WebP vs AVIF: choosing a format for web images

Compare files, not just format names

WebP and AVIF are useful options when preparing images for a website. The better result depends on the source image, quality setting, and destination software. A new extension alone does not guarantee a faster page or smaller download.

Make one WebP copy and one AVIF copy from the same original. Keep the pixel dimensions equal. Inspect both at the intended display size and compare their actual file sizes before applying the same settings to a whole library.

Account for encoding time and transparency

This site's WebP output uses the browser's image encoder. AVIF output uses a WebAssembly encoder downloaded by the browser and runs on your device. AVIF can take longer to encode, particularly for large photographs; start with a small batch.

Both outputs can keep transparent areas. The quality slider still affects the image colors, so check sharp outlines, gradients, and small text. Keep PNG when your workflow needs exact pixel preservation rather than a lossy export.

Check the entire publishing workflow

Test the destination as well as your browser. A content management system, email editor, or desktop app may reject a format that a browser can display. Keep a JPG or PNG copy when another part of the workflow needs it.

If you control the website markup, the picture element lets you offer modern formats with a fallback image. Reducing dimensions to match the display size can also matter as much as the choice between WebP and AVIF.

Know what this converter exports

These tools create still images. They do not preserve animation, source HDR data, or every metadata field. Converting an already compressed WebP or AVIF can add another compression step, so use your best original whenever possible.