WebP vs JPG
WebP and JPG both compress photographs, but WebP is the newer format and is generally more efficient. At equivalent visual quality, WebP files are typically 25-34% smaller than JPG, and WebP also adds transparency and animation that JPG lacks.
Use WebP for photos on websites to cut file size and speed up loading without visible quality loss. Stick with JPG when the image must open in any app, be emailed, or uploaded to a platform that does not accept WebP.
WebP vs JPG: side-by-side comparison
| Attribute | WebP | JPG |
|---|---|---|
| Compression | Lossy and lossless | Lossy only |
| Transparency | Yes | No |
| File size at equal quality | ~25-34% smaller | Baseline |
| Browser support | All modern browsers | Universal |
| Animation | Yes | No |
| Best for | Web photos, performance | Sharing, uploads, compatibility |
What is WebP and what is JPG?
WebP
WebP applies VP8-derived lossy compression with smarter prediction than JPEG, so it retains more detail at a given file size. It also supports transparency and animation, giving it broader use than JPG while still being purpose-built for photographic content.
JPG
JPG is the universal photographic format. Every camera, phone, browser, and platform reads it. Its lossy DCT compression is older and less efficient than WebP, but its ubiquity makes it the safest choice for files that travel between systems.
When to use which
Choose WebP
Choose WebP for serving photos on your own website where you control the pipeline and want faster pages and better Core Web Vitals.
Choose JPG
Choose JPG when uploading to services, sending to clients, or storing photos you may open on any device — its compatibility is unmatched.
Convert between these formats
Use our free, browser-based converters: