Convert VOB to MP4 on Mac [Desktop & Online Free Methods Included]

avatar
Written by
Updated on: December 4, 2024
Time to read: 6 minutes
thumbnail

Unfortunately, Apple’s QuickTime media player doesn’t support the VOB format. Plus, VOB video files occupy a lot of computer storage space due to their large size. That is why we have tested and approved reliable ways to convert VOB to MP4 on Mac. Read below to learn about our recommended methods, as well as to get additional bonus information about playing VOB files and enjoying your DVD movies freely.

Ways to Convert VOB to MP4 on Mac [Free VOB Converters Included]

Change VOB files to MP4 Using Different Types of Converters

There are several types of tools available to convert from VOB to MP4, both in the form of desktop video converters and online services.

VOB to MP4 Converter for macOS - Cisdem

Cisdem is a computer app that allows you to convert VOB files to MP4, as well as to many other formats.

To perform a VOB to MP4 conversion, follow these steps:

1. Load your VOB files, by dragging and dropping the VIDEO_TS folder from the DVD disc or your Mac to the “Rip” interface. This works for multiple files at the same time. If the DVD is protected, the encryption will automatically be removed once the files are imported into Cisdem.

Cisdem Converter app is opened

2. Click the “Output Format” button > “Video” > “MP4 Video” (h264-encoded, for better compatibility), or “HEVC MP4” (h265-encoded, for greater quality and compression ratio).

"Output Format" button is demonstrated

3. The app processed all uploaded VOB files. To convert just some of them, the rest need to be deselected. You can choose which audio track and subtitle track to process from the dropdown list.

4. Clicking “Start” will begin the conversion.

"Start" button of the Cisdem Video Converter

Cisdem offers fast conversion speeds and supports VOB files as large as 1GB or 5GB without losing quality. In addition, it provides editing capabilities like trimming, cropping, rotating, and adding a watermark.

The app’s free version comes with limitations, such as only converting the first 5 minutes of your VOB video and downloading up to 3 videos. The full-fledged version is available as a yearly subscription at $61.99, or $86.99 as a one-time purchase.

Alternative Freeware Tool for VOB into MP4 Conversion

HandBrake is a popular open-source macOS application that can turn VOB into MP4, as well as various other formats. It offers a wide range of capabilities, however, it has some significant drawbacks. For example, it cannot handle DRM (Digital Rights Management) protected content, therefore encrypted DVD content is not accessible to users without additional software. Also, the HandBrake converter feature can be resource-intensive, resulting in slow conversion times for large files. What’s more, it struggles with stability, which leads to occasional crashes. Last but not least, while the app’s advanced options are great for experienced users, novice users may find them difficult to navigate.

Convert VOB to MP4 Online [Free]

Online VOB to MP4 converters for Mac are convenient as they don’t require you to download third-party software. They are, however, highly dependent on internet quality and speed, and file size. So while they can be a simple solution, they may not be right for everyone.

Online converters include websites such as CloudConvert.com and FreeConvert.com, which both limit free conversions to 1 GB per file.

Follow these steps to change VOB to MP4 using FreeConvert.com:

1. Click the “Choose Files” button and choose your VOB files.

The FreeConvert online service "Choose Files" button

2. Choose “MP4” as “Output”.

The Output formats option is highlighted

3. Click “Convert” to begin the conversion.

"Convert" button of the FreeConvert online service

4. When the process is complete, click the “Download” button.

"Download" button appears in the FreeConvert service after completing VOB to MP4 conversion

How to Play VOB or MP4 Videos on Mac Without Converting?

What if storage space is not an issue for you, or you don’t want to bother converting VOB files to MP4 on Mac or losing video quality in an effort to reduce file size?

Users who have recently switched to Mac can be surprised to find out about QuickTime’s inability to play certain formats, VOB in particular. But there are modern alternative players that can solve this problem.

Play MP4 or any other video formats on macOS easily with Elmedia Player

A universal media player such as Elmedia player eliminates the issues by supporting all popular formats, as well as 4K resolution and HD. In addition, it lets you stream your content and enjoy your videos on your TV screen.

Here are the step-by-step instructions to play VOB videos on Mac:

1. Download Elmedia from the official website and install it.

Installation process of Elmedia Player

2. Open the app and load your VOB file by:

  • Dragging and dropping them onto the player.
  • Right-clicking on your file and choosing “Open With” > Elmedia Player.
  • Go to File > Open in Elmedia and locate your desired VOB file.
Opening video file in Elmedia Player

3. Your video will play automatically.

Bonus Tip: Use Your Disk Space Rationally with CloudMounter

If the lack of space is the main reason for your file conversion needs, we have an extra tip for you. Cloud services can significantly help with this issue, and the CloudMounter app is there to help manage your data. Store your large videos in the cloud and simply use Elmedia Player to watch them on your Mac whenever you wish.

Establish the connection to your preferred cloud storage selecting it from the list

Frequently Asked Questions

VOB (short for Video Object) is a container format used for DVD video. Besides the movie itself, it contains additional information files such as IFO and BUP.

MP4 is a container file used to store video and audio, but possibly other data as well such as subtitles or images.

By default, macOS does not provide such compatibility in its built-in apps. Thus, we recommend using a Mac media player that can play VOB. Elmedia Player is fully compatible with VOB files and can open them without conversion.