Easiest Way to Convert AVI Files for iTunes and iPhone: Top 8 Tools

Are you struggling to play an AVI file on your iPhone or via iTunes? You’re not alone. AVI, while a common video format, isn’t supported natively by Apple devices. To watch your videos on an iPhone, iPad, or iPod—or simply to add them to iTunes without hiccups—you’ll need to convert the file.

At first glance, it may seem like a hassle, but with the right tools, you can quickly convert AVI files to formats like MP4, MOV, or M4V, without compromising the quality of the files. In this article, we will review what formats iTunes accepts and how to switch using eight simple apps.

iTunes Supported Formats

iTunes is quite selective when it comes to video formats. It prefers a small set of friendly options: MP4 (.mp4), MOV (.mov), and M4V (.m4v). These formats are designed to work smoothly across Apple’s ecosystem—from iTunes to iPhones, iPads, and even Apple TV. However, not all MP4 files are created equal; they must be encoded with H.264 video and AAC audio to work properly. So, converting AVI isn’t just about changing the file extension—it’s about making the format compatible.

Top 8 Tools to Convert AVI to MP4, MOV, or M4V

HandBrake

HandBrake is a free, open-source tool available on Mac, Windows, and Linux. It’s known for being reliable and flexible. You can convert AVI to MP4 or M4V with the correct iTunes-friendly settings. There’s no watermark, no hidden cost, and the output quality stays solid. The interface might feel a bit busy at first, but once you’ve used it once or twice, it’s pretty straightforward.

Wondershare UniConverter

Wondershare UniConverter is a polished, paid app that simplifies the conversion process. It supports various video formats and lets you convert AVI to MP4, MOV, or M4V, specifically for Apple devices. One standout feature is its preset profiles. Choose your target device (like iPhone 13 or iPad Pro), and the tool picks the best format and settings for you. It also includes extras like trimming, compression, and batch conversion.

Any Video Converter (AVC)

Any Video Converter is another solid option, with both free and paid versions. It’s easy to use and converts AVI files to MP4, MOV, or M4V. While the free version has ads and limited editing features, it still works. Just drag the AVI file in, select your target format, and convert. It also lets you tweak resolution, bitrate, and more if you need to fine-tune things.

Freemake Video Converter

Freemake is a beginner-friendly tool for Windows that handles AVI to MP4/MOV/M4V conversions well. The interface is clean and simple—just load your AVI file, pick the output format, and hit convert. It offers ready-made presets for Apple devices, which helps if you’re unsure about settings. The free version adds a small watermark, but the paid version removes it and speeds things up.

Movavi Video Converter

Movavi is a commercial video converter focusing on speed and ease of use. It supports all major formats, including converting AVI to MP4 or MOV with iTunes-compatible encoding. You can compress large AVI files, trim or crop them before converting them, and export them directly with Apple presets. It’s a good choice if you want speed and clean results with minimal setup.

VLC Media Player

VLC isn’t just a media player; it includes a built-in converter. It’s free, open-source, and works on all platforms. To convert AVI to MP4, go to Media > Convert/Save, add your file, choose the H.264 MP4 profile, and save. While it doesn’t offer Apple device presets, you can manually tweak encoding settings to match iTunes requirements. It’s not the smoothest for batch converting, but for quick jobs, it works fine.

XMedia Recode

XMedia Recode is a free Windows-based video converter that’s surprisingly powerful. It supports a huge list of formats and has built-in profiles for Apple devices. You can convert AVI to MP4 or M4V with H.264/AAC encoding, which makes it iTunes-ready. The interface looks a bit dated but lightweight and gets the job done, especially if you like having full control over bitrate, resolution, and codecs.

Prism Video Converter

Prism is a simple video conversion tool by NCH Software available for Windows and macOS. It supports AVI to MP4, MOV, and M4V conversions and has basic options for compression and previewing before converting. It’s not overloaded with features, which makes it good for quick format shifts without much fuss. The free version handles single-file conversions well, though bulk features are more robust in the paid version.

How to Convert AVI to MP4/MOV/M4V Using HandBrake?

Let’s break down the process using HandBrake since it’s free and works well for most users.

1. Download and install HandBrake from the official site.
2. Open the app, and drag your AVI file into the main window.
3. Under “Format,” choose MP4 (or M4V).
4. Set the video codec to H.264 (x264).
5. Go to the “Audio” tab and pick AAC for the audio codec.
6. Leave the rest of the default settings unless you know what you’re doing.
7. Choose a destination folder at the bottom.
8. Click Start Encode, and HandBrake will do the rest.

The time it takes depends on the size of your video and your computer speed. Once it’s done, drag the new MP4 or M4V file into iTunes. It should show up instantly and sync with your Apple device without issue.

Conclusion

AVI files might be common, but they don’t belong in Apple’s world without a little help. You don’t need to be a tech expert to get around this. Tools like HandBrake, Wondershare UniConverter, and Any Video Converter make it easy to turn your AVI videos into iTunes-friendly formats. Whether you’re watching on an iPhone during a flight or organizing a home library in iTunes, getting the format right means less frustration and more time to enjoy your content. Choose a tool, convert your files, and let iTunes handle the rest.

Happy converting!