APNG vs AVIF: Which Should You Use?

Side-by-side comparison of APNG and AVIF image formats — features, pros, cons, and conversion options.

Quick Answer

APNG is best for High-quality animated images with transparency. AVIF is best for Modern web images with best size-to-quality ratio.

Quick Verdict

APNG Best for High-quality animated images with transparency

✓ Animated PNG with full alpha transparency
✓ Backward compatible with PNG
✓ Better quality than GIF
✗ Larger file size than GIF

Convert APNG to AVIF →

AVIF Best for Modern web images with best size-to-quality ratio

✓ Best compression for images
✓ Supports lossy and lossless
✓ HDR and wide color gamut
✗ Slow encoding

Convert AVIF to APNG →

Specs Comparison

Side-by-side technical comparison of APNG and AVIF

Feature	APNG	AVIF
Category	Image	Image
Year Introduced	2004	2019
MIME Type	image/apng	image/avif
Extensions	.apng	.avif
Animation	✓	✓
Hdr	✗	✓
Lossless	✓	✓
Lossy	✗	✓
Max Color Depth	32-bit	12-bit
Transparency	✓	✓

Pros & Cons

APNG

Pros

✓ Animated PNG with full alpha transparency
✓ Backward compatible with PNG
✓ Better quality than GIF

Cons

✗ Larger file size than GIF
✗ Limited editor support
✗ Not supported in all browsers

AVIF

Pros

✓ Best compression for images
✓ Supports lossy and lossless
✓ HDR and wide color gamut

Cons

✗ Slow encoding
✗ Limited editor support
✗ Newer format with growing adoption

When to Use Each

Choose APNG when...

You need files optimized for High-quality animated images with transparency
Animated PNG with full alpha transparency
Backward compatible with PNG
You need lossless quality

Choose AVIF when...

You need files optimized for Modern web images with best size-to-quality ratio
Best compression for images
Supports lossy and lossless
You need lossless quality

How to Convert

Convert between APNG and AVIF for free on ChangeThisFile

Convert APNG to AVIF Runs in your browser — files never leave your device Convert AVIF to APNG Runs in your browser — files never leave your device

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the difference between APNG and AVIF?

APNG is best for High-quality animated images with transparency, while AVIF is best for Modern web images with best size-to-quality ratio. Both are image formats but they differ in compression, compatibility, and intended use cases.

Is APNG or AVIF better for image?

It depends on your use case. APNG is better for High-quality animated images with transparency. AVIF is better for Modern web images with best size-to-quality ratio. Consider your specific requirements when choosing between them.

How do I convert APNG to AVIF?

Go to the APNG to AVIF converter on ChangeThisFile. The conversion runs entirely in your browser — your file never leaves your device. It's free with no signup required.

Can I convert AVIF to APNG?

Yes. ChangeThisFile supports AVIF to APNG conversion. The conversion runs in your browser with no upload required.

Which is smaller, APNG or AVIF?

File size depends on the content and compression settings. APNG preserves full quality. AVIF uses lossy compression for smaller files. For the smallest files, choose the format with lossy compression that meets your quality needs.

Does APNG support hdr?

No, APNG does not support hdr, whereas AVIF does. This may be an important factor depending on your use case.

Is APNG or AVIF free to use?

Both APNG and AVIF are supported file formats that are free to use. You can convert between them for free on ChangeThisFile — browser-based conversions have no limits and your files never leave your device.

Which format is newer, APNG or AVIF?

AVIF is newer — it was introduced in 2019, while APNG dates back to 2004. Newer formats often offer better compression and features, but older formats tend to have wider compatibility.