WebP is a modern image format developed by Google. It offers significantly better compression than JPG and PNG while maintaining comparable visual quality. Yet JPG remains the most widely used image format on the internet. Understanding when to use each format helps you make smarter decisions for your website, app, or workflow.
How WebP Achieves Smaller File Sizes
WebP uses a more sophisticated compression algorithm than JPG. For lossy compression, WebP typically achieves 25–35% smaller file sizes at equivalent quality. For lossless compression, WebP is typically 26% smaller than PNG. It also supports transparency in lossy mode — something JPG cannot do at all.
Browser and Platform Support
WebP is supported by all major modern browsers: Chrome, Firefox, Safari (since version 14), Edge, and Opera. It works on Android and iOS. The main gap is in older desktop software — some image editors and legacy Windows applications still do not handle WebP.
WebP vs JPG: Side-by-Side
- ›File size at equal quality: WebP is 25–35% smaller than JPG.
- ›Transparency support: WebP supports it. JPG does not.
- ›Browser support: Both work in all modern browsers. JPG works in older software where WebP may not.
- ›Editing support: JPG is supported in every image editor. WebP support is growing.
- ›Use cases: WebP for web images. JPG for maximum cross-software compatibility.
When to Use JPG
Use JPG when you need maximum compatibility — sending images to people who may open them in older software, uploading to platforms that do not accept WebP, or storing photos you will edit in various tools over time.
When to Use WebP
Use WebP for web images where you control the display environment. Serving images to modern browsers, WebP loads faster and uses less bandwidth. Next.js automatically converts images to WebP via its built-in Image component.