6 Ways for Better Compatibility (2024)

6 Ways for Better Compatibility (1)

Nov 01, 2024 / Updated by Lynn Hu to Convert Video

Compared with H.265 (HEVC), H.264 (AVC) has broader compatibility with older devices (released before 2015), platforms, media players, and services. That's why people convert H.265 to H.264 without quality loss. If you want to do so, continue reading and follow the 6 methods below.

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Guide List

Convert H.265 to H.264 with Desktop Software Turn H.265 to H.264 with Online Tools H.265 VS H.264: Why You Convert It Tips to Keep and Optimize Video Quality

Convert H.265 to H.264 with Desktop Software

Many video converters support the H.265 to H.264 codec conversion. Before choosing one tool, you must consider batch conversion support, output video quality, video editing tools, user-friendly interface, device compatibility, and more. Have no idea which one to choose? You can try the first one. Of course, the other 3 H.265 to H.264 converters are also good.

#1. AnyRec Video Converter

AnyRec Video Converter is an all-in-one H.265 video converter and editor for Windows 11/10/8/7 and Mac users. You can convert HEVC H.265 to H.264 quickly on your computer. Editing videos by trimming, merging, compressing, and more is also easy. This program can preserve the original video quality. So, if you want to change H.265 without compromising quality, free download this program now.

Pros
Batch convert HEVC to H.264 videos with 50x faster speed.
Keep or optimize video quality with premade profiles and custom options.
Provide built-in editors, including video trimmer, video watermark remover, etc.
Cons
Some features are not available for non-registered users.

1. Open AnyRec Video Converter. Click the "Add Files" button. Browse and upload your H.265 HEVC files.

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2. Click the "Format" button to choose the output video format. Make sure you use H.264 as the target encoder. If not, click the "Edit Profile" button and adjust with the "Encoder" dropdown list.

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3. You can click the "Edit" button to edit videos if necessary. Or you can just skip this step.

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4. Now click the "Convert All" button to convert HEVC to H.264.

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Free Download

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Free Download

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#2. VLC Media Player

VLC is a media player and a H.265 codec converter for Windows, Mac, Linux, iPhone, and Android users. You can get quick video conversions using VLC.

Pros
VLC is a free and open-source video converter that can handle H.265 to H.264 conversion on multiplatform.
Play and preview videos within the program.
Cons
Sometimes, VLC crashes while converting videos in large file sizes.
Lack of video merger to combine multiple videos.
  • 1. Open VLC. Click the"Media" button on the list. Then click the"Convert/Save" button.
  • 2. In the"Open Media" window, click the"Add…" button. Upload your files with H.265 codec.
  • 3. Click the"Convert/Save" button to move on. In the"Convert" window, unfold the"Profile" list.
  • 4. Select the output format with"Video – H.264 + MP3 (MP4)" and other formats with H.264 codec.
  • 5. Set the output file name and path folder.
  • 6. Click the"Start" button to save H.265 to H.264 with VLC.

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#3. HandBrake

HandBrake is another worldwide open-source video converter you can try. If you want to convert to MP4 or MKV with H.264 container, it can be a free choice.

Pros
Convert multiple H.265 videos to H.264 and more codecs for free.
Get built-in presets to quickly convert video to some devices, such as iPhone, iPad, Android, and more.
Cons
Have limited output formats and codecs.
  • 1. Run HandBrake. Click the "Open Source" button and add your HEVC video.
  • 2. In the "Summary" section, select your output format as MP4 or MKV.
  • 3. Go to the "Video" section. Click "H.264 (x264)" from the "Video Encoder" dropdown list.
  • 4. You can change video bitrate, quality, FPS, and more options based on your needs.
  • 5. Click the "Start Encode" button to convert the codec from H.265 to H.264.

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#4. FFmpeg

FFmpeg can decode videos up to 4K and 8K UHD HEVC videos via command lines. You can get many encoders and decoders to handle video and audio conversions flexibly.

Pros
Highly customizable video conversion with precise controls for advanced users.
More support for input/output formats than other competitors.
Cons
It isn't easy to debug command lines.
  • 1. Free download and install FFmpeg. (You can follow the how-to videos on YouTube.)
  • 2. Open Command Prompt (for Windows) or Terminal (for macOS/Linux).
  • 3. Copy and paste the following codes.

    ffmpeg -i input_video.mp4 -c:v libx264 -preset medium -crf 23 -c:a aac -b:a 192k output_video.mp4

    Replace "input_video" and "output_video " with the file name. Moreover, you can adjust "-crf 23" from 18-28, and change "-b:a 192k" with other audio bitrate.

  • 4. Press the "Enter" key on your keyboard. Later, you can find the H.264 file in the destination folder.

Turn H.265 to H.264 with Online Tools

Of course, you can use online H.265 converters to solve the problem. There is no need to install third-party HEVC to H.264 converter apps. Just quickly transcode from H.265 to H.264 codec on your phone or computer.

#1. 123APPS Video Converter

You can convert HEVC videos, reduce video size, silence video, and change video resolution within 123APPS Video Converter. The maximum file size limit is 500MB. So, if you want to convert HEVC H.265 files larger than 500MB and smaller than 4GB, you need to subscribe with $6 per month.

  • 1. Open the online H.265 to H.264 converter on your browser.
  • 2. Click the "Open file" button. You can upload your HEVC file from a local drive, Google Drive, Dropbox, and URL.
  • 3. Set the output video format. Keep video resolution the same as the source or adjust with more options.
  • 4. Click the "Settings" button. Unfold the "Video codec" list. Select "H.264/AVC". Keep the "Audio codec" as "AAC (Advanced Audio Coding)".
  • 5. Click the "Convert" button to change H.265 to H.264 online.

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#2. AnyConv H265 to H264 Converter

AnyConv H.265 to H.264 Converter supports batch conversion. However, this free online converter's maximum file size limit is 100MB. AnyRec Video Converter would be a better choice for people who want to convert large videos.

  • 1. Open H265 to H264 converter.
  • 2. Click the "CHHOSE FILE" button. Then, add your video.
  • 3. Make sure H264 is displayed in the output section. If not, unfold the list and select it.
  • 4. Click the "CONVERT" button to start converting from HEVC H.265 to H.264 online.

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H.265 VS H.264: Why You Convert It

There are many differences between H.265 and H.264. Let's briefly introduce and compare H.265 and H.264 in some aspects.

Supported Containers

Winner: H.264 has a broader container support than H.265.

H.265: MP4, MKV, AVI, MXF, ASF, TS, PS, 3GP, MOV, WEBM, QTFF

H.264: MP4, MKV, AVI, MXF, ASF, TS, M2TS, PS, 3GP, FLV, MOV, WEBM, F4V, EVO, QTFF

Video Quality

Winner: H.265 can deliver higher video quality in the same file size than H.264.

H.265 provides better video quality with lower bitrates than H.264. You can get 4k and higher resolutions.

H.264 requires higher bitrates for similar video resolutions encoded in H.265.

File Size

Winner: Videos in H.265 have smaller file sizes than H.264.

H.265 has efficient compression that can keep the same quality level with a smaller file size than H.264.

H.264 requires more storage space than H.264 to get similar video quality.

Compatibility

Winner: H.264 is widely supported by major browsers, editors, players, devices, and platforms.

H.265 is not compatible with older devices, consoles, and platforms.

H.264 is compatible both new and old devices, hardware, and systems.

Tips to Keep and Optimize Video Quality

• Use 1080P or other high-quality presets.
• Set a low CRF value. For example, set CRF value between 18 to 20 for optimal quality in FFmpeg. As for HandBrake, you can adjust Rate Factor (RF) to get high video quality.
• Keep the original resolution, bitrate, and frame rate (You can get this option in AnyRec Video Converter).
• Preserve audio quality with AAC at a high bitrate (such as 192kbps).
• Don't use extra filters and effects, like sharpen, denoise, etc.
• Use libx264 codec in FFmpeg.

Conclusion

These are 6 workable ways to convert H.265 to H.264 online and offline on multiplatform. For people looking for an easy-to-use and powerful H.265 HEVC converter, AnyRec Video Converter can be the winner. Its free trial version is available for new users now!

Free Download

100% Secure

Free Download

100% Secure

Related Articles

  • AVC vs HEVC – What is the Main Difference and How to Convert
  • 3 Online Tools You Should Try to Convert HEVC to MP4 [PC Alternative]
  • Top 6 HEVC Players to Open 4K/HD Videos on Windows/Mac
  • The Difference Between VP8 and H.264 and How to Convert Them
6 Ways for Better Compatibility (2024)

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