WebP vs PNG
WebP can do almost everything PNG does in a smaller file. So why is PNG still everywhere?
| Feature | WebP | PNG |
|---|---|---|
| Compression | Lossy or lossless | Lossless only |
| Lossless size | About 26% smaller than PNG | Baseline |
| Transparency | Yes | Yes |
| Animation | Yes | Only as APNG |
| Browsers | All current browsers | All browsers |
| Apps and editors | Most current ones | Every one |
Size and quality
Google's own measurements found lossless WebP files are about 26 percent smaller than PNGs of the same image. Because both are lossless, the pixels are identical; you just download less. WebP can also store images with lossy compression, which can make graphics and photos far smaller than PNG while still keeping a transparent background, something neither PNG nor JPG can do on its own.
For simple graphics with few colours, a well-optimised PNG can come close to WebP's size. For photos with transparency, such as product cut-outs, lossy WebP beats PNG by a huge margin.
Compatibility
Every current browser displays WebP, including Safari since 2020, so for websites support is no longer a concern. The gaps are elsewhere. Some older image editors, office suites, email clients, print services and upload forms still don't accept WebP, and older versions of Windows and macOS can't preview it.
PNG has no such issues. It has been universally supported for more than twenty years, which makes it the safer format to send to other people or keep long term.
When to use each
Use WebP for images on your own website, especially large hero images, product photos with transparent backgrounds and UI graphics. Many site builders and CDNs convert images to WebP automatically, so you may not need to do anything.
Use PNG for screenshots you share, design assets you'll edit again, images you upload to services that might reject WebP, and anything you want to archive. If you've downloaded a WebP from the web and an app won't open it, converting it to PNG keeps every pixel.
What about animation?
WebP supports animation with far smaller files than GIF, and with full colour and transparency. PNG's animated variant, APNG, works in browsers too but is less common. For animation on the web, a short muted MP4 or WebM video is often smaller than either.
Free Tools for This
They run in your browser, so your files are never uploaded.
Questions
Does converting PNG to WebP lose quality?
Not if you use lossless WebP. Lossy WebP at a high quality setting also looks the same for most images and is much smaller.
Does WebP support transparency?
Yes, in both lossless and lossy modes.
Why does my computer not open WebP?
Older apps and operating systems lack support. Open it in a browser, or convert it to PNG.
Is WebP better than PNG for SEO?
Smaller images load faster, which helps page speed scores. The format itself isn't a ranking factor.