AV1 vs H.265 (HEVC): Which Codec Should You Choose?

Define the alternatives

AV1 and H.265, also called HEVC, are video compression formats. They reduce the data needed to store or send camera recordings, screen captures, and video call streams. The comparison matters when you are choosing an export setting, configuring a recording tool, or checking whether a conferencing app will accept a file.

AV1 is developed by the Alliance for Open Media. HEVC comes from the same standards family as H.264 and is widely supported in hardware and software. Both are lossy codecs, so they discard visual detail that the encoder considers less noticeable.

Compare meaningful differences

Compatibility is the largest practical difference. HEVC is available in many cameras, editing apps, browsers, and conferencing tools, although support can still vary by platform and license. AV1 has spread across modern browsers and devices, but older hardware may lack fast decoding or encoding support.

Encoding speed differs by implementation. Software AV1 encoding is often slower than HEVC encoding on the same machine, especially at higher resolution. Hardware encoders can reduce that gap, but their availability depends on the exact processor, graphics hardware, or capture device.

Output settings also differ between tools. One app may offer AV1 only in an MKV or WebM container, while another pairs HEVC with MP4. Video calls commonly negotiate one of these codecs automatically, so the visible choice may be limited to what the app supports.

Privacy and file handling depend on the app, service, and container rather than on the codec name alone. A codec does not determine where a recording is uploaded or whether metadata is removed. Check the tool's actual output location, sharing settings, and metadata options before treating a format as private.

Practical trade-offs

For local recording, HEVC usually gives a more predictable workflow because editing and playback support is mature. AV1 can produce a smaller file at similar visual quality in some encoders, but the benefit depends on the specific encoder version, bitrate, resolution, and content.

Published specifications and third-party comparisons do not guarantee what your machine will achieve. Encoding time, file size, and visible quality change with the source video, tool version, and selected speed or quality preset. Treat those numbers as a starting point, not as a measured result for your setup.

For live video calls, stability matters more than chasing the newest codec. If a device or network struggles with AV1, the app may fall back to another codec or reduce quality. HEVC can also be unavailable in some browser-based calls, so the practical option is often whatever codec the platform selects.

Choose for the use case

Choose HEVC when compatibility, hardware acceleration, or a standard MP4 editing workflow is the priority. It is a safer default for camera footage that must open in different media players or be shared with people using older devices.

Choose AV1 when your target devices and software support it and you want to reduce storage or bandwidth on a long recording. A computing environment with modern hardware and a recent encoder can make the extra encoding time less disruptive.

If you cannot control the codec, match the expected destination. For a video call, use the app's supported settings. For a camera recording, test a short clip in both formats on the equipment where the file will be played or edited, then compare compatibility, output size, and encoding time for that specific clip.