AVIF vs QOI: Which Should You Use?

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

Quick Answer

AVIF is best for Modern web images with best size-to-quality ratio. QOI is best for Real-time applications requiring fast lossless image encoding.

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 QOI →

QOI Best for Real-time applications requiring fast lossless image encoding

✓ Extremely fast encode/decode
✓ Lossless compression
✓ Simple specification
✗ Lower compression than PNG

Convert QOI to AVIF →

Specs Comparison

Side-by-side technical comparison of AVIF and QOI

Feature	AVIF	QOI
Category	Image	Image
Year Introduced	2019	2021
MIME Type	image/avif	image/qoi
Extensions	.avif	.qoi
Animation	✓	✗
Hdr	✓	✗
Lossless	✓	✓
Lossy	✓	✗
Max Color Depth	12-bit	8-bit
Transparency	✓	✓

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

QOI

Pros

✓ Extremely fast encode/decode
✓ Lossless compression
✓ Simple specification

Cons

✗ Lower compression than PNG
✗ Very limited adoption
✗ No advanced features

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 QOI when...

You need files optimized for Real-time applications requiring fast lossless image encoding
Extremely fast encode/decode
Lossless compression
You need lossless quality

How to Convert

Convert between AVIF and QOI for free on ChangeThisFile

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

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the difference between AVIF and QOI?

AVIF is best for Modern web images with best size-to-quality ratio, while QOI is best for Real-time applications requiring fast lossless image encoding. Both are image formats but they differ in compression, compatibility, and intended use cases.

Is AVIF or QOI better for image?

It depends on your use case. AVIF is better for Modern web images with best size-to-quality ratio. QOI is better for Real-time applications requiring fast lossless image encoding. Consider your specific requirements when choosing between them.

How do I convert AVIF to QOI?

Go to the AVIF to QOI 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 QOI to AVIF?

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

Which is smaller, AVIF or QOI?

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

Does AVIF support animation?

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

Is AVIF or QOI free to use?

Both AVIF and QOI 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 QOI?

QOI 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.