AVIF vs WebP: Which Image Format Is Better?
A comprehensive comparison of the two leading next-gen image formats
Overview
Both AVIF and WebP are modern image formats designed to replace JPEG and PNG on the web. WebP was developed by Google in 2010, while AVIF emerged from the Alliance for Open Media in 2019. Both are royalty-free, but they differ significantly in compression efficiency, feature set, and browser support.
Compression Comparison
AVIF consistently achieves 20-30% smaller files than WebP at equivalent visual quality. This advantage is particularly pronounced at low bitrates, where AVIF maintains detail that WebP loses to blocking artifacts.
| Feature | AVIF | WebP |
|---|---|---|
| Compression | AV1 (superior) | VP8/VP9 (good) |
| File size vs JPEG | 50% smaller | 25-35% smaller |
| Lossy + Lossless | Yes | Yes |
| Transparency | Yes (alpha) | Yes (alpha) |
| Animation | Yes | Yes |
| HDR / Wide Gamut | Yes (10/12-bit) | No (8-bit) |
| Encoding speed | Slower | Faster |
| Browser support | 95%+ (2026) | 97%+ |
When to Use AVIF
Choose AVIF when file size is the top priority — for hero images, product photos, and bandwidth-sensitive applications. AVIF excels at photographic content and handles gradients and fine textures better than WebP.
When to Use WebP
Choose WebP when you need the fastest encoding (build pipelines, real-time processing) or when supporting very old browsers is essential. WebP is also a strong choice as a fallback format alongside AVIF.
Best Practice: Use Both
The recommended approach for maximum performance is to serve AVIF with a WebP fallback using the HTML <picture> element. This gives the smallest files to modern browsers while ensuring universal compatibility.
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Frequently Asked Questions
For compression efficiency, yes. AVIF achieves 20-30% smaller file sizes than WebP at equivalent visual quality. However, WebP has broader legacy browser support and faster encoding speeds.
AVIF is supported in Chrome 85+, Firefox 93+, Safari 16.4+, and Edge 85+. This covers over 95% of global web users as of 2026.
Yes. Use the HTML <picture> element to serve AVIF to supported browsers with a WebP fallback. This gives the best compression for modern browsers while maintaining compatibility.
No. WebP is limited to 8-bit color depth and standard color gamuts. AVIF supports 10-bit and 12-bit color depth, HDR, and wide color gamuts like BT.2020.