How does video encoding work?
Video encoding is the process of converting raw video data into a compressed format for storage or sharing. Every time you convert a video, your device runs an encoder to compress the data using a codec like H.264, H.265, or AV1. There are two fundamentally different ways this encoding can happen: using software on the CPU, or using dedicated hardware on the GPU or SoC.
Both methods produce the same file — but they differ significantly in speed, efficiency, and flexibility. Understanding when to use each can save hours of waiting time and extend your device's battery life.
Comparison at a glance
| Feature | Software (CPU) | Hardware (GPU/SoC) |
|---|---|---|
| Speed | Very slow | Very fast (10–20×) |
| CPU Load | Heavy | Minimal |
| Battery / Heat | High drain | Low impact |
| Format Support | Any codec | Device-dependent |
| Quality Control | Full control | Limited |
| AV1 / HEVC | Yes | 2021+ devices |
Software Encoding — Full control, any format
Software encoding runs entirely on the CPU, using general-purpose computing power to compress video frame by frame. Because the CPU can execute any algorithm in software, this method supports virtually any codec and gives you complete control over output parameters.
✓ Advantages
- Supports any output format — H.264, H.265, AV1, VP9, FLV, WebM, and more, regardless of device
- Full control over resolution, fps, bitrate, and quality settings without hardware limitations
✕ Disadvantages
- 10–20× slower than hardware encoding — a 10-minute video can take 30–60 minutes to encode
- Heavy CPU usage causes device heating, battery drain, and increased wear on the processor
Hardware Encoding — Fast, efficient, battery-friendly
Hardware encoding uses a dedicated chip built into the GPU or SoC — such as NVENC on NVIDIA GPUs, VideoToolbox on Apple Silicon, or the media engine on modern Android/iOS chips. These chips encode video in parallel pipelines, achieving speeds 10–20× faster than the CPU while consuming a fraction of the power.
✓ Advantages
- 10–20× faster than software — a 10-minute video encodes in under a minute on modern hardware
- Minimal CPU usage — the device stays cool, battery lasts longer, and the processor remains available for other tasks
✕ Disadvantages
- Limited to codecs and resolutions supported by your specific device chip — older devices may only support H.264
- Less fine-grained quality control compared to software encoders; advanced bitrate modes may not be available
Which should you use?
For most users, hardware encoding is the right choice: it is fast, efficient, and the quality difference from software encoding is negligible for everyday use. BeeConvert uses hardware acceleration by default on all supported devices, with automatic fallback to software encoding when needed. The trend is clear — hardware encoding is the future.