Real Test: 3 Methods to Convert Amazon Prime Video to MKV

If you want to download Amazon Prime Video to MKV, you usually cannot get an official MKV export from Prime Video itself, but you can still end up with MKV files by using a workaround.

I tested three methods: a popular browser extension, OBS Studio screen recording, and a dedicated Prime Video downloader. For each method, I'll walk you through what I did, what happened, and what I'd actually recommend depending on your situation.

Part 1. Why Convert Prime Video to MKV?

MKV, short for Matroska Video, is a container format designed to hold video, audio, subtitles, and chapter data in one file. That makes it a strong fit for movie libraries because it can keep multiple language tracks and soft subtitles together without forcing everything into a single playback setup. If you use VLC, Plex, or a NAS-based media library, MKV is usually the format that feels the least restrictive.

I prefer MKV over MP4 or MOV when I want more control over the playback experience. MP4 is more universally compatible, but it is less flexible for multiple audio tracks and subtitle handling. MOV is useful in editing workflows, especially in the Apple ecosystem, but it is not my first choice for a personal streaming archive.

Here is the practical difference at a glance:

Part 2. Can You Get Amazon Prime Video as MKV Format?

Not directly. While you can easily follow the official method to download Prime Video content on your MacBook or PC, those files are stored as encrypted DRM offline caches. You won't find a folder full of playable MP4 or MKV files anywhere on your system.

So you can't simply "convert" those cached downloads into MKV. The DRM encryption prevents it.

What you can do is use third-party software to capture or extract the video stream as you watch it. But before you go further, there's a critical legal note:

Part 3. 3 Ways to Convert Amazon Prime Video to MKV: Real-World Test

Test setup: Windows 10 HP laptop, active Amazon Prime Video membership, Chrome browser, home broadband connection. All three methods were tested under identical conditions.

I tested:

Method 1 — Video DownloadHelper

Video DownloadHelper is a browser extension available for Chrome, Firefox, and Edge. It detects media resources on web pages and, in some cases, offer MKV output.

Result: Complete Failure ❌

The extension immediately threw a red error message:

"Download failed. Something didn't work. And we think this video has DRM. We do not support videos with DRM."

It didn't even capture 0 bytes. Amazon's Widevine DRM encryption stopped it cold.

Method 2 — OBS Studio Screen Recording

OBS Studio is a free, open-source screen capture tool. Instead of downloading a video file directly, it records your screen in real time. That's actually what lets it bypass DRM since it's not touching the encrypted file at all; it's just recording what's displayed on your monitor.

If you try to record Prime Video without a black screen in your recording, you need to disable hardware acceleration in the settings of the browser. I'll take Google Chrome as an example to show you how to turn it off: Chrome → Settings → System → Turn off "Use hardware acceleration when available" → Restart Chrome

Result: Works, But Very Inefficient

I ended up with a functioning MKV file that captured the video, audio, and any displayed subtitles. The picture quality was 1080p, similar to online streaming, which is what I like about this workaround.

However, it's time-consuming because you have to capture in real-time. You also can't move your mouse, use other apps, or let notifications show up. I tested this and accidentally moved my mouse during recording, causing the Prime Video player controls to appear on screen and become permanently embedded in my MKV file.

Method 3 — VidiFab Prime Video Downloader

VidiFab Prime Video Downloader is a dedicated streaming video downloader built specifically for services like Amazon Prime Video, Netflix, Disney+, HBO Max, Hulu, and Apple TV. Rather than recording your screen, it extracts the video stream directly and packages it as a lossless 1080p MKV file, with all audio tracks and subtitles included.

It also automatically strips ads, including Freevee ads, which is a nice bonus.

Result: Fast, Clean, Complete

In my test, I downloaded a 48-minute TV episode in under 4 minutes on a standard home broadband connection. That's roughly 8x real-time speed compared to OBS's 1x.

When I opened the finished MKV in VLC, I could go to the Subtitle and Audio menus and find the language tracks and subtitle options packaged inside the single file. Everything was soft-coded, meaning I could toggle subtitles on or off, switch languages, or turn audio tracks entirely.

Part 4. Final Comparison: Which Is the Best Way to Convert Prime Video to MKV?

After testing all three methods, the best one depends on what you need. If you want a quick and free option and don't mind a slow process, OBS Studio can create a playable MKV file. However, if you value your time, need the original 1080p resolution, or want to download a full season, VidiFab Prime Video Downloader is a better option.

Below is a comparison table of the three methods based on important factors for converting Prime Videos to MKV.

My Verdict

If your only goal is to get a local MKV copy of a Prime Video title for personal viewing, I would skip the browser extension and treat OBS Studio as a backup plan. OBS works, but only if you are willing to trade time and convenience for a free solution. A dedicated downloader like VidiFab is the most practical option when you care about speed, subtitle flexibility, and a clean MKV output.

Whatever method you choose, keep your use strictly personal. Amazon's terms are clear, and the goal here is a better home viewing experience — not distribution.