UI-Avatars generates an image on the fly: the contact's initials, centered on a colored background. It always returns something, it is free, and it is a clean, reliable fallback.
Avtrz returns the real business profile photo for a contact. When a real photo exists it is always better than initials. When one does not, you still want a fallback, and that is exactly where a generator like UI-Avatars fits.
How they compare.
When to use which.
This is not really an either/or. Use Avtrz as the primary avatar so people rows show real faces, and keep a generator like UI-Avatars as the fallback for contacts with no public photo. Avtrz returns a 404 precisely so a generator can take the next turn.
Common questions.
Should I replace UI-Avatars with Avtrz?
Replace it as your primary avatar; keep it as your fallback. Avtrz returns real photos, and UI-Avatars covers the gap when no real photo exists.
How do they work together?
Point your avatar component at Avtrz. On a 404, render the UI-Avatars URL. Real photo first, clean initials second.
Does Avtrz ever return initials?
No. Avtrz returns a real photo or a 404. Generating the initials fallback is the generator's job, which keeps each tool doing one thing well.
Real faces, where it counts.
Use Avtrz for the contacts that need a real photo. Start free and see the coverage on your own data.