HEIC vs AVIF: Image Format Comparison & Conversion Guide

What is HEIC?

HEIC (High Efficiency Image Container) is the default photo format used by iPhones and iPads since iOS 11 (2017). It is Apple's implementation of the HEIF (High Efficiency Image Format) standard, which in turn uses HEVC (H.265) video compression applied to still images.

Key facts about HEIC:

• Developed by the Moving Picture Experts Group (MPEG).
• Roughly 50% smaller than JPEG at equivalent visual quality.
• Supports 16-bit color depth, HDR, wide color gamut (P3), and transparency.
• Can store multiple images in a single file (Live Photos, bursts, depth maps).
• Native support limited to Apple devices and newer Windows versions — browsers largely do not support it.

Because HEIC relies on HEVC, a format with patent licensing requirements, most web browsers and non-Apple operating systems have been slow to adopt it. That is the fundamental reason HEIC photos often need to be converted before sharing or publishing online.

What is AVIF?

AVIF (AV1 Image File Format) is a modern image format derived from the AV1 video codec, which was developed by the Alliance for Open Media — a coalition that includes Google, Apple, Microsoft, Mozilla, Netflix, and others.

Key facts about AVIF:

• Royalty-free and open-source, with no patent licensing fees.
• Delivers 20–50% smaller files than JPEG and often beats WebP too.
• Supports HDR, wide color gamut, transparency (alpha channel), and 12-bit color.
• Supported natively by Chrome 85+, Firefox 93+, Safari 16.4+, and Edge 121+.
• Excellent for web: fast page loads with sharp, high-quality images.

AVIF's royalty-free nature has driven rapid browser adoption. As of 2025, over 95% of web users are on browsers that support AVIF — making it the best choice for publishing iPhone photos online.

HEIC vs AVIF: Side-by-Side Comparison

File Size in Practice

In real-world tests with iPhone 15 Pro photos, converting HEIC to AVIF at quality 80 typically produces files 5–15% larger than the source HEIC but with dramatically better web compatibility. If you convert to JPEG instead, the JPEG is usually 40–80% larger than AVIF at comparable quality.

The takeaway: AVIF is the closest format to HEIC in terms of compression efficiency, while being universally supported on the web.

When to Use Each Format

Keep your photos as HEIC when:

• Storing photos on your iPhone or Mac — the native format is ideal for local storage.
• Backing up to iCloud Photos — HEIC preserves full quality and takes less space.
• Editing in Apple Photos, Lightroom, or Capture One — full HEIC support is built in.
• Sharing directly with other iPhone users via AirDrop or iMessage.

Convert HEIC to AVIF when:

• Publishing photos on a website or blog — AVIF ensures every visitor can view them.
• Uploading to web platforms (Shopify, WordPress, Squarespace, social media).
• Sending to non-Apple users who may not have HEIC support.
• Optimizing page load speed — AVIF's compression keeps pages fast.
• Working with developers who need web-compatible assets.

Convert HEIC to JPEG when:

• Compatibility is the top priority and file size doesn't matter.
• Sending to older devices or software that may not support AVIF yet.
• Printing — most photo printing services still prefer JPEG.

How to Convert HEIC to AVIF

The easiest way to convert HEIC photos to AVIF is with our free online HEIC to AVIF converter. It runs entirely in your browser — no software to install, no files uploaded to a server, and no size limits.

1. Go to the HEIC to AVIF Converter.
2. Select AVIF as the output format (it's the default).
3. Set your desired quality level — 75–85 is a good balance for web use.
4. Drop your HEIC files onto the upload area, or click to browse.
5. Download the converted AVIF files individually or as a ZIP.

The converter supports batch processing, so you can drop dozens of photos at once and download them all in one go.

Other ways to convert HEIC to AVIF

• macOS Preview: Open a HEIC file in Preview, then use File → Export and choose AVIF from the format dropdown (requires macOS 13 Ventura or later).
• ffmpeg (command line): ffmpeg -i photo.heic photo.avif — fast and scriptable for bulk conversion.
• ImageMagick: magick photo.heic photo.avif — requires libheif and libavif to be installed.
• Squoosh (Google): A browser-based tool that supports both HEIC input and AVIF output, with detailed compression controls.

FAQ

Will converting HEIC to AVIF lose quality?

AVIF is a lossy format (like JPEG), so some quality is lost during compression. However, at quality settings of 80 or above, the difference is virtually invisible to the human eye. If you need lossless output, use PNG — though files will be much larger.

Is AVIF better than HEIC?

For web use, yes — AVIF has far better browser support and is royalty-free. For on-device iPhone storage, HEIC remains optimal because iOS is optimized around it and it preserves Live Photo data and metadata that AVIF doesn't carry.

Can I convert HEIC to AVIF on iPhone?

iOS 16+ supports viewing AVIF files. For conversion, use the browser-based converter on this site from Safari on your iPhone — it works on mobile browsers too.

Does AVIF support the same colors as HEIC?

Yes. AVIF supports wide color gamut (Display P3) and HDR — the same color space iPhones capture in. Your converted AVIF files will preserve the vibrant colors from your iPhone camera.

What's the difference between HEIC and HEIF?

HEIF is the container format standard; HEIC is Apple's specific implementation of HEIF using HEVC compression. In everyday use the terms are interchangeable — both use the .heic or .heif file extension.

Is the conversion free?

Yes. The HEIC to AVIF Converter on this site is completely free with no file count limits, no watermarks, and no account required.