WebP vs AVIF — Next-Generation Image Format Comparison

WebP and AVIF are both modern image formats developed to outperform JPEG and PNG for web use. Both achieve significantly better compression, but they are at different stages of adoption.

Compression efficiency:

• WebP: 25–34% smaller than JPEG, 26% smaller than PNG for equivalent quality
• AVIF: 50% smaller than JPEG, 20% smaller than WebP — the most efficient format currently available

Browser support:

• WebP: Chrome, Firefox, Edge, Opera (since 2013–2018), Safari (since 2020). Effectively universal.
• AVIF: Chrome 85+, Firefox 93+, Edge 90+, Safari 16+ (2022). Slightly less universal but well-supported.

Encoding speed:

• WebP: Fast encoding, suitable for real-time conversion
• AVIF: 10–50× slower to encode than JPEG — significant server cost for dynamic image conversion

Feature support:

• Both: Lossy and lossless modes, alpha transparency, animation
• AVIF: Native HDR and wide colour gamut support, 10-bit and 12-bit colour depth

Use WebP when: you need broad compatibility and fast encoding, older browser support matters (Safari < 16), or you are batch-converting a large image library.

Use AVIF when: maximum compression efficiency is the priority, you are targeting modern browser-only environments, and you can afford the encoding time.

Practical recommendation: Serve AVIF with WebP fallback for critical images. Use <picture> element with AVIF source and WebP/JPEG fallback — browsers pick the best format they support.