WebP vs AVIF: which image format should you use?
Verdict: AVIF wins on pure compression — it is often a fifth to a third smaller than WebP at equal visual quality — but WebP wins on compatibility and encoding speed. For web images today: use AVIF for large hero photos where every byte counts, and WebP as the safe everyday default.
| Criterion | WebP | AVIF |
|---|---|---|
| File size at equal quality | Larger than AVIF, still far smaller than JPG | Smallest of the mainstream web formats |
| Browser support | Universal in modern browsers since ~2020 | Modern browsers since ~2021–2022; older Safari lags |
| Encoding speed | Fast and cheap to generate | Noticeably slower to encode (decoding is fine) |
| Animation | Animated WebP is supported | No animation support — use WebP or video instead |
| Transparency | Yes, lossless and lossy alpha | Yes, alpha channel supported |
| Best for | The safe default for everyday web images | Maximum compression on large photos |
Use WebP when
- You need animation in a still-image format
- Encoding speed or battery life matters (bulk uploads, mobile)
- Some visitors use older browsers
- You want one dependable format for everything
Use AVIF when
- Large hero or gallery photos where bandwidth dominates
- Image-heavy pages where a 20–30% saving compounds
- Your audience is on up-to-date browsers
- You can fall back to WebP or JPG for stragglers
Convert for free, privately
Every tool below runs entirely in your browser — your files never leave your device.
Frequently asked questions
Is AVIF actually smaller than WebP?
Yes, in most benchmarks AVIF files come out roughly a fifth to a third smaller than WebP at the same visual quality. The gap is biggest on detailed photographs and smallest on simple graphics.
Does AVIF work in all browsers?
All current Chrome, Firefox, Edge, and Safari versions support AVIF, but older Safari (before 16.4) and some in-app web views do not. Serve WebP or JPG as a fallback if you must reach those users.
Should I convert my whole site from WebP to AVIF?
Only the heavy images. AVIF encoding is slower, so convert hero and gallery photos where the byte savings pay off, and leave thumbnails and icons as WebP.
Can I convert between WebP and AVIF for free without uploading?
Yes — the linked converters above run entirely in your browser, so your images never leave your device and there are no per-file uploads.