Choosing the right image format has a big impact on page load speed, user experience, and storage efficiency. In 2025, two modern formats stand out: WebP and AVIF.
So, which one should you use? Let’s break it down.
What is WebP?
WebP is an image format developed by Google in 2010. It was designed to replace JPEG and PNG by offering:
- Lossy and lossless compression
- Transparency (alpha)
- Basic animation support
Pros of WebP:
- Wide browser support (Chrome, Firefox, Safari, Edge)
- Fast encoding and decoding
- Great visual quality at smaller file sizes than JPEG
Cons:
- Not as efficient as AVIF in extreme compression
- Slightly outdated compared to newer formats
What is AVIF?
AVIF (AV1 Image File Format) is based on the AV1 video codec and developed by the Alliance for Open Media. It delivers superior compression efficiency while preserving high image quality.
Advantages of AVIF:
- Smaller file sizes than WebP (up to 50% smaller)
- Excellent image quality even at low bitrates
- Full support for transparency and high dynamic range (HDR)
Drawbacks:
- Slower to encode and decode
- Still not supported by some legacy tools or systems
AVIF vs WebP: 2025 Comparison
File size:
WebP: Medium
AVIF: 20–50% smaller
Visual quality:
WebP: Good
AVIF: Better at low bitrates
Browser support:
WebP: Excellent
AVIF: Nearly complete
Encoding speed:
WebP: Fast
AVIF: Slower
Transparency support:
WebP: Yes
AVIF: Yes
Animation support:
WebP: Yes
AVIF: Limited
Here’s the benchmark table for an image of 4608×3072 px (~14.16 MP):
| Source → Target | Encode time | Size: before → after | Reduction (MB / %) | Compression ratio | Throughput |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| JPG → WebP | 2.54 s | 7.02 MB → 1.20 MB | 5.82 MB / 82.9% | 5.85× | 5.57 MP/s (0.179 s/MP) |
| JPG → AVIF | 51.26 s | 7.02 MB → 0.824 MB | 6.20 MB / 88.2% | 8.52× | 0.28 MP/s (3.62 s/MP) |
| PNG → WebP | 2.81 s | 7.75 MB → 4.07 MB | 3.68 MB / 47.5% | 1.90× | 5.04 MP/s (0.199 s/MP) |
| PNG → AVIF | 49.97 s | 7.75 MB → 3.58 MB | 4.17 MB / 53.8% | 2.16× | 0.28 MP/s (3.53 s/MP) |
Quick takeaways
- AVIF delivers better compression (especially from JPG) but encodes significantly slower.
- WebP encodes orders of magnitude faster while still providing a strong size reduction, especially from JPG.
- For real-time web workflows (bulk uploads, previews), it makes sense to default to WebP and offer AVIF as a “maximum compression” option the user can choose.
So… Which One Should You Use?
- Choose AVIF if you want maximum compression and best quality.
- Stick with WebP if you need speed and broad compatibility across older systems.
In practice, many modern websites now serve both formats depending on browser support.
Easily Convert to AVIF or WebP Online
You can quickly compress and convert images to AVIF or WebP online with the tool I built: PixTrim.com - Free Image Compressor & Converter.
Conclusion
Both AVIF and WebP are great choices in 2025.
AVIF gives you maximum performance, but WebP remains a reliable all-rounder.
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