Image Format Comparison

PNG vs AVIF: Lossless Legacy vs Next-Gen Compression

PNG is the reliable universal standard; AVIF is the new compression champion. For web developers optimizing image delivery, AVIF's size advantages over PNG are significant — but PNG's truly universal support remains its defining advantage for any use case that doesn't involve a controlled modern-browser environment.

PNGvsAVIF

Quick Verdict

Use PNG when…

Use PNG for maximum compatibility, lossless archival quality, screenshots, logos, and any image that must work in all software including older versions.

Use AVIF when…

Use AVIF for modern web delivery where you want the smallest possible files — AVIF lossless is ~20% smaller than PNG, and AVIF lossy is dramatically smaller for photographic content.

PNG vs AVIF: Feature Comparison

Feature	PNG	AVIF
Compression	Lossless only	Lossless and lossy modes
File size (photos)	Large — lossless is inherently large for photos	~50% smaller than PNG for lossy; ~20% smaller for lossless
Transparency	Full alpha channel	Full alpha channel
Bit depth	Up to 16-bit per channel	Up to 12-bit per channel
Browser support	Universal — every browser	Chrome 85+, Firefox 93+, Safari 16+
Software support	Universal — every app	Growing — Photoshop 23.2+, GIMP 2.10.22+

When PNG wins

✓Compression: Lossless only
✓File size (photos): Large — lossless is inherently large for photos
✓Transparency: Full alpha channel

When AVIF wins

✓Compression: Lossless and lossy modes
✓File size (photos): ~50% smaller than PNG for lossy; ~20% smaller for lossless
✓Transparency: Full alpha channel

Frequently asked questions

Is AVIF better than PNG for web images?

For photographs and complex images on modern browsers, yes — AVIF achieves dramatically smaller files (lossy AVIF at 50% smaller than PNG lossless). For icons, logos, and images requiring exact lossless quality in all software, PNG is safer. Use AVIF with PNG fallback via the <picture> HTML element for optimal web delivery.

Does AVIF support transparency like PNG?

Yes — AVIF supports full alpha channel transparency in both its lossy and lossless modes. Transparent logos and icons can be served as AVIF on modern browsers with a PNG fallback for maximum compatibility.