MKV to AV1 Converter
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Supports: MKV
Advanced Options - Our defaults are optimized for the best results. We recommend you keeping the defaults unless you have a specific need.
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Need help?How to Convert MKV to AV1
- Upload Your MKV File — Click "Choose Files" or drag and drop your MKV video file. Only .mkv files are accepted.
- Choose Video Codec — Under Video Codec, the default for AV1 output is AV1.
- Set Video Quality — Under File Compression, choose from: Quality Preset (Highest through Lowest), Target File Size % (1-100% slider with Smart Scaling), Specific File Size (MB/KB), Constant Bitrate, Variable Bitrate, or Constant Quality (CRF, default 30, range 0-63).
- Set Audio Codec — Under Audio Codec, the default for AV1 is Opus.
- Adjust Resolution (Optional) — Under Video Resolution, keep the original or choose Preset Resolutions (4K, 1080p, 720p, etc.), Fixed Resolutions, Resolution Percentage, or custom Width/Height/Width×Height.
- Trim (Optional) — Under Trim, set a Start Time and Duration to extract a specific segment.
- Convert & Download — Click "Convert" and download your AV1 file.
Why Convert MKV to AV1?
MKV (Matroska) is a flexible video container, but the video codec inside determines compression efficiency. AV1 is a modern, royalty-free codec offering roughly 30% better compression than H.265 and 50% better than H.264. Converting MKV to AV1 is useful for reducing file size of large MKV movie collections, preparing video for streaming platforms that support AV1 (YouTube, Netflix), future-proofing video archives with the most efficient codec available, and saving bandwidth for web video delivery.
MKV (H.264) vs AV1 Comparison
| Feature | MKV (H.264 typical) | AV1 |
|---|---|---|
| Compression | Good | ~50% better than H.264 |
| File size (2 hr movie) | 4-8 GB | 2-4 GB |
| Encoding speed | Fast | 3-10× slower |
| License | Patented | Royalty-free |
| Default audio | Varies | Opus |
| CRF range | 0-51 | 0-63 (default 30) |
| Browser support | Universal | Chrome, Firefox, Edge |
| Best for | Universal playback | Streaming, storage savings |
What is CRF 30 for AV1?
CRF 30 is the default quality on a 0-63 scale (lower = higher quality). This produces good quality at efficient file sizes. Use CRF 20-25 for higher quality or CRF 35-40 for smaller files.
Why is Opus the default audio codec?
Opus is the standard audio codec paired with AV1 — both are royalty-free. Opus provides excellent quality at low bitrates, ideal for streaming alongside AV1 video.
Is AV1 encoding slow?
Yes — AV1 encoding is 3-10× slower than H.264. The trade-off is significantly smaller files. For faster encoding, keep H.264 or use H.265 instead.
Can I trim the video during conversion?
Yes. Under Trim, select "Time Range" and enter a Start Time and Duration.
What devices support AV1 playback?
Chrome, Firefox, Edge, Safari 17+, Android 12+, newer smart TVs, and hardware with AV1 decode support (Intel 12th gen+, NVIDIA RTX 30+, Apple M3+).