WebP vs. JPEG vs. PNG: Which Image Format Should You Use?
calendar_today Oct 24, 2023
•timer 8 min read
•Web Performance
Choosing the right image format is critical for web performance and user experience. In this guide, we break down the technical differences between WebP, JPEG, and PNG to help you optimize your site speed and visual quality.
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analytics Quick Comparison Matrix
| Feature | WebP | JPEG | PNG |
|---|---|---|---|
| Compression | Lossy & Lossless | Lossy | Lossless |
| Transparency | check_circle | cancel | check_circle |
| Animation | check_circle | cancel | cancel |
| Ideal Use | Next-gen Web | Photography | Graphics/Icons |
1. WebP: The New Standard
WebP is a modern image format that provides superior lossless and lossy compression for images on the web. Using WebP, webmasters can create smaller, richer images that make the web faster.
rocket_launch Performance Gains
- 26% smaller than PNGs
- 25-34% smaller than JPEGs
- Full alpha channel support
Same quality, 70% reduction
2. JPEG: The Photography Veteran
Joint Photographic Experts Group (JPEG) is the standard format for photographs. It is a lossy format, meaning it discards some data to achieve smaller file sizes, but is widely compatible with every device and browser.
When to use JPEG:
"Use JPEG for high-detail photos where subtle color shifts aren't noticeable and you need universal compatibility for legacy browsers."
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Impact on Core Web Vitals
Image optimization directly impacts your **Largest Contentful Paint (LCP)** score. Larger images take longer to download and render, leading to poor user experience and lower SEO rankings.
The Good
Optimized WebP images serve instantly, leading to LCP scores under 1.2s.
The Bad
Uncompressed PNGs can bloat page weight by 3MB+, causing LCP to spike past 4s.