AVIF vs WebP: Which Image Format Should You Use?
Quick answer
AVIF usually produces smaller files than WebP at the same visual quality and supports HDR and higher bit depths, while WebP encodes much faster and is accepted by more software. For most websites, AVIF is the better choice for large photos and WebP the practical default, ideally with a fallback for older systems.
Key takeaways
- AVIF is based on the AV1 video codec; WebP is based on VP8.
- AVIF generally compresses smaller than WebP, especially at lower quality settings.
- WebP encodes and decodes faster, which matters for large batches and on-the-fly conversion.
- AVIF supports 10- and 12-bit color and HDR; WebP is limited to 8-bit.
- Both work in current Chrome, Edge, Firefox and Safari (AVIF from Safari 16.4).
AVIF vs WebP: the short answer
Use AVIF when the smallest possible file matters most, such as large hero photos, and use WebP when you need fast encoding, simpler tooling or broader compatibility.
Both are modern formats that beat JPEG on size, and both support transparency and animation. The difference is a trade-off between compression efficiency (AVIF) and speed plus maturity (WebP).
AVIF vs WebP comparison table
The table summarizes the practical differences that matter when choosing a format.
| Feature | AVIF | WebP |
|---|---|---|
| Based on | AV1 video codec (Alliance for Open Media, 2019) | VP8 video codec (Google, 2010) |
| Compression | Lossy and lossless | Lossy and lossless |
| Typical file size | Usually smallest | Small, usually larger than AVIF |
| Transparency | Yes | Yes |
| Animation | Yes | Yes |
| Bit depth / HDR | 8, 10 and 12-bit; HDR and wide color | 8-bit only |
| Encoding speed | Slow | Fast |
| Browser support | Chrome 85+, Firefox 93+, Safari 16.4+, Edge 121+ | All modern browsers, Safari 14+ |
| Best for | Large photos, HDR images, bandwidth-sensitive sites | General web images, fast pipelines, broader compatibility |
Which has better compression?
AVIF typically achieves better compression than WebP, meaning smaller files at the same perceived quality, with the biggest advantage on photographs at moderate and low quality settings.
Published comparisons, including tests by Netflix and by browser vendors, have found AVIF ahead of both JPEG and WebP on many images, though the margin varies by image content and encoder settings. AVIF tends to keep smooth gradients cleaner, while at very high quality levels the gap narrows. For lossless graphics, results are mixed and lossless WebP is often competitive.
Where WebP still wins
WebP wins on encoding speed, tool support and compatibility with software outside the browser.
AVIF encoding can be many times slower than WebP, which matters when converting thousands of images or resizing on the fly. More desktop apps, CMS plugins and upload forms accept WebP than AVIF, and very old browsers that predate AVIF support may still be in use on some devices.
How to use both safely on a website
The most robust approach is to serve AVIF first, WebP second and JPG or PNG as a fallback, using the HTML picture element or an image CDN that negotiates format automatically.
If you can only publish one modern format, WebP is the lower-risk choice; if your audience uses up-to-date browsers and image weight is a priority, AVIF gives extra savings. Always keep your original high-quality files so you can re-export when formats and encoders improve.
How to convert images to AVIF or WebP
You can create both formats for free in your browser with imgloom, without uploading your files.
Use JPG to AVIF, PNG to AVIF or WebP to AVIF to make AVIF files with a quality slider, and AVIF to WebP, AVIF to JPG or AVIF to PNG when an app will not open AVIF. Each converter supports batches with a ZIP download.
Frequently asked questions
- Is AVIF better than WebP?
- For file size, usually yes: AVIF typically produces smaller files at similar quality and supports HDR. WebP is faster to encode and more widely accepted by non-browser software.
- Does Safari support AVIF?
- Yes. Safari supports AVIF from version 16.4 on macOS and iOS, and Chrome, Edge and Firefox support it in current versions.
- Why is AVIF encoding so slow?
- AVIF uses the AV1 codec, which searches many more compression options than older codecs to achieve smaller files. That extra work makes encoding slower, while decoding in browsers is fast enough for normal use.
- Should I replace all my WebP images with AVIF?
- Not necessarily. Re-encoding an already compressed WebP adds loss; it is better to generate AVIF from your original files and keep WebP as a fallback.
- Can I open AVIF files on Windows?
- Recent versions of Windows 11 can display AVIF, and any current browser can open it. If an app refuses the file, convert it to JPG or PNG.