Guide · Images

WebP vs PNG: which should you use?

WebP is Google's modern web image format; PNG is the lossless workhorse that's been around forever. They overlap more than most formats — both are lossless-capable and both do transparency — so the choice comes down to size vs universal compatibility.

File size

This is WebP's headline win. In lossless mode, WebP files are typically around 25% smaller than the equivalent PNG, and WebP also has a lossy mode PNG doesn't — handy for photographic content where you can trade a little fidelity for a much smaller file. For a website serving thousands of images, that adds up to real bandwidth and load-time savings.

Quality & transparency

Both are lossless when you want them to be, and both support an alpha channel, so transparency isn't a deciding factor here (unlike PNG vs JPG). Lossless WebP is pixel-for-pixel faithful just like PNG. WebP can also do animation, making it a lighter alternative to animated GIFs.

Compatibility

PNG's advantage is that it opens absolutely everywhere — every browser, editor, document tool, email client and OS, no exceptions. WebP support in browsers is now effectively universal, but it still lags in places PNG doesn't: some older desktop image editors, certain email clients, and legacy software may not open a WebP. For images embedded on a website, WebP is great; for a file you're sending someone to open in a random app, PNG is the safer bet.

When to use which

• Use WebP for: images on your own website or app, where smaller files mean faster pages and the browser handles decoding.
• Use PNG for: assets you share or hand off, editing source files, email, print, and anywhere maximum compatibility matters.

Convert either way

Processed privately, auto-deleted after an hour:

• Convert PNG to WebP — shrink site images.
• Convert WebP to PNG — get a universally-compatible copy.

Comparing against JPG instead? See PNG vs JPG.

TL;DR

WebP for the web — smaller, modern, still does transparency. PNG for compatibility, editing and sharing. When a file needs to open anywhere, reach for PNG.