JPG vs PNG vs WebP: Choosing the Best Image Format

Choosing the right image format can reduce your page weight by 50% or more. Here's everything you need to know about the three most popular web formats.

JPEG (JPG)

Best for: Photographs, complex images with many colors

JPEG uses lossy compression, meaning it discards some data to achieve smaller files. At 80% quality, most photographs look identical to the original while being 5-10x smaller.

• ✅ Universal browser support
• ✅ Excellent compression for photos
• ✅ Adjustable quality level
• ❌ No transparency support
• ❌ Loses quality on each re-save

PNG

Best for: Graphics, logos, screenshots, images requiring transparency

PNG uses lossless compression, preserving every pixel exactly. This makes it ideal for graphics but results in larger file sizes for photographs.

• ✅ Lossless compression
• ✅ Supports transparency (alpha channel)
• ✅ Perfect for sharp graphics and text
• ❌ Much larger than JPEG for photographs
• ❌ No quality adjustment (lossless only)

WebP

Best for: Everything on modern websites

WebP, developed by Google, supports both lossy and lossless compression, plus transparency. It typically produces files 25-35% smaller than JPEG and PNG.

• ✅ Superior compression (25-35% smaller)
• ✅ Supports transparency
• ✅ Both lossy and lossless modes
• ✅ Supported by all modern browsers
• ❌ Not ideal for print workflows

Quick Decision Guide

• Photo for web? → WebP (with JPG fallback)
• Logo or icon? → SVG or PNG
• Screenshot? → PNG or WebP
• Need transparency? → WebP or PNG
• Maximum compatibility? → JPG

Convert between formats instantly with Compresso — free and private.