PNG vs JPG vs WebP: Which Image Format Should You Use? (Quality, Size, Speed)

 If you upload images to a blog, website, or social media, you will often ask the same question:  PNG vs JPG vs WebP—what is the best image format? The answer depends on what you are uploading (photo, logo, screenshot), where you will use it (web, print, mobile), and what you want most (quality, small file size, fast loading).

Quality, Size, Speed

In this guide, you will learn the differences between PNG, JPG/JPEG, and WebP, and how to choose the best format. You will also learn how to convert images online using ImageConvertOnline And if you want a full overview of all supported formats (PNG, JPG/JPEG, GIF, WebP, BMP, TIFF, SVG, ICO), read the first article here 

Free Online Image Converter → free converter tool

Why Image Format Choice Matters

Choosing the right image format helps you:

Improve website speed (smaller images load faster)
Avoid compatibility issues (some apps do not support all formats)
Keep good quality (especially for text, logos, and sharp edges)
Save storage (smaller file size means less space used)

Get better SEO indirectly (faster pages often give a better user experience)

The three most common formats for the web are PNG, JPG/JPEG, and WebP. Let’s break them down in simple terms.

What Is PNG?

PNG is a popular image format known for high quality and transparent backgrounds.

Best uses for PNG

Logos and icons
Images with text and sharp lines
Screenshots (especially UI screenshots)
Graphics that need transparency (no white background)

PNG pros

Can support transparency
Very good for sharp edges and text
Often looks crisp for graphics and screenshots

PNG cons

File size can be large, especially for photos
Can slow down a website if used too much

Quick tip: If you have a photo and the PNG is huge, converting PNG to JPG or PNG to WebP can reduce file size a lot.

What Is JPG/JPEG?

JPG and JPEG are the same format. The name “JPG” became common because older systems used 3-letter extensions.

JPG/JPEG is designed mainly for photos. It usually creates smaller files than PNG, but it can lose some quality (especially after saving many times).

Best uses for JPG/JPEG

Photos (people, nature, products)
Blog post images

Social media images (when transparency is not needed)

JPG pros

Smaller file size than PNG for photos
Works almost everywhere (great compatibility)
Good balance for many photo uploads

JPG cons

No transparency
Can create “blocky” artifacts around sharp text and edges
Quality can drop if compression is too strong

Quick tip: Don’t use JPG for logos with text if you want perfect sharpness. PNG or SVG is better for that.

What Is WebP?

WebP is a modern image format created for the web. Many website owners use it because it often gives smaller file size with good quality.

Best uses for WebP

Website images (especially if you care about speed)
Photos and graphics for blogs
Product images for online stores

WebP pros

Often smaller file size than JPG and PNG
Good quality for web use
Great for improving page speed

WebP cons

Some older apps may not support it fully
A few editors may require converting back to PNG or JPG

Quick tip: If your blog feels slow, converting your big images to WebP can help.

PNG vs JPG vs WebP: Simple Comparison

Here is an easy way to choose:

Choose PNG when you need:

Transparency
Sharp text and clean edges
High-quality screenshots and graphics

Choose JPG/JPEG when you need:

A smaller photo file
Maximum compatibility
A simple format for sharing photos

Choose WebP when you need:

Fast website loading
Smaller images for web pages
A modern format for better performance

Which Format Is Best for Website Speed?

If your goal is faster page loading, WebP is often the first choice for many website owners.

But keep this in mind:

A badly compressed WebP can still look poor.
A small JPG can sometimes be “good enough.”
PNG can be too heavy if used for large photos.

The best approach is:

1. Use JPG or WebP for photos

2. Use PNG for transparency and sharp graphics

3. Use WebP when you want performance and small file size

When Should You Convert PNG to JPG?

Convert PNG to JPG when:

The image is a photo
The PNG file size is too large
You do not need transparency
You want faster upload and faster loading

Common search keywords:

“convert PNG to JPG”
“PNG to JPG converter”
“reduce PNG file size”
You can do it here:

https://www.imageconvertonline.com/p/image-converter.html

When Should You Convert JPG to PNG?

Convert JPG to PNG when:

You want crisp text (like a quote image or UI screenshot)
You need better edges for graphics
You are editing and want less quality loss while working
You need transparency (note: converting JPG to PNG does not create real transparency unless you remove the background separately)

Common search keywords:

“convert JPG to PNG”
“JPG to PNG converter”
“image to PNG”

When Should You Convert to WebP?

Convert PNG to WebP or JPG to WebP when:

You want a smaller image for your website
You want to improve performance (especially on mobile)
You upload many images and want faster pages

Common search keywords:

“convert to WebP”
“WebP converter”
“PNG to WebP”
“JPG to WebP”

How to Convert PNG, JPG, and WebP Online (Step by Step)

Here is the easiest way to do image format conversion:

Step 1: Open the converter

Go to: https://www.imageconvertonline.com/p/image-converter.html

Step 2: Upload your image

Choose a file from your computer or phone.

Step 3: Select the output format

Pick PNG, JPG/JPEG, or WebP (or other formats your tool supports).

Step 4: Adjust compression (if available)

If you see a compression level option:

• Choose lower compression for better quality

• Choose higher compression for smaller size

Step 5: Convert and download

Click convert, then download the converted image to your device.

Best Format for Common Situations

For blog photos

Best: WebP (for speed) or JPG (for compatibility)

For logos with transparent background

Best: PNG (or SVG if available)

For screenshots with text

Best: PNG (keeps text sharp)

For social media photos

Best: JPG (easy and compatible) or WebP (if the platform supports it well)

For website performance

Best: WebP for most images

FAQs: PNG vs JPG vs WebP

Is JPG the same as JPEG?

Yes. JPG and JPEG are the same format. Only the file extension is different.

Which format has the best quality?

For sharp graphics and transparency, PNG often looks best. For photos, high-quality JPG can look great, and WebP can also look excellent at a smaller size.

Which format is best for reducing image size?

Often WebP provides a smaller file size for web use. But results depend on the image content and compression settings.

Does converting PNG to JPG reduce quality?

It can, especially for text and sharp edges. PNG is better for text and graphics. JPG is better for photos.

Can WebP replace JPG and PNG?

For many websites, yes, WebP is a strong choice. But some users still prefer JPG/PNG for editing, compatibility, or specific use cases.

What format should I use if I need transparency?

Use PNG (or SVG for vector graphics). JPG does not support transparency.

Conclusion: The Best Choice in One Sentence

Use PNG for transparency and sharp graphics, JPG/JPEG for photos and compatibility, and WebP for faster websites with smaller file sizes.

Convert any image format in one click here:
Free Online Image Converter → (here)