AV1 vs H.264 vs H.265: Best codec for video streaming

For developers working with video streaming platforms, codec selection can make or break the user experience. Choosing the right codec is not just about compressing video; it’s about balancing quality, performance, and resource utilization. With AV1, H.264, and H.265 being the most widely discussed codecs, this guide will help you understand their strengths, weaknesses, and when to use each one in your development workflow.

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Why codecs matter in video streaming?

Codecs are the engines behind video compression, allowing developers to efficiently deliver content to users with varying network conditions, devices, and bandwidth. Whether you're working on live streaming, video-on-demand (VOD), or conferencing platforms, the codec you choose can drastically impact your streaming performance.

• AV1 is known for its next-generation compression technology, designed to reduce bandwidth consumption without sacrificing quality.
• H.264 (also known as AVC) is the industry standard for video compression and is widely supported across devices and platforms.
• H.265 (also known as HEVC) improves on H.264 by offering better compression at the same quality level, making it ideal for high-definition and 4K content.

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Now that we have a better understanding of codecs and some of the most popular ones, let's take a closer look at AV1, H.264, and H.265 to explore their unique features and differences.

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What is AV1?

AV1 (AO media video 1) is a modern video codec developed by the Alliance for open media, a consortium of major tech companies including Google, Apple, and Microsoft. AV1 is designed to offer superior compression efficiency and high video quality while being open-source and royalty-free. This codec supports high-definition (HD) and ultra-high-definition (UHD) video, making it a great choice for high-quality streaming.

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Key features:

• Compression Efficiency: Up to 50% better compression than H.264 and H.265.
• Quality: Excellent quality at lower bitrates, ideal for 4K and 8K content.
• Licensing: Open-source and royalty-free.
• Compatibility: Growing but still less widespread compared to H.264 and H.265.

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What is H.265?

H.265 (High-efficiency video coding, HEVC) is the successor to H.264, developed by ISO/MPEG and ITU-T video coding experts group. H.265 enhances video quality and compression efficiency, supporting higher resolutions like 4K and HDR. Although it delivers better performance compared to H.264, it comes with complex licensing fees and variable support across different platforms.

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Key features:

• Compression efficiency: Better quality at lower bitrates than H.264.
• Quality: High-definition video quality, suitable for 4K and HDR.
• Licensing: Involves licensing fees.
• Compatibility: Broad support but not universal.

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What is H.264?

H.264, also known as Advanced video coding (AVC), is a widely used codec that compresses and transmits video efficiently across various platforms. As a predecessor to H.265, H.264 is known for its broad compatibility and efficient performance. It remains a popular choice due to its extensive device support and lower encoding costs.

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Key features:

• Compression efficiency: Less advanced compared to H.265 and AV1.
• Quality: Good quality, though not as high as H.265 or AV1 for modern content.
• Licensing: Requires licensing fees but is widely accepted.
• Compatibility: Almost universal support.

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Comparison of AV1, H.264, and H.265

For a clear and concise comparison of AV1, H.265, and H.264, you can check the table below. It highlights the key features and differences between these codecs to help you make an informed choice:

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Codec performance: Test results and analysis

To provide a comprehensive understanding of how AV1, H.264, and H.265 (HEVC) handle video quality, we conducted a series of tests encoding and recording with each codec with OBS. The test aimed to observe how well each codec manages visual quality under, Below are the results of our tests:

Test setup:

Resolutions: 1080p and 4K

Video encoders:

• AOM AV1
• Apple VT H.264 Hardware encoder
• Apple VT HEVC encoder

Bitrate: 4000 kbps (1080p) and 15,000 kbps (4K)

Rate control: CBR (Constant bitrate)

Keyframe interval: 2 seconds

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Test results:

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Codec is evolving rapidly, with AV1 emerging as a promising standard for high-quality streaming. Its superior compression efficiency and royalty-free status make it an attractive option for future-proofing streaming services. Meanwhile, H.266 (VVC) is on the horizon, promising even greater efficiency and reduced data consumption.

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Performance impact and trade-offs for developers

Understanding the performance trade-offs of these codecs is  important when integrating them into your video streaming pipeline:

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• Encoding speed: AV1 offers the best compression, but its encoding speed is slower than both H.264 and H.265. H.264 is the fastest to encode, making it ideal for live or real-time applications. H.265 strikes a balance, but developers need to ensure they have the necessary hardware acceleration to avoid performance bottlenecks.
• Hardware acceleration: H.264 and H.265 are supported by most hardware encoders, making them suitable for applications requiring real-time video processing. AV1 is gaining hardware support but is still limited to newer devices.
• Compatibility: H.264 wins hands down when it comes to device compatibility. While H.265 has broad support for high-definition content, AV1’s device support is growing, but it’s not universal yet.

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Practical advice for codec implementation

Each codec has its use cases and considerations for developers:

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1. AV1 is great for reducing server load and delivering higher-quality video over lower bitrates. It’s the codec of choice for social media platforms and OTT services aiming for efficient bandwidth usage.

2. H.264 should be your default for live streaming or any real-time application where encoding speed is a concern. Its compatibility with older devices and browsers makes it a safe choice for mass-market products.

3. H.265 is ideal for high-definition and 4K streaming applications, especially when bandwidth is limited, and the hardware can handle the encoding requirements.

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Codecs for OTT streaming services

When it comes to OTT (Over-the-Top) and streaming services, codec selection plays a vital role in delivering high-quality content to users across a wide variety of devices. H.264 is often the go-to choice for most IPTV/OTT providers due to its broad compatibility, making it easier to stream across smart TVs, mobile devices, browsers, and set-top boxes. This codec remains cost-effective, especially for live broadcasts, where minimizing bandwidth while maintaining quality.

On the other hand, H.265 (HEVC) offers better video compression and quality at the same bitrate as H.264, but it comes with higher licensing fees. This codec is favoured for 4K and HDR streaming, but its cost makes it less accessible for smaller platforms.

As the future of streaming evolves, AV1 is gaining momentum due to its royalty-free nature, especially in UGC and online-event broadcasting. Platforms are leaning towards AV1 because of its improved compression and the fact that it reduces bandwidth usage without sacrificing video quality.

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Final thoughts

Choosing the right video codec is a big decision that can directly impact both streaming quality and user experience.  

Based on our test:  AV1 delivers exceptional compression efficiency and better video quality, making it an excellent choice for high-resolution and bandwidth-sensitive applications. Its open-source and royalty-free nature make it a strong contender for future-proofing video streaming services, especially as device compatibility continues to grow.

H.265 offers a solid balance between quality and compression, particularly for 4K and HDR content, but its licensing fees and hardware requirements can be limiting for smaller platforms.  

H.264, while less efficient compared to its successors, remains the most widely supported codec across devices, making it ideal for applications prioritizing compatibility and encoding speed, such as live streaming.

For developers looking to optimize their video streaming workflows, the right codec depends on your specific needs whether it's balancing quality with computational resources or ensuring broad compatibility.

At FastPix, we provide the infrastructure and technologies to streamline video development. By simplifying the technical complexities with video codecs, developers and product builders can concentrate on what truly matters: delivering better viewing experiences.

With features like multiple input formats, you can effortlessly use AV1, H.265, or H.264 video codecs into your streaming workflow. FastPix ensures optimal codec performance, allowing you to maximize compression efficiency while minimizing latency and buffering. Our platform supports seamless encoding, transcoding, and multi-CDN delivery, enabling you to reach audiences across diverse devices and bandwidth conditions.