AVIF Format Comparison
Compare AVIF with WebP, JPEG, PNG, HEIC and JPEG XL
Explore interactive samples and technical comparisons of AVIF, WebP, JPEG, PNG, HEIC and JPEG XL.
Last reviewed: July 2026
AVIF vs WebP
Two modern web image formats with different strengths
Visual comparison Drag the slider to compare • See more AVIF samples
Sample result for one landscape photograph at matching visual quality settings. Results vary by image and encoder.
| Feature | AVIF | WebP | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Compression efficiency | Excellent | Excellent | Results vary by image and settings |
| Encoding speed | Slower | Faster | WebP is faster at high quality |
| Browser support | All major modern browsers | All major modern browsers | See Can I Use |
| HDR / wide color gamut | Yes | Limited | AVIF has standardised HDR support |
| 10/12-bit depth | Yes | No | |
| Transparency | Yes | Yes | Both support alpha |
| Animation | Yes | Yes | Both support animation |
- Compression efficiency is the priority
- You need HDR or wide color gamut
- You are encoding to a static delivery cache
- 10/12-bit color depth matters
- Encoding speed is important
- You are generating images on demand
- Your workflow already uses WebP
- Animated image compatibility is a concern
AVIF is often attractive when compression efficiency and advanced image features are priorities, while WebP can be preferable when encoding speed, compatibility with existing tools, or workflow simplicity matter more.
The <picture> element lets you serve both, so you do not need to choose exclusively:
<picture>
<source srcset="image.avif" type="image/avif">
<source srcset="image.webp" type="image/webp">
<img src="image.jpg" alt="Description" loading="lazy">
</picture>AVIF vs JPEG
A next-generation format compared with the long-established web standard
Visual comparison Drag the slider to compare • These files use different encoding settings.
| Feature | AVIF | JPEG | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Compression | More efficient for many images | Widely compatible | Results depend on image and settings |
| Transparency | Yes | No | JPEG cannot represent alpha |
| HDR | Yes | No | AVIF has standardised HDR support |
| Browser support | All major modern browsers | Virtually universal | JPEG works in virtually all software |
| Encoding speed | Slower | Very fast | |
| Lossless | Yes | Not typically | AVIF supports lossless encoding |
- Targeting modern browsers
- You need transparency or HDR
- File size efficiency is a priority
- You can provide a JPEG fallback
- Maximum compatibility is required (older browsers, email clients, software)
- Fast encoding is needed
- Serving as a fallback for non-AVIF browsers
- Working with systems that do not support AVIF
AVIF can provide smaller files than JPEG for many photographic images at comparable visual quality, along with capabilities that JPEG lacks entirely (transparency, HDR). JPEG retains an advantage in universal compatibility and encoding speed. For websites targeting modern browsers, AVIF with a JPEG fallback is a practical approach.
AVIF vs PNG
Lossy-capable AVIF vs the lossless PNG standard
Visual comparison Drag the slider to compare • PNG is lossless; AVIF uses lossy encoding in this sample.
| Feature | AVIF | PNG | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lossy compression | Yes | No | PNG is always lossless |
| Lossless compression | Yes | Yes | Both support lossless |
| Transparency | Yes | Yes | Both support alpha |
| File size (web delivery) | Often smaller | Larger (lossless) | Depends on encoding mode |
| Editing compatibility | Broader | PNG is widely supported in editors | |
| HDR | Yes | Limited |
AVIF with lossy compression can be substantially smaller than PNG for many web images. PNG is useful when a lossless workflow is required, when editing the image further, or when maximum tool compatibility matters. Use PNG to AVIF conversion to create AVIF versions for web delivery while keeping the PNG as your source.
AVIF vs HEIC
Two formats that share the HEIF container but serve different primary purposes
| Feature | HEIC | AVIF |
|---|---|---|
| Container | HEIF | HEIF |
| Codec | HEVC (H.265) | AV1 |
| Primary context | Device photo storage (iPhone, Apple ecosystem) | Web image delivery |
| Web browser support | Limited and platform-dependent (see current data) | All major modern browsers (see current data) |
| Licensing | HEVC codec is patented | Royalty-free (AV1) |
| Compression efficiency | Highly efficient | Highly efficient |
| EXIF metadata | Yes | Yes |
- Storing photos on iPhone, iPad or other Apple devices
- Device-native camera workflows
- Photo library management within Apple's ecosystem
- Sharing between Apple devices
- Publishing images on websites
- Web applications and APIs
- Cross-platform image delivery
- Open workflows without codec licensing concerns
HEIC and AVIF are not direct competitors in the same use case. HEIC is commonly used for photos captured on Apple devices; AVIF is designed for web image delivery. If you have HEIC photos you want to publish on a website, converting them to AVIF is a practical workflow step. See our HEIC to AVIF converter.
HEIC can also be converted to JPG if broader compatibility is needed. Our sister site heic.digital is dedicated to HEIC to JPG conversion.
AVIF vs JPEG XL
Two next-generation formats with different current adoption levels
| Feature | AVIF | JPEG XL |
|---|---|---|
| Compression | Excellent | Excellent, with some technical advantages (e.g. lossless JPEG recompression) |
| Encoding speed | Slower | Faster |
| Web browser support (2026) | All major browsers (Can I Use) | Limited (Can I Use - varies by browser version) |
| Lossless JPEG recompression | No | Yes (unique feature) |
| Progressive decoding | No | Yes |
| HDR support | Yes | Yes |
| Transparency | Yes | Yes |
| Licensing | Royalty-free | Royalty-free |
For broad current browser deployment, AVIF is generally the more practical choice for web image delivery. JPEG XL offers technical features that may be valuable in other workflows, particularly its lossless JPEG recompression capability. JPEG XL browser support may improve over time; see Can I Use - JPEG XL for current data.
AVIF vs Other Image Formats: Complete Comparison
All formats at a glance
File extensions: AVIF uses .avif, WebP uses .webp, JPEG uses .jpg or .jpeg, PNG uses .png, HEIC uses .heic, and JPEG XL uses .jxl.
| Feature | AVIF .avif |
WebP .webp |
JPEG .jpg |
PNG .png |
HEIC .heic |
JPEG XL .jxl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Compression efficiency | Often highly efficient | Efficient | Good | Lossless only | Highly efficient | Excellent |
| Lossy encoding | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | Yes | Yes |
| Lossless encoding | Yes | Yes | Not typically | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Alpha transparency | Yes | Yes | No | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| HDR / wide color gamut | Yes | Limited | No | Limited | Yes | Yes |
| Animation | Yes | Yes | No | No (APNG separately) | Yes (HEIF sequences) | Yes |
| Web browser support | All major modern browsers | All major modern browsers | Universal | Universal | Limited and platform-dependent | Limited - see data |
| Encoding speed | Slower | Fast | Very fast | Fast | Fast (on device) | Fast |
| Licensing | Royalty-free | Royalty-free | Royalty-free | Royalty-free | HEVC is patented | Royalty-free |
| Primary use | Modern web delivery | Modern web delivery | Universal compatibility | Lossless, editing, graphics | Device photo storage | Advanced image workflows |
For current browser compatibility data, see Can I Use - AVIF and Can I Use - WebP.
Which Image Format Should You Use?
The right format depends on your use case, content and compatibility requirements
AVIF with <picture> fallback to WebP or JPEG covers all major browsers efficiently.
<picture>
<source srcset="img.avif" type="image/avif">
<source srcset="img.webp" type="image/webp">
<img src="img.jpg" alt="..." loading="lazy"
width="800" height="600">
</picture>Use PNG or lossless AVIF when you need pixel-exact output or will re-edit the file.
PNG remains the most widely supported lossless format across design tools. Lossless AVIF can reduce file size but requires AVIF-aware tooling.
Convert HEIC to AVIF for web delivery and keep the HEIC original on device. Use our HEIC to AVIF converter.
Use JPEG when compatibility with the broadest possible range of software, email clients and older devices is the priority. JPEG works everywhere.
Practical guidance
For websites targeting modern browsers, AVIF can be used as a primary image format with WebP or JPEG fallbacks when broader compatibility is required.
Smaller image payloads can contribute to faster page loads and a better user experience when implemented appropriately. The actual impact depends on your specific images, encoding settings and the network conditions of your visitors.
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Convert your images to and from AVIF with our free online tools