1. Home
  2. Video Converter
  3. Convert 3GP to H264

What is 3GP?

3GPP (3GP) is a multimedia container format for GSM mobile networks, designed for video playback and MMS on feature phones.

What is H264?

Raw H.264/AVC is an elementary stream of H.264 encoded video data without container overhead, used in video analysis.

When Should You Use 3GP vs H264?

Use 3GP When...

Reach for 3GP when your priority is mobile video, mms, feature phones — its efficient compression makes sharing fast and storage minimal.

Use H264 When...

Reach for H264 when your priority is video codec analysis, raw encoded streams — its efficient compression makes sharing fast and storage minimal.

3GP vs H264: Key Differences

  • •The core technical difference: 3GP relies on lossy compression whereas H264 uses lossy compression.
  • •Neither format changes compression philosophy — both are lossy compression — so any size differences are due to encoding efficiency, not a shift in quality approach.
  • •How transparency is handled: H264 does not support alpha channels — transparent areas in the source will become opaque.
  • •File sizes: 3GP files typically range Very small, suitable for MMS and H264 files Much smaller than uncompressed video.
  • •Primary audience: 3GP is built for mobile video, mms, feature phones scenarios, while H264 focuses on video codec analysis, raw encoded streams — pick the format that matches your output requirement.

Advantages of 3GP

  • ✓3GP compresses data using lossy methods, keeping file sizes manageable for Mobile video, MMS, feature phones.
  • ✓Industry-wide support means 3GP files open anywhere — from legacy systems to the latest devices.
  • ✓Small file sizes make 3GP ideal for email, web uploads, and cloud storage.
  • ✓From professional software to open-source alternatives, 3GP works out of the box.

Advantages of H264

  • ✓H264 compresses data using lossy methods, keeping file sizes manageable for Video codec analysis, raw encoded streams.
  • ✓Industry-wide support means H264 files open anywhere — from legacy systems to the latest devices.
  • ✓Small file sizes make H264 ideal for email, web uploads, and cloud storage.
  • ✓From professional software to open-source alternatives, H264 works out of the box.

Common Use Cases for 3GP to H264 Conversion

  • Broadcast production
  • Video game cutscenes
  • Product demonstrations
  • Webinar recordings
  • Animated explainers
  • Video resumes

Industry Applications

Video SurveillanceGamingLive EventsVideo ConferencingDigital SignageSports Analytics

Best Practices for 3GP to H264 Conversion

  • →Converting 3GP to H264: match the output resolution and bitrate to your target platform's requirements
  • →H264 offers efficient streaming-optimized compression — ideal for online delivery
  • →Use appropriate bitrate for the balance of quality and file size
  • →H264 is a lossy format, so expect some quality loss at higher compression ratios
  • →Always keep a backup of your original files before converting
  • →Choose the appropriate quality settings for your specific use case

Related Article

Video Compression Guide: Reduce File Size Without Losing Quality

Learn more about 3GP and H264 formats in our detailed guide.

Troubleshooting 3GP to H264 Conversion

  • !H264 won't play on target device → check codec compatibility (H.264 has broadest support)
  • !Audio out of sync after 3GP to H264 conversion → try re-muxing with a different container format
  • !H264 quality is too low → increase the bitrate; for 1080p video, 8-15 Mbps is recommended
  • !File size increased converting 3GP to H264 → lossless or higher-bitrate outputs naturally produce larger files

Related Video Converters

All Video Formats

View all Video converters →

More Video tools

Convert to H264 →Convert from 3GP →

Convert 3GP to H264 Online - Free & Fast

Convert 3GP files to H264 online for free. High-quality conversion with no registration required.

Video Converter

Upload or enter a URL to convert 3GP to H264 instantly

Click to upload or drag & drop 3GP file

or paste from clipboard

.3gp,.3GP (max 100MB)

SSL EncryptedAuto-deleted in 1 hourProcessed securelyNo registration needed

Verifying security check…

About 3GP and H264

3GP

3GP (3GP videos) - 3GPP multimedia, mobile video standard for GSM networks. Best for mobile video, mms, feature phones.

H264

H264 (H.264 streams) - Raw H.264/AVC, elementary stream of AVC encoded video. Ideal for video codec analysis, raw encoded streams.

Format Comparison

CompressionLossy → Lossy
TransparencyN/A
Use CaseConvert from mobile video, mms, feature phones to video codec analysis, raw encoded streams
File Size~Much smaller than uncompressed video after conversion

FAQs

Is converting 3GP to H264 free?

Yes, GoConvertFile offers free conversion of 3GP to H264 for files up to 100MB. No registration required.

How long does it take to convert 3GP to H264?

Most 3GP to H264 conversions complete within seconds for standard-sized files. Larger files may take longer depending on the conversion complexity.

What is H264 best used for?

H264 is ideal for video codec analysis, raw encoded streams. Raw H.264/AVC, elementary stream of AVC encoded video

What file size should I expect after converting 3GP to H264?

File size after 3GP to H264 conversion depends on the content complexity and quality settings. Both formats use similar compression approaches so sizes are comparable.

Related Tools

MP4 to 3GP
Convert MP4 to 3GP
MP4 to H264
Convert MP4 to H264
MKV to 3GP
Convert MKV to 3GP
MKV to H264
Convert MKV to H264
View all video converter converters
Tune output for this video conversion
80%
Smaller fileBetter quality