PNG vs WebP: Which Image Format Should You Use?
PNG is a lossless web staple; WebP is a modern format that is usually smaller at the same quality. Here is how they compare and which to use.
| Feature | PNG | WebP |
|---|---|---|
| Compression | Lossless only | Lossy and lossless |
| Transparency | Yes | Yes |
| Typical file size | Larger | 25–35% smaller |
| Animation | No | Yes |
| Browser support | Universal | All modern browsers |
| Best for | Masters, max compatibility | Production web delivery |
The key difference
Both formats are lossless-capable and both support transparency, so the deciding factor is size and purpose. WebP adds a lossy mode and consistently produces smaller files than PNG at equivalent quality, which makes it the better choice for delivering images on the web. PNG remains valuable as an editable, lossless master and as the safe fallback for any environment that cannot read WebP.
Which should you use?
Use WebP for almost all web images — it loads faster and keeps transparency. Keep PNG as your source/master file, or when a tool, email client or legacy system requires it. Converting your existing PNGs to WebP is one of the easiest site-speed wins available.