JPG vs WebP: Which Image Format Should You Use?
Compare JPG and WebP for file size, quality and compatibility, and see when each format wins for websites, email and sharing. Compress images now.
What Is JPG?
JPG is a widely supported lossy image format.
What Is WebP?
WebP is a modern web image format that supports lossy and lossless compression as well as transparency.
JPG vs WebP
| Characteristic | JPG | WebP |
|---|---|---|
| Lossy compression | Yes | Yes |
| Lossless mode | No | Yes |
| Transparency | No | Yes |
When to Use JPG
Choose JPG when compatibility with older or broader image workflows is important.
When to Use WebP
Consider WebP where the destination supports it and file-size efficiency matters.
File Size and Quality
WebP is designed to produce smaller files than JPG at similar visual quality. Google’s WebP compression study reports lossy WebP files 25 to 34 percent smaller than comparable JPEG files.
Compatibility
WebP works in current versions of the major browsers. JPG still opens everywhere, including some email clients, older software and upload forms that reject WebP. When a site will not accept a WebP file, save it as JPG or PNG instead.
Effect on Site Speed
Smaller image files load faster, so WebP can help page speed on image-heavy pages. The difference is largest for large photos.
How to Shrink Either Format
Use Compress Image and pick JPG or WebP as the output format, then compare the sizes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I replace all my JPG files with WebP?
Not necessarily. Use WebP where you control the page and the file will be viewed in a browser. Keep JPG for sharing and uploads.
Does WebP support transparency?
Yes. JPG does not.
Try it now: Compress Image JPG to PNG — free, in your browser.