Best image format for the web in 2026

Choosing the right image format is one of the simplest ways to speed up your website and improve SEO. In 2026, we have more options than ever: classic JPEG and PNG, the popular WebP, the super‑efficient AVIF, and the emerging JPEG XL. But which one should you use? This guide compares them all, gives real‑world file size savings, and shows you how to convert images using private, client‑side tools.

1. The contenders: a quick overview

  • JPEG (1992): The old king of photos. Good compression, but no transparency, and can show artifacts.
  • PNG (1996): Lossless, supports transparency. Great for screenshots and graphics, but file sizes are large.
  • WebP (2010): Modern format with both lossy and lossless modes, transparency, and animation. Excellent browser support.
  • AVIF (2019): Based on AV1 video codec. Exceptional compression (20‑30% better than WebP), supports HDR and wide gamut.
  • JPEG XL (2022): Designed to replace JPEG. Lossless/lossy, great compression, and can re‑encode existing JPEGs without quality loss (lossless recompression).

2. File size comparison (real tests)

We tested a typical photo (1920×1080) and a screenshot with text & logos. Here are approximate savings compared to the original:

FormatPhoto (quality 80)Screenshot (lossless)
JPEG– (baseline)N/A (not suitable)
PNG–baseline
WebP lossy25‑35% smaller than JPEG–
WebP lossless–25‑30% smaller than PNG
AVIF lossy45‑55% smaller than JPEG40‑50% smaller than PNG (lossy)
JPEG XL lossy35‑45% smaller than JPEG30‑40% smaller than PNG (lossy)

3. Browser support in 2026

  • WebP: Supported in all major browsers (Chrome, Firefox, Safari, Edge) – near 97% global usage.
  • AVIF: Supported in Chrome, Firefox, Opera; Safari 16+ added support. Around 85% coverage.
  • JPEG XL: Supported in Safari (17+), Chrome behind a flag, not yet in Firefox. Growing but not universal.

4. When to use which format

  • Photographs: Use AVIF for best compression (with WebP fallback). If you need simplicity, WebP is excellent.
  • Screenshots / UI graphics: Use lossless WebP (smaller than PNG) or AVIF if you don't need perfect pixel accuracy (lossy AVIF can introduce slight blur).
  • Icons & logos with transparency: WebP or PNG. WebP is usually smaller.
  • When you need maximum compatibility: Serve WebP with JPEG/PNG fallback via <picture> element.

5. Step‑by‑step: convert to modern formats with DocUpLift

All tools run 100% in your browser – no uploads, total privacy.

  1. For WebP: Use WebP Converter. Drop any JPG or PNG, adjust quality, download WebP. You can also convert animated GIFs to WebP.
  2. For AVIF: Try AVIF Converter (if available) – same drag‑and‑drop simplicity.
  3. For JPEG XL: Use JPEG XL Converter to create future‑proof images.
  4. Always resize first: If your images are huge, resize them to appropriate dimensions before converting – that’s where you get the biggest savings.

6. Pros and cons summary

WebP

✅ Excellent all‑rounder, broad support, transparency, animation.
❌ Slightly less compression than AVIF.

AVIF

✅ Best compression, HDR, wide color gamut.
❌ Slightly slower encoding, support not quite universal.

JPEG XL

✅ Lossless recompression of JPEG, very flexible, great quality.
❌ Still rolling out; not yet in all browsers.

7. Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best image format for web in 2026? For most uses, WebP is the best all‑rounder due to excellent compression and broad support. AVIF offers even smaller files but with slightly lower compatibility. JPEG XL is promising but still rolling out.
Is AVIF better than WebP? AVIF typically compresses 20‑30% smaller than WebP for similar quality. However, WebP enjoys wider browser support (near‑universal). For cutting‑edge sites, AVIF is a great choice with a fallback.
Should I still use JPEG in 2026? Yes, as a fallback for very old browsers, or when you need maximum compatibility. But for modern users, WebP or AVIF will save substantial bandwidth.
How do I convert images to WebP or AVIF? Use DocUpLift's WebP Converter or AVIF Converter – both run 100% in your browser, no upload needed. You can adjust quality and download instantly.
Can I use JPEG XL now? JPEG XL is supported in some browsers (Safari, Chrome behind a flag). It's not yet universal, but it's excellent for future‑proofing. Consider it as an extra format with fallbacks.

Ready to optimise your images?

Try our WebP Converter or AVIF Converter – both private, no upload, free. Combine with Image Compressor to fine‑tune quality.

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