AVIF vs PNG
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
PNG
Designed to replace GIF, it is the king of lossless compression and transparency. Ideal for graphics, logos and screenshots.
Best for:
- Logos
- Graphics with text
- Images with transparent background
- Screenshots
Detailed Analysis
When comparing AVIF (AV1 Image File Format) with PNG (Portable Network Graphics), it is important to understand the historical and technical context. AVIF was established in 2019, while PNG appeared in 1996.
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. PNG, on the other hand, uses lossless compression: it keeps all the original data with no quality loss.
Compatibility
AVIF
85% (Growing)
PNG
100% (Universal)
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