AVIF vs WebP
Which image format should you choose?
AVIF wins on best-in-class compression. WebP wins on 25–35% smaller than jpg and png. 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 WebP
Choose WebP when you need web images and core web vitals optimization or replacing jpg and png to reduce page weight. Its strengths: 25–35% smaller than jpg and png, and supports both lossy and lossless.
Pros
- + 25–35% smaller than JPG and PNG
- + Supports both lossy and lossless
- + Transparency and animation in one format
Cons
- − Not supported by some image editors
- − Older browsers (Safari < 14, IE) lack support
- − Less mature ecosystem than JPG/PNG
Side-by-side
| Aspect | AVIF | WebP |
|---|---|---|
| Full name | AV1 Image File Format | WebP |
| Extension | .avif | .webp |
| MIME type | image/avif | image/webp |
| Compression | Lossy | Lossless |
| File size | Medium | Medium |
| Compatibility | Modern only | Wide▲ |
| Open source | Yes | Yes |
| Best for | Cutting-edge web performance and SEO | Web images and Core Web Vitals optimization |
▲ = generally favored on that aspect. Real-world results depend on encoder settings.
Convert between AVIF and WebP
AVIF vs WebP — Frequently Asked Questions
Is AVIF better than WebP?
Is AVIF better than WebP?
Neither is universally better — they serve different needs. AVIF is stronger for cutting-edge web performance and seo, while WebP is stronger for web images and core web vitals optimization. Pick based on what you're trying to do.
Can I convert AVIF to WebP?
Can I convert AVIF to WebP?
Yes — Zen Convert handles AVIF to WebP conversion for free, directly in your browser. It also handles the reverse (WebP to AVIF). No signup, no watermark.
Will I lose quality converting between AVIF and WebP?
Will I lose quality converting between AVIF and WebP?
AVIF is lossy, so converting from the lossless format WebP 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 WebP?
Which file is bigger : AVIF or WebP?
At the same quality settings, AVIF and WebP produce roughly comparable file sizes.
Which one is better supported on phones?
Which one is better supported on phones?
WebP has broader mobile support. Most phones (iPhone and Android) play it natively without extra apps.