The need for converting the H264 file arises majorly due to incompatibility of the format with the players and devices. To ensure that your files are converted quickly and without quality loss, the selection of the right tools is very important. Here we have selected the top H264 video converter tools for Windows, Mac, and browser-based tools to help you convert your files seamlessly.
Part 1. How to open a 264 file?
H264 is a video compression codec that is known for HD video quality. Also known as MPEG-4 Part 10 this video compression method is based on block-oriented and motion compensated integer-DCT coding. The codec is capable of analyzing the foreground, background, and static parts of the file to get rid of all the redundant information. High-quality videos at reduced file size can be obtained using the H264 codec. There are several pros and cons associated with the codec as enlisted below.
Pros
The compression using the codec is two times more efficient than MPEG2 codecs.
Using the codec, you can get low transmission bandwidth for the video files.
The codec is apt for slow-motion videos.
Offers high-quality videos while reducing the file size considerably.
Cons
Limited compatibility.
When compared to other compression codecs, H264 needs more hardware overhead.
H264 codec uses high CPU time for processing the files.
The licensing agreements of the codec are complex.
The format can be encoded using different container formats like AVI, MKV, and others.
The files encoded in the H264 codec can be opened using popular programs on your Windows and Mac-like Apple QuickTime Player, File Viewer Plus, VLC Media Player, Roxio Toast 18, and others.
Part 2. Best H264 video converters to convert video from/to H264
To convert H264 files to other popular formats in an effortless manner and high quality, Wondershare UniConverter works as the best tool. This Windows and Mac-compatible software is easy to download and supports batch processing that helps you to convert multiple files at a time. The added H264 files can be converted to a wide range of formats as well as device-specific profiles. The interface of the software is user-friendly and the process is very fast.
Wondershare UniConverter — All-in-one Video Toolbox for Windows and Mac.
Security Verified. 3,591,664 people have downloaded it.Supporting over 1000 formats, the software allows converting H264 to a wide range of formats and pre-set profiles.
Batch processing supported.
The fast conversion speed and lossless quality files.
The built-in editor allows customization of the files.
Change the file parameters if needed.
Additional software features include recording, compression, and more.
Steps to convert video to H264 using Wondershare UniConverter:
Step 1 Add H264 files to Wondershare UniConverter.
Open the software and select the Converter tab from the main interface. To add the H264 files present on your system, click on the +Add Files icon or the + sign at the centre. Drag and drop also function here.
Choose the target format
Step 2 Choose the target format.
After the added files appear on the interface, click on theOutput Format tab and a pop-up window will appear. From the Video tab choose the desired target format and also the resolution.
Step 3 Convert H264 files.
File Locationtab can be browsed to choose the system folder to save the converted file. Click on the Start All buttonat the bottom-right corner to start the batch conversion.
After the process is complete, the converted files on the software interface can be checked from the Finished tab while on the desktop it can be accessed from the selected folder.
The above steps can also be used for converting other file formats to H264.
Part 3. 9 Recommended H264 file converters offline/online [FREE ways included]
Other tools recommended for converting H264 files are enlisted below. The list features the free as well as the paid programs.
#Freeware for Windows/Mac
1. VLC
Video LAN’s VLC is one of the most widely used multimedia players that supports almost all formats and files. This is a free and open-source tool that features cross-platform support. In addition to playback, the tool can be used for several other tasks which include conversion as well. The interface of the program is simple where you need to add the H264 file from your system and then select the target format from the supported list. Additionally, you can also edit other file parameters for further customization. The converted files can be saved to your desired location on PC.
Pros
This 264 converter is a free and open-source program.
Convert files simply and quickly.
Cross-platform support.
File settings can be done to change parameters.
Cons
Limited format support as target files.
No support for advanced conversion features.
No batch processing.
2. Ffmpeg
Another free tool that can be considered for converting your H264 files on Windows and Mac is Ffmpeg. This is an open-source project that can be used for handling multimedia files through its multiple libraries and programs. The program is popular for its extensive codec and filter support. Using the command-line ffmpeg tool you can convert H264 as well as other videos to the desired format in no time.
Pros
Support a wide range of codecs and filters.
All major video and audio formats are supported.
Conversion of H264 and others formats is quick.
Cons
This H264 file converter is difficult to use for beginners.
The lack of any official documents makes it confusing.
Need to have a thorough knowledge of all the commands.
3. Handbrake
To convert 264 and all other key file types to MP4 and MKV, this is a good tool to use. Supporting Windows, Mac, and Linux, this free and open-source software has a user-friendly interface where files can be easily browsed and added for conversion to the supported formats. Additionally, you can also change the key file parameters if needed.
Pros
Free and open-source software.
Cross-platform support.
All types of multimedia files including H264 can be converted.
Simple and user-friendly interface.
Cons
No batch processing support.
Limited target file support.
4. Freemake Video Converter
Converting your files is quick and easy using this Windows-based freeware program. This is an all-in-one software that supports over 500 formats and devices for conversion. Multiple files can be converted at a time owing to batch processing support. Additional software features include DVD and Blu-ray ripping, cutting, rotating, joining, online video embedding, video upload to YouTube, and others.
Pros
Free to use software.
Support more than 500 formats and devices including MP4, AVI. MKV, MP3, DVD, FLV, and others. All key codecs supported like H264, AAC, H265, and more.
Batch processing support.
Support DVD ripping, editing, and other additional features.
Cons
No support for Mac systems.
Slow conversion speed.
5. H264 Encoder
This is another simple to use tool that allows converting videos in an array of formats to H.264/AVC. The tool is free to use and the encoding speed is also good. Using the tool full HD files can also be processed with ease and there is an option for selecting the encoding settings.
Pros
Free and simple to use H264 file converter
Convert an array of video formats to H264.
Full HD files supported.
Cons
Only available for Windows system.
Limited editing and additional features.
#Online Free
6. AnyConv
This is a simple to use H264 converter online tool that works from the browser and needs no software installation. The local H264 encoded file on your system can be added to the interface and then you can choose from the supported target formats. After the file is uploaded and converted, you can save it locally to your PC. The tool is safe to use as the files added are only accessible by you and the processed files are automatically deleted after an hour.
Pros
Free and simple to use online tool.
Support key formats as target files.
Simple and quick H264 conversion.
Delete the processed files after an hour.
Cons
Internet-dependent.
No batch processing support.
No support for video editing or additional features.
7. FileZigZag
This is a widely used online tool for all types of video conversion requirements including H264. The program is free and allows processing up to 10 files daily (50MB each file). You can browse and add the desired files or can simply drag and drop them to the interface. When multiple files are added, you can either choose different target formats for all or the same as needed. The converted files can be saved to the local system or their download link can also be received on an email.
Pros
Free and simple to use.
Multiple files (up to 10) can be processed at a time.
Support a wide range of formats and file types.
Cons
Restriction to the maximum files that can be converted in a day.
Maximum file size cannot exceed 50MB each.
Dependency on internet connection.
#Paid Software
8. Any Video Converter
To convert your videos to any format in a hassle-free manner this is a good Windows and Mac-based software. The tool support over 200 formats including DVD, DVD folder, H264, 4K UHD, and more. The program uses NVIDIA NVENC, AMD AMF, Intel QSV hardware acceleration for file processing. You can even customize the files using functions like cutting, merging, rotating, adjusting brightness, contrast, saturation, and more.
Pros
Support to over 200 formats for the conversion.
Batch processing supported.
Simple user-interface.
Editing features supported.
Cons
No support for 2D and 3D conversion.
Audio conversion features are limited.
A lot of users have complained of slow processing.
9. Leawo Video Converter
Supporting over 180 formats, this is one of the popularly used conversion tools for Windows and Mac systems. You can convert your H264 files effortlessly using the program and can even edit and personalize them as needed. Files are converted while retaining the original quality and conversion to device-specific profiles is also supported. Additional supported features include 2D to 3D conversion, adding subtitles, and more.
Pros
Support to more than 180 formats and all popular codecs.
Lossless quality conversion with batch processing support.
HD and 4K video output support.
2D to 3D conversion.
Cons
Paid software.
Additional modules need to be purchased to use features like DVD burning, online video download, and others.
Conclusion:
Convert H264 to other formats and vice versa using any one of the above-listed tools. Each of these programs comes packed with a different set of functions. Consider the pros and cons and use the tool that goes best with your conversion requirements.
* Some of the above codec formats may need to be supported by system.
