HEIF vs AVIF Formats Compared
HEIF and AVIF represent the next generation of image compression, offering significant file size reductions compared to JPEG and even WebP. This guide explains both formats, their browser support, and when to adopt them. For a deeper dive into AVIF adoption, benchmarks, and fallback strategies, see our dedicated AVIF image format guide. For the broader compression picture, visit our complete image compression guide.
Quick Comparison
| Feature | HEIF | AVIF | WebP | JPEG |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Compression | 50% smaller than JPEG | 50% smaller than JPEG | 25-35% smaller than JPEG | Baseline |
| Quality | Excellent | Excellent | Very good | Good |
| HDR support | Yes | Yes | No | No |
| Transparency | Yes | Yes | Yes | No |
| Animation | Yes | Yes | Yes | No |
| Browser support | Safari only | Good (Chrome, Firefox, Safari) | Excellent | Universal |
| Encoding speed | Fast | Slow | Fast | Fast |
What Is HEIF?
HEIF (High Efficiency Image Format) uses HEVC (H.265) video codec technology for still images.
Key characteristics:
- Developed by MPEG (Moving Picture Experts Group)
- Based on HEVC video compression
- Default format on Apple devices (iOS 11+, macOS High Sierra+)
- File extensions:
.heif,.heic
Technical specifications:
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Color depth | Up to 16-bit |
| Color space | Wide gamut (P3, Rec. 2020) |
| Compression | Lossy and lossless |
| Container | Based on ISO Base Media File Format |
HEIF Advantages
- Apple ecosystem integration: Native support on iOS and macOS
- Excellent compression: Roughly half the file size of JPEG at equivalent quality
- HDR support: Full high dynamic range capability
- Image sequences: Can store bursts and live photos
- Depth maps: Supports depth information for portrait mode effects
HEIF Limitations
- Limited browser support: Only Safari supports HEIF natively
- Licensing: HEVC patents require licensing fees
- Software compatibility: Many applications don’t support editing
- Web deployment: Not practical for general web use
What Is AVIF?
AVIF (AV1 Image File Format) uses the AV1 video codec for image compression.
Key characteristics:
- Developed by Alliance for Open Media (includes Google, Mozilla, Apple, Microsoft)
- Based on royalty-free AV1 codec
- Gaining rapid browser adoption
- File extension:
.avif
Technical specifications:
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Color depth | Up to 12-bit |
| Color space | Wide gamut support |
| Compression | Lossy and lossless |
| Licensing | Royalty-free |
AVIF Advantages
- Best-in-class compression: Often 50% smaller than JPEG, 20% smaller than WebP
- Royalty-free: No licensing costs
- Growing browser support: Chrome, Firefox, Safari, Edge
- HDR support: Wide color gamut and HDR capability
- No patent concerns: Backed by major tech companies for open use
AVIF Limitations
- Slow encoding: Significantly slower to encode than JPEG or WebP
- Browser support gaps: Not universal yet (no IE11, older browsers)
- Software support: Still being added to image editors
- Maximum dimensions: 8K resolution limit in some implementations
Browser Support
Current Support (January 2026)
| Browser | HEIF | AVIF |
|---|---|---|
| Chrome | No | Yes (85+) |
| Firefox | No | Yes (93+) |
| Safari | Yes (macOS/iOS) | Yes (16+) |
| Edge | No | Yes (85+) |
| Opera | No | Yes (71+) |
Support Detection
<picture>
<source srcset="image.avif" type="image/avif">
<source srcset="image.webp" type="image/webp">
<img src="image.jpg" alt="Description">
</picture>
Compression Comparison
File sizes for a typical 1920×1080 photograph at equivalent visual quality:
| Format | File Size | vs. JPEG |
|---|---|---|
| JPEG (quality 80) | 250 KB | Baseline |
| WebP (quality 80) | 175 KB | 30% smaller |
| AVIF (quality 80) | 125 KB | 50% smaller |
| HEIF (quality 80) | 130 KB | 48% smaller |
Actual results vary based on image content.
When to Use Each Format
Use AVIF When
- Building modern web applications
- File size is critical (bandwidth-constrained users)
- You can implement fallbacks
- Encoding speed isn’t a bottleneck (can pre-encode)
- You need HDR/wide color gamut
Use HEIF When
- Building iOS/macOS native applications
- Working within Apple ecosystem
- Storing photos on Apple devices
- Need image sequences or depth data
Stick with WebP/JPEG When
- Maximum browser compatibility needed
- Fast encoding required (user uploads)
- Simple implementation preferred
- Supporting older browsers is essential
Implementation Strategies
Progressive Enhancement
Serve the best format each browser supports:
<picture>
<!-- Best compression for modern browsers -->
<source srcset="hero.avif" type="image/avif">
<!-- Good compression, wider support -->
<source srcset="hero.webp" type="image/webp">
<!-- Universal fallback -->
<img src="hero.jpg" alt="Hero image" width="1920" height="1080">
</picture>
Server-Side Detection
Use Accept header to serve appropriate formats:
Accept: image/avif,image/webp,image/png,image/jpeg
Configure your server or CDN to return AVIF when supported.
Build-Time Generation
Generate multiple formats during build:
# Example with sharp (Node.js)
sharp input.jpg -o output.avif
sharp input.jpg -o output.webp
sharp input.jpg -o output.jpg
Quality Settings
Recommended Quality Levels
| Use Case | AVIF Quality | File Size |
|---|---|---|
| Hero images | 70-80 | Medium |
| Content images | 60-70 | Small |
| Thumbnails | 50-60 | Very small |
| Archival | 85-95 | Large |
Quality Comparison
At equivalent file sizes, AVIF typically shows:
- Better detail preservation in gradients
- Fewer blocking artifacts
- Superior performance on photographs
- Comparable results on graphics/text
Tools and Software
Encoding Tools
| Tool | AVIF | HEIF | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Squoosh | Yes | No | Web-based, free |
| ImageMagick | Yes | Yes | Command line |
| Sharp (Node.js) | Yes | Yes | Build integration |
| libavif | Yes | No | Reference encoder |
| Photoshop | Yes (2022+) | Yes | Requires plugin for some features |
Online Converters
For quick conversions without software installation:
- Squoosh.app: Compare formats side-by-side
- CloudConvert: Batch processing
- Convertio: Simple drag-and-drop
Migration Path
From JPEG to AVIF
- Audit current images: Identify largest files and most-viewed pages
- Generate AVIF versions: Use build tools or CDN transformation
- Implement
<picture>fallbacks: Maintain JPEG for older browsers - Monitor: Check analytics for browser support and performance gains
Recommended Priority
- Hero images and banners (highest impact)
- Product images (e-commerce)
- Content images (blog posts, articles)
- Thumbnails (already small, lower priority)
Performance Impact
Expected Improvements
| Metric | Typical Improvement |
|---|---|
| Total image bytes | 30-50% reduction |
| LCP (Largest Contentful Paint) | 10-30% faster |
| Page weight | Significant reduction |
| Mobile data usage | Major savings |
Real-World Considerations
- Encoding time: AVIF is 10-100x slower to encode than JPEG
- Decoding: Comparable to JPEG on modern devices
- CDN support: Most CDNs now support AVIF transformation
- CMS plugins: WordPress, Shopify gaining AVIF support
FAQ
Should I switch all images to AVIF?
For web delivery, yes—with fallbacks. Generate AVIF as your primary format with WebP and JPEG fallbacks for older browsers.
Is AVIF better than WebP?
AVIF typically achieves 20% smaller files than WebP at equivalent quality. However, WebP has better browser support and faster encoding.
Why isn’t HEIF used on the web?
Limited browser support (Safari only) and HEVC licensing requirements make HEIF impractical for general web use. AVIF serves the same purpose without these limitations.
How do I create AVIF images?
Use Squoosh.app for quick conversions, or integrate Sharp (Node.js) or ImageMagick into your build process for automation.
Does AVIF support transparency?
Yes. AVIF supports full alpha channel transparency, making it suitable for graphics that previously required PNG.
What about animated images?
Both AVIF and HEIF support animation. AVIF animations are typically much smaller than GIF or even WebP animations.
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