Best GPU for Video Encoding 2025

Ready to supercharge your video encoding workflow?

The latest 2025 GPU releases bring revolutionary encoding improvements, with NVIDIA's 9th-generation NVENC delivering up to 60% faster exports and new 4:2:2 pro-grade color format support.

 

This comprehensive update builds on our previous GPU encoding comparison with the latest 2025 hardware releases, updated pricing, and breakthrough encoding technologies that have transformed the landscape since our original analysis.
 

The Champion: NVIDIA RTX 50-Series with 9th-Gen NVENC

NVIDIA dominates professional video encoding with their latest RTX 50-series cards powered by Blackwell architecture.

The RTX 5090 features three 9th-generation NVENC encoders and exports video 60% faster than the RTX 4090, while supporting up to 11x encoding speed compared to software encoders.

RTX 5090 ($1,999):

• 32GB GDDR7 memory, three encoders/two decoders.
• 5% improvement in HEVC and AV1 encoding quality, plus new AV1 Ultra High Quality mode.
• Professional 4:2:2 color format support for broadcast workflows.

RTX 5080 ($999):

• 16GB GDDR7, two encoders/two decoders.
• Same 9th-gen NVENC technology as RTX 5090.
• Better value for most content creators.

Shop NVIDIA RTX 50-Series Cards →

Budget Champion: Intel Arc B580 - Exceptional AV1 Performance

Intel's Arc B580 delivers premium encoding features at budget prices.

At just $249 with 12GB GDDR6 memory, the B580 includes dual media engines supporting AV1, HEVC 4:2:2 10-bit, and up to two 8K 10-bit workloads.

Key advantages:

• Outstanding AV1 hardware encoding for future-ready streaming.
• Best-in-class 4:2:2 10-bit HEVC support, currently unique to Intel.
• Unbeatable value at $249.

Arc B570 ($219): 10GB variant for ultra-budget builds.

Compare Intel Arc Prices →

AMD's Comeback: RX 9070 XT Shows Major Improvements

AMD finally addresses encoding quality concerns with their RDNA 4 architecture.

The RX 9070 XT ($599) brings significantly improved VCN encoding quality compared to previous generations, with much better H.264 output at equivalent bitrates - AMDCorsair.

RX 9070 XT improvements:

• AV1 encoding with B-Frame support for efficient compression.
• Much higher quality encoding compared to RX 7900 XTX.
• 16GB GDDR6 for memory-intensive projects.

RX 9070 ($549): Slightly cut-down version with same memory.
 

2025 Encoding Format Guide

AV1 vs HEVC: While NVIDIA's new AV1 Ultra High Quality mode offers 5% better compression at the same quality (ProVideo Coalition, NVIDIA), HEVC remains perfectly viable for most creators.

AV1's main advantage is being royalty-free for commercial use.

4:2:2 Color Support: NVIDIA's RTX 50-series brings professional 4:2:2 color format support, bridging production and post-production workflows.
 

Our 2025 Recommendations

For professionals: NVIDIA RTX 5080 - Best performance-per-dollar with dual encoders.

For content creators: Intel Arc B580 - Unbeatable AV1 encoding at $249.

For streamers: AMD RX 9070 XT - Solid improvement with 16GB memory.

For beginners: Intel Arc B570 - Entry-level with modern codec support.

 

Performance Hierarchy

1. NVIDIA RTX 5090 - Ultimate performance, $1,999.
2. NVIDIA RTX 5080 - Professional sweet spot, $999.
3. AMD RX 9070 XT - Improved quality, $599.
4. Intel Arc B580 - Budget champion, $249.
5. Intel Arc B570 - Entry-level, $219.
    

Ready to upgrade your encoding setup?

These 2025 GPUs bring significant improvements in quality, speed, and codec support compared to previous generations.

Compare Latest GPU Prices →