AVIF VS PNG
The ultimate comparison guide. Understanding the technical differences between AV1 Image File Format and Portable Network Graphics.
AVIF
avifNext-gen compression codec derived from AV1 video, offering the best quality-to-size ratio.
Pros
- Best-in-class compression
- HDR support
- 10-bit color depth
Cons
- Slow encoding speed
- Limited software support outside browsers
PNG
pngLossless format supporting transparency, ideal for logos and digital art.
Pros
- Lossless quality
- Alpha channel transparency
- Wide support
Cons
- Larger file sizes than JPG
- Not good for print (RGB only)
When AVIF wins
Stay with AVIF when you need next-gen web delivery or high-quality streaming assets. Its strengths center on best-in-class compression and a feature set native to Alliance for Open Media.
When PNG wins
Choose PNG when your workflow prioritizes logos or screenshots. It delivers lossless quality plus modern compression perks.
Technical Specifications
| Feature | AVIF | PNG |
|---|---|---|
| MIME Type | image/avif | image/png |
| Developer | Alliance for Open Media | PNG Development Group |
| Release Year | 2019 | 1996 |
| Best For | Next-gen web delivery, High-quality streaming assets | Logos, Screenshots, Graphics with transparent backgrounds |
Need to switch?
Where AVIF still wins
Keep AVIF when you need best-in-class compression and workflows depend on next-gen web delivery / high-quality streaming assets. Link those teams directly to the converter above so they can ship PNG deliverables without leaving their browser.
- • Reference the .avif glossary from this page.
- • Embed the conversion CTA in docs, wikis, and onboarding runbooks.
- • Use PNG for logos while archiving originals as AVIF.
Keep crawlers in the conversion hub
Link this comparison to the relevant tool, glossary, and documentation pages so every crawl discovers a monetizable route.