AVIF vs JPG — Which Image Format Should You Use?
AVIF cuts file sizes in half. JPG works everywhere. Here's the complete comparison with real-world benchmarks to help you choose.
Convert Between AVIF and JPG
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The Short Answer
AVIF is the better format technically — 50% smaller files, superior compression, transparency support, HDR. But JPG has been the universal standard for 30 years and works literally everywhere. Use AVIF for web delivery to modern browsers. Use JPG when universal compatibility is essential.
AVIF vs JPG — Feature-by-Feature Comparison
| Feature | AVIF | JPG | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| File size (same quality) | ~50% smaller | Baseline | AVIF |
| Visual quality at low bitrate | Excellent — minimal artifacts | Poor — visible blocking | AVIF |
| Encoding speed | Slow (5-10x slower) | Very fast | JPG |
| Decoding speed | Fast (comparable) | Very fast | JPG (slightly) |
| Transparency | Yes (alpha channel) | No | AVIF |
| HDR / Wide Color Gamut | Yes (10/12-bit) | No (8-bit only) | AVIF |
| Animation | Yes | No | AVIF |
| Lossless mode | Yes | No (see PNG) | AVIF |
| Progressive loading | No | Yes (progressive JPG) | JPG |
| Browser support | 95%+ of users (2022+) | 100% of users | JPG |
| Software support | Limited but growing fast | Universal | JPG |
| Email clients | Very few support it | All support it | JPG |
| Social media | Not accepted for upload | Accepted everywhere | JPG |
| SEO impact (Core Web Vitals) | Significant improvement | Baseline | AVIF |
| Royalty-free | Yes | Yes | Tie |
| Specification maturity | Relatively new (2019) | Mature (1992) | JPG |