x264 Video Codec 165.3223

This open-source encoder has won virtually every major codec comparison since 2006, consistently outperforming commercial alternatives in both compression efficiency and visual quality.

If you're preparing content for streaming platforms, archiving video collections, or encoding broadcast television, x264 provides the tools professional workflows demand.

Why Video Professionals Choose x264

x264's psychovisual optimization analyzes your video content frame-by-frame, allocating bits where human perception matters most rather than simple mathematical metrics.

This intelligent approach delivers noticeably better quality at lower bitrates than competing encoders - saving bandwidth without sacrificing visual clarity.

The encoder supports baseline, main, high, and extended profiles, ensuring your output plays correctly on everything from legacy mobile devices to high-end broadcast equipment.

Multi-threading support maximizes performance on modern multi-core processors, dramatically reducing encoding time for large projects.

Advanced users gain access to extensive configuration options covering bitrate control modes, quantization parameters, motion estimation algorithms, and encoding speed presets. This flexibility lets you fine-tune the quality-versus-speed tradeoff for your specific workflow requirements.

Graphical User Interfaces for x264

While x264 operates primarily through command line, several graphical front-ends provide user-friendly access to its powerful capabilities:

Encoding Suites:

• MeGUI - Comprehensive encoding suite with batch processing, AviSynth integration, and advanced workflow management.
• StaxRip - Portable encoding tool supporting H.264, HEVC, VP9, and AV1 with customizable profiles.
• HandBrake - User-friendly transcoder with device-optimized presets for quick conversions.

Dedicated x264 GUIs:

• x264Gui - Straightforward parameter adjustment with visual preset selection.
• x264 VfW - Video for Windows integration for legacy application compatibility.
• TX264 - Streamlined operation without command-line complexity..
• EncodeGUI - Modern interface with extensive customization options

Additional Converters:

• XMedia Recode - Feature-rich converter with video passthrough and chapter editing.
• Shutter Encoder - Open-source converter with batch processing and editing features.

Playing H.264 Video Files

For decoding and playback, these solutions complement x264 encoding capabilities:

Standalone Decoders:

• LAV Filters - High-quality DirectShow filters with hardware acceleration.
• FFDShow - Comprehensive codec support with advanced filtering options.
• DivX H.264 Decoder - Hardware-accelerated decoding for smooth playback.
• MPC Video Decoder - DXVA-accelerated decoder for H.264, HEVC, and AV1.

Complete Codec Packs:

• K-Lite Codec Pack - All-in-one solution with LAV Filters and MPC-HC included.
• K-Lite Mega Codec Pack - Extended version with additional tools and filters.

Media Players with Built-in H.264:

• VLC Media Player - Cross-platform player with universal format support.
• PotPlayer - Feature-rich player with hardware acceleration.
• KMPlayer - Lightweight player with extensive codec support.
• MPC-BE - Modern Media Player Classic fork with enhanced features.

x264 vs Modern Alternatives

Before choosing x264, consider how different codecs serve different needs:

x265 HEVC Encoder delivers approximately 50% better compression than H.264 but requires significantly more encoding time and has limited device support - ideal for archival projects or 4K content where file size matters most.

AV1 Codec offers royalty-free licensing and excellent compression efficiency but encoding remains slow and hardware acceleration support is still growing - best for future-proofing or streaming-focused workflows.

x264 remains the optimal choice when you need universal compatibility, proven reliability, and fast encoding.

Every smartphone, tablet, computer, and streaming device plays H.264 content without compatibility concerns.

For detailed codec comparisons, read our guide: "Is VP9 Better Than H264?"

System Requirements and Installation

x264 Video Codec version 165.3223 supports Windows XP through Windows 11 on both 32-bit and 64-bit systems. The current build was compiled with Clang 14.0.0 featuring comprehensive chroma format support and optimized performance.

Linux and macOS users can compile from source code or obtain pre-built binaries through distribution package managers.

The encoder requires minimal system resources while delivering maximum performance through efficient algorithm implementation.

DOWNLOAD X264 VIDEO CODEC 165.3223
File Size: 17.8 MB | License: GPL v2+ | Freeware