Published on Apr 13, 2025 5 min read

5 Reliable Tools to Convert H.264 to MP4 on Your PC

There’s nothing more frustrating than trying to play a video file and realizing it isn’t compatible with your device or player. Many times, this happens because the video is in an H.264 format, which may not work with certain applications or platforms. The solution? Convert it to MP4, a universally accepted video format that’s compatible with almost every device and media player. This guide highlights five dependable options, with step-by-step insights on how to use them.

What Is H.264, and Why Convert It to MP4?

H.264 is a video compression standard that allows for high-quality video playback at smaller file sizes. MP4, on the other hand, is a file container format widely used to store videos, audio, and other data such as subtitles. MP4 often uses H.264 as its codec for compression, which might make it seem confusing to some. However, video files labeled as H.264 are often raw or wrapped in less common containers, making them harder to use.

By converting H.264 to MP4, you’re essentially repackaging the file for broader compatibility without losing quality. Whether you're a professional editor or a casual user, having the right tool makes converting files easy and efficient.

1. VLC Media Player

Loved by millions, VLC Media Player isn’t just a media player. It’s also a surprisingly effective file converter.

Why Choose VLC?

• Completely free and open-source
• Simple interface for beginners
• Widely trusted by professionals and casual users alike

How to Convert H.264 to MP4 Using VLC:

1. Open VLC Media Player.
2. Go to Media > Convert/Save.
3. Click Add to import your H.264 video file.
4. Click Convert/Save at the bottom.
5. Choose MP4/MOV as the profile in the dropdown menu.
6. Set a destination file path and click Start to begin the conversion.

While VLC’s interface may not be as sleek as some dedicated converters, its no-cost freedom and reliability make it a go-to option.

2. HandBrake

HandBrake is a powerful, open-source video transcoder designed to handle a wide array of formats, including H.264 and MP4.

Why Choose HandBrake?

• Free to use with no ads
• Allows detailed customization of video settings
• Works on Windows, macOS, and Linux

How to Convert H.264 to MP4 Using HandBrake:

1. Download and install HandBrake on your PC.
2. Open the app and add your H.264 file by clicking Open Source.
3. Choose a destination folder for the converted file.
4. Under the Format dropdown, select MP4.
5. Adjust settings like quality or resolution if necessary.
6. Hit Start Encode to begin the process.

HandBrake is excellent for advanced users who want more control over video parameters, but its simple interface caters to beginners as well.

3. Any Video Converter

If you're looking for an all-in-one conversion tool, Any Video Converter (AVC) is an excellent choice. It supports over 100 input formats and offers blazing-fast conversion speeds.

Why Choose Any Video Converter?

• Free version available
• User-friendly interface
• Built-in video editing features, such as trimming and cropping

How to Convert H.264 to MP4 Using AVC:

1. Download and install Any Video Converter.
2. Click Add or Drag File(s) to upload your H.264 video.
3. Select MP4 as the output format from the dropdown menu.
4. Customize settings like resolution if needed.
5. Click Convert Now to begin the conversion.

AVC’s mix of simplicity and advanced features makes it ideal for users of all skill levels.

4. Wondershare UniConverter

For those who need a more premium solution, Wondershare UniConverter offers one of the most comprehensive conversion tools available. It’s perfect if you require advanced editing features along with format conversion.

Why Choose Wondershare UniConverter?

• Intuitive interface for beginners
• Batch conversion to save time
• Extra tools, like DVD burning and compression

How to Convert H.264 to MP4 Using Wondershare UniConverter:

1. Download and install Wondershare UniConverter.
2. Drag and drop your H.264 file into the program.
3. Select MP4 as the output format.
4. (Optional) Adjust settings like bitrate or frame rate.
5. Click Convert to start.

While Wondershare UniConverter isn’t free, its features make it worthwhile for professionals and heavy video users.

5. FFmpeg

If you’re tech-savvy and don’t mind working with command lines, FFmpeg is a powerful open-source tool for converting audio and video formats.

Why Choose FFmpeg?

• Extremely lightweight
• High-quality output
• Completely free and open-source

How to Convert H.264 to MP4 Using FFmpeg:

1. Download and install FFmpeg from its official website.
2. Open your computer’s command prompt or terminal.
3. Navigate to the folder where your H.264 video is located using the cd command.
4. Type in the following command: ffmpeg -i input_video.h264 output_video.mp4
5. Wait for the conversion process to finish. The duration will depend on the size of your video.
6. Once done, you can find your new MP4 file in the same folder as your original video.

FFmpeg also offers many advanced options and filters for users who want more control over their conversions. It supports a wide range of audio and video formats, making it a versatile tool for professionals and enthusiasts alike.

How to Choose the Right Converter

When deciding on a video converter, it's important to consider your specific needs and the features of the software. Some factors to keep in mind include:

• Supported input and output formats: Make sure the converter supports the specific formats you need to convert from and to.
• Conversion speed: Look for a converter that offers fast conversion times, especially if you have large files or multiple videos to convert.
• Quality of output: Some converters may result in a loss of quality during the conversion process. It's important to choose one that maintains the original quality as much as possible.
• Ease of use: If you're not familiar with video conversion or want a simple solution, look for converters with user-friendly interfaces and easy-to-follow instructions.

Conclusion

Converting H.264 to MP4 on your PC doesn't have to be a challenging task, thanks to the availability of reliable tools tailored for this purpose. By selecting the right tool, you can ensure that your videos retain their quality, the conversion process is swift, and the interface is easy to use. Each of the five tools mentioned offers unique features suited to different needs, whether you prioritize speed, output quality, or simplicity.