AVIF vs ICO
Technical analysis 2026: differences, performance and which one you should use for your project.
Quick Verdict
"AVIF offers the most advanced compression technology, ideal if you can serve alternative formats for older browsers."
AVIF
The format of the future. Based on the AV1 video codec, it offers the best compression on the market today, surpassing even WebP, with HDR support.
Best for:
- Extreme optimization
- HDR Images
- Next-Gen Web
ICO
A specific container for Windows icons and website favicons. It can hold multiple sizes and color depths in a single file.
Best for:
- Favicons
- Desktop icons
Detailed Analysis
When comparing AVIF (AV1 Image File Format) with ICO (Microsoft Icon), it is important to understand the historical and technical context. AVIF was established in 2019, while ICO appeared in 1985.
The main technical difference lies in their compression algorithm. AVIF uses hybrid (both lossy and lossless) compression: you can choose between maximum quality or maximum savings depending on the settings. ICO, on the other hand, uses hybrid (both lossy and lossless) compression: you can choose between maximum quality or maximum savings depending on the settings.
Compatibility
AVIF
85% (Growing)
ICO
100% (For favicons)
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