Which video codec is the best? It's a question that most OTT platform owners, broadcasters, and streaming professionals ask. The interesting part is that it’s the wrong question to ask. Why? Let’s find out in this blog.
Actually, there is no single “best” video codec, as each is created to solve a different challenge, like:
- Compatibility
- Bandwidth reduction
- Video quality maintenance
- Preparing streaming platforms for the future
The right codec depends on factors including your content, delivery strategy, and business goals. Understanding these trade-offs leads to building an efficient OTT video encoding workflow that balances quality, bandwidth, compatibility, and cost.
Keep reading to understand each video codec, why it matters, and how to choose the one that best suits your workflow.
What are video codecs, and why are they important?
Every video goes through a compression process before it can be stored, transmitted, and streamed across different devices and network conditions. This is where we can find video codecs. As a video compression technology, codecs compress video files without significantly affecting visual quality. During playback, they decompress the files so they can be viewed correctly on compatible devices.
It has been found that without the presence of codecs, every video would need more bandwidth, larger storage capacity, and long delivery duration. In such a case, streaming platforms would find it difficult to deliver smooth playback, especially when audiences access content using different internet speeds and devices.
Nevertheless, not all codecs operate in the same way. There are different compromises between compression efficiency, compatibility, processing needs, and licencing.
Solutions like MultiTV Streamline help understand all of these differences and let you make smarter decisions rather than simply choosing the newest codec available.
There are four main codecs in use today, namely:
- H.264
- HEVC
- AV1
- VP9
Let’s understand each of these.
Need Maximum Device Compatibility? Choose H.264
When the question is about compatibility, H.264, also known as AVC (advanced video coding), remains the top choice among the video streaming platform providers. This codec is supported by most browsers, smart TVs, streaming devices, and media players, making it a safe choice for reaching the widest audience. Apart from the fact that there are newer options offering better compression efficiency, H.264 continues to be significant for delivering reliable performance with relatively low processing requirements.
So, if your priority is to ensure your content plays across the majority of the devices, H.264 is your solution.
Looking to Reduce Bandwidth Costs? Consider HEVC
HEVC, or high efficiency video coding (H.265), is the successor to H.264 in a way that it delivers similar visual quality at significantly lower bitrates. It is particularly suitable for 4K and UHD content, where bandwidth consumption can become a major operational expense. Smaller file sizes also help reduce storage requirements and content delivery costs.
The point to be noted is that HEVC requires licensing considerations, which may influence adoption depending on your business model and deployment strategy.
So, if your platform focuses on premium video quality and bandwidth efficiency, HEVC is your strong choice.
Want an Open-Source Codec? Opt for VP9
If you are looking for an efficient video compression solution without licensing fees, then consider VP9. It is popularly used for browser-based streaming and large-scale video distribution online.
VP9 is a better video compression solution than H.264, with a royalty-free benefit, and becomes an attractive option for organizations seeking an open-source option. It is easily supported across modern browsers and is frequently used for web-first video delivery.
So, if your primary goal is to distribute content online without licensing liability, VP9 is a performance-based affordable solution.
Planning for the Future? Consider AV1
AV1 is the next generation of video compression technology. It was introduced by Alliance for Open Media and offers even greater compression efficiency than HEVC and VP9, guaranteeing that streaming platforms can achieve better video quality while using less bandwidth.
Despite the fact that hardware support is on its way to expansion, AV1 adoption continues to grow across browsers, connected TVs, streaming devices, and major digital platforms. With the increasing support, it is expected to play a huge role in the future of OTT video encoding.
So, if you are planning for long-term streaming strategies, AV1 offers an investment in future-ready video delivery.
Video Codec Comparison: H.264 vs. HEVC vs. AV1 vs. VP9
Each codec brings unique strengths to the table, which is why there’s no single version that serves all challenges. The best choice is made based on the goals of your streaming platform, whether they are maximising compatibility, reducing bandwidth consumption, lowering operational costs, or preparing for future streaming requirements.
| Feature | H.264 | HEVC (H.265) | VP9 | AV1 |
| Compatibility | Excellent | Good | Good | Growing |
| Compression Efficiency | Good | Very High | High | Excellent |
| Licensing | Licensed | Licensed | Royalty-free | Royalty-free |
| Processing Complexity | Low | Medium | Medium | High |
| Best For | Universal playback | 4K/UHD streaming | Web streaming | Next-generation streaming |
| Bandwidth Savings | Moderate | High | High | Very High |
While choosing a codec depends on your streaming goals, relying on just one codec is rarely enough. Content delivery across various devices, browsers, and network conditions frequently calls for a more adaptable strategy. Meeting all the requirements, like delivering content across a variety of devices, browsers, and network conditions, calls for a more flexible approach.
How Multi-Codec Support Future-Proofs Video Delivery
Owing to the expectation of viewers like instant playback regardless of the device they’re using or the quality of their internet connection. At the same time, video streaming platform providers must manage rising bandwidth costs, growing content libraries, and increasingly diverse preferences.
As discovered earlier, no single codec is designed to address all of these challenges perfectly. Therefore, video streaming platforms are switching to multi-codec workflows supported by solutions like MultiTV Streamline, ensuring playback systems serve the most suitable version based on the viewer's devices.
This results in:
- Improved playback compatibility
- Better viewing experiences
- Optimised bandwidth utilisation
- Greater operational flexibility
It says multi-codec support is more than a competitive advantage and becoming an operational necessity.
Final Words!
Supporting multiple video codecs shouldn't bring the burden of managing multiple workflows. MultiTV Streamline makes sure your platform benefits from its intelligent OTT video encoding capabilities and comprehensive multi-codec support. Whether your content needs the universal compatibility of H.264, the bandwidth efficiency of HEVC, the open-source flexibility of VP9, or the future-ready performance of AV1, MultiTV Streamline supports all these requirements from a single platform.
So, don't think further. Contact MultiTV to build a smarter video encoding workflow and enjoy uninterrupted streaming across every screen.
