HEVC: the same video in half the space
What the H.265 codec is, why a 4K video won't play on your computer, how to install it on Windows, Mac and Linux, and which players and devices support it.
Why it matters
HEVC is the format of 4K Blu-ray discs, iPhone videos and, from 5 November 2026, of the UHD channels on Spanish terrestrial TV.
- ≈50 %less bitrate than H.264 at the same perceived quality
- 2013year the ITU approved the first version
- 8Kmaximum resolution in the standard (8192 × 4320)
Sources: ITU-T H.265, Ohm et al., IEEE TCSVT 2012.
What do you need?
-
Play HEVC on Windows
Microsoft's extension, the free option and what to do about "missing codec".
Windows 10 · 11 -
Play HEVC on a Mac
macOS has it built in since 2017; when you need another player.
macOS -
HEVC on Linux
FFmpeg, GStreamer and hardware acceleration with VA-API on Ubuntu, Debian and Fedora.
Ubuntu · Debian · Fedora -
Choose a player
VLC, mpv, IINA, MPC-HC, Kodi and more, linked to their official sites.
Free -
HEVC, AV1, H.264 or VVC
How much each one compresses, who uses them and which to pick.
To decide -
Spanish TV in 4K
What changes on 5 November and how to tell if your TV has DVB-T2 and HEVC.
Spain
Can your device play HEVC?
Six questions about your computer, TV or phone and we'll tell you whether it plays smoothly, struggles or not at all. No data sent anywhere.
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