Best Image Format for the Web: JPG vs PNG vs WebP
Three formats cover 99% of the web. Here's a quick rule for picking one, plus the file-size numbers that prove it.
The 30-second rule
Photographs without transparency: WebP. Falls back to JPEG for older audiences.
Graphics, screenshots, anything with transparency: PNG. Or WebP-lossless for smaller files.
Animated content: WebP or animated PNG.
Real numbers
A representative 4 MB phone photo:
- JPEG quality 85: ~700 KB
- JPEG quality 70: ~400 KB
- WebP quality 80: ~250 KB
- PNG: ~3.5 MB
Browser support
WebP is supported in every major modern browser including Safari (since macOS Big Sur / iOS 14). Less than 0.5% of web traffic now lacks WebP support, so it's a safe default for new sites.
Converting between formats
Use the freeimgtool format converter to switch between JPG, PNG, and WebP — transparency is preserved where the format supports it.
Frequently asked questions
Does WebP work in Safari?
Yes — since macOS Big Sur and iOS 14, both released in 2020.
Should I always use WebP?
For new sites, yes. For maximum compatibility, serve WebP with a JPEG fallback via the picture element.
Is AVIF better than WebP?
Smaller files, slightly less browser support, slower encode. Worth it for high-traffic pages where every kilobyte matters.