What are WebP and AVIF formats? Advantages of the new image standards
If you’re still relying exclusively on JPG or PNG on your web, you’re most likely wasting bandwidth. It’s not a matter of trends: modern formats WebP and AVIF were created for a very simple reason: to make the internet load faster.
Let’s see what they are and why they’re better than the classic ones.
What is WebP?
It’s a format that Google released a few years ago specifically with the web in mind. The idea was simple: to have a file that weighed much less than a JPG but looked just as good. And they succeeded.
The best of WebP:
- It weighs around 30% less than a JPEG with the same quality.
- It allows transparent backgrounds (goodbye to having to use heavy PNGs just for transparency).
- It’s supported by practically all current browsers.
Summary: It’s the modern “safe” standard. If in doubt, use WebP.
And what is AVIF?
AVIF is the next step. Based on the AV1 video codec, it’s a newer and more aggressive technology (in a good way) with compression. It achieves ridiculously small files while maintaining surprising sharpness.
The best of AVIF:
- It can reduce the weight by half compared to JPEG or even improve on WebP.
- It maintains details and colors very well (supports HDR) even when compressing heavily.
- Increasingly compatible: Chrome, Firefox, Safari and Edge already read it without problems.
Summary: It’s the format with the best compression that exists right now for general web use.
Quick comparison table
| Feature | JPEG | PNG | WebP | AVIF |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Compression | Low | Low | Good | Excellent |
| Transparency | No | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Animation | No | No | Yes | Yes |
| Support | Universal | Universal | Total | Very High |
| File size | High | Very High | Medium | Very Low |
So, which one should you use?
- WebP: If you want to play it safe and guarantee that 100% of your users (even with very old browsers) see the image.
- AVIF: If you’re looking for maximum performance and speed. Nowadays it’s the best technical option.
Many professional sites use a mixed strategy: they try to load AVIF first, and if the browser is old, they load WebP.
How to convert your images easily
You don’t need to complicate your life by installing complex editing programs. You can do it directly from the browser with tools like image-optimizer.xyz:
- Upload your photos in JPG or PNG.
- Select WebP or AVIF.
- Hit optimize and download.
Conclusion
Continuing to be anchored in JPEG or PNG for everything is unnecessarily weighing down your web. Making the leap to WebP or AVIF is one of those technical changes that are instantly noticed in loading speed and user experience.
You can try converting your first images at image-optimizer.xyz and see the weight difference for yourself.
Published by image-optimizer.xyz convert your images to WebP and AVIF for free.