H.264 vs. H.265: Which Video Codec Should You Use and Why?

Sometimes, you see a video that looks great on your screen, but it takes ages to load. This is why compression is needed with video. For watching TV, blogging with video, or storing media, the format you select is more critical than is generally realized. In the world of digital video, the debate of H.264 vs H.265 keeps coming up, and for good reason. Most of our media is streamed with H.264 and VP9, but they use different techniques. The guide outlines the main differences, allowing you to choose the most suitable method for storing your data.

Part 1: What Are H.264 and H.265

In this section, we will look at H.265 vs H.264, two video compression standards that are very common today. Knowing about codecs is necessary for those using digital videos for streaming, editing, or storage. We can explore the things that differentiate each language and look at when and where you are most likely to find them.

What Is H.264?

Advanced Video Coding, short for AVC, also known as H.264, has been the main video codec for more than ten years. It gives a good balance between quality and small file size, which makes it work great for video streaming, Blu-ray discs, and online video. Since H.264 works with various devices, we can understand its continued popularity.

What Is H.265?

H.265, often called HEVC or High Efficiency Video Coding, is the more recent version that improves the compression. Approximately half the size of an H.264 video with no drop in visual quality is possible using H.265. This is great for 4K streaming, video chats, and any high-tech activity that worries about how much bandwidth and storage is used.

Common Format That Uses H.264 & H.265:

File formats like the MP4, MKV, and MOV utilize the H.264 and H.265 standards. They carry video and audio data, allowing you to enjoy videos on computers, smartphones, and TVs. Finding out the codec used in a file allows you to judge its compatibility with your device or network.

Part 2: Is H.265 Better than H.264?

Deciding on the correct video codec can be a bit confusing, due to the wide array of options. Figuring out the differences between encoders and the one you need for your application matters a lot. This part breaks down the main features and compares their strengths, helping you answer the question: Is H.265 better than H.264? This is a good place to start.

Comparison Between H264 and H265:

When deciding between H.264 or H.265, it helps to understand their key differences. H.265, also known as HEVC file extension, can provide the same quality video at about half the file size of H.264. Therefore, screenshots are great for streaming 4K movies, since they help you use less space and bandwidth. At the same time, H.264 is still a preferred option since it is easier to handle on devices built in the past.

Compression and Quality:

Thanks to H.265, video compression is better, and lower quality is not sacrificed. This is a crucial factor when considering is H.265 is better than H.264 for your needs. Thanks to H.265 sophisticated algorithms, file size is smaller, and the video looks clearer, making it work well for today's internet video services.

Checking Compatibility and Performance:

Despite its benefits, using the H.265 format puts more strain on hardware for encoding and decoding. This means some devices and platforms still prefer H.265 to H.264 conversion for smoother playback and faster editing. Since H.264 is nearly everywhere, it runs efficiently on phones, TVs, and most other devices.

In the end, deciding is H.264 or H.265 better depends on your priorities. If having better compression is important for you, H.265 is the best choice if your device supports it. Yet, when you focus on speed and working well on a variety of devices, H.264 is still a good, reliable coding format. Neither codec is perfect; they differ and can meet different needs or requirements.

Part 3: How to Convert H.265 to H.264 and Vice Versa

Trying to play videos on an old phone was usually met with errors, delays, or files that could not be opened. If you run into this, AVAide Video Converter provides a great solution. With just one click, you can convert H.265 to H.264 in easy steps, no tech skills needed. The fact that everything goes smoothly is what sets it apart. What you record is exactly what you hear; there is no fuss, and it does not take any extra time.

Video conversion is smooth for even the biggest and highest-quality 4K content. Enhancing video quality, editing, or converting files for use through different devices, AVAide finishes the job with excellent performance and top-notch clarity. A simple addition to software, it helps solve an annoying issue and does the job well.

Step 1Get now the latest version of this video converter on your computer by ticking the download button we have in here, follow the installation process, and set up before you can use it. This converter is available on any version of Windows and the Mac operating system.

Step 2On the main interface of the converter, click the + button to upload the H.265 file you have saved on your PC. Here, you can upload multiple H.265 files and convert them all at once.

Step 3To set the format, click the Output Format button and select the H.264 format you want to use, which is available in this app. There are various formats, including MOV, MKV, AVI, and others.

Optional: If you want to edit the H.265 file you have before converting, then click the Edit button. Here, you can crop, rotate, add filters and effects, watermark, attach audio, and subtitle. When you apply editing to it, click the OK button to save the editing you have applied.

Step 4After that, click the Convert All button to start the conversion process. Once the conversion is complete, the video file is readily available in the H.264 format.

By Jane Pineda on Jul 02, 2025