HEIC vs PNG vs WebP: Image Format Comparison
HEIC vs PNG vs WebP: Choosing the Right Format
With so many image formats available today, picking the right one can feel overwhelming. HEIC, PNG, and WebP each serve distinct purposes and excel in different areas. This guide breaks down the key differences so you can make an informed choice for every situation.
A Quick Overview of Each Format
HEIC (High Efficiency Image Container) is Apple's default photo format since iOS 11. It uses the advanced HEVC (H.265) codec to deliver excellent image quality at remarkably small file sizes. However, its compatibility outside the Apple ecosystem remains limited.
PNG (Portable Network Graphics) has been a web standard since the late 1990s. It uses lossless compression, meaning no image data is ever discarded. PNG is the go-to choice for graphics that require transparency or pixel-perfect accuracy, such as logos, icons, and screenshots.
WebP is Google's modern image format, introduced in 2010 and now widely supported across all major browsers. It supports both lossy and lossless compression and consistently produces smaller files than both PNG and JPG while maintaining comparable quality.
Format Comparison Table
| Feature | HEIC | PNG | WebP |
|---|---|---|---|
| Compression type | Lossy (default) | Lossless | Lossy & lossless |
| Typical photo size | ~1.5 MB | ~8 MB | ~1 MB |
| Image quality | Excellent | Perfect (lossless) | Excellent |
| Transparency | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Animation | Yes | No | Yes |
| Color depth | Up to 16-bit | Up to 16-bit | 8-bit |
| Browser support | Safari only | All browsers | All modern browsers |
| Best for | iPhone storage | Graphics & screenshots | Web publishing |
When to Use HEIC
HEIC is ideal for storing photos on your iPhone or iPad. Its compression algorithm produces files roughly 40-50% smaller than JPG with no visible quality loss. If you take hundreds of photos on your phone, HEIC saves a meaningful amount of storage space. It also supports advanced features like Live Photos and burst sequences within a single file.
The downside is compatibility. Many Windows applications, older Android devices, and most websites do not accept HEIC uploads. When you need to share or publish your photos, converting to another format is usually necessary.
When to Use PNG
PNG is the best choice when lossless quality and transparency matter. Because PNG compression never discards image data, what you save is exactly what you get back. This makes it perfect for:
- Logos and icons with transparent backgrounds
- Screenshots where text must remain crisp
- Graphics and illustrations with sharp edges
- Images that will undergo multiple rounds of editing
The tradeoff is file size. A PNG photo can be five to ten times larger than the same image saved as HEIC or WebP, making it impractical for large photo libraries or bandwidth-conscious websites.
When to Use WebP
WebP is the top choice for publishing images on the web. It combines the small file sizes of lossy compression with optional lossless mode and transparency support. Websites that switch from PNG or JPG to WebP typically see page load times improve significantly, which benefits both user experience and search engine rankings.
With support in Chrome, Firefox, Safari, and Edge, WebP compatibility is no longer a concern for the vast majority of web visitors. If you run a website or blog, WebP should be your default format.
How to Convert Between Formats
No matter which format your images are in, you can quickly convert them using our free HEIC2PIC. It handles HEIC, PNG, WebP, and JPG files directly in your browser. Your photos never leave your device, so your privacy is fully protected. Simply drag and drop your files, select your desired output format, and download the results in seconds.
The Bottom Line
There is no single "best" image format -- the right choice depends on your use case. Keep HEIC on your iPhone for efficient storage, use PNG when you need lossless quality or transparency for graphics, and choose WebP when publishing images to the web. When you need to switch between them, our converter tool makes the process fast and effortless.