AVIF vs BPG Format Comparison
AVIF
AV1 Image File Format
image/avif
VS
Better Portable Graphics
image/bpg
BPG
A complete technical comparison of AV1 Image File Format and Better Portable Graphics — covering compression, feature support, browser compatibility, magic bytes, and when to choose each format.
AVIF wins on browser support
Feature Support
| Feature | AVIF | BPG |
|---|---|---|
| Transparency (Alpha) | Yes | Yes |
| Animation Support | Yes | Yes |
| Progressive Loading | ✕ No | ✕ No |
| HDR Support | Yes | ✕ No |
| EXIF Metadata | Yes | Yes |
| ICC Color Profile | Yes | Yes |
AV1 Image File Format
image/avif
Extension
.avif
Container
HEIF / ISOBMFF
Compression
AV1 Lossy / AV1 Lossless
Algorithm
AV1
Color Depth
8-bit, 10-bit, 12-bit
Developed by
Alliance for Open Media (AOMedia)
Released
2019
Magic Bytes
XX XX XX XX 66 74 79 70 61 76 69 66
Better Portable Graphics
image/bpg
Extension
.bpg
Container
Custom BPG Header
Compression
HEVC (H.265) Intra-frame / Lossless
Algorithm
HEVC (H.265)
Color Depth
8-bit (Per Channel), 10-bit (Per Channel), 12-bit (Per Channel), 14-bit (Per Channel)
Developed by
Fabrice Bellard
Released
2014
Magic Bytes
42 50 47 FB
Browser Support Comparison
| Browser | AVIF | BPG |
|---|---|---|
Chrome
|
✓ 85+
|
✕ |
Firefox
|
✓ 93+
|
✕ |
Safari
|
✓ 16+
|
✕ |
Edge
|
✓ 121+
|
✕ |
IE (Legacy)
|
✕ | ✕ |
AVIF
AVIF Strengths
- Best-in-class compression — typically 20–50% smaller than WebP at equivalent quality
- Native HDR and wide color gamut (BT.2020) support
- Supports 8, 10, and 12-bit color depth
Limitations
- Encoding is highly CPU-intensive — significantly slower than JPEG or WebP
- Requires Edge 121+ (not supported in earlier Edge versions)
- Limited support in native desktop image viewers
BPG
BPG Strengths
- Exceptional compression efficiency that vastly outperforms standard JPEG at similar quality levels
- Supports high bit depths (up to 14 bits per channel), lossless compression, and alpha channel transparency within a single format
- The official JavaScript decoder allows the format to be rendered on standard HTML5 canvas elements
Limitations
- HEVC (H.265) patent encumbrance prevented native adoption in major web browsers
- Superseded conceptually by the open, royalty-free AVIF format
- Encoding BPG files is computationally intensive and requires specialized command-line tools
When to choose which format
AVIF
Use AVIF when…
- Next-Gen Websites
- HDR Photography
- High-Quality Web Images
BPG
Use BPG when…
- High-Efficiency Image Archival
- Bandwidth-Constrained Environments (via JS decoder)
Convert & Edit Online
Free online web tools for AVIF and BPG files.
Free Image Resizer
Editor
Resize, scale, crop, and modify dimensions for any photo or graphic.
Use Tool
Image Metadata Remover
Privacy
Clean EXIF, camera, lens, and location tags from your photos.
Use Tool
WebP to JPG Converter
Universal
Convert modern web images to universal high-compatibility JPG.
Use Tool
Compress WebP Images
Optimizer
Reduce image file sizes for faster web performance.
Use Tool