a couple of minutes to get started.

When choosing the best converter option for your needs, follow these tips:

• Ease-of-use: make sure that an app you get is suitable for your skills. If you’re a beginner, opt for a converter without complex interface and confusing tool set.
• Supported formats: check that a converter offers full support for all common media formats, including AVI and MKV.
• Features: if you plan not only to convert but also edit your files, make sure that your converter can do both. Some apps only offer basic conversion features, while others have an advanced set of editing tools, including filters and cropping.
• Support: check if any type of customer support is available. Some developers offers live chats or email support, as well as tutorials and video guides, which is extremely helpful for beginners.

AVI being a part of Windows technology is a well-known video format developed by Microsoft. AVI files feature a file container for both audio and video data, and this will allow the user to enjoy such features as synchronous audio-with-video playback. AVI files are rich in features because they support multiple streaming audio and video, but to be completely honest such features will most likely be seldom or even never used.

With MKV files you will have even a vaster variety of support offered for numerous video, audio and subtitle compression formats. In other words, MKV will give you the best and even more of AVI and MP4 combined together. Besides it should be mentioned that an MKV file is an open source container format meant for general-purpose use.

And to make a comparison complete we should say that the final choice is rather a matter of personal needs, but with MKV you will get much more than just with AVI.