In the world of video compression and digital media, H.264 and H.265 are two of the most widely used video codecs. Whether you are streaming a movie on Netflix, uploading a video to YouTube, or monitoring live footage from a CCTV camera, chances are you’re encountering one of these formats.
While both H.264 and H.265 aim to compress video files efficiently, they differ significantly in terms of compression ratio, quality, bandwidth usage, and hardware requirements. This article provides an in-depth comparison of H.264 and H.265, helping you decide which codec is more suitable for your needs.
What Are H.264 and H.265?
H.264 (Advanced Video Coding – AVC)
H.264, also known as AVC (Advanced Video Coding), was introduced in 2003 and has since become the standard for video compression across the internet, Blu-ray discs, broadcasting, and security surveillance. It offers a good balance between file size and quality, making it ideal for streaming and archiving.
H.265 (High Efficiency Video Coding – HEVC)
H.265, or HEVC (High Efficiency Video Coding), was developed as a successor to H.264 and finalized in 2013. As the name suggests, it offers higher efficiency, meaning it can deliver better video quality at the same bit rate or maintain the same quality at half the file size of H.264.
Compression Efficiency
H.264 Compression
H.264 compresses video by removing spatial and temporal redundancy. It uses macroblocks (typically 16×16 pixels) and motion compensation to encode changes between frames. While it provides decent compression, the technology is now two decades old and less efficient for ultra-HD content.
H.265 Compression
H.265 significantly improves upon its predecessor by using Coding Tree Units (CTUs), which can be up to 64×64 pixels. This allows more flexible partitioning and better prediction of areas with similar motion, improving efficiency.
Comparison:
- H.265 reduces file size by up to 50% compared to H.264.
- Ideal for 4K and 8K video streaming, where bandwidth savings are critical.
Video Quality
At the same bit rate, H.265 delivers better image quality than H.264. This is especially noticeable in:
- High-resolution videos (4K, 8K)
- Low-bitrate environments, such as mobile networks
- High-motion scenes, like sports or action films
The more advanced algorithms in H.265 help preserve details and reduce blocky artifacts, common with older codecs.
Bitrate and Bandwidth Usage of H.264 and H.265
One of the main advantages of H.265 is its lower bitrate requirement. This results in:
- Lower data usage
- Faster streaming
- Reduced buffering
This makes H.265 ideal for:
- Streaming services (e.g., Netflix, Amazon Prime)
- Video conferencing
- Cloud video surveillance
File Size Comparison H.264 and H.265
Here’s a simple example to illustrate:
| Resolution | Codec | Average Bitrate | File Size (10-minute video) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1080p | H.264 | 8 Mbps | ~600 MB |
| 1080p | H.265 | 4 Mbps | ~300 MB |
The exact values may vary, but H.265 consistently produces smaller files without sacrificing quality.
Compatibility and Hardware Support H.264 and H.265
H.264 Compatibility
- Supported across almost all devices: smartphones, browsers, smart TVs, media players, and cameras.
- Widely adopted for web content and streaming.
H.265 Compatibility
- Newer technology, so limited support on older devices.
- Requires HEVC-compatible hardware for decoding and encoding.
- Not all browsers (e.g., Firefox, Chrome) support H.265 playback natively without plugins.
Winner: H.264 is more universally compatible as of now, especially for legacy systems.
Encoding and Decoding Performance
H.265’s advanced compression techniques come at a cost:
- Encoding requires more CPU/GPU power
- Decoding also demands more resources, which can be an issue for older or low-power devices
For example, a computer that easily streams H.264 content might struggle with H.265 unless it has hardware acceleration.
Tip: If you are editing videos or using a surveillance system, ensure your software and hardware support H.265 decoding/encoding.
Use Cases H.264 and H.265
When to Use H.264
- You need maximum compatibility
- You’re targeting older devices or browsers
- You don’t need ultra-high-definition video
- You have limited hardware resources
When to Use H.265
- You are working with 4K or 8K video
- You need to save storage space or bandwidth
- You are targeting modern hardware and software
- You want better quality at the same bitrate
Licensing and Royalty Fees H.264 and H.265
Licensing can be a crucial factor for developers and companies.
H.264 Licensing
- Managed by MPEG LA
- Reasonable fees; many uses are royalty-free for end-users
- Broad industry adoption
H.265 Licensing
- Split among multiple patent pools (MPEG LA, HEVC Advance, Velos Media)
- More complex and expensive licensing
- Slower adoption due to legal uncertainties
H.266 (VVC) – The Future
As a side note, the successor to H.265 — H.266 or VVC (Versatile Video Coding) — was finalized in 2020 and promises even better compression. However, adoption is still limited due to the same licensing and hardware support issues.
Comparison Table: H.264 and H.265
| Feature | H.264 (AVC) | H.265 (HEVC) |
|---|---|---|
| Year Introduced | 2003 | 2013 |
| Compression Efficiency | Standard | ~50% better than H.264 |
| Video Quality | Good | Excellent |
| Bitrate Requirement | Higher | Lower |
| File Size | Larger | Smaller |
| Device Compatibility | High (old and new) | Moderate (mostly new) |
| CPU Usage | Lower | Higher |
| Licensing Complexity | Moderate | High |
| Ideal for | HD, general use | 4K/8K, streaming, storage |
| Browser Support | Excellent | Limited |
FAQ About H.264 and H.265
Q1: Is H.265 always better than H.264?
Not always. While H.265 provides better compression and quality, it requires more processing power and may not be supported on all devices. If compatibility and ease of use are your priorities, H.264 might still be better.
Q2: Can I convert H.264 videos to H.265?
Yes, using video converters like HandBrake, FFmpeg, or Adobe Media Encoder, you can convert H.264 to H.265. However, encoding may take longer due to the complexity of H.265.
Q3: Is H.265 supported in web browsers?
Partially. Native support is limited. Browsers like Safari (on macOS and iOS) support H.265, but Chrome and Firefox do not natively support HEVC without plugins or workarounds.
Q4: Which codec should I use for security cameras?
If your system supports it, H.265 is ideal for security surveillance because it reduces storage and bandwidth costs. However, ensure your NVR/DVR and viewing software support it.
Q5: Does H.265 use more CPU?
Yes. Both encoding and decoding are more resource-intensive with H.265. Hardware acceleration is recommended for smooth performance.
Q6: Is H.265 open source?
No. Unlike newer codecs like AV1, H.265 is encumbered by patents and licensing fees, which has slowed its widespread adoption.
Q7: Is HEVC good for streaming?
Yes. HEVC is excellent for streaming high-resolution content. Many major platforms, like Netflix and Apple TV+, use HEVC for 4K content.
Q8: Will H.265 replace H.264?
Over time, yes — but not completely or quickly. H.264 remains dominant due to its simplicity and wide support, while H.265 is more common in newer applications like 4K streaming, mobile video, and modern surveillance systems.
Conclusion
Choosing between H.264 and H.265 comes down to your needs, hardware, and compatibility requirements.
- Use H.264 if you need wide compatibility and lower system requirements.
- Choose H.265 if you want better compression, higher quality, and are working with modern systems or higher resolutions.
As technology evolves, H.265 will likely become more widespread, especially in areas requiring high efficiency. For now, both codecs play important roles in digital video workflows.