Best image formats for web: JPG vs PNG vs WebP
Choosing the right image format speeds up your site and keeps quality high. This guide compares JPG, PNG, and WebP for file size, quality, transparency, and browser support, and when to use each.
Why image format matters for the web
The same image can be 2 MB as a PNG and 200 KB as a well-compressed JPG or WebP. Format choice affects load time, bandwidth, and SEO. Picking the right format (and compressing properly) keeps pages fast and visitors engaged. All our tools run in your browser – we don’t see or store your images. No signup required.
JPG (JPEG): best for photos
Use for: Photos, complex images, anything without transparency. JPG uses lossy compression: it discards some detail to achieve small file sizes. For photos this is usually unnoticeable at moderate quality (e.g. 80–85%). File size: Typically much smaller than PNG for the same photo. Transparency: Not supported. Browser support: Universal. Use our compress image or resize image for JPG; use PNG to JPG or WebP to JPG to convert.
PNG: best for graphics and transparency
Use for: Logos, icons, graphics with sharp edges or text, and any image that needs transparency. PNG supports lossless compression (no quality loss) and an alpha channel. File size: Often larger than JPG/WebP for photos. Transparency: Yes. Browser support: Universal. Use our JPG to PNG or WebP to PNG to convert. After removing background, you get a PNG with transparency – ideal for overlays and design.
WebP: best balance of size and quality (when supported)
Use for: Photos and graphics when your site or CDN supports WebP. WebP supports both lossy and lossless compression and transparency. At similar visual quality, WebP is often 25–35% smaller than JPG. File size: Usually smaller than JPG and PNG. Transparency: Yes. Browser support: All modern browsers; very broad. Use our compress tool (WebP output) or our convert tools to produce WebP. Delivering WebP to supporting browsers and JPG/PNG as fallback is a common optimization.
Quick comparison and when to use which
Photos, no transparency: Prefer JPG or WebP. Use WebP when you can serve it (smaller files, same quality).
Logos, icons, transparency: Use PNG (or WebP with alpha). PNG is universal; WebP can reduce size if supported.
Product photos on white: JPG or WebP. If you need transparent background, use PNG after removing background.
Combine format choice with resize and compress for best results. See our compress image for website and image optimization for fast websites guides for full workflows.
Summary
JPG for photos (small files, no transparency). PNG for graphics and transparency. WebP for the best size/quality when supported. Use our free convert image, compress image, and resize image tools to produce the right format and size. No signup, all in your browser.