What is the Difference Between MKV and AVI?
🆚 Go to Comparative Table 🆚MKV and AVI are both container formats for audio and video data, but they have some key differences:
- Developer: AVI (Audio Video Interleave) was developed by Microsoft, while MKV (Matroska Video) was developed by the Matroska organization.
- Compatibility: AVI is more compatible with most devices and media players, while MKV is not natively supported by some older devices and media players.
- Compression: AVI files often use lossy compression, which sacrifices some quality for smaller file sizes. MKV files, on the other hand, support high-quality, uncompressed video and audio.
- File Size: MKV files tend to be larger in size compared to AVI files due to their support for high-quality, uncompressed data.
- Multi-tracks and Subtitles: MKV files can support multiple audio and video tracks, as well as subtitles, allowing users to store an entire movie with multiple audio and subtitle options in a single file. AVI files, on the other hand, do not have this capability.
- Compression and Quality: The quality of video and audio in both formats depends on the codec used, not the container format itself.
When choosing between MKV and AVI, consider your specific requirements and compatibility of the target devices or media players. If you want better format compatibility and playback on almost any device, AVI should be your first choice. However, if video quality is your top priority, MKV is the better option due to its support for high-quality, uncompressed video and audio.
Comparative Table: MKV vs AVI
Here is a table comparing the differences between MKV and AVI formats:
| Feature | MKV | AVI |
|---|---|---|
| Definition | MKV stands for "Matroska Video" and is an open standard free container format. | AVI, also known as Audio Video Interleaved, is a proprietary container format developed by Microsoft. |
| Size | MKV files are generally larger in size due to minimal compression. | AVI files are smaller in size because they use more compression. |
| Compression | MKV uses less compression, which may result in higher quality but larger file sizes. | AVI uses more compression, which may result in lower quality but smaller file sizes. |
| Codecs | MKV supports a wide range of codecs, including H.264/AVC and HEVC/H.265. | AVI does not support H.264/AVC and HEVC/H.265 codecs. |
| Video and Audio Streams | MKV can store multiple video, audio, and subtitle tracks in one file. | AVI may support multiple video or audio streams based on the codecs. |
| Compatibility | MKV is adopted by hardware and software manufacturers and is suitable for streaming or uploading content to video-streaming sites. | AVI is compatible with most devices and media players, making it more suitable for average users who don't need all the features of the MKV format. |
| Pros | - Open standard, free container format. - Supports a wide range of codecs. - Can store multiple video, audio, and subtitle tracks. | - Compatible with most devices and media players. - Lower hardware requirements. |
| Cons | - Larger file sizes due to minimal compression. | - Proprietary format, less adaptable than MKV. - Does not support some modern codecs like H.264/AVC and HEVC/H.265. |
In summary, MKV is an open standard format with minimal compression, supporting a wide range of codecs and suitable for streaming or uploading content. On the other hand, AVI is a proprietary format, smaller in size, more compatible with devices and media players, but does not support some modern codecs.