Format comparisons
Each comparison starts with a short, direct answer, then a feature-by-feature table and practical advice on which format to pick.
- jpg vs png JPG vs PNG JPG vs PNG compared: lossy vs lossless compression, transparency, file size for photos and screenshots, and a simple rule for choosing each time.
- webp vs jpg WebP vs JPG WebP vs JPG for photos: typical size savings, quality differences, transparency and compatibility, plus when to keep JPG and when to switch to WebP.
- webp vs png WebP vs PNG WebP vs PNG compared for graphics, screenshots and transparent images: lossless and lossy WebP, typical savings, compatibility, and when PNG still wins.
- avif vs webp AVIF vs WebP AVIF vs WebP compared: compression efficiency, encoding speed, transparency, HDR and browser support in 2026, plus when to serve one, the other, or both.
- avif vs jpg AVIF vs JPG AVIF vs JPG for photos: typical size savings, how artifacts differ, HDR support, encoding speed and compatibility, with clear advice on when to switch.
- heic vs jpg HEIC vs JPG HEIC vs JPG for iPhone photos: storage savings, image quality, compatibility with Windows and websites, and which camera setting suits you best.
- png vs svg PNG vs SVG PNG vs SVG compared: pixels vs vectors, sharpness at any size, file size, transparency, where each is accepted, and which to use for logos and icons.
- gif vs webp GIF vs WebP GIF vs animated WebP compared: colors, transparency, file size, and compatibility in browsers, chat apps and email, with advice on when GIF still makes sense.
The quick decision
Most choices come down to three questions: is it a photo or a graphic, does it need transparency, and where will it be displayed?
- Photos for websites: AVIF gives the smallest files, WebP is a close second with broader tooling support, and JPG remains the universal fallback. Serve them together with a <picture> element.
- Photos you send or upload anywhere: JPG. Every device, app, form and email client accepts it.
- Screenshots, logos and graphics with flat color: PNG, or lossless WebP for the web. Both keep sharp edges and transparency.
- Logos and icons that must scale: SVG, because it stays sharp at every size and is usually tiny.
- Short animations: animated WebP or a video file instead of GIF, which is limited to 256 colors and is often several times larger.
- iPhone photos: HEIC is efficient on Apple devices, but convert to JPG before sharing with Windows, Android or websites.
Each comparison above explains the trade-offs in detail and links to a converter that runs privately in your browser, so you can test both formats on your own images and compare the real file sizes.
Looking for a single format? See all image formats explained.