XviD vs DivX: Top 5 XviD to DivX Converters
Video professionals and enthusiasts are often stumped by XviD and DivX video formats. If not anything else, their nomenclature certainly confounds them, since they are essentially mirror words of each other. Making matters worse, XviD and DivX video formats share a certain degree of similarity as well. However, they are not the same video formats and have some crucial differences between them. After all, they weren't even developed by the same people. In fact, the two formats are competitors that cater to different types of users. So, here's what you should know about them.
Part 1. XviD vs DivX: A Quick Review
1. What is DivX?
DivX is a proprietary video codec developed by the namesake brand. It offers multiple products under the same DivX brand name, all related to video technology.
The DivX video format is the original MPEG-4 codec, a revolutionary development with high video quality, despite its high compression. The vast majority of video players and DVD players support the DivX codec and can play the videos. It was one of the best H.263 video codecs.
However, its proprietary origins mean that the codec comes with licensing fees for content producers and publishers.

2. What is XviD?
XviD is an open-source fork of DivX. In other words, XviD originated from DivX, but it has charted its own path over the years. Unlike the latter, the former is an open-source codec and its main competitor. XviD also incorporates advanced features like ASP to deliver a high-definition video quality in dynamic scenes.
Interestingly, the people behind XviD named it as a mirror word for DivX, specifically to poke fun at the latter.
3. Differences Between XviD and DivX
Feature | XviD | DivX |
---|---|---|
Developer | Open-source community | DivX, LLC (commercial company) |
License | Free & open-source (GNU GPL) | Proprietary (free and paid versions available) |
Platform Support | Cross-platform (Windows, macOS, Linux, etc.) | Mostly Windows-focused (limited macOS/Linux) |
Encoding Quality | Often better at maintaining quality at lower bitrates | Slightly lower efficiency at very low bitrates |
Customization | Highly customizable, developer-friendly | Limited flexibility, more user-friendly |
Compatibility | Not all hardware players support XviD | Widely supported on DVD players and hardware |
Updates | Community-driven (may be slower) | Regular updates from the company |
File Extensions | Commonly .avi, .mp4 | Commonly .avi, .divx |
Summary: XviD is best for advanced users or developers needing open-source, customizable encoding with great compression. While DivX is ideal for general users seeking easy playback on DVD players and commercial devices.
Part 2. Best XviD to DivX Converter for Desktop
Both XviD and DivX video formats are widely popular, but they are generally intended for different purposes. So, you may need to convert videos between XviD and DivX formats, depending on your needs. Univd Video Converter is the perfect tool for the job because it supports both video formats and offers extensive customization options. You can convert from XviD to DivX or vice versa.

HitPaw Univd - All-in-One Video Solutions for Win & Mac
Secure Verified. 254,145 people have downloaded it.
- Univd can convert videos between XviD and DivX formats without quality loss.
- You can convert up to 5,000 videos between XviD and DivX formats.
- Video conversion is faster with Univd than any other tool, thanks to GPU acceleration.
- Control everything from video codec and audio codec to video quality and audio quality.
- Cut, trim, crop, rotate, and perform other editing tasks with simple button clicks in Univd.
- Univd's advanced AI tools give your video content the boost it needs to go viral.
Secure Verified. 254,145 people have downloaded it.
Guide for Converting XviD to DivX with HitPaw Univd
Step 1: Install and launch HitPaw Univd, head over to the 'Converter' tab. Drag XviD or DivX videos directly into the app or use the 'Add Video' button to do it.
Step 2: Click the 'Convert all to' menu at the bottom left of the window >> In the 'Video' tab, choose the output format as 'DivX'.
Step 3: Click 'Convert All' to start the DivX to XviD conversion at 170x faster speed.
Part 3. 4 Alternative XviD Video Codec Converters
1. HandBrake

HandBrake is one of the best video conversion tools for converting XviD to DivX. Not only does it natively support both formats, but it is also a free and open-source tool. So, you can download and start converting videos right away. It also offers an extensive range of customizations, desired by power users. Its user interface can be complex and daunting to new users, but it has a steep learning curve, making it ideal for users who frequently need to convert videos.
Pros
- Free and open-source
- Wide format support
- Great customization options for output
- Presets make everything easy
Cons
- Not beginner-friendly
2. DivX Converter

DivX Converter is the official software from the creators of the DivX format. It's available as part of the DivX Suite and can convert videos between XviD and DivX formats. Unlike most other tools in our list, DivX Converter is proprietary technology and does not come cheap. However, its biggest advantage is that it's remarkably easy to use, especially for beginners.
Pros
- High-quality output
- Fast conversion
- Beginner-friendly
- Good quality control with customizations
Cons
- Premium tool with no free version
3. FFmpeg

This one is for the power users. FFmpeg is an exceptionally powerful, free, and open-source video editing software. It can perform a multitude of video manipulations in a remarkably short time. It's highly optimized and uses hardware acceleration to boost your video editing tasks. But, there's a caveat: FFmpeg is a command-line tool and does not have a GUI. So, it's not the best choice for casual users. For power users, FFmpeg's versatility, extensive features, and robust capabilities, make it an excellent choice.
Pros
- Highly customizable
- Extensive features and capabilities
- Free and open-source
- Batch video conversion
Cons
- Command-line interface
4. Convertio

Convertio is one of the top video conversion tools for casual users. It's also a great choice for users who often switch between devices. That's because Convertio is an online video conversion tool. It offers a free, ad-supported pricing plan for basic video conversion, but premium plans unlock advanced features like higher file size limits and batch conversion.
Pros
- Works on all browser-compatible devices, including mobile and desktops
- Free plan available
- Simple and easy user interface
Cons
- Advanced features locked behind a paywall
- Conversion speed is largely dependent on internet speed
FAQs on XviD vs DivX
Q1. Are there any major differences between XviD and DivX video codecs?
A1. DivX was designed to provide smooth playback on DivX-certified devices, such as Blu-ray players, DVD players, and TVs. So, it's optimized for performance on such hardware. In contrast, XviD is highly optimized for performance, supported by most media players, including VLC and PotPlayer.
Q2. XviD vs DivX: Which one offers better quality and compression?
A2. At the same video quality, XviD offers superior compression and a smaller file size. This also means that XviD offers better video quality for the same file size.
Q3. Does DivX offer a superior streaming experience over XviD?
A3. Yes. DivX is optimized for video streaming over the internet. It offers faster buffering and low latency over the internet. So, it's the natural choice. However, that doesn't mean XviD doesn't support streaming. You can stream XviD content over media servers like Plex, Emby, etc., but DivX is just better at this.
Conclusion
Which video codec comes out as a winner in the XviD vs DivX debate depends on your needs. DivX is great for streaming and works well with DVD players, Blu-ray players, and smart TVs. It's built for smooth playback and high-quality streaming. On the other hand, XviD is free and offers better compression, meaning it can make videos smaller without reducing quality. And when you need to convert videos between XviD and DivX codecs or any other formats or codecs, use HitPaw Univd. It's fast, reliable, and performs video conversion without compromising on quality. Convert your first video with Univd today.
Share this article:
Select the product rating:
Daniel Walker
Editor-in-Chief
My passion lies in bridging the gap between cutting-edge technology and everyday creativity. With years of hands-on experience, I create content that not only informs but inspires our audience to embrace digital tools confidently.
View all ArticlesLeave a Comment
Create your review for HitPaw articles