Both formats beat JPG on file size. But they are not interchangeable. Here is how to choose.
WebP is an image format developed by Google, released in 2010. It supports both lossy and lossless compression, transparency, and animation. WebP typically produces files 25-35% smaller than JPG at equivalent quality. As of 2026, it is supported by over 97% of browsers.
AVIF (AV1 Image File Format) is based on the AV1 video codec, released in 2019. It offers even better compression than WebP -- up to 50% smaller than JPG in some cases. AVIF supports HDR, wide color gamut, transparency, and animation. Browser support has grown to approximately 93% as of 2026.
| Feature | WebP | AVIF |
|---|---|---|
| Compression ratio | 25-35% smaller than JPG | Up to 50% smaller than JPG |
| Encoding speed | Fast | Slow (3-10x slower) |
| Browser support | 97%+ | ~93% |
| Transparency | Yes | Yes |
| Animation | Yes | Yes |
| HDR support | Limited | Full |
| Color depth | 8-bit | 8, 10, 12-bit |
| Max resolution | 16383 x 16383 | Effectively unlimited |
<picture> elementFor most websites in 2026, WebP is the pragmatic choice. It is fast to encode, universally supported, and significantly smaller than JPG. Use AVIF when you can afford slower encoding and have a fallback strategy. The <picture> element lets you serve AVIF first, WebP second, and JPG as the final fallback.
Convert between formats with our free tools: WebP to JPG | JPG to WebP
AVIF offers superior compression and HDR support, but WebP has broader browser compatibility and much faster encoding. For most web use cases in 2026, WebP is the safer choice.
Yes. The HTML picture element lets you list AVIF as the preferred source, WebP as fallback, and JPG for older browsers. The browser picks the best format it supports.
Eventually AVIF may become the dominant web format, but that transition will take years. WebP is firmly established and will remain relevant. Both formats will coexist for the foreseeable future.