WebP and AVIF: The Next-Generation Image Formats
JPG is 30 years old. WebP and AVIF are the modern formats that load faster and look better — here is how to use them without breaking older browsers.
By ToolJolt Team · April 26, 2026
Why new formats exist
JPG and PNG are reliable but dated. WebP and AVIF use modern compression to deliver the same visual quality in far smaller files, which means faster pages, lower bandwidth bills and better Core Web Vitals scores.
WebP: the safe modern default
WebP is typically 25–35% smaller than JPG at the same quality, supports transparency and animation, and is supported by every current browser. It is the easy upgrade — broad support, big savings, almost no downside today.
AVIF: smaller still
AVIF compresses even better than WebP — often 50% smaller than JPG — and handles high dynamic range well. The trade-offs are slightly slower encoding and marginally less universal support, though all major browsers now read it.
Which should you use
- Want the easiest win with universal support? → WebP.
- Want the absolute smallest files and can serve a fallback? → AVIF, with WebP/JPG as backup.
- Need maximum compatibility with ancient software? → keep a JPG/PNG.
Convert your library
ToolJolt converts between these formats in your browser — turn AVIF or GIF into WebP, or compress a WebP to a target size — with nothing uploaded to a server.
Free tools mentioned in this guide
Frequently asked questions
Is AVIF better than WebP?
AVIF usually compresses smaller, but WebP encodes faster and has marginally wider support. For most sites WebP is the simplest choice; AVIF wins when you want the absolute smallest files and can provide a fallback.
Do all browsers support WebP and AVIF?
All current major browsers support both. Very old browsers may not, so serve a JPG/PNG fallback if you must support them.
Will switching to WebP speed up my site?
Usually yes — smaller image files load faster and improve Core Web Vitals, which can also help SEO.