Best Video Codec for Streaming & Quality in 2025: Top Options Compared

Choosing the best video codec for website streaming is essential for delivering high-quality content. The ideal video codec for web streaming today is AV1. Offering superior compression, AV1 stands out as the best video encoding choice for bandwidth optimization without sacrificing video quality. Its ability to maintain excellent streaming performance, even at lower bitrates, makes it an ideal codec for most modern web platforms. 

​​Despite AV1’s advantages, H.264 remains popular due to its widespread support and compatibility across devices and browsers. It’s a reliable codec that balances video quality and file size, making it a solid option for many content creators. However, AV1’s higher efficiency and potential to deliver superior streaming quality give it a clear edge in the race for the best video format for internet streaming.

​​H.265 (HEVC) is also worth considering for high-quality video streaming, particularly for high-resolution content like 4K and HDR. It offers a good balance between quality and file size, though it may require more processing power compared to H.264. Despite its popularity, H.265 faces competition from the newer AV1 codec, which promises better compression and performance in the long run.

Regarding the best video decoder, choosing one that supports the latest codecs is important. FFmpeg video compression tools offer a versatile and efficient option for encoding and decoding various video formats. Additionally, a video codec pack can provide all the necessary tools for handling different codecs, making it easier to change video codec or play content in multiple formats.

In this guide, we’ll explore the best video codecs of 2025 and which video codec is best for different use cases. We will also share tips on settings to ensure optimal performance. We’ll also provide a breakdown of lossless codecs video and explore what the future of multi-format codecs looks like for streaming.

Table of Contents

• What is a Video Codec?
• What is the Best Video Codec for Streaming?
• How Codec Settings Affect Video Bandwidth
• How Businesses Can Choose the Right Video Codec
• Next Generation Codecs
• Emerging Trends in Video Streaming and Content Creation
• FAQs
• Conclusion

What is a Video Codec?

Video codecs are essential for web streaming, enabling efficient compression and transmission of video content. When you record a video, you’re essentially capturing a series of still images displayed in rapid succession. For example, at 30 frames per second (fps), you’re recording at least 30 images every second. The higher the fps, the more images are recorded for each second, resulting in large file sizes.

This large volume of images and accompanying audio can quickly consume significant storage space. Video codecs, short for “coder-decoder,” were developed to manage this. A codec compresses large video files, making them smaller and easier to store and transmit without losing too much quality.

So, how does a codec work?

At its core, a codec is a video compression method. It reduces the size of a video file by eliminating certain data that isn’t necessary while aiming to preserve visual quality. In other words, it “squeezes” the video down to a smaller file size, enabling faster streaming and reduced bandwidth consumption. 

Once the compressed file is sent from your server to a Content Delivery Network (CDN) and then to the viewer’s device, the best video decoder on their device will decode the file, allowing them to enjoy the video stream.

How Modern Video Codecs Work

Modern video codecs are designed to compress large video files into smaller, more manageable sizes while maintaining high-quality output. They use algorithms to analyze frames and remove redundant data, encoding only the essential information. This reduces the file size and enables high-quality video streaming with lower bandwidth usage.

H.265 (HEVC), known as High-Efficiency Video Coding, is one of the fastest and most efficient codecs. It delivers high-quality video at lower bitrates, making it ideal for streaming 4K and HD content. Another popular codec is AV1, an open-source codec that offers even better compression than H.265, further improving video streaming performance.

Video file compression isn’t just about reducing size. Modern codecs use complex mathematical techniques to achieve efficiency. They analyze which parts of a video remain static from frame to frame and discard unnecessary information. Other methods look at how images move across frames, using predictive algorithms to minimize data storage without sacrificing quality.

Technical methods like chroma subsampling, quantization, and spatial/temporal downsampling are all part of this process. While these terms may sound complex, they essentially refer to the advanced equations and methods running behind the scenes, making sure your files are small enough for smooth streaming.

There are many types of video codecs, each tailored for different types of broadcasting. Codec technology continues to evolve, with ongoing improvements to ensure optimal streaming quality and performance.

What is the Best Video Codec for Streaming?

When choosing the best video codec for web streaming in 2025, H.264 remains the top choice. It’s widely recognized for its efficiency and compatibility across a variety of devices and platforms. While there are more advanced codecs available, none offer the same level of compatibility as H.264. However, H.265 (HEVC) is gaining traction and may soon become the go-to technology due to its higher efficiency and quality, especially for 4K streaming.

H.264: An Overview

H.264 has been the de facto standard for internet video delivery for over a decade, and its continued development makes it a reliable choice for streaming. It was initially developed in the early 2000s and has seen continuous updates. Today, it remains one of the best video codecs for streaming due to its widespread support and efficient compression.

Any device built in the past ten years likely supports H.264 advanced video coding, which is crucial for its success. This wide compatibility means that any video encoded with H.264 can be streamed on laptops, desktops, smartphones, tablets, smart TVs, gaming consoles, and more. The high device compatibility makes H.264 a solid choice for content creators looking for a reliable video codec.

Additionally, H.264 delivers relatively small file sizes compared to older codecs like H.263 and MPEG-2. This reduction in file size—about 50% smaller than previous generations—helps conserve both storage and bandwidth, making it efficient for streaming and downloading.

Although newer advanced video codecs like H.265 (HEVC) offer better compression and quality at lower bitrates, H.264 still holds a significant advantage due to its broad compatibility across devices and platforms, making it the most practical option for high-quality video streaming.

H.264 Encoder Profiles

The H.264 codec has gone through several iterations and updates. It isn’t a single, monolithic standard. Instead, it’s a “family” of standards with multiple encoder profiles that offer varying levels of performance and file size. 

There are at least 20 profiles available for H.264. However, most of those are very specialized. Most encoding software only uses a small number of these profiles. That is why it is essential to understand some of the differences among H.264 encoders. 

These more commonly used H.264 encoder profiles are baseline, main, and high.

1. Baseline Encoder Profile

The baseline profile uses only the older, most widely supported compression features of H.264. This means that video compressed using the H.264 codec, the baseline profile, will be compatible with almost all devices. This includes older and low-power devices.

However, videos compressed with this profile may have larger file sizes, which can be a downside. 

It’s worth noting that the baseline profile is not recommended for the Dacast OVP, as it is outdated and less efficient than newer profiles.

2. Main Encoder Profile

The main profile adds more encoding features, which reduce file sizes and improve quality but require more processing power for decoding. Older devices (such as smartphones or tablets from 5-8 years ago) may struggle to decode videos encoded with this profile. If file size is a concern, the main profile offers a good balance between compatibility and compression.

3. High Encoder Profile

The high profile is the most modern and efficient version of H.264, enabling better compression and smaller file sizes. However, it demands more processing power from the viewer’s device. 

Fortunately, this is no longer a major issue, as most modern devices support the high profile. This profile is ideal for best video quality, providing the most efficient compression while maintaining excellent visual fidelity.

Which H.264 Encoder Profile to Use

The baseline profile is the safest choice if you’re targeting users on older, low-powered devices. However, for most viewers using modern devices, the high or main profile should be sufficient and offer better video quality and smaller file sizes.

In summary, H.264 remains one of the best video codecs for streaming in 2025, particularly for its balance of efficiency, compatibility, and quality. If you’re looking for a more efficient codec with better compression, consider H.265 or AV1, but remember that H.264 will likely continue to be the go-to codec for a broad audience.

Other H.264 Settings

Any video stream or file can be encoded using various live video format options. When setting up your H.264 encoder, especially for streaming to an HTML5 video player, there are several key settings to configure for optimal performance.

Resolution

Video resolution refers to the size of the video, measured in pixels. For example, a standard HD video frame is 1920 pixels wide by 1080 pixels high. For 4K video, the resolution is four times the dimensions of HD, offering a much sharper and more detailed image.

Frame Rate

Video is composed of a series of still images, with the frame rate representing the number of pictures displayed per second. The most common frame rate for streaming is 30 frames per second (fps). Higher frame rates, such as 60 fps, are often used for smoother motion in fast-action content.

Bitrate

Video bitrate refers to the amount of data included in the video, measured in kilobits per second (kbps) or megabits per second (Mbps). Higher bitrates result in better video quality, as more data is used to encode the video. 

For streaming HD 1080p video, a bitrate between 1500 kbps and 4500 kbps is typical. For 4K video, bitrates can go even higher to maintain quality. It’s important to choose an appropriate bitrate to balance quality and streaming performance.

Audio Codec

While H.264 is the most commonly used video codec, the audio codec also plays a crucial role in streaming. AAC (Advanced Audio Codec) is generally considered the best audio codec for streaming because it provides high-quality audio at lower bitrates. MP3 is another common audio codec, but AAC tends to offer better efficiency and quality. If you’re aiming for professional-grade audio, you might opt to use separate video and audio codecs.

Audio Bitrate

Similar to video bitrate, audio bitrate affects the quality of the sound. Audio bitrates typically range from 32 kbps (suitable for voice-only content) to 128 kbps (for music or high-quality audio). For optimal audio quality without excessive bandwidth usage, 128 kbps is recommended. If you’re after an even crisper sound, you can go for 256 kbps, though this will consume more bandwidth.

Keyframes 

We recommend setting the keyframe interval to 2 seconds for optimal streaming performance. Keyframes are the reference frames in video compression that help maintain video quality, especially during fast action scenes. A shorter keyframe interval ensures smoother video playback.

How Codec Settings Affect Video Bandwidth

When choosing codec settings, it’s crucial to understand their relationship to video quality, file size, and bandwidth requirements. The settings you select have a significant impact on both the quality of your video and the amount of bandwidth required for streaming. Generally speaking, higher-quality and higher-resolution videos demand more bandwidth to ensure smooth playback.

For example, if you’re streaming a professional live event at 1080p resolution with high audio quality, you could need bandwidth in the range of 1500 to 4500 kbps. This is due to the video bitrate, H.264 profile, video formats, and other settings, all of which influence how much bandwidth is necessary for optimal streaming performance.Understanding your bandwidth needs is crucial for successful live streaming. If you’re uncertain about the required bandwidth for your live stream, it’s always a good idea to contact Dacast or use their bandwidth calculator to ensure you’re prepared.

How Businesses Can Choose the Right Video Codec

You should consider several important factors when integrating video streaming into your business strategy. This will help to ensure smooth delivery, cost-effectiveness, and future scalability. Here are two key areas businesses should focus on.

Compatibility and Licensing

Codec compatibility is critical for businesses, especially when targeting diverse audiences across various devices and platforms. For example, while H.266 offers superior compression efficiency for high-quality video streaming, it is still not widely supported across all devices. As a result, it may limit your audience if their devices cannot decode this codec. In contrast, H.264 remains the most widely supported codec, offering compatibility across desktops, smartphones, tablets, and streaming platforms.

Licensing fees are also associated with certain codecs and can affect a business’s bottom line. Some advanced video codecs, such as H.265 or proprietary solutions like the JTech encoder, come with licensing costs that may make them less attractive for small or medium-sized businesses looking to cut costs. On the other hand, open-source codecs such as AV1 offer a free codec option, making them more cost-effective without sacrificing quality. Before choosing a codec, ensure that it aligns with both your target audience’s devices and your budget.

Future-Proofing Your Video Streaming Strategy

Businesses must stay ahead of the curve to maintain a competitive edge. Emerging codecs like AV1 and H.266 (VVC) are setting new standards for video compression efficiency and quality, but they are not yet fully supported by all platforms and devices. Businesses should keep an eye on these next-generation codecs to ensure their content remains accessible to future audiences without compromising on video quality.

AI advancements in video encoding and streaming are expected to play a larger role in optimizing video codecs for real-time streaming and bandwidth efficiency. To maintain cost-effective video streaming strategies and stay ahead of competitors, businesses must keep track of these innovations and know how to use them. It’s also important to remember that codecs like H.264 vs H.265 or using FFmpeg video compression could be vital in optimizing your video output for various platforms.

Next Generation Codecs

With evolving video streaming technology, the codecs powering our video content are constantly improving. While H.264 remains a dominant choice for web streaming, newer codecs like H.265, AV1, H.266/VVC, and other emerging codecs are making their way to the forefront. Each codec has its strengths and is suitable for different streaming needs, whether you’re focusing on high-quality video for 4K streaming, low-latency performance, or efficient bandwidth management.

Let’s explore some of the leading video codecs and what the future holds for video streaming in 2025.

H.265

H.265, also known as HEVC (High-Efficiency Video Coding), is poised to replace H.264, an older video streaming protocol, due to its superior compression capabilities. H.265 offers up to twice the video quality of H.264 at the same bitrate, making it ideal for ultra-high-resolution 4K video streaming. While H.265 is already being adopted for 4K streaming, it does require more processing power, which could limit its widespread adoption across all devices.

At this stage, H.265 isn’t supported universally, and many older devices cannot decode HEVC video. However, it remains a promising codec for future-proofing high-definition content and professional streaming. If you’re streaming beyond 1080p and want improved video quality, H.265 is a strong choice. The MP4 format works well with this codec, offering efficient streaming for professional live events.

H.266/VCC

H.266 (also known as VVC or Versatile Video Codec) is an emerging codec designed for ultra-high-definition streaming, including 8K and 360° immersive video. This codec offers 30-50% better compression efficiency compared to its predecessors, making it ideal for high-resolution content.

Despite its potential, H.266/VVC is still in its early stages, and support across devices and platforms is limited. The specialized hardware required for encoding and decoding H.266 further restricts its adoption. However, as streaming technology evolves, VVC could become a dominant codec for future video streaming, offering exceptional video quality with efficient data compression.

VP9

VP9, the successor to VP8, is an open and royalty-free video coding format developed by Google. While the H.26x family remains dominant, VP9 offers a compelling alternative, particularly for high-resolution streaming.

This advanced codec is widely used by YouTube and has been tested by Netflix, proving its efficiency in delivering high-quality 4K content with improved compression. As an open-source format, VP9 provides flexibility and customization, making it an attractive option for platforms seeking cost-effective, high-efficiency video encoding.

However, VP9 is still not universally supported for live streaming. Due to limited adoption across streaming technologies and hardware, it may not be the best choice for real-time broadcasting at this time.

AV1

AV1 is a next-generation codec gaining traction due to its open-source nature and superior compression efficiency compared to older codecs like H.265. Platforms like Netflix and YouTube have already adopted AV1 to reduce data usage while maintaining high video quality. It’s quickly becoming a preferred codec for high-quality video streaming due to its ability to deliver efficient video compression and improved bandwidth management.

The news is that AV1 is expected to become one of the best video codecs for streaming in 2025, especially as its support expands across devices and browsers.

JTech Encoder

The JTech encoder is a highly efficient tool for video compression and streaming, designed to handle high-quality video without sacrificing performance. While the JTech encoder is not as widely known as AV1 or H.265, it offers solid support for a range of video formats and high-definition streaming. It maintains an excellent balance between compression and quality, which makes it ideal for users looking to encode video for live streaming.

Klite Mega Codec Pack

The Klite Mega Codec Pack is a popular solution for those seeking a multi-format codec package that supports a wide range of video and audio formats. This codec pack is particularly useful for users who need to change or download video codecs for specific media players. It includes a variety of free codecs, such as H.264, H.265, and VP9, offering broad compatibility with video codecs for media players.

The Klite Mega Codec Pack allows users to enjoy high-quality video streaming across a range of platforms and devices. It’s especially beneficial for users working with multiple file formats and seeking to optimize video quality.

Lav Video Codec

The Lav video codec is yet another codec that offers high-quality compression. It is often used in professional-grade streaming applications. Known for its flexibility in encoding and decoding video streams, it supports various formats. Lav video codec is popular among users seeking a reliable codec for high-definition video streaming in professional environments.

Xvid Video Codec 

The Xvid video codec is a popular choice for streaming devices like the Firestick. Xvid offers a good balance between compression efficiency and video quality, making it ideal for users who want to stream high-definition video while keeping file sizes manageable. If you’re looking for a codec for media players such as Firestick, Xvid is a solid choice for optimal performance.

Kazaa Lite Codec

Though not as commonly used today, the Kazaa Lite codec remains a legacy codec that some users may still rely on for basic video streaming needs. It’s an older codec that doesn’t support the advanced compression techniques of newer formats like AV1 or H.265, but it can still be useful for low-bandwidth streaming or smaller-scale applications.

Emerging Trends in Video Streaming and Content Creation

We can never stress enough that advancements in AI and immersive video formats are driving the next wave of innovation. As we look toward 2025 and beyond, businesses and content creators must stay ahead of emerging trends to remain competitive and deliver engaging, high-quality content.

Immersive Video Formats

The growing interest in immersive video formats such as 360° video and virtual reality (VR) is poised to reshape the future of video consumption. These formats offer viewers a fully immersive experience, and with the advent of VR headsets and AR technology, the demand for high-quality video streaming will increase significantly. To ensure these videos stream smoothly, advanced video codecs capable of handling high-resolution, high-bitrate content are essential.

New codecs, such as H.266/VVC and AV,1 are designed to support ultra-high-definition content, making them ideal for the bandwidth-heavy demands of immersive formats. These codecs provide better compression efficiency, allowing 4K, 8K, and 360° video to be streamed without compromising on quality.

AI in Content Creation

Artificial intelligence is making its mark in video content creation, revolutionizing how videos are produced and consumed. AI-generated video is one of the most significant trends on the horizon, with tools now able to autonomously generate video content based on text input or pre-existing media. 

This technology is already being used for everything from personalized video ads to news generation. In 2025, we can expect AI tto enhance interactive video experiences further allowing users to engage with dynamic content that adapts to their preferences in real time.

Integration of AI in Video Encoding

AI is also transforming the way video is encoded and streamed. AI-powered encoding techniques analyze the content of the video and apply optimal compression settings, reducing the amount of data required without sacrificing video quality. For instance, Netflix has reported a 20% to 30% reduction in data usage while maintaining the same perceptual video quality, thanks to their adoption of AI-driven encoding strategies.

One popular example of AI in video encoding is the JTech encoder, which leverages AI to adapt video streams for optimal viewing. AI-driven content-adaptive encoding adjusts compression levels in real time. This contributes to videos loading faster and consuming less bandwidth, making it especially useful for high-quality video streaming on mobile devices with limited data plans.

AI in Post-Production

Beyond encoding, AI is also enhancing post-production workflows, automating tasks like editing, color correction, and visual effects. Video editors use AI tools so they can focus on creative decisions, letting technology handle repetitive or time-consuming tasks. 

For example, AI can automatically adjust lighting and contrast, removing the need for manual color grading. This speeds up the production process, reduces labor costs, and improves overall efficiency, especially for businesses looking to produce large volumes of content.

Integrating AI in post-production also helps video creators achieve higher quality results faster. This is achieved by using tools that intelligently enhance video codecs during the editing process. FFmpeg video compression, for example, can be paired with AI algorithms to compress high-quality video while maintaining its integrity.

FAQs

1. What is the highest quality video codec?

H.266/VVC (Versatile Video Coding) offers the highest quality for ultra-high-definition content, including 8K and immersive 360° video, with 30 to 50% better compression efficiency than its predecessors.

2. Is AV1 better than H.265?

Yes, AV1 is generally considered better than H.265, offering superior compression efficiency, reduced data usage, and better video quality, making it a popular choice for streaming platforms like YouTube and Netflix.

3. What is better: H.264 or H 265?

H.265 (HEVC) offers better compression efficiency and video quality than H.264, especially for high-resolution content like 4K. However, H.264 is more widely supported across devices and platforms.

4. Which codec is best for MP4?

H.264 is the most commonly used and compatible video codec for MP4, providing a good balance of quality and file size for a wide range of devices and platforms. However, if you prioritize better compression and higher quality, H.265 or AV1 can be better choices, especially for 4K video streaming.

5. What is the best video compression format for 2025?

There are several options among the best video compression formats. H.265 (HEVC) is a great option for 4K/8K streaming with strong device support, while AV1 is more efficient than H.265 but with limited hardware support. H.264 (AVC) is still widely used due to its universal compatibility, whereas VVC (H.266) is the next-gen codec with 50% better compression than H.265. 

6. What is the best video codec for live streaming?

H.264 remains the best option for live streaming due to universal support and efficient encoding. However, H.265 and AV1 offer better compression for higher-quality streaming at lower bitrates, making them ideal for platforms that support them.

7. Which video codec is best for YouTube?

YouTube uses AV1 for 4K and higher resolution videos due to its better compression efficiency, while H.264 is still widely used for lower resolutions and general video uploads.

8. What is the future of video codecs?

The future of video codecs will see wider adoption of AV1, H.266/VVC, and AI-powered encoding techniques. These technologies will drive more efficient compression, improve video quality, and support new formats like 8K and immersive video.

Conclusion

H.264 remains the best video codec for streaming due to its unmatched compatibility and balanced approach to quality and compression. As one of the most widely supported video codecs, H.264 seamlessly integrates across streaming platforms, ensuring consistent and reliable web broadcasting.

Newer, more efficient video codecs like AV1 and H.265 offer advanced compression capabilities. However, H.264 continues to be the preferred choice for most users because of its accessibility and fast processing speed.

At Dacast, we understand the importance of flexibility in video encoding. As a leading streaming platform, Dacast supports a variety of video codecs to guarantee fast and reliable performance. We provide robust support for cutting-edge video encoder formats to deliver smooth, high-quality streaming experiences. Whether you’re focused on the latest video codecs or prioritising compatibility, Dacast ensures your content is effectively delivered across all devices, offering professional-grade service and flexibility.

Dacast’s tools allow broadcasters to use the fastest and most efficient video codecs while maintaining top-notch performance. Whether you need a versatile video codec pack or are looking to explore advanced video codecs, Dacast provides the optimal solutions for your streaming needs.

You can try Dacast and all its features right now for free.

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Thanks for reading, and good luck with your broadcasts!