JPEG vs WebP — which format to compress photos
JPEG vs WebP for photos: file size, quality and compatibility, with an online compressor.
WebP usually wins on weight at a similar look. JPEG is the default for email, print shops and older apps.
Try both in the compressor below at the same quality and compare the kilobytes. PNG is a third option when you need lossless graphics.
JPEG is the file almost every viewer opens, and it has no transparency. WebP is usually smaller at the same photo quality and can keep an alpha channel, and a few old tools still refuse it. AVIF is smaller again and less widely shown. For a photo that must open in email, JPEG is the safe export. For a page you control, WebP is the smaller one. This page is the choice; the compressor writes the file.
| Trait | JPEG | WebP |
|---|---|---|
| Compatibility | Email, print, older apps | Modern browsers and many CMS |
| Size at similar look | Larger | Usually smaller |
| Transparency | No | Yes (also AVIF/PNG in the studio) |
FAQ
Which should I send a client?
JPEG if you are unsure they can open WebP. WebP for the web when the stack supports it.