H.264, also known as AVC (Advanced Video Coding), is one of the most influential video compression standards in recent history. Approved in 2003 by the ITU-T Video Coding Experts Group (VCEG) and the ISO/IEC Moving Picture Experts Group (MPEG), it quickly became the backbone of modern digital video: from DVDs and Blu-ray discs, to YouTube streaming, video calls, broadcast TV, and security cameras.
Despite the arrival of more advanced codecs, H.264 remains the most widely supported format worldwide. Its longevity can be attributed to a balance of solid compression efficiency, ease of implementation, and broad hardware/software adoption.
How H.264 Works
H.264 relies on intra-frame and inter-frame compression techniques that drastically reduce file sizes while maintaining visual quality:
- Intra-frame compression: analyzes redundancies within a single frame.
- Inter-frame compression: eliminates repeated information across consecutive frames.
With these methods, a raw video file that would otherwise occupy tens of gigabytes per hour can be reduced to just hundreds of megabytes, without noticeable loss of quality to the human eye.
Performance and Efficiency of H.264
When it launched, H.264 was revolutionary. But newer codecs have since surpassed it:
- HEVC (H.265) delivers 25–50% better efficiency at the same visual quality.
- VP9 and AV1, both open and royalty-free, achieve an additional 20–30% savings compared to HEVC.
- The upcoming AV2 promises yet another leap, optimized for 8K and immersive content such as AR/VR.
Codec Comparison: H.264 vs. HEVC, VP9, AV1, and AV2
| Codec | Year | License | Compression Efficiency (vs. H.264) | Approx. File Size* | Current Adoption |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| H.264/AVC | 2003 | Proprietary (MPEG LA) | Baseline | 100% | Universal (TV, cameras, web, streaming) |
| H.265/HEVC | 2013 | Proprietary (multiple pools) | 25–50% more efficient | 60–75% of H.264 | UHD Blu-ray, premium TV, some OTT |
| VP9 | 2013 | Open (Google) | Comparable to HEVC | 60–75% of H.264 | YouTube, browsers, Android |
| AV1 | 2018 | Open (AOMedia) | ~30% better than VP9/HEVC | 40–50% of H.264 | Netflix, YouTube, browsers, OTT platforms |
| AV2 | 2025 (planned) | Open (AOMedia) | Superior to AV1, optimized for 8K/VR | 30–40% of H.264 | Early adoption phase |
*Example: a 10-minute 1080p video at 8 Mbps encoded with H.264 is ~600 MB. The same video in AV1 could be reduced to ~250–300 MB with no visible quality loss.
Strengths of H.264
- Universal compatibility: supported by virtually every device, browser, and platform.
- Low computational cost: runs smoothly even on older hardware.
- Hardware acceleration: dedicated decoding chips in GPUs, mobile devices, and smart TVs.
Weaknesses Compared to Modern Codecs
- Lower efficiency: requires higher bandwidth and storage to match the quality of newer codecs.
- Limited UHD scalability: not optimized for widespread 4K/8K streaming.
- Licensing fees: subject to MPEG LA patent royalties.
Conclusion
H.264 remains the de facto standard for digital video, but the shift toward 4K, 8K, and immersive experiences is driving adoption of more advanced codecs.
While H.265, VP9, and AV1 are pushing the industry forward, H.264 will continue to coexist as a universal compatibility layer for years to come. Its role is increasingly that of a transitional codec, bridging the gap until next-generation standards like AV1 and AV2 become dominant across devices and platforms.
FAQs
Why is H.264 still so widely used?
Because it’s universally supported across all devices, browsers, and operating systems, making it the safest option for compatibility.
How much storage can AV1 save compared to H.264?
On average, AV1 can reduce file sizes by 40–60% while maintaining comparable quality.
Is H.264 still a good choice in 2025?
Yes, if maximum compatibility is the goal. But for UHD streaming, AV1 or HEVC are more efficient.
What will AV2 mean compared to H.264?
AV2, expected in late 2025, could reduce file sizes by up to 70% compared to H.264, making it ideal for 8K and AR/VR applications.
