If you work with images on the web, you’ve probably run into both PNG and WebP. They can look identical on screen, yet one file can be a fraction of the size of the other. So which should you use? Here’s a plain-English breakdown.
What is PNG?
PNG (Portable Network Graphics) is a lossless format, meaning it stores every pixel exactly with no quality loss. It also supports transparency, which is why it’s the go-to choice for logos, icons, screenshots and graphics with sharp edges or text. The downside: lossless storage makes PNG files relatively large, especially for photos.
What is WebP?
WebP is a modern format created by Google. It can be either lossy or lossless, and it also supports transparency and even animation. Its headline feature is compression: WebP files are typically 25–35% smaller than equivalent PNG or JPG files at similar visual quality. Smaller files mean faster page loads — which is good for users and for SEO.
File size: WebP wins
For the same image, WebP almost always produces a smaller file. A 1 MB PNG screenshot can often shrink to 200–400 KB as WebP with no visible difference. On a website with dozens of images, that adds up to meaningfully faster loading.
Quality and transparency
Both formats support transparency, so converting a transparent PNG to WebP keeps the transparent background. For lossless needs (precise graphics), WebP has a lossless mode that still tends to beat PNG on size. For photos, lossy WebP gives the best size-to-quality ratio.
Browser support
WebP is supported by every modern browser — Chrome, Firefox, Edge, Safari and mobile browsers. Unless you need to support very old software, WebP is safe to use today.
When to use each
- Use WebP for website images, photos and anything where load speed matters.
- Use PNG when you need maximum compatibility with older tools, or when a specific app only accepts PNG.
How to convert PNG to WebP (privately)
You don’t need to upload your images to a stranger’s server to convert them. With our PNG to WebP converter, the conversion happens entirely in your browser — your files never leave your device. You can also go the other way with our WebP to PNG converter if a tool requires PNG.
If your goal is simply to hit a size limit (for a form or upload), try the Compress Image tool to target an exact file size like 100 KB.
The bottom line
For most modern uses, WebP is the better choice thanks to its smaller files and full transparency support. Keep PNG around for maximum compatibility. And whichever you choose, convert locally so your images stay private.