What is the Difference Between H.264 and H.265

Find out which video codec suits your needs—H.265 or H.264. Learn how they differ in compression, quality, and usage. Discover exclusive offers on top-rated TVs and bring cinematic entertainment to your living room.
Explore TVs on Easy EMIs
3 min
29-July-2025

The main difference between H.264 and H.265 lies in compression efficiency. H.265 offers about 50% better compression than H.264, meaning it delivers the same video quality at half the file size. This makes H.265 ideal for streaming and storage where file size matters. However, H.264 remains the more widely compatible codec, especially for older devices and software. For optimal quality and efficiency, H.265 is the better choice, but H.264 is still reliable for compatibility.

If you are planning to buy a TV with H.265 or H.264 support, first check your loan eligibility. This helps you set your budget. Once that is done, browse top models on Bajaj Mall. You can shop from over 1.5 lakh partner stores in over 4,000 cities. Choose what suits you and convert your purchase into Easy EMIs of up to Rs. 5 lakh. Some models even come with zero down payment, making it easy to bring home the best video gear.

What is a video codec

A video codec is a software or tool that compresses and decompresses digital video. Without it, video files would be too large to store or stream. Codecs help reduce file size while keeping quality. They also ensure your video plays smoothly on different devices. H.264 and H.265 are both popular codecs. They decide how fast a video loads, how clear it looks, and how much space it takes. If you want faster loading and better quality, choosing the right codec matters. Whether you are a content creator, editor, or home user, codecs play a big role in your viewing experience.

What is H.264 AVC

H.264, also called Advanced Video Coding (AVC), is one of the most widely used video codecs today.

  • Advanced Video Coding: H.264 balances video quality and file size. It is suitable for many uses like streaming, Blu-ray discs, and online video.

  • Key features of H.264: It supports HD content, has low delay, and is compatible with many platforms.

  • Advantage and disadvantage: The main advantage is its wide support and decent quality. The downside is it creates larger files compared to newer codecs like H.265.

What is H.265 HEVC

H.265, also known as High-Efficiency Video Coding (HEVC), is the successor to H.264.

  • Advanced Video Coding: H.265 improves video compression. It offers the same quality as H.264 but in smaller files.

  • Key features of H.265: It supports 4K and 8K video, reduces bandwidth use, and delivers sharper detail.

  • Advantage and disadvantage: H.265 saves space and improves quality. However, it needs more powerful devices and is not supported by all software.

Difference between H.264 vs. H.265

Video compression is a crucial process that reduces file sizes for easier storage and faster streaming, while maintaining video quality. H.265 (HEVC) and H.264 are the two most popular video compression codecs, each with its own advantages. H.265 offers superior compression, achieving the same video quality as H.264 but at half the file size, making it ideal for streaming high-definition content with limited bandwidth. However, H.264 remains widely used due to its compatibility across various devices and platforms. Understanding the differences between these two codecs helps you choose the right option based on your needs for quality, storage, and performance. For the latest new TV model options, explore the top choices available today.

What is H.264 compression and how does it work?

  • H.264 is a video compression standard: It reduces the size of video files while maintaining high quality. It is commonly used for streaming, video conferencing, and video storage.

  • It works by removing redundant data: H.264 eliminates unnecessary information from video frames, encoding only the key data required to reproduce the video.

  • It uses inter-frame compression: H.264 compares consecutive video frames and stores only the differences between them rather than storing each full frame individually.

  • It supports high-quality video at lower bitrates: H.264 can compress videos without significant quality loss, making it ideal for streaming high-definition content, such as on YouTube and Netflix.

  • It is widely compatible: Haier TV is supported by most modern devices, including smartphones, tablets, and smart TVs, ensuring seamless playback across various platforms.

Explore different TV price options for affordable, high-quality models with H.264 support.

What is H.265 compression, and how does it work?

  • H.265 (HEVC) is a video compression standard: It improves upon H.264 by offering better compression rates, allowing for higher-quality video at smaller file sizes.

  • It uses advanced encoding techniques: H.265 reduces the data needed to store video by compressing the video more efficiently, especially for high-resolution videos like 4K and 8K.

  • It applies intra-frame and inter-frame compression: Similar to H.264, H.265 uses inter-frame compression by storing only the differences between frames, but it also improves how individual frames are compressed.

  • It offers up to 50% better compression than H.264: This means you can store or stream the same video quality at half the file size of your TCL TV, making it ideal for high-definition and high-bitrate content.

  • It requires more processing power: Although H.265 offers better compression decoding, it requires more processing power, which can be a limitation on older devices or hardware.

Key differences between H.264 and H.265

Aspect

H.264

H.265

Compression efficiency

Lower compression efficiency, requiring more data for the same video quality

Up to 50% better compression efficiency, reducing data usage without losing quality

File size

Produces larger file sizes for HD and 4K videos

Compresses video into smaller files without reducing quality, ideal for HD and 4K content

Compatibility

Supported by most devices and software; widely used for streaming

Needs newer hardware and software; not as broadly supported as H.264

Performance

Suitable for standard HD streaming and playback

Better for high-definition and 4K streaming; uses less bandwidth for the same video quality

Processing requirements

Works well on older and less powerful devices

Needs more processing power for decoding; may affect playback on older systems

 

Efficiency and file size comparison: H.264 vs. H.265

H.265, also known as HEVC (High-Efficiency Video Coding), significantly improves upon the H.264 standard by offering better compression efficiency without sacrificing video quality. While H.264 remains the most widely used codec due to its broad compatibility, H.265 achieves up to 50% better compression efficiency, meaning it uses less data for high-definition video content. This allows for smaller file sizes while maintaining video quality, making it ideal for streaming services and high-quality video content on platforms like Netflix and YouTube. However, H.265 requires more advanced hardware support, which can be a limitation on older devices. Despite these advantages, H.264 remains a reliable choice due to its widespread support and compatibility across various devices.

If you are looking to upgrade your viewing experience, Samsung LED TVs are a great option that support H.265 for superior video quality and efficiency.

Get TVs on Easy EMIs with Bajaj Finserv

Bringing home a high-performance TV is now simple with Bajaj Finserv’s flexible financing options and latest offers. Follow these easy steps to buy your preferred TV on Easy EMIs.

  • Explore models on Bajaj Mall: Browse through a wide range of LED, QLED, OLED, and smart TVs on Bajaj Mall. Compare screen sizes, resolutions, sound quality, and smart features to choose the model that suits your home viewing needs.

  • Visit a partner store: Once you have shortlisted a model, visit any of Bajaj Finserv’s 1.5 lakh partner stores across 4,000 Indian cities. See the product in person and speak to experts if needed before finalising your purchase.

  • Choose the Easy EMI Loan option: At checkout, select the Bajaj Finserv Easy EMI Loan. Get financing of up to Rs. 5 lakh and convert your TV purchase into Easy EMIs. Some TV models may also be available with zero down payment.

  • Check your loan eligibility online: To make your shopping experience smoother, check your pre-approved loan limit by entering your mobile number and OTP. This gives you a clear idea of how much you can borrow before visiting the store.

  • Use the EMI Network Card for purchases up to Rs. 3 lakh: If you have a Bajaj Finserv EMI Network Card, use it to divide purchases of up to Rs. 3 lakh into monthly instalments—no paperwork, no delays.

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Frequently asked questions

Can I buy TVs on EMIs?

Yes, you can purchase TVs with Bajaj Finserv’s Easy EMI options.

If you are an existing user of the Bajaj Finserv Insta EMI Card:

  • Explore a wide range of TVs on Bajaj Mall

  • Choose the preferred model and visit a Bajaj Finserv partner store to check it out in person

  • Use your EMI Network Card and avail of Easy EMIs for affordable monthly payments

  • Enjoy your new TV on Easy EMIs

If you do not have one, there is no need to worry. Check your eligibility for an Insta EMI Card and take the first step towards enjoying the affordability and convenience of Easy EMIs.

Does H.264 offer better quality than H.265?

H.264 does not offer better quality than H.265. H.265 delivers higher quality at the same or lower file size. However, H.264 has broader device compatibility, making it useful for older systems or basic applications.

Is H.265 superior in quality compared to x264?

Yes, H.265 provides better compression and quality than x264, which is a popular implementation of H.264. H.265 supports higher resolutions and offers smaller file sizes, although it requires more processing power to run smoothly.

What are the disadvantages of H.265 compression?

H.265 requires more processing power and may not be supported on older devices or apps. Editing and playback can be slower without proper hardware. Licensing costs for H.265 can also be higher for developers and distributors.

Is HEVC (H.265) considered high-quality?

Yes, HEVC or H.265 is considered high-quality. It provides excellent video clarity, especially for 4K and high-definition content. It also compresses files efficiently, helping you save space and stream faster with less data.

What is the main difference between H.264 and H.265?

The main difference lies in compression efficiency. H.265 offers up to 50% better compression than H.264, meaning it delivers similar video quality at half the file size, making it ideal for high-resolution content.

Which video compression format offers better quality?

H.265 offers better quality at smaller file sizes compared to H.264. It maintains higher resolution and detail, especially for 4K and HDR content, making it the superior choice for modern video needs.

Is H.265 compatible with all devices?

No, H.265 requires more advanced hardware for decoding and may not be supported by older devices. However, newer smartphones, TVs, and media players typically support H.265.

Does H.265 reduce video file sizes more than H.264?

Yes, H.265 reduces video file sizes more effectively than H.264. It achieves similar quality at about half the size, making it ideal for streaming and storage, especially for high-definition videos.

Can I use H.264 to stream in 4K resolution?

While H.264 can be used for streaming in 4K, it is less efficient than H.265. H.265 is preferred for 4K streaming because it compresses video more efficiently without compromising quality, especially on lower bandwidth.

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