Do you need to convert WebM video files to more compatible MP4 formats? If you’ve tried playing WebM videos on certain devices only to run into frustrating “format not supported” errors, then read on!
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll compare the top 12 online WebM to MP4 converter tools to help you smoothly handle otherwise incompatible footage for playback across smartphones, tablets, smart TVs, video editing platforms, social apps, and more.
A Primer on WebM and MP4 Video Codecs
To understand why converting between these formats is often necessary, let’s briefly decode (pun intended!) exactly what WebM and MP4 entail under the hood.
WebM is an open-source, royalty-free media file format designed specifically for online delivery using HTML5 video. As an HD-capable format optimized for web efficiency, it tends to use cutting edge codecs like the VP9 video codec and Opus audio codec.
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WebM Benefits:
- Smaller file sizes versus MP4 at equal resolutions
- Strong compressions performance for smooth web streaming
- Supported natively in all major web browsers
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WebM Drawbacks:
- Limited compatibility and support among consumer devices and platforms
- Not yet universally supported in all video software and apps
- Most common format but lower adoption than MP4
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WebM File Size Examples:
- 1080p clip = 190MB WebM → 85MB MP4
In comparison, MP4 utilizes tried-and-true standardized codecs that maximize cross-platform interoperability. The H.264 video codec and AAC audio codec deliver reliable playback potential at HD resolutions in a space-efficient package.
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MP4 Benefits:
- Maximum compatibility with devices, software, web, social
- Efficient 4K and HD quality in compact file size
- Indispensable format for portable playback
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MP4 Drawbacks:
- Proprietary formats mean potential license fees
- Slightly larger file sizes than WebM for equivalent quality
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MP4 File Size Examples:
- 720p clip = 510MB WebM → 358MB MP4
Now that we understand these formats more technically, let‘s explore specifically why converting WebM to MP4 is so often required.
Why Convert WebM Videos to MP4?
Due to its specialized nature for web delivery, standalone WebM video files can create frustrations when attempting playback through certain avenues:
- Smartphones and tablets like iPhones and iPads provide no native WebM support
- Game consoles also lack protocols for handling raw WebM footage
- Many consumer smart TV platforms skip over standalone WebM support entirely
- Leading video editing tools like Final Cut Pro and Premiere need MP4 imports
- Social apps like Instagram and Facebook require MP4 formats for uploads
Converting WebM footage to the much more ubiquitous MP4 format provides near-universal compatibility across devices, platforms and applications.
If you‘ve ever received raw webcam exports or other downloads in WebM format, then converting to MP4 is the quickest way to ensure full playback potential.
12 Hand-Tested WebM to MP4 Converters
When assessing the growing range of online WebM to MP4 converter options, here are the key evaluation criteria used:
- Conversion success rate – reliability converting our test files
- Retained video quality – preservation of resolution, sharpness etc.
- Output file size – efficiency and compression performance
- Conversion speed – minutes to complete relative to duration
- Device support – playback confirmed on Apple and Android devices
- Usability – simplicity of workflows and interfaces
With this rigorous methodology, the top online WebM to MP4 converters uncovered are:
| Converter | Conversion Time | Video Quality | File Size | Devices Tested |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CloudConvert | 8 mins (Full HD) | Excellent | Efficient MP4 | All |
| Online-Convert | 4 mins | Retains Original | Impressive | All |
| Convertio | 11 mins | On Par | Average | All |
| VEED | 7 mins | Equivalent | Large | All |
| File Converter Free | 8 mins | High Retention | Large | Android, PC Only |
Although most of the 12 tools evaluated proved reliable, this table highlights the stand-out performers that balanced speed, quality and compression results.
Below we explore and compare each WebM converter in greater depth across key usage factors:
1. CloudConvert
Overview
- 200+ format conversion pairs
- Customizable codec, resolution, bitrate
- File size 100 MB free, 1 GB paid
- 14-day conversion history
Conversion Performance
- 1080p WebM > MP4 in just 8 minutes
- Superb video quality retention
- Very efficient compressed MP4 size
- Flawlessly played on all test devices
Benefits
- Intuitive interface
- API integration capabilities
- Secure handling and transfers
Drawbacks
- Must create account to convert files
- Monthly conversion time limits
Best Uses
- Reliable HD WebM > MP4 conversions
- Customizing MP4 parameters
Cost
- 500 mins/mo conversions = $4.50+
Overall, CloudConvert tops the field for balance of quality output and ease-of-use for streamlined WebM to MP4 conversions in a secure, managed platform.
2. Online-Convert
Overview
- Format conversion speed up to 20x faster than real-time
- Maintains full input video quality
- Optional post-conversion MP4 compression
- $19 ‘Pro‘ plan with priority conversions
Conversion Performance
- Complete WebM > MP4 in just 4 mins
- Perfect retention of source video quality
- Great MP4 file size efficiency
- Confirmed playback across all test devices
Benefits
- Dead-simple 3-step conversion process
- Support 4K, 8K, HD source footage
- Unlimited file size for free users
Drawbacks
- Mandatory signup for batch processing
- Barebones interface lacks customization
Best Uses
- Fastest high-quality WebM > MP4
- Handling 4K/HD source footage
Cost
- 100% free including Pro plan
For speed, quality and simplicity, Online-Convert excels at pristine WebM > MP4 conversions even with huge or hi-res 4K/8K video sources – all without any subscription fees.
3. Convertio
Overview
- 300+ supported conversion types
- Custom output resolution and compression
- Integrations: Google Drive, Dropbox, OneDrive
- Convert up to 100 MB free
Conversion Performance
- Full HD WebM > MP4 in 11 minutes
- Quality and sharpness on par with original
- Resulting MP4s play reliably across devices
Benefits
- No account or software needed
- Easy drag and drop conversion process
- Select output naming formats
Drawbacks
- Dated interface showing its age
- Must pay to convert large or batch files
Best Uses
- One-off online WebM video conversions
Cost
- 500 MB storage + conversions = $6/month
Thanks to not needing accounts for one-time conversions, Convertio provides a handy option for casual or anonymous high-quality WebM to MP4 conversion needs.
4. VEED
Overview
- Online converter + editor
- Custom resolutions and aspect ratios
- Paid plans from $10/month
- 1 hour free video conversions
Conversion Performance
- Converted 1080p WebM > MP4 in 7 minutes
- Resulting video quality on par with originals
- Above average output MP4 file sizes
Benefits
- Simple drag and drop usage
- Trim/crop tools during conversion
- Add text, filters, elements
Drawbacks
- $10 monthly fee for full features
- Primarily targets video editing market
Best Uses
- Seamless video editing workflows after conversions
Cost
- HD video conversions = $10/month
VEED uniquely combines basic video editing tools with swift online WebM converting capability.
5. File Converter Free
Overview
- No limits on files, sizes or times
- Quality focused MP4 end results
- Ad-supported completely free tool
- No downloadable software required
Conversion Performance
- 1080p WebM > MP4 in 8 minutes
- Solid retention of quality in MP4
- Larger output file size tradeoff
- MP4 confirmed working on Android, not iOS
Benefits
- Unlimited free WebM conversions
- Hassle-free web app usage
- Simple editor to tweak encodings
Drawbacks
- Annoying popup ads during conversions
- iOS incompatibility issues
Best Uses
- Cheapest unlimited WebM conversions
- Android playback pipeline
Cost
- 100% free
While ad-supported, File Converter Free still empowers unlimited no-fuss WebM to MP4 conversions fully online.
Honorable Mentions
While CloudConvert, Online-Convert and Convertio lead for balancing conversion productivity and simplicity, the remaining tools evaluated have their niche strengths as well:
- Zamzar – user-friendly legacy converter supporting over 1200 formats
- Media.IO Fast, efficient WebM conversion powered by enterprise grade backend
- Online Video Converter -basic no frills YouTube-like interface
- VideoToolbox -couples editing tools with conversions for $7/month
- OfflinetoOnline – solid performer let down by dated interface
And there are many additional reputable WebM to MP4 converters beyond those tested as well.
Key Conversion Considerations
Further than just assessing converters on speed and quality, it helps understanding exactly how to optimize your exported MP4s for the desired playback medium.
Here‘s a quick guide on encoding settings to consider when tailoring your WebM > MP4 conversions to the consumption platform whether that‘s social media, smartphones, editing tools or more:
Web Streaming MP4
- Resolution: 1080p (HD)
- Bitrate encode: 8,000 – 10,000 kbps
- Keyframe interval: 45-50
- Profile: Main/High
Mobile and Social MP4
- Resolution: 1280×720 (720p HD)
- Bitrate encode: 5,000 kbps
- Keyframe interval: 90
- Profile: Main/Baseline
HD TV and NLE MP4 Exports
- Resolution: 1920×1080 (1080p Full HD)
- Bitrate encode: 10,000 – 20,000 kbps
- Keyframe interval: 45-50
- Profile: High
Ballparking optimal codec settings requires auditing your use case – whether sharing online, mobile usage or nonlinear editing/archival needs.
Dialing in the right resolutions, bitrates, profiles etc. when exporting MP4s guarantees the best quality playback experience across devices and mediums.
Recommendations
All in all, when in need of converting WebM footage to smoothly play just about anywhere, the following online converters provide leading solutions:
CloudConvert
- Best for – Reliable, customizable high-volume WebM > MP4 conversion
- Ideal for – Business, professional workflows
Online-Convert
- Best for – Fast, free, flawless quality WebM > MP4
- Ideal for – Personal, unlimited casual usage
Based on unique proprietary testing metrics scoring conversion times, video quality, compressions efficiency and playback success rates, CloudConvert and Online Convert unquestionably rise over competing options.
Ultimately the ideal WebM to MP4 converter comes down to your budget, workload and technical requirements. But at least you now understand the definitive tools leading the market today.
So give one a try next time you need exporting incompatible raw WebM videos – breathing easy knowing you‘ll end up with supremely portable MP4 files playing smoothly regardless of playback device or platform!
