Sonarr Prefer X265 Jun 2026
Now, if Sonarr sees two identical 1080p releases—one x264 and one x265—the x265 version gets a bonus score of 100, making it the definitive choice. Method 2: Sonarr v3
user wants a long article on "Sonarr prefer x265". I need to provide comprehensive information about configuring Sonarr to prefer x265 video encodes. This likely involves explaining what x265 is, why one would prefer it over x264, how to set up release profiles in Sonarr to prioritize x265, and potential pitfalls. I should gather information from official documentation, community guides, and relevant sources. I'll search for terms like "Sonarr prefer x265", "Sonarr x265 configuration", "Sonarr release profile x265", etc. search results provide several relevant links. I'll open them to gather detailed information.'ll also search for "TRaSH Guides Sonarr x265" to get additional information.'ll open the "x265-4k" page from the TRaSH Guides.'ll also search for "Sonarr x265 regex" to get regex patterns for release titles.'ll also search for "Sonarr x265 only download". have gathered enough information to write a comprehensive article. I'll structure it with an introduction, what x265 is, why prefer it, how to configure Sonarr using custom formats and release profiles, fallback strategies, advanced customization, optimization tips, a warnings section, troubleshooting, and a conclusion. Now I will proceed to write the article. is more than just a casual switch—it's about setting up rules, scoring systems, and fallbacks in Sonarr to prioritize x265 without breaking your automation or ending up with broken files. This comprehensive guide will break down the "what," "why," and "how" of making Sonarr a lean, x265-preferring machine.
Locate the field. Click Add and enter your search terms with an associated score: Enter x265 and set the score to 100 . Enter h265 and set the score to 100 . Enter HEVC and set the score to 100 .
Scene groups and internal encoders usually upload x264 copies of a TV show within minutes of its airing. The x265 encodes require more computing time and might not appear until hours or days later. If you want x265 exclusively but do not want Sonarr to download an x264 copy first only to replace it a day later, use (found under Settings > Profiles ). Setting a 120-to-240-minute delay gives x265 encoders time to upload their files before Sonarr grabs the immediate x264 release. Avoiding Fake or Low-Quality Upconverts sonarr prefer x265
The x265 codec offers significant advantages over the older x264 standard:
There are two ways to prefer x265. The first is easy but rigid; the second is advanced and powerful.
The excellent TRaSH Guides has a "Golden Rule" for codec selection: 720/1080p => x264 and 2160p/4k => x265 . The reasoning is that poorly encoded x265 files from low-quality sources (like a re-encode of an x264 file) can look terrible, nullifying any potential benefits. While many casual users love x265 for its size, aiming for high-quality rips from reliable release groups is the path to an optimized media server. Now, if Sonarr sees two identical 1080p releases—one
Many users on Reddit suggest including tags like MeGusta or HEVC in your search criteria, as not all encoders label their releases identically.
Ensure "Upgrade Until" is set to a score equal to or higher than your x265 score if you want Sonarr to eventually replace x264 files with x265 versions. Why use scoring over restrictions?
Scene groups know users look for "x265." Because x265 is highly compressible, bad actors often take a low-quality 700MB x264 file, re-encode it to x265, and shrink it to 200MB. They label it "Bluray x265," but it looks like a pixelated mess. This likely involves explaining what x265 is, why
: Quality supercedes custom format scores. This means Sonarr will always prefer a higher quality release regardless of whether it's x265. A 1080p x264 release will always be chosen over a 720p x265 release, even if you've heavily weighted x265. Custom format scores only act as a tiebreaker when comparing releases of the same quality.
: Go to any TV series page, select an episode, and click the Interactive Search (Magnifying Glass with a Person) icon.
If two files have the same Quality (e.g., both are Bluray-1080p), Sonarr will now choose the one with the higher Custom Format score. Alternative: Release Profiles (Sonarr v3)
While x265 is superior for storage, there are two things to keep in mind to avoid a "bad" automated experience. Watch Out for "Trash Guides"