Is WebP Better Than PNG and JPG? Which is the Best Image Format for Websites?
Everything you need to know about next-gen image formats for SEO and Speed.
Introduction
Have you ever wondered why your website loads so slowly? Why does Google PageSpeed Insights repeatedly say "Serve images in next-gen formats"? The answer often lies hidden within your image formats.
For years, we’ve relied on PNG and JPG. They are familiar, accessible, and supported almost everywhere. However, a revolution has arrived in the world of web technology: WebP. Created by Google, this format is gradually becoming the "king" of the internet.
What is WebP?
WebP is a modern image format developed by Google in 2010. Its full name is Web Picture Format. It was designed specifically for the web—where fast loading and low bandwidth usage are critical.
WebP can save images using two methods:
- Lossy Compression: Reduces file size significantly by slightly lowering quality (similar to JPG).
- Lossless Compression: Reduces file size while keeping the quality perfectly intact (similar to PNG).
Brief Overview of PNG and JPG
What is JPG (JPEG)?
Popular for photography since 1992. Uses Lossy Compression.
What is PNG?
Created in 1996 for lossless quality and transparent backgrounds.
Why WebP is Better Than PNG and JPG
1. Massive Difference in File Size
According to Google’s research, WebP Lossy files are 25-34% smaller than comparable JPGs, and WebP Lossless files are 26% smaller than comparable PNGs.
2. Increased Website Loading Speed
Speed is vital for SEO. Google judges sites based on Core Web Vitals like LCP (Largest Contentful Paint). Using WebP directly reduces page load time and lowers bounce rates.
3. Supports Both Transparency and Animation
WebP is unique because it supports transparent backgrounds (like PNG) and animations (like GIF), but at a much smaller size.
4. Direct SEO Impact
Adopting WebP increases your Performance Score in PageSpeed Insights, leading to better mobile search visibility.
WebP vs. JPG vs. PNG: Comparison Chart
| Feature | JPG | PNG | WebP |
|---|---|---|---|
| File Size | Medium | Large | Small ✅ |
| Transparency | ❌ | ✅ | ✅ |
| SEO Benefit | Low | Low | High ✅ |
| Mobile Performance | Medium | Poor | Best ✅ |
How to Use WebP (Step-by-Step)
Converting your images to WebP is now easier than ever:
Need to convert images to WebP?
Convert to WebP with PicoToolxCommon Myths About WebP
Myth: "WebP quality is bad."
Fact: Lossless WebP is identical to PNG, and Lossy WebP often looks better than JPG at smaller sizes.
Myth: "It doesn't work everywhere."
Fact: Over 95% of modern browsers fully support WebP today.
Conclusion
WebP is the future of web imagery. It offers the perfect balance of quality and performance. If you want a fast, SEO-friendly website, start using WebP today. Remember: "Fast Website = More Visitors = More Revenue."