The Difference Between H.264 and H.265
H.264 (also known as AVC, Advanced Video Coding) and H.265 (also known as HEVC, High Efficiency Video Coding)
are two common video coding standards used to compress and decompress video data. So what's the difference between the two?
- Compression Efficiency
Higher Compression Efficiency — H.265 offers better compression efficiency than H.264. This means that at the same image quality, H.265 can produce a smaller file size than H.264. Higher compression efficiency is useful for video transmission and storage when bandwidth or storage space is limited.
- Image Quality
At the same bitrate, H.265 can deliver better image quality. This is because H.265 introduces more advanced encoding technologies, such as stronger prediction algorithms, more efficient encoding, and better computation, and it supports higher resolutions including 4K and 8K. In addition, because H.265 has higher compression efficiency, it requires a lower bitrate to transmit video of the same quality, making H.265 more advantageous in bandwidth-limited network environments.
- Better Parallel Processing Capability
H.265 supports parallel processing, making better use of the multi-core architecture of modern processors to increase encoding speed.
Overall,H.265is a newer video coding standard than H.264, and itoffers better compression efficiency and image quality, which benefits storage when bandwidth is limited
Which One Is Mainstream?
Currently, H.264 is still the most widely supported and used standard, mainly for the following reasons.
- Compatibility
H.264 has been around for many years and has gained widespread support and adoption. It offers excellent compatibility across a wide range of devices, platforms, and software, including computers, mobile devices, TVs, and streaming devices
- Mature Encoder and Decoder Technology
H.264's encoder and decoder technology is mature and has been widely optimized and deployed. After years of development and refinement, it offers high efficiency and stability.
- Conversion Cost
Converting from H.264 to H.265 requires a significant investment of time and cost, involving equipment replacement, software upgrades, and re-encoding existing video content.
So the user's willingness to make the switch must also be taken into account.
- Licensing and Patent Fees
H.264's patent fees are relatively low and more flexible to use. In comparison, H.265's patent fees are higher and must be paid to multiple patent holders. This makes some organizations and service providers lean toward H.264 when weighing cost against benefit.
However, over time, asH.265 gains wider adoption and support, it may become the more widely used standard in the future
Are There Device Compatibility Issues?
If your device doesn't support H.265, you may encounter issues such as video formats that can't be decoded, playback failure, a black screen, no sound, or errors.
Currently, existing or lower-cost devices such as computers, mobile devices, and smart TVs may still only support H.264, while some newer devices — especially smartphones, tablets, and streaming boxes — have begun supporting H.265. If you need to use H.265 video encoding on an older device, you'll need toconvert the H.265 file into a format supported by the older device, such as H.264. This involves re-encoding the video file using dedicated software or tools, but re-compressing the video is not only time-consuming but may also reduce quality or lose detail. So if an older device doesn't support H.265 encoding, you'll need to consider a device upgrade or another solution to resolve the compatibility issue.