Sonarr Prefer X265 ((hot)) Jun 2026

for managing TV show libraries, but by default, it often prioritizes standard H.264 (x264) files. For many users, x265 (HEVC)

Unlike "Must Contain" restrictions, which will ignore any release without the keyword, scoring allows Sonarr to grab an x264 file if it's the only one available and then upgrade to x265 later when it's uploaded. sonarr prefer x265

If you want to be precise and avoid bad quality x265 releases, the community standard is to use the custom formats. They offer a pre-made JSON collection that is superior to manual creation. for managing TV show libraries, but by default,

Now, we need to add the conditions. Click the button. They offer a pre-made JSON collection that is

This works, but it treats all x265 releases equally. It scores a 1GB high-quality HEVC release the same as a 150MB junk re-encode.

Set the "Upgrade Until Custom Format Score" to your x265 score if you want Sonarr to replace existing x264 files with x265 versions. Click Save . Important: How Scoring Works