Image Formats6 min read
PNG vs WebP: Differences, Advantages, and When to Convert
Compare PNG and WebP in quality, file size, transparency support, and browser compatibility. When to use each one.
What is PNG
PNG (Portable Network Graphics) is a lossless format that supports transparency (alpha channel). It is ideal for logos, icons, and images with text where every pixel needs to be exact.
What is WebP
WebP is a modern format created by Google that offers both lossy and lossless compression, transparency support, and animations. On average it is 25-35% smaller than PNG and 25-34% smaller than JPEG at the same quality.
Direct comparison
- File size: WebP is 25-35% smaller than equivalent PNG.
- Transparency: both support it. PNG has better legacy compatibility.
- Quality: lossless WebP = PNG quality. Lossy WebP > JPEG.
- Support: WebP is supported by 97%+ of modern browsers.
- Tools: PNG is accepted by more legacy programs and systems.
Practical tip: For images on websites and e-commerce, use WebP whenever possible. For sending via email, WhatsApp, or legacy systems, keep PNG or JPEG.
When to keep PNG
- Logos and icons that need perfect transparency.
- Screenshots with sharp text.
- Images sent to print shops or legacy systems.
- When the destination system does not support WebP.
Want to try it now?
Every tool mentioned in this article is available on Lumageni.