AVIF vs PNG
Which image format should you choose?
AVIF wins on best-in-class compression. PNG wins on lossless — no quality loss when re-saved. For most general use, pick whichever is more compatible with your existing tools — file size and quality differences are usually small at the same encoding settings.
When to use AVIF
Choose AVIF when you need cutting-edge web performance and seo or hero images and photography on modern sites. Its strengths: best-in-class compression, and hdr and wide color gamut support.
Pros
- + Best-in-class compression
- + HDR and wide color gamut support
- + Royalty-free
Cons
- − Slower to encode than WebP
- − Limited support in older browsers and software
- − Editing tool support still maturing
When to use PNG
Choose PNG when you need logos and graphics with transparency or screenshots and ui mockups. Its strengths: lossless — no quality loss when re-saved, and full alpha transparency.
Pros
- + Lossless — no quality loss when re-saved
- + Full alpha transparency
- + Universal browser and software support
Cons
- − Much larger files than JPG for photos
- − No animation (use APNG or GIF)
- − Outperformed by WebP and AVIF on the modern web
Side-by-side
| Aspect | AVIF | PNG |
|---|---|---|
| Full name | AV1 Image File Format | Portable Network Graphics |
| Extension | .avif | .png |
| MIME type | image/avif | image/png |
| Compression | Lossy | Lossless |
| File size | Medium▲ | Large |
| Compatibility | Modern only | Universal▲ |
| Open source | Yes | Yes |
| Best for | Cutting-edge web performance and SEO | Logos and graphics with transparency |
▲ = generally favored on that aspect. Real-world results depend on encoder settings.
Convert between AVIF and PNG
AVIF vs PNG — Frequently Asked Questions
Is AVIF better than PNG?
Is AVIF better than PNG?
Neither is universally better — they serve different needs. AVIF is stronger for cutting-edge web performance and seo, while PNG is stronger for logos and graphics with transparency. Pick based on what you're trying to do.
Can I convert AVIF to PNG?
Can I convert AVIF to PNG?
Yes — Zen Convert handles AVIF to PNG conversion for free, directly in your browser. It also handles the reverse (PNG to AVIF). No signup, no watermark.
Will I lose quality converting between AVIF and PNG?
Will I lose quality converting between AVIF and PNG?
AVIF is lossy, so converting from the lossless format PNG to AVIF will lose some quality. Going the other direction (AVIF → lossless) doesn't restore lost data — the lossless container just stores what's already there.
Which file is bigger : AVIF or PNG?
Which file is bigger : AVIF or PNG?
AVIF files are usually smaller than PNG files at the same quality. The difference depends on encoder settings, but the trend is consistent across most content.
Which one is better supported on phones?
Which one is better supported on phones?
PNG has broader mobile support. Most phones (iPhone and Android) play it natively without extra apps.