AVIF vs JPEG XL 2026: Next-Gen Formats Battle [Benchmark]

The Next-Gen Format Wars

AVIF and JPEG XL represent the two most promising candidates to replace JPEG as the web's dominant image format. Each brings unique strengths to the table.

AVIF, backed by tech giants Google, Apple, Netflix, and Amazon through the Alliance for Open Media, leverages AV1 video codec technology. Its focus on streaming video applications translates into excellent lossy compression.

JPEG XL, developed by the Joint Photographic Experts Group (the creators of original JPEG), was designed from the ground up as a universal image format. It aims to handle every use case from web delivery to professional photography.

Technical Comparison

A detailed look at the technical capabilities of each format.

Browser Support Reality

This is where the comparison becomes decisive for web developers.

• AVIF Support: Chrome, Firefox, Safari, Edge—93% global coverage. Mature and stable.
• JPEG XL Support: Safari only as of 2025. Chrome removed support in 2023, Firefox never added it.
• The Practical Impact: Despite JPEG XL's technical advantages, AVIF's browser support makes it the only viable choice for most web applications today.

Making Your Choice

Guidelines for choosing between these formats.

• Web Publishing: AVIF. No contest given current browser support.
• Image Archives: JPEG XL's lossless JPEG transcoding is valuable. Consider for archival workflows.
• Professional Photography: JPEG XL offers advantages, but limited software support remains a barrier.
• Future-proofing: Support both formats where possible. The landscape may shift.