WebP vs JPG vs PNG – which is better? (2026 comparison)

If you build websites, you’ve probably asked: should I use JPG, PNG, or the newer WebP? Each has strengths and weaknesses. This guide compares them head‑to‑head on file size, image quality, transparency, and browser support – so you can make the right choice for your project.

1. Format basics

  • JPG (or JPEG): Lossy compression, best for photographs. No transparency. Small file size with adjustable quality.
  • PNG: Lossless compression, supports transparency. Ideal for screenshots, logos, graphics with sharp edges. Larger files.
  • WebP: Modern format by Google. Supports both lossy and lossless, transparency (alpha channel), and animation. Can replace both JPG and PNG in many cases.

2. Compression & file size comparison

We tested a sample photo (1920×1080) and a screenshot with text & icons. Results (approximate):

FormatPhoto (quality ~85)Screenshot (lossless)
JPG500 KB (baseline)– (not suitable)
PNG–800 KB (baseline)
WebP lossy300‑350 KB (30‑40% smaller)–
WebP lossless–550‑600 KB (25‑30% smaller)

WebP consistently beats both JPG and PNG in file size for comparable visual quality.

3. Quality & transparency

  • JPG: Can show blocking artifacts at low bitrates. No transparency.
  • PNG: Perfect quality, supports full transparency (8‑bit alpha). Large files.
  • WebP: Lossy mode can be tuned to be visually lossless; lossless mode preserves every pixel. Supports transparency with similar efficiency to PNG.

4. Browser support (2026)

  • JPG/PNG: Universal – supported by every browser since the 1990s.
  • WebP: Supported in all modern browsers: Chrome, Firefox, Safari, Edge, Opera. Global usage >97%.

WebP is safe to use for the vast majority of visitors. You can provide JPG/PNG fallbacks for legacy browsers using the <picture> element.

5. When to use each format

  • Photographs on your website: Use WebP (lossy) with a JPG fallback. You’ll save 30‑40% bandwidth.
  • Screenshots, UI elements, logos: Use WebP (lossless) – it’s smaller than PNG while keeping crisp edges.
  • If you need to edit images frequently: Keep a master copy in PNG or PSD; export to WebP for web.
  • When you must support Internet Explorer: Serve JPG/PNG to those users via <picture>.

6. Step‑by‑step: convert to WebP with DocUpLift

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

  1. Open WebP Converter.
  2. Drag & drop a JPG or PNG image (or multiple).
  3. Adjust quality slider – for lossy, 80‑85 is usually great; for lossless, choose “lossless” mode.
  4. Click “Convert” – the WebP file is generated instantly in your browser.
  5. Download and use on your website.

7. Pros and cons summary

JPG

✅ Great for photos, universally supported. ❌ No transparency, artifacts at low quality.

PNG

✅ Lossless, transparency, sharp. ❌ Large file sizes.

WebP

✅ Smaller than both JPG and PNG, supports transparency and animation, good browser support. ❌ Slightly more complex to encode (but tools handle it).

8. Frequently Asked Questions

Which format has better quality: JPG or PNG? PNG is lossless and preserves exact quality, while JPG is lossy and can introduce artifacts. For photos, JPG at high quality is nearly indistinguishable; for graphics with text, PNG is better.
Is WebP better than JPG and PNG? WebP offers both lossy and lossless compression. It typically produces files 25‑35% smaller than JPG (at same quality) and 25‑30% smaller than PNG (lossless). It also supports transparency and animation.
Can WebP replace JPG and PNG completely? For modern browsers, yes – WebP is supported everywhere. However, you may want to keep JPG/PNG fallbacks for very old browsers using the element.
When should I use PNG instead of WebP? If you need to support very old browsers (e.g., IE) without fallbacks, PNG is safer. Also, some editing software may not fully support WebP yet.
How do I convert images to WebP? Use DocUpLift's WebP Converter – it runs 100% in your browser, no upload. Drag & drop JPG or PNG, adjust quality, and download WebP instantly.

Ready to switch to WebP?

Try our WebP Converter – it’s private, no upload, and free. You can also combine with Image Compressor to fine‑tune quality.

🖼️ Convert to WebP – 100% private

Drag & drop JPG or PNG, choose quality, and download a modern WebP image. No upload, no signup.

Try WebP Converter

Remember: choosing the right format can cut your page weight in half. WebP is the winner for most use cases, but keep those JPG/PNG fallbacks handy for complete compatibility.