Effective Tutorial to Convert H.265 to H.264 for Enhanced Compatibility

September 29, 2025Gerald Christian

Have you ever needed clarification on the variety of video codecs, particularly when changing H.265 to H.264 codec? Don't worry. We're going to make the entire procedure simple for you in this tutorial. Imagine your videos playing on any platform with any player conveniently. That's what we're all working toward to convert easily and effortlessly for broader compatibility, smaller file sizes, and improved editing capabilities by changing the codec from H.265 to H.264.

Prepare to dive into powerful tutorials that simplify complex concepts into manageable stages on how to convert H.265 to H.264. It is about providing you with the means to improve your movie consumption experience. Let's get started and ensure that your videos work on all platforms!

Convert H.265 to H.264

Part 1. Why Do You Need to Convert H.265 to H.264?

While H.265 (HEVC) is superior for saving storage space and bandwidth with its advanced compression, there are several practical reasons why you might need to convert these files back to the more established H.264 (AVC) format. The primary reason is universal compatibility. An H.264 file is almost guaranteed to play anywhere without issues, whereas H.265 might be unsupported on many older systems. Moreover, converting your H.265 videos to H.264 before uploading can prevent errors, ensure faster processing times, and guarantee that your audience can view the content without any compatibility barriers. In short, converting H.265 to H.264 is not a step backward but a practical step to ensure your videos can be played, edited, and shared by the widest possible audience with maximum ease.

Part 2. Methods to Change H.265 to H.264

Method 1. VidHex

While VidHex is renowned as a powerful AI video enhancer for upscaling resolution, color correction, and noise reduction, its capabilities are highly complementary to a workflow involving H.265 to H.264 conversion. However, this technical conversion process focuses on compatibility and doesn't inherently improve the video’s visual quality. This is where VidHex adds significant value. After you convert your video to the highly compatible H.264 format, you can use VidHex’s AI-powered tools to enhance the visual quality of that output. Its features are particularly beneficial for videos that may have suffered from compression during the original recording or the conversion process itself.

Free DownloadFor Windows

Secure100% Secure. No Ads.

Free DownloadFor macOS

Secure100% Secure. No Ads.

Key Features

• Enhance low-quality video via AI models.

• Upscale video resolution to 4k with one click.

• Colorize B&W videos and turn them to life.

• Increase video FPS with intelligent frame interpolation.

• Remove video noise while preserving necessary details.

• Enhance dark footage with lively colors.

To help you better use this tool, here is a detailed guide for you.

Step 1.
Download the software on your device and open it.
Step 2.
Import the video you want to convert by clicking the Add File(s) area.
Vidhex Interface
Step 3.
Click the settings icon in the right corner of the screen and adjust the Video Encoder to h.264.
Format Conversion
Step 4.
Click Export All to export the converted footage.

Method 2. FFmpeg

FFmpeg is a powerful and adaptable suite of free and open-source software that is well-known for its extensive handling of multimedia data. With this robust toolkit, we can convert H.265 to H.264 and easily navigate the intricate world of audio, video, metadata, and subtitles. Its flexibility and versatility make it a valuable asset for tasks ranging from basic file conversion to advanced multimedia processing. Still, you need to know the basic codecs to use the program.

It also offers solutions for common activities like editing, streaming, transcoding, and conversion. Thanks to its cross-platform compatibility, FFmpeg functions flawlessly on a variety of operating systems to convert H.265 to H.264 macOS, Windows, and Linux. It allows us to meet the needs of a wide range of users. FFmpeg is typically used via a command-line interface (CLI), which enables us to perform a wide range of activities, from straightforward format conversions to complex editing procedures. Empowering you to work on your audio and video processing tasks efficiently and effectively. Despite the conversion, FFmpeg ensures that the integrity and quality of the video are maintained as much as possible.

Multimedia professionals prefer FFmpeg due to its extensive use in content creation, streaming services, and video production. The following are detailed steps for using FFmpeg to convert an H.265 (HEVC) video to H.264 (AVC).

Step 1.
Go to the FFmpeg website and open it. It is available for Windows, macOS, and Linux. Move the mouse pointer over the version that you require and select the URL beneath it. Just choose and download the most recent version of FFmpeg.
Find and Download FFmpeg
Step 2.
Go to the Start menu and find the Command Prompt window Hereafter. Next, the FFmpeg command window will appear, allowing us to begin using the program to convert H.265 to H.264.
Navigate Command Prompt
Step 3.
The correct command line can now be entered below the cursor. Press Enter, and FFmpeg will take care of the H.264 video conversion. Once the conversion is complete, navigate to the output folder specified in the command to find your newly converted H.264 file. That is how to convert H.265 to H.264 FFmpeg successfully, depending on your needs and preferences, and change the command parameters.
Convert and Check Output Folder

Method 3. HandBrake

Compatible with Windows, macOS, and Linux systems, HandBrake is an open-source video transcoder. It is a well-liked option for video conversion chores due to its extensive support for a variety of input formats and codecs, as well as its intuitive interface and strong encoding capabilities. You can also use it to optimize video files for various devices, apps, and storage options. It is designed to be user-friendly, making it accessible to both beginners and experienced users. The straightforward layout allows us to easily navigate through various settings and options without feeling overwhelmed.

Specifically, HandBrake's user-friendly preset settings and customization options are beneficial for converting H265 to H264. Both beginner and expert users can easily utilize HandBrake's user-friendly method of transcoding videos, which gives them control over key aspects like video bitrate, quality, and resolution. Let's now explore how to use HandBrake to convert H.265 to H.264.

Step 1.
Go to the official HandBrake website and download the corresponding version to your operating system. Install HandBrake by following the given installation guidelines and launch it. Select the Open Source button. Find and pick your H265 video file by navigating to its location.
Open Video File
Step 2.
Make sure to use the desired Container format (such as MP4) in the Output Settings section. Under Video, select H264 (x264) as the codec. It's recommended to keep the default settings unless you have specific requirements. Select the target folder to be used for storing the converted file. In the Title column, give the output file a name.
Select Decode and File Name
Step 3.
The Start Encode button will allow you to begin the conversion process.

Using the chosen parameters, HandBrake will start converting your H265 video to H264. After the conversion is finished, locate the newly converted H264 file by navigating to the destination folder you choose. With HandBrake, you should have no trouble transforming your HEVC to AVC.

Encode to Convert

Method 4. VLC Media Player

VLC Media Player is a free, open-source, and cross-platform multimedia player developed by the VideoLAN Project. While widely recognized for its ability to play virtually any video or audio format without additional codec packs, VLC also includes a robust video conversion feature. This makes it a handy tool for users who need to convert videos between different codecs, such as from H.265 (HEVC) to H.264 (AVC). Its versatility and zero-cost availability on Windows, macOS, and Linux make it an attractive option for quick conversion. However, it’s worth noting that VLC primarily uses software encoding for H.264 conversion, which might be slower for large files or high-resolution videos compared to hardware-accelerated tools.

Here's how you can convert your H.265 video to H.264 using VLC Media Player.

Step 1.
Open VLC and click on the Media menu in the top-left corner. From the dropdown, select Convert / Save....
VLC Interface
Step 2.
In the “Open Media” dialog box that appears, click the Add... button to import your source H.265 video file. After adding the file, click the Convert / Save button at the bottom and choose Convert.
VLC Import
Step 3.
Select Profile and choose Video – H.264 + MP3 (MP4).
VLC Convert
Step 4.
Click the Browse button next to “Destination file” to choose where you want to save the converted H.264 video and give it a new name.
Step 5.
Finally, click the Start button. VLC will begin the conversion process. A blue progress bar will appear at the bottom of the player window. Please be patient, as this process can take some time depending on the size and length of your video.

Part 3. Convert H.265 to H.264 with Online Tools

Option 1. Aiseesoft Free Video Converter Online

The greatest video converter is Aiseesoft Free Video Converter Online, which can convert H265 to H264 online quickly and efficiently. It has a broad range of video formats, including MP4, MOV, AVI, and others. The tool can provide a convenient and accessible solution for converting H.265 to H.264 without the need for software installation. Through the use of these web resources, you can convert video formats, providing versatility across various platforms and operating systems. The methods for effectively converting H.265 to H.264 with Aiseesoft Free Converter Online are described below.

Step 1.
Open your web browser and search Aiseesoft Free Converter Video Online. On the webpage, look for the upload file selection option. Utilize this function to upload an H.265 video file.
Upload the Video
Step 2.
Clicking the Convert or Start button will begin the converting procedure. Your H.265 file will start to be processed by Aiseesoft and converted to H.264.
Start to Convert
Step 3.
Click the Export button to download the converted H.264 file after the conversion is complete.
Export the Video

Option 2. AnyConv

Presenting AnyConv, an all-in-one tool to convert H265 to H264 online. You can quickly and effortlessly convert documents, photos, videos, and more thanks to its user-friendly interface and large selection of supported formats. With AnyConv, you can say goodbye to compatibility problems and hello to smooth file conversion. Are you prepared to begin? Now, let's examine how it functions.

Step 1.
Go to the AnyConv official website. Click the Open File to select the video file you want to convert.
Choose a Video
Step 2.
Choose the format H264 to convert the H265 video. Once you’ve selected your output, click the Convert button to start the conversion process.
Select Format and Convert
Step 3.
After the conversion, you’ll be provided with a download link for your converted file. Simply click on the link to download. That's it! With AnyConv, you can convert files effortlessly in just a few simple steps.
Click Link to Download

Part 4. FAQs about Converting H.265 to H.264

Is H265 lower quality than H.264?

No, it's generally accepted that H.265 (HEVC) offers higher quality and more efficient compression than H.264. With much-reduced file sizes, it achieves the same or greater visual quality, making it more effective for 4K and high-definition content.

Can VLC convert H.265 to H.264?

Yes, you can use VLC to convert the video files to H.264 if you don't have Windows 7 and 8 or don't have the option to install the Microsoft H.265 extension.

Does Windows Media Player support H.265 or H.264?

The H.265 (HEVC) codec is not supported natively by Windows Media Player. For playback, it does support the H.264 (AVC) codec. Remember that depending on the Windows version and any upgrades Microsoft has published after then, codec support may change.

Conclusion

Regarding the conversion of HEVC to AVC, we are presented with many alternatives to suit varying requirements and tastes. One notable feature of Aiseesoft Video Converter Ultimate is its highly customizable UI. The flexible command-line utility FFmpeg is popular with users who want more control over the conversion parameters. Easy-to-use solutions are preferred, and HandBrake is appreciated due to its open-source nature and simplicity. For those who would rather convert online, Aiseesoft Free Video Converter Online offers the ease of browser-based reversing. With so many choices available, do not hesitate to pick one to turn your HEVC videos into AVC right now.

Disqus IconLeave your comment and join our discussion
Video Converter Ultimate box

Video Converter Ultimate is excellent video converter, editor and enhancer to convert, enhance and edit videos and music in 1000 formats and more.

Free DownloadFor Windows

Secure100% Secure. No Ads.

Free DownloadFor macOS

Secure100% Secure. No Ads.

Back to top