What Is AVIF? A Clear Explanation of Its Differences From WebP and JPEG, Plus Pros and Cons

AVIF stands for AV1 Image File Format, and one of the most efficient image formats available today Because it can store high-quality images at a smaller file size than JPEG, PNG, or WebP, it's gaining attention as a next-generation image format.

AVIF supports not just photos, but also transparent images (transparent backgrounds), HDR images, and high color depth. As a result, it's seeing growing adoption on websites and applications that want to store high-quality images using as little storage as possible.

Most modern browsers — including Google Chrome, Microsoft Edge, Firefox, and Safari — support AVIF. Google recommends using modern image formats such as AVIF and WebP to improve page performance. as an image format that helps improve page loading speed.

What Is AVIF?

AVIF (AV1 Image File Format) is a next-generation image format developed based on the "AV1" video compression standard. Its biggest feature is that it achieves higher compression efficiency than traditional JPEG, PNG, or WebP, significantly reducing file size while maintaining high quality.

In recent years, many companies and web services have adopted AVIF to improve website loading speed and save storage space. Google, along with many other browser developers, has been advancing support for AVIF.

AVIF also supports HDR (High Dynamic Range), a wide color gamut, and high color depth, allowing it to more faithfully reproduce the beauty of photos and video. Because of this, it also pairs well with images captured by smartphones and high-performance cameras.

Characteristics of AVIF

Excellent Compression Efficiency

AVIF's biggest characteristic is that it has one of the top compression ratios among image formats in common use today. Generally, it can achieve roughly 20–30% smaller file sizes than WebP, and in some cases less than half the size of JPEG.

Maintains High Image Quality

AVIF is able to maintain quality even at high compression ratios, naturally preserving fine patterns, gradients, and color variation. It's well suited not just for photos, but also for beautiful illustrations and CG images.

Supports Both Lossless and Lossy Compression

AVIF supports both lossless and lossy compression. You can choose the right option depending on whether you prioritize quality or file size.

Supports Transparent Backgrounds

Just like PNG and WebP, AVIF supports transparent backgrounds. It can also be used for logos, icons, and cut-out images.

Supports HDR, 10-bit, and 12-bit Color

AVIF also supports HDR images and 10-bit/12-bit color. Since it can store more color information than traditional JPEG, it can express brightness and gradients more naturally.

Supported by Major Browsers

Today, major browsers including Google Chrome, Microsoft Edge, Firefox, and Safari all support AVIF. Compatibility has improved significantly compared to before, and it can now be used on many websites.

How AVIF Compression Works

AVIF compresses images using technology from the "AV1" video compression standard. By applying high-performance compression technology originally developed for video to still images, it achieves an extremely high compression ratio.

What Is Lossless Compression?

Lossless compression is a method that reduces file size without losing any image data. Since it maintains exactly the same quality as before compression, it's also well suited for editing and archival purposes.

What Is Lossy Compression?

Lossy compression is a method that reduces file size by removing image information that's barely noticeable to the human eye. Because AVIF compresses very efficiently, it can achieve a significant reduction in file size while maintaining high quality.

Why AVIF Files Are Smaller

AVIF efficiently analyzes similar colors and patterns within an image and compresses unnecessary information using advanced algorithms. As a result, it can achieve similar image quality with less data than JPEG or WebP.

Its Relationship to AV1

AVIF is a format that applies the "AV1" video codec to still images. AV1 is used by video streaming services such as YouTube and Netflix, and it's known for its high compression performance. AVIF is the result of applying that technology to images.

Differences Between AVIF and JPEG

AVIF and JPEG are both well suited for storing photos, but they differ significantly in compression method, quality, and supported features. AVIF was developed as a candidate successor to JPEG, achieving a higher compression ratio and higher quality as a next-generation image format.

① File Size

AVIF can compress images more efficiently than JPEG. At the same quality level, it can sometimes achieve a file size roughly 40–60% smaller than JPEG. This is effective both for improving website loading speed and for saving storage space.

② Quality

AVIF is able to retain more image information than JPEG, making it easier to maintain quality even at a high compression ratio. Gradients and fine patterns can also be reproduced naturally.

③ Transparent Backgrounds

JPEG doesn't support transparent backgrounds. AVIF, on the other hand, supports transparent backgrounds, so it can also be used for logos and icons.

④ HDR and Color Depth

JPEG is generally limited to 8-bit color, but AVIF supports 10-bit and 12-bit color, as well as HDR. This allows for richer colors and smoother gradation.

⑤ Web Compatibility

Since AVIF can create very lightweight images, it also helps improve website loading speed and SEO. However, JPEG still offers better compatibility with some older browsers and software.

Differences Between AVIF and PNG

AVIF and PNG are both high-quality image formats, but they excel in different use cases.

① Compression Method

PNG only supports lossless compression. AVIF supports both lossless and lossy compression, so you can choose based on your needs.

② File Size

Generally, AVIF can achieve a significantly smaller file size than PNG. More websites are choosing to use AVIF instead of PNG.

③ Transparent Backgrounds

Both PNG and AVIF support transparent backgrounds. Both can be used for logos and cut-out images.

④ Quality

With lossless compression, neither format loses quality. AVIF can also use lossy compression to further reduce file size while maintaining high quality.

⑤ Editing Use Cases

PNG is often used when saving an image partway through editing. AVIF is increasingly chosen for publishing on websites.

Differences Between AVIF and WebP

AVIF and WebP are both next-generation image formats, but they differ in compression ratio and supported environments.

① Compression Ratio

AVIF has an even higher compression ratio than WebP. At the same quality level, AVIF often results in a smaller file size.

② Processing Speed

WebP loads and converts quickly, and it's used by many web services. AVIF achieves high compression, but image conversion can take somewhat longer.

③ Browser Support

Most modern browsers support both WebP and AVIF. However, in some older environments, WebP offers better compatibility.

④ Which to Choose

If compatibility is your priority, WebP is recommended; if minimizing file size is your top priority, AVIF is recommended. More websites are now automatically switching between the two as needed.

Differences Between AVIF and HEIC

AVIF and HEIC are both highly efficient image formats, but they differ in the compression technology used and the environments in which they're adopted.

① Developer

HEIC is an image format widely adopted by Apple that uses the HEIF standard. AVIF was developed as an open image format based on AV1.

② Compression Ratio

Generally, AVIF is considered to have a higher compression ratio than HEIC. As a result, it can sometimes achieve a smaller file size.

③ Where They're Used

HEIC is the standard format used on iPhones and iPads. AVIF is increasingly adopted for web use cases like websites and cloud services.

Pros and Cons of AVIF

Pros

• Offers one of the best compression ratios available today
• Often achieves a smaller file size than JPEG, PNG, or WebP
• Easy to maintain high quality
• Supports transparent images
• Supports HDR and 10-bit/12-bit color
• Helps improve page load speed

Cons

• Image conversion can sometimes take longer
• Some older software doesn't support it
• PNG or PSD is often used instead for editing purposes

Use Cases AVIF Is Well Suited For

AVIF is well suited for use cases where you want to minimize file size while maintaining high quality.

Photos

AVIF's high compression ratio is especially useful for portrait and landscape photos. It's also a great choice for storing large photo libraries.

Blogs and News Sites

For image-heavy blogs, using AVIF makes it easier to improve page loading speed. It can also improve SEO by helping pages load faster.

E-commerce Sites

Converting product images to AVIF can improve loading speed while maintaining high quality.

Social Media and Websites

As browser support has improved, AVIF adoption continues to grow across the web.

Logos and Illustrations

Since it also supports transparent backgrounds, AVIF can be used for logos and illustrations. However, SVG is better suited for logos that are frequently resized.

Screenshots

AVIF can also be used for screenshots, though PNG is more commonly used for editing purposes.

AVIF vs WebP vs JPEG vs PNG Comparison Table

AVIF, WebP, JPEG, and PNG each have different characteristics. Using the right one for the right purpose lets you optimize quality, file size, and loading speed.

Not Sure Which to Choose?

The ideal image format depends on its use case. The table below can help you decide.

The History of AVIF

AVIF is a relatively new image format, first released in 2019. It was developed using technology from the "AV1" video compression standard, with the goal of achieving a higher compression ratio than JPEG, PNG, or WebP.

In recent years, major browsers such as Google Chrome, Microsoft Edge, Firefox, and Safari have added support, and adoption across many websites continues to grow. Because it can reduce image file size while maintaining high quality, it's gaining attention as a next-generation image format.

Why Google Recommends AVIF

Google considers website loading speed one of its important evaluation metrics, and it recommends using AVIF because it can reduce image file size. Lighter images improve page loading speed, which also leads to a better user experience.

Optimizing image size is also an important factor in PageSpeed Insights and Core Web Vitals. Using AVIF reduces bandwidth usage and makes it easier for pages to load quickly, even in mobile environments.

Browser Support Status

AVIF is now supported by most major browsers. While support used to be limited, it's now an image format that can be used confidently on general websites.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is AVIF?

AVIF is a next-generation image format based on AV1. It has an extremely high compression ratio and can reduce image file size while maintaining high quality.

Is AVIF better than WebP?

AVIF often has a higher compression ratio. However, WebP can be advantageous in terms of conversion speed and compatibility, depending on the situation.

Does AVIF reduce image quality?

With typical settings, it can maintain very high quality. If you use lossless compression, quality doesn't degrade at all.

Does AVIF support transparent backgrounds?

Yes. Just like PNG and WebP, it supports transparent backgrounds.

Which browsers support AVIF?

It's supported by major browsers including Google Chrome, Microsoft Edge, Firefox, and Safari.

Summary

AVIF is currently one of the image formats with the highest compression ratio, and it's a next-generation format that achieves both high quality and small file size. For websites, blogs, and e-commerce sites, it can help improve loading speed and support SEO efforts.

• Offers one of the best compression ratios available today
• Often achieves a smaller file size than JPEG, PNG, or WebP
• Supports high quality, HDR, and transparent images
• A next-generation image format recommended by Google
• Effective for website speed improvements and SEO

By using AVIF, WebP, JPEG, PNG, and SVG appropriately for your use case, you can optimize the balance between quality, file size, and compatibility.

Related Tools

• Convert Images to JPG: Convert PNG, WebP, AVIF, BMP, and more to JPG
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• Convert Images to AVIF: Achieve high compression and high quality with a next-generation format

Related Articles

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• What Is SVG?
• What Is HEIC?
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