JPG vs PNG vs WebP: Which Image Format Should You Use?

JPG, PNG and WebP compared: file size, quality, transparency and browser support, with a simple rule for choosing the right format for photos, logos and websites.

Comparison of JPG, PNG and WebP image formats

Table of Contents

Use JPG for photos you share, PNG for logos, screenshots and graphics that need sharp edges or transparency, and WebP for almost every image on a website. WebP combines small file sizes with support for transparency and is supported by all major modern browsers. Here is a clear comparison and a simple decision rule.

Quick rule
  • Photo for sharing or forms: JPG.
  • Logo, icon, screenshot, transparent graphic: PNG (or WebP).
  • Any image on your website: WebP.

Side-by-side comparison

JPG (JPEG)PNGWebP
CompressionLossyLosslessLossy or lossless
TransparencyNoYesYes
AnimationNoNo (APNG aside)Yes
Typical photo sizeSmallLargeSmallest
Sharp text and linesCan blurExcellentVery good
SupportUniversalUniversalAll major modern browsers
Best forPhotos, sharing, formsLogos, screenshots, graphicsWebsites and apps

JPG: the universal photo format

JPG uses lossy compression that discards detail the eye barely notices, giving small files for photos. Every device and app opens it. Downsides: no transparency, and repeated editing and saving gradually reduces quality.

PNG: crisp graphics and transparency

PNG is lossless, so text, lines and flat colours stay perfectly sharp, and it supports transparent backgrounds. That makes it ideal for logos, icons and screenshots, but photos saved as PNG are much larger than JPG.

WebP: the modern web format

Developed by Google, WebP supports both lossy and lossless compression, transparency and animation. Google reports lossy WebP files are typically 25 to 34% smaller than comparable JPGs. WordPress and all major browsers support it, making it the best default for website images.

Which format for which job?

📸Sending photosJPG: opens everywhere.
🏷️LogoSVG if possible, otherwise PNG or WebP with transparency.
🖥️ScreenshotPNG for sharp text, or WebP for the web.
🌐Website imagesWebP, compressed.
📝Online formsJPG, unless the form says otherwise.
🖨️PrintingHigh-quality JPG or the original file.

Converting between formats

  1. Open the converterUse the free Online Image Converter.
  2. Upload your imageIt is processed in your browser.
  3. Choose JPG, PNG, WebP or BMPPick the target format.
  4. Convert and downloadThen compress with the free Image Compressor if needed.
Converting JPG to PNG will not restore lost quality; it only makes the file bigger. Converting a transparent PNG to JPG fills the transparent area with a solid colour.

Need to open a WebP image somewhere that does not support it? Read how to convert WebP to JPG.

Sources

Frequently asked questions

Which is better, JPG or PNG?

JPG is better for photos because files are smaller. PNG is better for logos, screenshots and images that need transparency or sharp text.

Is WebP better than JPG?

For websites, usually yes. WebP files are typically 25 to 34% smaller than comparable JPGs and support transparency.

Does PNG lose quality?

No. PNG uses lossless compression, so it keeps every pixel, but files are larger.

Can all browsers open WebP?

All major modern browsers support WebP, including Chrome, Edge, Firefox and Safari.

Free toolTry the Free Online Image Converter

Convert any image to JPG, PNG, WebP or BMP in seconds, privately in your browser.

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Written by Tanvir H

WordPress and Elementor web designer at Tanvir WebXprt, Bangladesh, with 7+ years of experience and 650+ projects. Tanvir builds the free tools on this site and writes practical guides for creators, learners and small businesses.

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