WebP vs PNG
WebP is a modern image format from Google that supports both lossy and lossless compression plus transparency and animation. PNG is the long-established lossless standard with transparency. WebP usually wins on file size, while PNG wins on universal compatibility.
Use WebP for web images when you want the smallest files with transparency — it typically beats PNG by 25-35%. Keep PNG when you need maximum compatibility with old software, email clients, or design tools that may not read WebP.
WebP vs PNG: side-by-side comparison
| Attribute | WebP | PNG |
|---|---|---|
| Compression | Lossy and lossless | Lossless only |
| Transparency | Yes | Yes |
| Animation | Yes | No (APNG only) |
| File size vs PNG | ~26% smaller (lossless) | Baseline |
| Browser support | All modern browsers | Universal |
| Best for | Web delivery, performance | Compatibility, archiving |
What is WebP and what is PNG?
WebP
WebP, released by Google in 2010, derives its lossless mode from techniques in WebP-specific transforms and its lossy mode from VP8 video keyframe encoding. It supports transparency in both modes and animation, and is now decoded natively by every major browser, making it a strong default for web performance.
PNG
PNG is the venerable lossless raster format supported literally everywhere — browsers, email, operating systems, and every image editor. Its alpha transparency made it the standard for web graphics for two decades, though its files are larger than WebP for the same content.
When to use which
Choose WebP
Choose WebP for production website assets where page-speed and Core Web Vitals matter. Smaller files mean faster loads and better SEO. Provide a PNG fallback only if you must support very old environments.
Choose PNG
Choose PNG when a file will be opened in software with uncertain WebP support, attached to emails, used as a favicon source, or handed to clients who expect a universally readable format.
Convert between these formats
Use our free, browser-based converters: