Compare vs favicon.io
Faviconry vs favicon.io
A side-by-side look at Faviconry and favicon.io. Where each tool fits, what they generate, upload vs local, and the output sets each ships.
favicon.io is one of the most-used free favicon generators online. It has three modes: image upload, text-to-favicon, and emoji-to-favicon. Faviconry is newer, smaller in scope, and takes a different architectural approach. Here is when to pick each.
Quick comparison
| Faviconry | favicon.io | |
|---|---|---|
| Input | SVG file | Image (PNG, JPG, SVG), text, or emoji |
| Processing | In browser (Canvas API) | Server upload |
| Files in output | 7 (5 favicons + 2 PWA + manifest) | 6 (includes deprecated sizes) |
| Includes legacy formats | No | Yes (16, 32, 192 PNG) |
| Dark mode favicon | Yes, via embedded media query | No |
| Recolour / background options | Yes | Text and emoji only |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Login / account | None | None |
| Source available | Client-side bundle inspectable | Closed |
Where favicon.io wins
- Text-to-favicon. Type a letter or two, pick a font, get a favicon. Faviconry does not do this. If you do not have a logo yet, favicon.io’s text mode is a fast starting point.
- Emoji-to-favicon. Pick an emoji, get a rendered favicon at every size. Useful for side projects and personal sites that want a recognisable pictograph.
- Raster-to-favicon. If all you have is a PNG or JPG, favicon.io handles it. Faviconry requires an SVG source. Many teams only have a raster logo, and converting to SVG is a separate job.
Where Faviconry wins
- No upload. Faviconry runs entirely in the browser via the Canvas API. The source SVG never leaves your machine. For unreleased brand work or NDA assets, that matters.
- Minimal modern set. Faviconry ships exactly the five files you actually need in 2026: SVG favicon, multi-resolution ICO, 96×96 PNG, apple-touch-icon at 180×180, and two PWA icons. favicon.io’s output includes deprecated sizes like 16×16 and 32×32 PNG that modern browsers no longer need thanks to the SVG.
- SVG-native pipeline. Every output file is rendered from the original SVG, so quality is crisp at every size. favicon.io’s raster pipeline upscales when needed.
- Dark mode favicon. Faviconry can embed a
prefers-color-schememedia query inside the SVG favicon so it adapts to the user’s system theme. favicon.io’s output does not include this. - Background and recolour controls for SVG. Toggle a solid background or recolour all fills with a single click. favicon.io has these for text and emoji modes but not for uploaded images.
Files each one produces
favicon.io typical output:
android-chrome-192x192.pngandroid-chrome-512x512.pngapple-touch-icon.pngfavicon-16x16.pngfavicon-32x32.pngfavicon.icosite.webmanifest
Faviconry output:
favicon.svgfavicon.icofavicon-96x96.pngapple-touch-icon.pngweb-app-manifest-192x192.pngweb-app-manifest-512x512.pngsite.webmanifest
Faviconry skips the 16×16 and 32×32 PNGs because the SVG favicon handles those sizes. It emits a 96×96 as the PNG fallback, which looks acceptable at smaller sizes in browsers that cannot render SVG favicons. See the modern set explained for why these sizes and not others.
When to pick each
Pick favicon.io if:
- You only have a raster logo or no logo yet
- You want a quick text or emoji favicon for a side project
- You do not mind the upload
Pick Faviconry if:
- You have an SVG logo
- You want the minimal modern file set without deprecated cruft
- You care about privacy or your source is unreleased
- You want dark mode adaptation out of the box
Both are free, both work without signup. The question is the source file you have and whether you want legacy bytes or a modern trimmed set.
See also
Frequently asked questions
Is favicon.io free?
Yes, favicon.io is free. Both tools are free with no account, no signup, and no rate limits on the free tier.
Does favicon.io upload my image to a server?
Yes. favicon.io processes uploads on its backend and returns a zip. Faviconry processes everything in your browser with the Canvas API, so no file leaves your machine.
Which one should I use?
Use favicon.io for text-to-favicon and emoji-to-favicon, which Faviconry does not do. Use Faviconry when you have a logo SVG and want a minimal modern file set (five files, no deprecated cruft) without uploading anything.