AVIF vs WebP compared simply and clearly. Learn which format offers better quality, smaller size, and faster performance — and which one is the true future of web images.
For more than a decade, websites relied on JPEG and PNG. Then came modern formats — WebP and AVIF — offering dramatically smaller file sizes and excellent visual quality.
But which one is better in 2026? And which format is the real future of the web?
Below is a simple, beginner-friendly comparison that explains the differences clearly without technical noise.
1. What Are WebP and AVIF? Quick Overview
WebP
Created by Google
Supports lossy and lossless compression
Supports alpha transparency
Supports animation
Fast to encode, fast to decode
Excellent balance for everyday websites
WebP became the global standard format between 2020–2024.
AVIF
Created by the Alliance for Open Media (AOM)
Based on AV1 video codec technology
Supports lossy and lossless compression
Supports HDR, wide color gamut, alpha, animation
Best image quality at the smallest file size
Slower to encode, slightly heavier to decode
AVIF is more advanced and future-proof, but also more demanding.
2. Compression: Which Is Smaller?
🥇 Winner: AVIF (by a large margin)
Real-world tests show:
AVIF is 25–50% smaller than WebP at the same visual quality
On photos with gradients or low-light details, AVIF can be 60% smaller
On flat graphics or screenshots, both formats are similar
Example: Original JPEG: 2.4 MB
WebP: 420 KB
AVIF: 260 KB
This is the main reason developers are switching to AVIF.
3. Image Quality: Which Looks Better?
🥇 Winner: AVIF
AVIF handles:
dark shadows
smooth gradients
fine textures
skin tones
HDR far better than WebP and dramatically better than JPEG.
WebP is very good, but AVIF is next generation.
4. Speed: Encoding & Decoding Performance
Encoding (making the image):
WebP is fast
AVIF is 3–10× slower depending on settings
Decoding (displaying the image in browser):
WebP: extremely fast
AVIF: slightly slower but improving
For most websites:
Speed difference is negligible during viewing — visitors won’t notice. But developers generating thousands of images might prefer WebP.
5. Transparency and Animation
Feature
WebP
AVIF
Alpha transparency
✔ Yes
✔ Yes
Animation
✔ Yes
✔ Yes (new but supported)
Lossless mode
✔ Yes
✔ Yes
Lossy mode
✔ Yes
✔ Yes
WebP animation is very mature. AVIF animation is newer and sometimes larger.
For animated images, WebP is often still better in 2026.
6. Browser Support in 2026
WebP: Supported by all major browsers for years.
AVIF: Supported by Chrome, Firefox, Safari, Edge, iOS, Android, and all modern apps.
By 2026, AVIF has almost universal coverage on all major platforms.
7. When to Use WebP vs AVIF (Simple Rules)
Use AVIF when:
You want the smallest possible file size
You need high-detail photos
You want best SEO and performance
Your site loads many images
You support modern devices
Use WebP when:
You need quick encoding
You have animated images
You want fallback support for older systems
You want guaranteed compatibility everywhere
8. Final Verdict: Which Format Is the Future?
AVIF is the future of the web.
It delivers:
higher quality
dramatically smaller sizes
HDR support
better detail preservation
more modern compression algorithms
But WebP isn’t going anywhere. It remains extremely practical, universal, and stable.
Practical summary:
2024–2025: WebP dominates
2026–2030: AVIF gradually takes over
Long term: AVIF becomes the primary format for photos
9. How to Convert to AVIF or WebP Easily (PixConverter)
You can convert any format (JPEG, PNG, HEIC, WebP…) into AVIF or WebP instantly:
Open PixConverter.io
Upload your images
Select output format: AVIF or WebP
Adjust quality slider
Download optimized images
No watermark, no limits, no login.
Frequently asked Questions
Is AVIF better than WebP?
Yes. AVIF offers higher quality at much smaller file sizes.
Is AVIF supported everywhere in 2026?
Nearly yes — all major browsers and operating systems support AVIF.
Is WebP still relevant?
Absolutely. WebP is extremely fast, universal, and great for animations.
Which format should I use for my website?
Use AVIF first, and provide WebP fallback for older devices.
Does AVIF take longer to encode?
Yes. AVIF is slower to generate, but images load fast once created.
Marek Hovorka
Programmer, web designer, and project leader with a strong focus on creating efficient, user-friendly digital solutions. Experienced in developing modern websites, optimizing performance, and leading projects from concept to launch with an emphasis on innovation and long-term results.
