Understand AV1 and H.264 Codecs with Steps to Convert Between Them

The debate on AV1 vs H.264 continues as video creators, streamers, and developers seek the best codec for quality, speed, and compatibility. Both formats offer unique strengths. H.264 remains the trusted standard for universal playback, while AV1 leads in next-generation compression efficiency. Understanding their differences helps determine which codec suits your workflow, from real-time streaming to 4K or 8K content delivery. This guide compares their performance, uses, and how to convert between them efficiently using AVAide Video Converter.

Part 1. What Is AV1 Codec?

The Alliance for Open Media (AOMedia) developed and published AV1 in 2018 as a next-generation, open-source video codec. AV1 efficiently replaces H.264 and VP9, particularly in video applications designed for streaming.

1. Purpose and Design: AV1 was designed and engineered to optimize H.264 competition by providing a 30-50% reduction in data consumption for videos of comparable quality. H.264-based videos can also be streamed at much lower data rates with virtually the same quality.

2. Target Use: AV1 is highly efficient for high-bandwidth applications, particularly for video streaming services that offer 4K content and demand high-resolution video content.

3. Performance: Advanced coding and compression algorithms integrated into the AV1 streamlines the playback for AV1-encoded videos and drastically reduces the file size. The trade-off is the added time during encoding for AV1.

4. Compatibility: The AV1 codec was designed for streaming services and is supported by advanced integrated circuits from major makers and streaming services. YouTube and Netflix support AV1-compatible video playback.

5. Licensing: AV1 is open-source, royalty-free, and available for licensing, which benefits both independent developers and large streaming platforms.

Part 2. What Is H.264 Codec?

H.264 is also known as AVC (Advanced Video Coding). It was developed by the ISO and ITU and released in 2003. It was the first video codec to gain wide industry acceptance and a variable quality video compression standard.

1. Purpose and Design: Designed to efficiently encode video without requiring a lot of computation, the video compression codec H.264 was designed to optimize video quality with a focus on size reduction.

2. Adoption and longevity: Due to a wonderful balance of speed, stability, and compatibility, H.264 has been widely adopted and forms the basis of almost all streaming services, Blu-ray discs, and video conferencing applications.

3. Performance: A real-time application that includes live streaming and video conferencing relies on the rapid encoding and decoding capabilities of H.264.

4. Compatibility: H.264 works on virtually all devices and browsers, and media players that include cellphones and set-top boxes.

5. Licensing: An MPEG LA consortium manages commercial licensing, meaning large-scale commercial distribution and the associated royalties will escalate quickly.

Part 3. Detailed Comparison Between AV1 and H.264

Unlike H.264, AV1 was designed for modern efficiency and future expandability. Both are video compression technologies, with AV1 designed for future performance and H.264 for hardware acceleration and broad market availability.

Comparison Table: AV1 vs. H.264

Use Cases

AV1 Use Cases:

1. AV1 is implemented in streaming platforms like YouTube and Netflix for streaming in 4K and 8K video quality while saving on bandwidth.

2. AV1 is efficient for streaming on mobile devices and during low-bandwidth conditions.

3. AV1-enabled video cloud delivery to ease server load and cut down on data transfer for large-scale delivery platforms.

4. AV1 supports next-generation media applications designed for ultra-high-definition content, transcending present standards.

H.264 Use Cases:

1. H.264 is the decades-long standard for real-time streaming and conferencing. It is the only available video codec on Zoom and Skype.

2. H.264 is routinely used in published media like Blu-ray discs and digital TV broadcasts.

3. The H.264 standard video codec is also used in CCTV cameras for security and surveillance, often compared in performance and efficiency in discussions like HEVC vs H.264.

4. H.264 is the only available video codec on older hardware and legacy systems.

Part 4. Convert Your Video Between AV1 and H.264 Codec

Optimizing storage, quality, or compatibility necessitates the conversion of video files between the AV1 and H.264 formats. For this, AVAide Video Converter has the absolute solution. It handles AV1 and H.264 with hundreds of video formats for seamless playback on various devices. You can transfer, compress, improve or edit videos without any bottlenecks, in high quality, with this tool.

Step 1Get the Tool

To start, access the official AVAide site and get AVAide Video Converter to your device, be it a Windows PC or a Mac computer, and install it in a standard manner, complying with the setup instructions to completion.

Step 2Start the Program and Upload Video

Once the setup is complete, run your new software. You will see a button that says Add Files. You can use this button to upload an AV1 or H.264 video, and you can also upload multiple at once onto the software for batch conversion.

Step 3Select a File Output Format

To keep the conversion within compliant video formats, you will have to use the Output Format dropdown, then open the Video section, and select H.264 (MP4) for AV1 or AV1 (MKV/MP4) for H.264.

Step 4Complete the Conversion

Processed files can be found in the destination folder you have set, or in an automatic default location, and then you can preview them. Using the AV1 video converter, there is a friendly user option to click Convert All at the bottom right to start a batch conversion.

By Sylvie Hyde on Oct 24, 2025