Video Compression Calculator
Estimate how much smaller your video will be after converting to a different codec. Compare H.264, HEVC, VP9, AV1, and ProRes side by side.
Source Video
All Codecs Comparison
Converting from H.264 (AVC) (1000.0 MB)
How Video Compression Works
Video codecs use different algorithms to compress video data. Newer codecs like HEVC and AV1 are more efficient than older ones like H.264, meaning they can achieve the same visual quality at a lower bitrate — resulting in smaller files.
The estimates above are based on typical compression ratios. Actual results vary depending on video content (fast motion needs more data), encoding settings (CRF/CQ value), and encoder implementation. Use our Bitrate Calculator for more precise estimates based on resolution and frame rate.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much smaller is HEVC compared to H.264?
HEVC (H.265) typically produces files about 40% smaller than H.264 at the same visual quality. A 1 GB H.264 file would be approximately 600 MB in HEVC.
Is AV1 better than HEVC for compression?
Yes, AV1 offers about 50% better compression than H.264 and roughly 20% better than HEVC. However, AV1 encoding is significantly slower, making it better suited for pre-recorded content than live streaming.
Does video compression reduce quality?
Re-encoding always introduces some quality loss (generation loss). To minimize this, use a high-quality preset (slow/slower) and a reasonable bitrate. Converting from H.264 to HEVC at the right settings can reduce file size with minimal visible quality difference.
What is the best codec for reducing video file size?
AV1 offers the best compression ratio, followed by HEVC (H.265) and VP9. For live streaming, HEVC with hardware encoding (NVENC) is the most practical choice. For uploads and archiving, AV1 provides the smallest files.