Compare software

x265FFmpeg
Free

Free under the GPL-2.0, with a paid commercial license for proprietary use.

 Free

Free and open source. The codebase is mainly LGPL 2.1 with some components under the GPL…

Windows, macOS, Linux, Command line Windows, macOS, Linux, Command line
  • Widely used reference-quality HEVC encoder
  • Usable as a command-line tool or as a library
  • Handles practically every container and codec there is
  • Remuxes without re-encoding, so a container change is instant and lossless
  • Command-line only, with no graphical interface of its own
  • HEVC playback and distribution can involve patent licensing questions
  • Command line only, with syntax that punishes guessing
  • Argument order matters in ways that are not obvious
Downloadable app Downloadable app
Open source Open source
License: GPL-2.0 License: LGPL-2.1
No account needed No account needed
Works offline Works offline

Checked October 2, 2026

Checked September 21, 2026

Catalog facts only. Anything “not stated” is unconfirmed. Check full listings for details.