AVIF vs JPEG XL: Which Should You Use?

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

Quick Answer

AVIF is best for Modern web images with best size-to-quality ratio. JPEG XL is best for Next-generation image format for web and photography.

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

Convert AVIF to JPEG XL →

JPEG XL Best for Next-generation image format for web and photography

✓ Superior compression to JPEG and WebP
✓ Supports lossy and lossless
✓ Progressive decoding
✗ Very limited browser support

Convert JPEG XL to AVIF →

Specs Comparison

Side-by-side technical comparison of AVIF and JPEG XL

Feature	AVIF	JPEG XL
Category	Image	Image
Year Introduced	2019	2021
MIME Type	image/avif	image/jxl
Extensions	.avif	.jxl
Lossy	✓	✓
Lossless	✓	✓
Transparency	✓	✓
Animation	✓	✓
Max Color Depth	12-bit	32-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

JPEG XL

Pros

✓ Superior compression to JPEG and WebP
✓ Supports lossy and lossless
✓ Progressive decoding

Cons

✗ Very limited browser support
✗ New format with uncertain adoption
✗ Few native viewers

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 JPEG XL when...

You need files optimized for Next-generation image format for web and photography
Superior compression to JPEG and WebP
Supports lossy and lossless
You need lossless quality

How to Convert

Convert between AVIF and JPEG XL for free on ChangeThisFile

Convert AVIF to JPEG XL Server-side conversion — auto-deleted after processing Convert JPEG XL to AVIF Runs in your browser — files never leave your device

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the difference between AVIF and JPEG XL?

AVIF is best for Modern web images with best size-to-quality ratio, while JPEG XL is best for Next-generation image format for web and photography. Both are image formats but they differ in compression, compatibility, and intended use cases.

Is AVIF or JPEG XL better for image?

It depends on your use case. AVIF is better for Modern web images with best size-to-quality ratio. JPEG XL is better for Next-generation image format for web and photography. Consider your specific requirements when choosing between them.

How do I convert AVIF to JPEG XL?

Go to the AVIF to JPEG XL converter on ChangeThisFile. Upload your file and the conversion processes on the server, then auto-deletes. It's free with no signup required.

Can I convert JPEG XL to AVIF?

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

Which is smaller, AVIF or JPEG XL?

File size depends on the content and compression settings. AVIF uses lossy compression for smaller files. JPEG XL 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 JPEG XL?

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

Is AVIF or JPEG XL free to use?

Both AVIF and JPEG XL 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 JPEG XL?

JPEG XL is newer — it was introduced in 2021, while AVIF dates back to 2019. Newer formats often offer better compression and features, but older formats tend to have wider compatibility.