Best Recommended HEVC Encoders for UHD Quality Videos

The fact that Windows doesn't come with an HEVC encoder has caused many people trouble when trying to play HEVC videos. As a format that provides higher video quality in a smaller file size, HEVC is a video format favored by many video enthusiasts. However, playing HEVC videos can be difficult without the right encoder. In this post, you can learn about the uses of HEVC encoders while recognizing some of the best HEVC encoders for Windows.

What is an HEVC Encoder Used for?

Before understanding the uses of HEVC encoder, it is necessary to understand what HEVC means for your video. HEVC (High-Efficiency Video Coding), also known as H.265, is a newer generation of video compression standard that was updated a decade after the introduction of H.264. It offers significantly better compression, often resulting in sharper video quality in a smaller file size. If you usually prefer to watch higher quality videos, then you're probably no stranger to it, as HEVC is particularly suited to high-resolution video formats such as 4K and UHD (Ultra High Definition) content.

HEVC encoder is a tool or software used to encode video files in HEVC format. In general terms, the role of an encoder is to convert video data into a specific format for efficient storage or transmission. There are two main situations in using an HEVC encoder:

The first one is used during video production and editing. When editing or producing high quality videos, creators usually use HEVC encoders to compress video files before uploading or storing them, as this helps to reduce the amount of storage space required.

Secondly, the HEVC encoder can be used for playback optimization. Many video players and devices require HEVC-encoded files to play HD content efficiently. If your device or media player lacks native support for HEVC (like the problem you encountered with your Windows device), using an HEVC encoder allows you to convert the video to the correct format to ensure smooth playback.

4 Best HEVC Encoders for Windows

1. x265

Rate: ★★★★☆

x265 is an open-source HEVC encoder application library that helps users encode video/images into HEVC bitstreams. Its greatest strength lies in the fact that it allows you to tweak the compression settings to a certain extent according to your specific needs. This level of configurability is valuable for professional video encoding. Nonetheless, you need to understand that realizing the full potential of x265 may require some knowledge of video encoding principles and settings, whichever may be an obstacle for novices.

2. Handbrake

Rate: ★★★★☆

As a free and open-source video transcoder, HandBrake also supports HEVC codec. Although Handbrake is best known for its versatility, it is still very powerful in HEVC encoding, Handbrake allows you to convert video to HEVC codec with customizable settings such as resolution, frame rate, and bit rate. These operations are not very complicated, as Handbrake provides very clear and concise information in its interface.

3. FFmpeg

Rate: ★★★☆☆

FFmpeg is a powerful open-source tool that supports a wide range of video processing and encoding, including HEVC. If you will be using FFmpeg, then you can start from the root by encoding the target video to the HEVC codec in the most straightforward way. Although it sounds like the most straightforward way, using it presupposes that you will need to have some knowledge of the command line as the logic of its operation is based on some simple code typing. If you have similar basic knowledge, then FFmpeg will be a good helper for you to encode HEVC accurately.

4. XMedia Recode

Rate: ★★★☆☆

XMedia Recode is a general-purpose video converter, but it can also be used as a HEVC encoder. It's perfect for beginners or novices, as it offers an easy-to-use interface with clear and understandable instructions, and you can quickly select HEVC as the output format. But as a small tool, it has the disadvantage that it only supports a very limited number of parameter adjustments. This means that after encoding the HEVC video may not always be able to meet your requirements.

How to Upgrade Videos to HEVC Codec with One-Click

Now you know which HEVC encoders can work well for you. But the question remains, can your video achieve the clear quality of the HEVC codec? Whether you watch it yourself or share it with others, higher video quality tends to provide richer details and make it more enjoyable to watch. So, for beginners who do not know much about HEVC encoders and codecs, how should they effectively improve the video quality? If you want the easiest way to upgrade videos to HEVC codec, then using 4Easysoft Total Video Converter is the best way to do it, as it provides the most clear and intuitive conversion instructions and operations:

Step 1Launch 4Easysoft Total Video Converter and click the “Add Files” button to import the video.

Step 2Click the “Convert All to” button and click the “4K Video” with an HEVC encoder under the “MP4” tab.

Step 3Once finished, click the “Convert All” button to upgrade your videos to HEVC codec.

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