AVIF vs PNG: Which Should You Use?

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

Quick Answer

AVIF is best for Modern web images with best size-to-quality ratio. PNG is best for Graphics with transparency, screenshots, and diagrams.

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 PNG →

PNG Best for Graphics with transparency, screenshots, and diagrams

✓ Lossless compression
✓ Full transparency support
✓ Universal web support
✗ Larger than JPEG for photos

Convert PNG to AVIF →

Specs Comparison

Side-by-side technical comparison of AVIF and PNG

Feature	AVIF	PNG
Category	Image	Image
Year Introduced	2019	1996
MIME Type	image/avif	image/png
Extensions	.avif	.png
Lossy	✓	✗
Lossless	✓	✓
Transparency	✓	✓
Animation	✓	✗
Max Color Depth	12-bit	16-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

PNG

Pros

✓ Lossless compression
✓ Full transparency support
✓ Universal web support

Cons

✗ Larger than JPEG for photos
✗ No animation (use APNG)
✗ No lossy mode

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 PNG when...

You need files optimized for Graphics with transparency, screenshots, and diagrams
Lossless compression
Full transparency support
You need lossless quality

How to Convert

Convert between AVIF and PNG for free on ChangeThisFile

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

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the difference between AVIF and PNG?

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

Is AVIF or PNG better for image?

It depends on your use case. AVIF is better for Modern web images with best size-to-quality ratio. PNG is better for Graphics with transparency, screenshots, and diagrams. Consider your specific requirements when choosing between them.

How do I convert AVIF to PNG?

Go to the AVIF to PNG 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 PNG to AVIF?

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

Which is smaller, AVIF or PNG?

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

Does AVIF support lossy?

Yes, AVIF supports lossy, but PNG does not. This may be important depending on your use case.

Is AVIF or PNG free to use?

Both AVIF and PNG 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 PNG?

AVIF is newer — it was introduced in 2019, while PNG dates back to 1996. Newer formats often offer better compression and features, but older formats tend to have wider compatibility.