Sonarr Prefer X265 May 2026
Optimizing Your Media Library: How to Prefer x265 in Sonarr If you're running a home media server, storage space is always at a premium. Transitioning your library to x265 (HEVC)
is the single most effective way to cut your storage usage in half without sacrificing visual quality.
While Sonarr doesn't have a simple "HEVC Only" toggle, you can easily automate this preference using Custom Formats
. Here is how to set it up so Sonarr always hunts for those space-saving encodes. Why Prefer x265? Massive Storage Savings
: x265 files are typically 30–50% smaller than x264 at the same quality. Better 4K Support : HEVC is the standard for 4K/HDR content. Bandwidth Efficiency sonarr prefer x265
: Smaller files mean faster remote streaming and less buffering on weak connections. Step 1: Create the x265 Custom Format The most reliable way to prioritize x265 is through the Custom Formats Navigate to Settings > Custom Formats to add a new format. x265 / HEVC Import JSON and paste the standard regex for HEVC (available on the TRaSH Guides "x265 / HEVC" "includeCustomFormatWhenRenaming" "specifications" "implementation" "ReleaseTitleSpecification" "required" "x265|HEVC" } } ] } Use code with caution. Copied to clipboard the format. Step 2: Assign Scores to Your Profile
Now that Sonarr knows what an x265 file looks like, you need to tell it that these files are "worth more." Settings > Profiles Select the Profile you use (e.g., Scroll down to Custom Formats Find your new x265 / HEVC format and give it a positive score (e.g., Save Changes Step 3: Set an Upgrade Goal (Optional)
If you want Sonarr to automatically replace your existing x264 files with x265 versions: In the same settings, set an Upgrade Until Custom Format Score Enter the score you gave x265 (e.g.,
Sonarr will now monitor your RSS feeds for x265 releases. If it finds one for a show you already have in x264, it will download the new version and delete the old, bulky one. A Quick Word on Compatibility Optimizing Your Media Library: How to Prefer x265
Before you convert your entire library, ensure your playback devices (Plex clients, smart TVs, or tablets) support HEVC hardware decoding
. If they don't, your server will have to "transcode" the video, which can heavily tax your CPU. Ready to reclaim your hard drive space?
Head into your Sonarr settings and let the automation do the heavy lifting. Do you need the specific JSON snippets
for more advanced filtering, like avoiding low-quality "re-encodes"? Prefer x265 encodes when multiple releases match a
Here’s a draft piece for configuring Sonarr to prefer x265 (HEVC) encodes, including rationale and practical steps. You can adapt this for a wiki, guide, or automation note.
Goals
- Prefer x265 encodes when multiple releases match a series episode.
- Automatically replace existing x264 files with better x265 versions when appropriate.
- Avoid false upgrades that lower perceived quality.
- Preserve proper tagging and metadata for Plex/Emby/Jellyfin compatibility.
- Minimize unnecessary downloads and storage churn.
The Transcoding Trap
Here is the paradox: Your server might work harder playing an x265 file than an x264 file.
- Direct Play (Good): If your client (Apple TV 4K, Nvidia Shield, iPhone, Fire Stick 4K) supports x265 natively, the file plays instantly with no CPU strain.
- Transcoding (Bad): If your client is a web browser, an old Roku, or a cheap smart TV, Plex will force your server to convert x265 back to x264 on the fly. This can melt a low-power CPU (like a Celeron or an old Intel i3).
The Verdict: Prefer x265 only if your user base uses modern hardware, or if you have an Intel CPU with Quick Sync (7th gen or newer) or a dedicated GPU for hardware transcoding.
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