6 Ways to Convert HEVC to H264 Without Quality Loss (Online and Free Included)

Since the uprising of HEVC codec, there are relentless and fierce discussions about HEVC and H264. Although HEVC video is prowess for better quality video, it has weak compatibility with platforms, devices and software. Therefore, we are here to show you how to convert HEVC to H264 for uploading, editing, playing and enjoying high-quality videos on different devices or platforms without limitation.

 Cisdem Video Converter

Best HEVC to H.264 Converter That Cannot Miss

• Change HEVC to H.264 in a few clicks
• Can also convert other 600+ video and audio file formats
• Support batch conversions with lossless quality
• Easy to use with the straightforward interface
• Can trim, crop, rotate and merge the files
• Make the converted new files compatible with third-party devices, like Apple, Android, etc.
• Can also add external subtitles, design a special watermark, adjust display effects and control the volume
• Rip copy-protected DVDs/Blu-rays and download videos and music from 1000+ websites like YouTube
• Compress large video and audio files without losing quality
• Compatible with Mac and Windows

Free Download macOS 10.13 or later Free Download Windows 11/10/8/7

HEVC VS. H264

What is HEVC?

HEVC, also known as H.265, MPEG-H Part 2), is the abbreviation of High Efficiency Video Coding. It is a new and advanced video compression standard that successes AVC/H264 codec. And it uses Coding Tree Units (CTU) that comprises larger blocks up to 64×64 pixels to ensure high quality supported. Comparing to AVC/H264, HEVC makes the file 20%-50% smaller with better compression and offers higher resolution.

What is H.264?

H264, short for Advanced Video Coding, is also famous as AVC or MPEG-4 Part 10. It is also a video compression standard, which is created to improve video quality at a lower birtrate by utilizing block-oriented and motion-compensated coding. Nowadays, it becomes one of the most frequently used video formats for recording, compressing, streaming and sharing. It supports 4K video playback.

All in all, HEVC uses more advanced technologies, offering a same file with higher quality and smaller size . But, it can’t be played on older devices and can’t upload to some popular platforms, like Instagram, IGTV, Meta, Telegram, Pinterest, Tumblir, Reddit, Twitch, Linkedin, etc. Instead, the H264 videos support.

The Fastest Way to Convert HEVC to H264 For Video Editing

When it comes to converting HEVC to H264, compared to other possible ways, a powerful desktop software will the best option that ensures to give you the fastest speed and maintain the highest quality while making conversions, such as Cisdem Video Converter.

Unlike other converters, it offers a built-in editor to beautify the files based on personal needs, such as cut off the file, crop redundant part of the video, merge several files into one, applying video effects, etc. Besides, it supports multiple HEVC and H264 video container formats, allowing you to convert HEVC to H264 or H264 to HEVC without limitation.

Step 1. Download and install the program

Get the program on your computer.

Free Download macOS 10.13 or later Free Download Windows 11/10/8/7

Launch it, 5 taps will be showed on the main interface, stay at the convert tab.

Step 2. Upload files

It offers 2 methods to upload HEVC files, choose the one that suits you most.

Method 1. Directly drag and drop all HEVC videos you want to convert to the interface, which is the easiest one in my opinion.

Method 2. Click the add icon  on the bottom left corner to select and add file on the popped-up window. If you want to add to add multiple videos, select one video and them press "Command" (for Mac) or "Ctrl" (for Windows) on your keyboard to select other videos.

Step 3 Choose H264 format

Click Format button or the "Convert all tasks to" box to select a video format with H264 codec that you want, such as MP4, MKV, MOV, etc.

Step 4 Edit the file parameter (optional)

Then, click the gear icon next to the format to edit video and audio parameters, such as quality, encoder, resolution, frame rate, etc.

Step 5. Edit files (optional)

Click editing  icon to edit the videos as you want, such as trim the unwanted file length, add video effects, etc.

Step 6 Batch convert HEVC to H264

Click “Start” button on the bottom right corner to start to convert HEVC to H264 without losing quality. After completing, click the “checkout” box on the video thumbnail to find them on your computer and enjoy them.

Convert HEVC to H264 with VLC Media Player

Some excellent media players is able to convert HEVC to H264 effortlessly, such as QuickTime Player. But it only works on Mac. In order to make both Mac and Windows enjoy the same experience, if you don’t want to install extra software, it is recommended to use VLC Media Player that is free and open source. However, it doesn’t support batch conversion and is not easy for novices because of the outdated interface.

1. Download and install it on your computer.
2. Open it, click “File” in the top menu and then select “Convert/Stream” to open the convert function.
3. Drag and drop an HEVC file to add it to the interface, or click “Open media” button on the new window to add a video
4. Come to the “Choose Profile” section, click drop-down icon to choose “Video - H.264 + MP3 (MP4).
   
5. Move to the “Choose Destination” section, click “Save as File”.
6. Then click “Browse” to set a destination and file name, click “Save”.
7. Hit on “Save” to convert HEVC to H264 for free with VLC.

Convert HEVC to H264 with HandBrake

There are also plenty of free HEVC to H264 converters for you to choose from the market. HandBrake can help you convert HEVC to H264 for free without watermark. But it only supports MKV and MP4. And its complicated interface is not friendly to novices.

1. Get the program on your computer.
2. Launch it, it will automatically pop up a window for you to add HEVC video for conversion. If it doesn’t appear, click “Open source” on the top left corner.
3. Choose “MP4” or “MKV” on the “Format” button.
   
4. Then, click on “Video” to make sure that H.264 (×264) as the output video encoder.
   
5. If you want to make a bulk conversion, click “Add to queue” on the top and repeat the steps to add more videos.
6. After finishing, move to the bottom interface, fill in a desired file name on the “Save as” button and choose a location by clicking “Browse” button.
7. Finally, hit on “Start Queue” on the top to start to convert HEVC to H264 with HandBrake.

How to Convert HEVC to H264 with FFmpeg

FFmpeg is a free tool, which relies on various command lines to make conversions. As it is open source, it is able to convert almost all popular videos and audios, HEVC and H264 included. Also, users can make use of specific command lines to conduct the program to trim the video, batch convert files, change video bitrate/quality, etc. Because of this, it is not easy for people to figure out it, especially for software novices.

1. Download and install FFmpeg on your computer.
2. Open Terminal or Command prompt on computer.
3. Type in the command: ffmpeg -i input.mp4 c:v libx264 output.mp4.
   Or you can try: ffmpeg -i input.mp4 -c:v libx264 -crf 18 -vf format=yuv420p -c:a copy output.mkv.
   
4. Hit on “Enter” to run the command and the new H264 file will be generated on your device later.

Convert HEVC to H264 Using Online Converters

If you don’t want to install third-party software, there are also many online HEVC to H464 converters, helping you make a simple conversion. Normally, this way is more suitable for converting small files as online tools usually set limited conversion size.

Anyconv.com is a simple and free online converter to help you make diverse conversions among videos, audios, images, ebooks, documents, etc. However, it offer no editing features and only support converting videos up to 100 MB. After trying it, you will find that it is easy to use but sometimes it takes a while to upload and analyze the added video.

1. Open a browser on your device.
2. Visit https://anyconv.com/hevc-to-h264-converter/.
3. Directly drag and drop all HEVC videos to the page, or click “Choose File” button to add file one by one. Remember that the total volume must be less than 100 MB.
   
4. Make sure H264 as the output format. If you want other formats, click “drop-down” icon.
5. Click “Convert” and wait for the new H264 files. After completing, tap on “Download .H264” button to save them to your device.
   Note: as its batch conversion feature actually is to add them to a queue and then deal with them one by one, so it needs time on waiting. Also, your internet speed will affect the speed as well.

How to Convert HEVC to H264 on iPhone and Android Devices

For mobile users, you can utilize the online tool mentioned above as it supports working on all platforms, including iPhone and Android. If you have large files to convert, below is the trustworthy converters that will help you convert HEVC to H264 on iPhone and Android easily.

On iPhone

For iPhone users, HEVC - Convert H.265 and H.264 is a lightweight yet useful converter. Just as the name shows, it is produced to make conversion between HEVC and H264. It is easy to use for people and offers batch-conversion feature for people to shorten the consuming time.

1. Download the program on Apple app store and install it.
2. Run it, on the main interface, touch on “Load Video from Gallery” to add files.
   
3. Choose the videos that you want to convert, and tap on “Done” when selected.
4. Choose H.264. Also, you can choose the resolution you want.
5. Once done, click the drop-right arrow icon on the top right corner to start the conversion.
   
6. After converted, click the pull-up icon on the top right corner and select a storage place on your phone.

On Android

Media Converter is a superior tool for you to convert HEVC to H264 without watermark on Android. It supports converting almost all video and audio file formats, and provides some useful features for people to decorate the added videos, such as trim, crop, rotate, add effects, etc. Also, it allows you to make singe conversion or multiple conversions as your needs.

1. Download and install it on App store.
2. Open it, tap on the “Files” section on the bottom to add the HEVC files for converting.
   
3. Touch on the video and then touch on “Advanced Convert” to select MP4 - H264 as the output format.
   
4. Also, you can click on the gear icon to modify the files, change the file quality, bitrate, destination, etc.
5. Once done, tap on “checkout” icon to start to convert HEVC files to H264 on Android.

Conclusion

This article has introduced 6 ways to help you convert HEVC to H264 on computer and mobile devices effortlessly. If you want to batch convert multiple files quickly without losing quality, it is recommended to use the professional desktop converter, which offers multiple output options and equips with advanced features to make impeccable conversions.