AVIF vs HEIC: Which Should You Use?

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

Quick Answer

AVIF is best for Modern web images with best size-to-quality ratio. HEIC is best for iPhone photography and Apple ecosystem.

Quick Verdict

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

HEIC Best for iPhone photography and Apple ecosystem

✓ 50% smaller than JPEG at same quality
✓ Supports depth maps and HDR
✓ Apple default format
✗ Limited Windows/web support

Convert HEIC to AVIF →

Specs Comparison

Side-by-side technical comparison of AVIF and HEIC

Feature	AVIF	HEIC
Category	Image	Image
Year Introduced	2019	2015
MIME Type	image/avif	image/heic
Extensions	.avif	.heic, .heif
Lossy	✓	✓
Lossless	✓	✓
Transparency	✓	✓
Animation	✓	✓
Max Color Depth	12-bit	10-bit
Hdr	✓	✓

Pros & Cons

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

HEIC

Pros

✓ 50% smaller than JPEG at same quality
✓ Supports depth maps and HDR
✓ Apple default format

Cons

✗ Limited Windows/web support
✗ Patent-encumbered
✗ Requires conversion for sharing

When to Use Each

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

Choose HEIC when...

You need files optimized for iPhone photography and Apple ecosystem
50% smaller than JPEG at same quality
Supports depth maps and HDR
You need lossless quality

How to Convert

Convert between AVIF and HEIC for free on ChangeThisFile

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

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the difference between AVIF and HEIC?

AVIF is best for Modern web images with best size-to-quality ratio, while HEIC is best for iPhone photography and Apple ecosystem. Both are image formats but they differ in compression, compatibility, and intended use cases.

Is AVIF or HEIC better for image?

It depends on your use case. AVIF is better for Modern web images with best size-to-quality ratio. HEIC is better for iPhone photography and Apple ecosystem. Consider your specific requirements when choosing between them.

How do I convert AVIF to HEIC?

Direct conversion from AVIF to HEIC is not currently available on ChangeThisFile. You may need to use an intermediate format.

Can I convert HEIC to AVIF?

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

Which is smaller, AVIF or HEIC?

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

Does AVIF have the same features as HEIC?

AVIF and HEIC share some features but differ in others. Check the feature comparison table above for a detailed side-by-side breakdown.

Is AVIF or HEIC free to use?

Both AVIF and HEIC 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, AVIF or HEIC?

AVIF is newer — it was introduced in 2019, while HEIC dates back to 2015. Newer formats often offer better compression and features, but older formats tend to have wider compatibility.