JPG, WebP, and AVIF can all serve photographs on the web. The best choice depends on where the image will be used, how it looks after export, and the resulting file size. Use the comparison below with one of your own images before making a site-wide switch.

Compare JPG, WebP, and AVIF file sizes

This comparison exports the same pixels at the same dimensions with a nominal quality setting of 80. The quality scales of different encoders are not equivalent, so a smaller file is not automatically the better result. Open each sample and check details, gradients, and text at full size.

Compare your own image

Select one image to export as JPG, WebP, and AVIF at quality 80. Processing happens in your browser; the image is not uploaded.

The one-paragraph verdict

Consider AVIF for website images when its visual quality and file size work well and you can provide a fallback. WebP is a practical web default. Choose JPG when the file must work with upload forms, older software, or recipients whose image support you cannot predict.

JPG: the compatibility king

JPG has broad support in browsers, image viewers, and upload forms. It does not support transparency, and aggressive compression can create visible artifacts. Compatibility still makes it a sensible choice for files you share outside your own website. When a form says “photo under 100KB,” the safe answer is a JPG from a tool like our compress JPG to 100KB page.

WebP: the sensible default for the web

WebP often makes smaller photographic files than JPG and can preserve transparency. Results vary by image and encoder settings. Some desktop software and upload forms reject.webp files — which is why “convert WebP to JPG” is useful. For images you serve on your own site, converting JPG to WebP or PNG to WebP is worth testing.

AVIF: the efficiency leader

AVIF can make very small files for photographs and supports transparency. Encoding can take longer, and software outside modern browsers may not open the output. At strong compression, fine texture can lose detail. Compare it on your own images here or with our image to AVIF converter.

What about PNG?

PNG is a lossless option for screenshots, logos, and graphics that need sharp edges or transparency. It may be much larger than a lossy export of a photograph, but it remains useful when preserving exact pixels matters.

Practical rules of thumb

  • Your own website, maximum savings: AVIF with a WebP or JPG fallback via the <picture> element.
  • Your own website, minimum complexity: WebP everywhere.
  • Email, forms, portals, sharing with others: JPG.
  • Logos, screenshots, transparency with legacy support: PNG.
  • Not sure? Use the comparison above to see sizes side by side, then inspect each exported sample.

How to test the difference on your own images

Try several representative images, not just one. A photograph, a screenshot, and a graphic with transparency can produce very different rankings. This tool limits the longest edge to 2,048 pixels to keep browser processing manageable; it flattens transparency onto white for JPG. Each format uses its own encoder at quality 80, so treat the size comparison as a starting point. Compare the samples visually at full size, especially text, gradients, hair, and foliage.

Does the format replace compression?

No. Format and quality settings work together; a high-quality WebP can be larger than a more compressed JPG. After choosing a format, adjust quality on images that represent your site and inspect the result. File dimensions and delivery also matter, as covered in our guide to optimizing images for Core Web Vitals.