The web is evolving, and so are image formats. After WebP revolutionized web images, AVIF has emerged as the next generation format promising even better compression. But which should you use?
What is AVIF?
AVIF (AV1 Image File Format) is a modern image format based on the AV1 video codec. It offers significant file size reductions compared to JPEG, PNG, and even WebP.
Compression Efficiency
AVIF typically achieves:
- 50% smaller files than JPEG
- 30% smaller files than WebP
- Better quality at the same file size
Browser Support
WebP has 95%+ browser support across all modern browsers. AVIF is newer, with support in Chrome, Firefox, and Safari, but not yet universal. For maximum compatibility, WebP remains the safer choice.
Encoding Speed
AVIF encoding is currently slower than WebP due to the complexity of the compression algorithm. However, decoding (viewing) is fast in supporting browsers.
Our Recommendation
Use WebP for production sites today—it works everywhere. Keep an eye on AVIF as support grows, and consider using it with fallback for cutting-edge projects. Our converter supports both formats, so you're covered either way.