Sonarr Prefer X265 Jun 2026

x265 is an open-source implementation of the High Efficiency Video Coding (HEVC) standard, also known as H.265. Released in 2013 as the successor to x264 (H.264), HEVC was designed to double the data compression ratio while maintaining the same level of video quality. In practical terms, x265 requires roughly for the same video quality. For media server operators, this translates directly into significant storage savings and reduced network usage.

Notes:

: Sonarr often allows users to define custom quality profiles. Within these profiles, you can specify your preferred codec. Look for an option to add or modify a quality profile and select x265 as the preferred codec.

Name the format something recognizable, such as Prefer x265 . Click or add a condition manually. Select Release Title from the condition dropdown menu. sonarr prefer x265

Configuring Sonarr to prefer x265 involves a few straightforward steps. Keep in mind that the exact steps might vary slightly depending on the version of Sonarr you're using and the client (like Radarr, Lidarr, or the standalone Sonarr) you're integrating with.

By morning, the red lights on his NAS had turned a steady, calm green. He sat down with a cup of coffee and pulled up a show. He looked for the artifacts, the "blurring" the purists warned about. But as the 10-bit HDR colors washed over him, crisp and vibrant, he realized the war was over.

In Sonarr’s Custom Formats section:

Sonarr v4 completely replaced the old "Release Profiles" system with . This is a much more powerful and flexible way to tell Sonarr exactly what media traits you prefer. Step 1: Create the x265 Custom Format Open your Sonarr v4 web interface. Navigate to Settings > Custom Formats . Click the + (Add) button. Name your custom format: x265 / HEVC .

If you want to fine-tune your x265 preferences, you can use more sophisticated regex patterns or combine conditions.

Ensure your quality is set high enough so Sonarr keeps looking for better versions. x265 is an open-source implementation of the High

You can set the CF as "Required" to only grab x265, or leave it unchecked to prefer it but accept x264 if nothing else is available. Conclusion

To help tailor this setup for your specific homelab, please share a few details:

Under the section, find your new x265 format. Assign a score, such as 100 . For media server operators, this translates directly into