PNG vs WebP: When to Use Which Format

PNG and WebP solve a lot of the same problems. Both support transparency. Both can store high-quality images. Both are widely supported in modern browsers. So why do we need two formats?

File Size: WebP Wins

This is the biggest practical difference. For the same image at the same visual quality:

• WebP lossy is typically 25 to 35 percent smaller than JPEG
• WebP lossless is typically 20 to 30 percent smaller than PNG

For a website serving thousands of images per day, this difference translates directly into faster load times and lower hosting costs.

Compatibility: PNG Wins

PNG has been around since 1996. Every piece of software, every operating system, and every device supports it. WebP is newer (2010) and while browser support is now universal, some desktop applications and older software still do not recognize it.

Quick Decision Guide

• Building a website? Use WebP. The file size savings directly improve your page speed scores and SEO
• Sending images by email? Use PNG. The recipient might not have software that opens WebP
• Creating assets for a design project? Use PNG during development, convert to WebP for production
• Archiving images? Use PNG. It is a more established standard and guaranteed to be readable for decades

Need to switch between them? Convert PNG to WebP or Convert WebP to PNG with Filoshi.