Top 8 Free Ways to Convert H264 to MP4 on Windows/Mac/Online

H264 is an efficient compression standard that is popular for offering high-quality videos while maintaining lower bitrate and storage space. Being a new standard, the support and compatibility of the format are limited, and thus the need arises for conversion to a more compatible format like MP4. 

So, if you too have videos in H264 which you are unable to play on your portable devices and other players, converting them to MP4 will work as a profound solution. To convert H264 to MP4 in a hassle-free manner, the right tools and programs are needed, and this is where this article will be of great help to you. 

Learn more about the formats and the best free tools that can get the conversion done in the below parts.

H264, commonly known as Advanced Video Coding (AVC) or MPEG-4 Part 10 is among the latest compression standard for videos. This is a block-oriented method that can deliver high-quality videos while reducing the storage space up to half and keeping the bit rate low. H264 is a practical and relatively inexpensive method and can support videos in 4K and 8K UHD as well.

Though H264, MP4 may be considered to be quite similar to many, technically, they are different. At the same time, H264 is a coding format that is used for compression, recording, and distribution. MP4, on the other hand, is a video container format that is capable of storing video, audio, and other multimedia data. Thus, H264 requires a video container to host the encoded video, while MP4 is a container format in itself. Though H264 majorly uses AVC to encode the files, it can also be encoded in other formats like AVI, MOV, and MKV. 

There are several benefits and drawbacks associated with H264, and the major ones are listed below.

Widely used as a multimedia player, VLC supports an array of additional functions as well including video conversion. This free and open-source player has support for multiple platforms, including Windows, Mac, Android, Linux, and others. Using the player, you can convert H264 files to MP4 and other supported formats as well as devices in a few quick steps. You can further optimize the files by changing key parameters. Since the majority of PCs have VLC already installed on their system for multimedia playback, this works as the best option for file conversion without downloading any additional tool.

VLC is compatible with almost all platforms and has support for all key formats makes the tool apt for PCs. 

Steps to convert 264 to MP4 VLC:

Step 1. Open the VLC media player and choose Media> Convert/Save…

Step 2. An Open Media pop-up window will open where click on the +Add from the File tab to browse and import the format H264 file to be converted. 

Step 3. Click on Convert/Save at the bottom corner after the file is successfully added.

Step 4. A new Convert pop-up window will now open. Under the Settings section, enable the Convert option. Choose MP4 from the Profile preset section. Next, click on the Browse button in the Destination section to choose the system folder to save the converted file. 

Finally, click on the Start button.

Having been in use for a long time, this is a reliable tool that helps you convert almost all multimedia files as well as files on a DVD or a Blu-ray disc to MP4 and MKV format. Preset device profiles are also supported by the tool that is free to use and is compatible with multiple platforms, including Windows, Mac, Linux. Using this open-source tool, you can even adjust several parameters and also choose the title, chapter, and range.

Since the tool has been around for years, it is reliable and safe to use on your Windows and Mac systems.

Steps to convert 264 to MP4:

Step 1. Download, install and open the Handbrake tool on your PC.

Step 2. Tap on the Open-Source button to add the H264 file to be converted. Alternatively, you can also drag and drop the file to the interface.

Step 3. In the Format section, choose MP4 as the desired target format. Additional settings can be selected as needed. 

Step 4. Choose the system location to save the converted file and then finally click on the Start at the top toolbar to start the conversion process.

Compared with UniConverter

Handbrake is a free and open-source video transcoder that supports H264 and MP4. However, it lacks some of the advanced features available in UniConverter, such as batch processing and DVD ripping.

This browser-based tool is simple and quick to use and allows file conversion between an array of formats, including H264 and MP4. The tool does not need any sign-up or registration, and after the files are processed, you can download and save them to your system. The tool is safe to use, and the added files are deleted after they are uploaded, and the converted files are also deleted after an hour. 

Step 1. Run AnyConv H264 to MP4 Converter and click on CHOOSE FILE to add the H264 file from your system. 

Step 2. After the file is added, choose MP4 from the drop-down list of the supported formats.

Step 3. Click on the CONVERT button to start the conversion.

Compared with UniConverter

AnyConv is an online video converter that supports H264 to MP4 conversion. However, its conversion speed may be slower compared to UniConverter, and it may not be suitable for larger files.

Offering multi-platform support, including Windows, Mac, Linux, and others, FFmpeg works as a decent playback and conversion tool. This is a command-line tool that allows you to play all popular multimedia files and also perform a host of additional functions like conversion, editing, and others. With just a single command, you can quickly convert your H264 files to MP4. 

If you are well versed with the commands of FFmpeg, it works as one of the quickest ways for converting your files.

Steps on how FFmpeg convert h264 to MP4

Step 1. On your PC, get the FFmpeg executables. 

Step 2. Next, in the folder having the executables, you need to open the command-line window or the command prompt. A terminal window pop-up will open. 

Step 3. In the folder having the FFmpeg executables, you need to add the H264 file that has to be converted. 

Step 4. Next, to start the conversion process, you need to enter the following command at the command line window. 

./ffmpeg.exe -i inputfilename.mkv outputfilename.mp4

Finally, click on the Enter button on the keyboard. Once the conversion is done, you can locate the converted file at the same directory where the source file is present.

Compared with UniConverter

Ffmpeg is a command-line tool for video and audio conversion. It is a powerful tool but may require technical knowledge to use effectively. UniConverter provides a more user-friendly interface and may be a better option for those without technical expertise.

Using this free software by Wondershare, your H264 files can be converted to MP4 and other formats quickly and easily. A wide range of formats are supported by this Windows and Mac supported tool, and it processes the files with a watermark and has ads. Additional supported features include merging videos, adding files to iTunes after conversion, VR conversion, video download from YouTube, and more.

Owing to simple, quick processing and support to additional features, Wondershare Free Video Converter can be considered a good choice for file conversion on your Windows and Mac.

Steps for conversion

Step 1. Launch the installed software on your system and choose the Converter tab from the left side section on the main interface. Click on the + Add Files icon or the + sign at the center to browse and import the H264 videos.

Step 2. Click on the Output Format tab at the bottom of the interface, and a pop-up window will open. Choose Mp4 format and the resolution from the Video tab. 

Step 3. Click on the Start All button at the bottom-right corner to start the conversion. Processed files can be accessed from the Finished tab.

This is another simple-to-use online tool that works straight from the browser window. You simply need to add the file by browsing or by simply dragging and dropping. Choose the target format, and the files will be uploaded and converted. The converted file will be available only for your access and will be deleted automatically after 2 hours.

Steps for conversion:

Step 1. Open MICONV H264 to MP4 Converter and click on Choose files button to browse and import the local file.

Step 2. Select MP4 as the target format.

Step 3. Click on the Convert button, after which the added file will be uploaded, and the process of conversion will start. 

Compared with UniConverter

MICONV is a free video converter for Mac that supports H264 and MP4. However, it may have limitations in terms of format support and features compared to UniConverter.

Steps for conversion:

Step 1. Download, install and run the app on your Android phone.

Step 2. Browse and add the H264 file to the app. 

Step 3. Choose the Convert tab and then select the target format. Choose the location to save the converted file at Save to: section.

Step 4. Finally, click on the Start button to start the conversion process. 

Compared with UniConverter

Video Converter Android is a mobile app that supports video conversion, including H264 to MP4. However, it may have limitations in terms of file size and may not provide as many options as UniConverter.

If you are looking for a video conversion tool that is not only simple but also offers lossless quality files with added features, Wondershare UniConverter is the best choice. The software can be quickly downloaded on all your latest Windows and Mac systems and supports video conversion in high quality with batch processing.

Wondershare UniConverter — All-in-one Video Toolbox for Windows and Mac.

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Support a wide range of formats for conversion.

Multiple files can be added for batch processing.

Built-in editor support file customization with changes in several parameters.

Lossless quality file conversion.

Support to a wide range of additional features like video download, merging, recording, compression, and much more.

Windows and Mac support.