HEVC vs H.264 for recording: compatibility, size and repairability
By the FixMP4 engineering team · · 7 min read
Almost every camera and phone sold in the last few years can record in two codecs: H.264 (also called AVC) and H.265 (also called HEVC). Apple calls them "Most Compatible" and "High Efficiency". GoPro switches between them depending on resolution and the "High Efficiency" toggle; DJI lets you pick. The choice affects file size, where your videos play, how smoothly they edit, and what you need if a file ever breaks.
What a codec actually does
A codec compresses video by describing each frame relative to others. A keyframe (I-frame) is a complete picture; the frames in between (P- and B-frames) only store what changed. HEVC uses larger, more flexible blocks and better prediction than H.264, so it can describe the same picture with fewer bits.
| H.264 / AVC | H.265 / HEVC | |
|---|---|---|
| Typical bit rate for the same quality | 1x | about 0.5x to 0.6x |
| Hardware decoding | Practically everywhere | Most devices since about 2016 |
| Windows playback out of the box | Yes | Not always; may need an extension |
| 10-bit HDR and Log profiles | Limited | Common (Dolby Vision, HLG, D-Log, N-Log) |
| Editing on older computers | Smooth | Can be sluggish without hardware support |
File size in practice
On an iPhone, a minute of 4K at 30 fps is roughly 170 MB in HEVC and about 350 MB in H.264. That difference doubles the number of clips you can keep on a phone or a card, which is why manufacturers default to HEVC at high resolutions.
Compatibility: where H.264 still wins
- Windows PCs may show error 0xc00d36c4 or a black picture for HEVC; see our guide to error 0xc00d36c4.
- Older smart TVs, car systems and projectors may refuse HEVC; see "file is not supported".
- Some web uploaders and messaging apps transcode HEVC, which takes longer and loses quality.
- Older editing laptops without HEVC hardware decoding stutter on the timeline.
If you share raw files with many people or devices, H.264 saves trouble. If you edit on a recent computer and care about storage or HDR, HEVC is better.
Does the codec affect corruption?
Not really. Both codecs are stored in the same MP4 or MOV containers, and both lose their index in exactly the same situations: a dead battery, a crash, a full card. The moov atom (the file's table of contents) is missing either way. Read what the moov atom is for the details.
What does matter is that the reference file you use for a repair uses the same codec. HEVC streams carry three parameter sets (VPS, SPS and PPS) and H.264 two (SPS and PPS); a repair tool needs the right ones to describe the stream. If the broken clip was HEVC and the reference is H.264, the preview will be blocky or will not play. Our guide on choosing a reference file covers this.
How to tell which codec a file uses
- Mac: Finder, Get Info, "More info" shows the codecs; or open in QuickTime and use Window, Show Movie Inspector.
- Windows and Mac: VLC, Tools, Codec Information.
- Anywhere: MediaInfo lists "AVC" (H.264) or "HEVC" (H.265).
Recommendations by device
| Device | Suggestion |
|---|---|
| iPhone, sharing with Windows users | Most Compatible (H.264) unless storage is tight |
| iPhone, editing on a recent Mac | High Efficiency (HEVC) |
| GoPro at 5.3K or high frame rates | HEVC (required at many settings) |
| Drone with Log profile | HEVC 10-bit |
| Dashcam | Whatever the camera defaults to; H.264 plays more widely |
| Screen recording in OBS | H.264 for compatibility, HEVC for size on modern GPUs |
Repairing either codec
The FixMP4 repair tool handles H.264 and HEVC MP4 and MOV files, including 10-bit HEVC. It identifies frames from their NAL unit structure, rebuilds the index and shows a free preview. Device-specific tips: GoPro, DJI, iPhone, Android.
The short version
Choose HEVC for storage and HDR, H.264 for maximum compatibility. Neither is more fragile, and both can be repaired the same way. Just remember which one you used, because the reference must match.
Frequently asked questions
Is HEVC better than H.264?
HEVC gives similar quality at roughly half the bit rate, so files are smaller. H.264 plays on more devices and editors without extra codecs.
Are HEVC files harder to repair?
No. FixMP4 rebuilds both H.264 and HEVC files the same way, as long as the reference uses the same codec and settings.
Why does my HEVC video not play on Windows?
Windows does not always include an HEVC decoder. Install HEVC support from the Microsoft Store or use VLC.
Have a broken recording right now?
Diagnose it and hear or watch a free repaired preview. Nothing is uploaded.
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