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AVIF vs HEIC 2026: Which Format Wins? [Complete Comparison]

AVIF vs HEIC comparison: file size, quality, compatibility. AVIF is 30% smaller and works everywhere. Complete guide with benchmarks →

January 6, 202510 min read
AVIF vs HEIC 2026: Which Format Wins? [Complete Comparison] - AVIF.expert

Format Overview

AVIF and HEIC represent two modern approaches to image compression, each with distinct origins and strengths.

HEIC (High Efficiency Image Container) was developed by the Moving Picture Experts Group (MPEG) and uses HEVC (H.265) codec for compression. It became widely known through Apple's adoption in iOS 11 as the default photo format.

AVIF emerged from the Alliance for Open Media, using the royalty-free AV1 codec. It was designed specifically to be a web-first, open-standard alternative to proprietary formats like HEIC.

Compression Comparison

Both formats offer excellent compression, but there are important differences.

MetricAVIFHEIC
Compression efficiencyExcellent (best)Excellent
File size vs JPEG50-70% smaller40-50% smaller
Encoding speedSlowFast
Decoding speedFastFast
Patent/royalty statusRoyalty-freePatent-encumbered

Platform Support

The support landscape differs significantly between these formats.

  • AVIF Web Support: Chrome, Firefox, Safari 16+, Edge—approximately 93% of global browser users.
  • HEIC Web Support: Safari only—approximately 18% of global browser users.
  • AVIF Native Apps: Growing support across platforms, excellent in modern applications.
  • HEIC Native Apps: Excellent on Apple devices, limited elsewhere without additional software.

💡 Pro Tip

For web use, AVIF is the clear choice due to broader browser support. For Apple ecosystem workflows, HEIC's native integration offers convenience.

Use Case Recommendations

Choose the right format based on your specific needs.

  • Web Publishing: Use AVIF. Broader support, royalty-free, excellent compression.
  • iOS Photography: HEIC works well within Apple ecosystem. Convert to AVIF for web sharing.
  • Cross-platform Sharing: Convert HEIC to AVIF or JPEG for maximum compatibility.
  • Professional Archives: Consider original format plus AVIF for web-optimized versions.

Related Tools

Convert HEIC to AVIFAVIF ConverterAVIF vs JPEG XL

External Resources

Frequently Asked Questions

Should I convert my iPhone photos from HEIC to AVIF?▼
For web use, yes. AVIF offers better browser support and similar or better compression. For personal storage, HEIC works fine within Apple ecosystem.
Which format has better quality?▼
At equal file sizes, both formats offer excellent quality. AVIF has a slight edge in compression efficiency, meaning slightly smaller files at equivalent quality.
Is HEIC going away?▼
Not likely. HEIC remains excellent for Apple devices and professional video workflows. However, AVIF is becoming the standard for web images.

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