Image Format Comparison
HEIC vs JPG vs PNG vs WebP — which format is right for you?
Choosing the right image format affects quality, file size, and compatibility. Here's how the four most common formats compare.
Comparison Table
| Format | Compression | Transparency | File Size | Compatibility | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| HEIC | High efficiency lossy | Yes | Very Small | Apple only | iPhone photos, storage |
| JPG | Lossy | No | Small | Universal | Photos, web images |
| PNG | Lossless | Yes | Large | Universal | Screenshots, logos |
| WebP | Lossy/Lossless | Yes | Small | Modern browsers | Web optimization |
FAQ
What's the difference between JPG and PNG?
JPG uses lossy compression ideal for photographs, while PNG uses lossless compression and supports transparency, making it better for graphics and screenshots.
Which format keeps best quality?
PNG maintains the highest quality as it uses lossless compression. HEIC and WebP can maintain high quality while achieving better compression than JPG.
What image format is smallest?
HEIC and WebP typically achieve the smallest file sizes while maintaining good quality. JPG can also be very small but with more noticeable quality loss.