How to Convert VOB to MP4: 4 Easy & Free Methods (Filmora, VLC, HandBrake)

Do you need to learn how to convert VOB to MP4 so your old DVD videos can play on your modern phone or laptop? VOB files from DVDs are common, but they are often incompatible with modern players. Converting VOB to MP4 is the smart solution for universal playback, smaller file size, and easy sharing. If you are asking "how do I convert a VOB file to MP4" quickly and want to know how to convert VOB to MP4 without losing quality, this guide provides the answer. We'll show you how to convert VOB files to MP4 using four clear methods, including both free tools like VLC/HandBrake and powerful editors like Filmora, to ensure smooth, compatible playback with fewer issues. Let's get started!

Part 1. What is a VOB File and Why Convert VOB to MP4 for Universal Playback?

Before diving into how to convert a VOB file into MP4, let's find out what a VOB file actually is. It's a type of file found inside a DVD's VIDEO_TS folder that holds your main video, sound, menus, and subtitles. It works fine on DVD players, but newer devices usually can't open it.

Here's what often makes VOB files tricky to use:

• They don't play on mobile devices.
• Some players don't support the older video format.
• File sizes are large and take up space.
• Sharing or uploading takes longer.

Using MP4 can help solve these issues. MP4 works on almost every device, compresses video without huge quality loss, and moves faster when you upload or send it. Converting VOB to MP4 keeps the video easier to store, edit, and play across different platforms.

VOB vs MP4 Quick Comparison Table

To help you see the difference at a glance, here's a breakdown of both formats:

Part 2. How to Convert VOB Files to MP4 on Mac & Windows (4 Simple Methods)

If you want to know how to convert VOB to MP4, several tools are available to help you do it without confusion. Some programs focus on fast conversion, while others include video editing options to adjust the video before exporting.

Method 1. Wondershare Filmora (Best for Fast VOB to MP4 Conversion & Editing)

Wondershare Filmora is a powerful video editor that serves as an excellent VOB to MP4 converter. It runs seamlessly on both Mac and Windows, allowing you to quickly convert VOB files to MP4 on Mac and PC. It is the best choice for users who want to not only convert VOB files to MP4 but also trim, polish, or enhance the DVD video quality before exporting, ensuring you convert VOB files to MP4 without losing quality.

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Key Features

• Simple drag-and-drop interface: Import your VOB files and start working right away without complex setup.
• Trim and cut tools: Remove unwanted intros, black frames, or extra scenes before exporting to MP4.
• MP4 export with flexible quality settings: Pick resolution, bitrate, and codec to control size and quality during conversion.
• Support for many formats: Besides MP4, you can convert VOB files to MOV, MKV, AVI, and other formats when needed.

How to Convert VOB to MP4 Using Filmora

Follow this guide to learn how to convert VOB files to MP4:

Step 1

Import Your VOB File

Launch Filmora and go to Create Project > New Project.

Head to the Media tab > Project Media and click the Import button to load your VOB file.

Step 2

Add the File to the Timeline

Drag the imported VOB file onto the timeline. If you have multiple clips, arrange them in the correct order.

Step 3

Make Edits if Needed

Cut or trim unwanted parts to shape your final video.

Split a clip: Place the playhead at the cut point and click the Scissors icon.


Trim a clip: Hover over the start or end of the clip and drag inward/outward to remove sections.

Step 4

Export to MP4

Click the Export button in the top-right corner.

Choose Local, set Format to MP4, and customize resolution, encoder, and quality.

Open Advanced settings to modify bitrate or frame rate. Then click Export again to save your MP4 video.

Method 2. Convert VOB to MP4 Free with VLC Media Player

When looking for a solution how to convert VOB to MP4 for free, VLC Media Player is one of the most reliable and easiest tools you can use. Many users specifically search how to convert VOB to MP4 using VLC because it's available on all major platforms (Windows, Mac, Linux). You can convert VOB files to MP4 quickly in VLC without needing extra plugins or complicated setup steps. This makes VLC an ideal free VOB to MP4 converter for users trying to convert DVD VOB to MP4 format.

How to Convert VOB to MP4 in VLC (The Free Method)

Follow these steps to learn how to convert VOB to MP4 for free in VLC Media Player:

Step 1

Open VLC and Go to Convert / Save

Launch VLC, click Media in the top menu, and select Convert / Save….

Step 2

Add Your VOB File to VLC

Go to File > File Selection > Add… and choose your VOB file. After selecting it, click Convert / Save.

Step 3

Choose MP4 in the Profile Menu

When the Convert window opens, head to Settings > Convert and open the Profile dropdown menu. Choose an MP4 (H.264/H.265) option.

Step 4

Adjust Basic Video Settings (Optional)

To keep the original video track or modify codec settings, click the Wrench icon next to the Profile menu.

Step 5

Set a Destination Folder

Under Destination, click Browse, choose your save location, and name your MP4 file.

Step 6

Convert the VOB File to MP4

Click Start. VLC will begin converting your VOB file to MP4. This may take a few seconds or several minutes depending on file size.

Method 3. Convert VOB Files to MP4 Using HandBrake

If you're asking, "Can I convert VOB files to MP4?", HandBrake is an open-source tool that gives you a free way to do it. The app focuses on conversion and offers control over video quality, resolution, and codec settings. It works on Windows, macOS, and Linux.

How to Convert VOB to MP4 Using HandBrake

Here are the steps on how to convert VOB to MP4 using HandBrake:

Step 1

Open HandBrake and Load Your VOB File

Open HandBrake and click Open Source. Locate your VOB file or the DVD's VIDEO_TS folder and load it into the program.

Step 2

Set MP4 as the Output Format

Go to the Summary → Format section and choose MP4 as the output container.

Step 3

Adjust Video Settings

Open the Video tab. Select a Video Encoder like H.264 and adjust the Quality slider or set a preferred Framerate.

Step 4

Pick a Save Location

Click Browse next to the Save As field, choose a folder, and name your new MP4 file.

Step 5

Start Encoding to Convert the File

Click Start Encode. HandBrake will convert your VOB file to MP4 and save it to the location you selected.

Method 4. Convert VOB File Into MP4 Online (For Small Clips)

If you want a quick way to learn how to convert VOB file to MP4 online without installing programs, use dedicated online converters. Sites such as CloudConvert and FreeConvert accept VOB files and can turn them into MP4 through a simple upload and convert flow in your browser. This is the best method if you need to know how to convert VOB to MP4 free online and are dealing with small clips. (Note: Converting large VOB files or trying to convert VOB to MP4 in Android is better handled by desktop or dedicated mobile apps).

Online tools work well as a backup option when you only need to convert a short VOB file and don't want to set up desktop software.

Part 3. Troubleshooting: Common VOB to MP4 Conversion Issues and Fixes

Even after learning how to convert VOB files to MP4, you may still run into a few problems along the way. Issues like files won't import, lose audio after conversion, or the video refuses to open are common with DVD-based formats. But you can fix them once you know what causes them.

Here are a few of the common VOB to MP4 conversion issues with their fixes.

1. Encrypted VOB Files Won't Convert

Some VOB files come from DVDs with copy protection. When you load them into VLC, HandBrake, or Filmora, the tools may refuse to open the file or stop during conversion.

• Fix: Use a DVD decrypter to remove the protection before you convert the file. After that, reload the VOB file into your converter and try again.

2. VOB File Won't Import Into Your Converter

Sometimes, the converter doesn't recognize the VOB file even though it's valid. This situation often happens when the file name or path is too long.

• Fix: Rename the file using simple letters and move it to a different folder on your desktop.

3. Converted MP4 Has No Audio

If your converted MP4 has no sound, the issue usually lies in the audio codec. Some VOB files use formats that certain converters skip during processing.

• Fix: Reconvert the file and select AAC or MP3 as the audio codec. HandBrake and Filmora both let you set the audio track manually before exporting.

4. The VOB File Is Too Large

VOB files can easily reach several gigabytes, making them hard to upload or convert on low-end systems.

• Fix: Split the file into smaller parts or lower the output bitrate before converting. In Filmora or HandBrake, you can set a custom bitrate to reduce size without losing much visual quality.

Conclusion

Learning how to convert VOB to MP4 helps you keep old DVD videos playable on modern devices. The tools in this guide can help you keep your clips organized, smaller in size, and ready for sharing. If you wonder, "How do I convert a VOB file to MP4 without losing quality?" You can use Filmora for fast conversion and editing, VLC or HandBrake for free options, or an online converter for short clips. After learning how to convert VOB files to MP4, start turning your old DVD videos into MP4 files. Play them on your phone, tablet, or laptop without problem.

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