WebP vs JPEG: Complete Comparison Guide 2025

WebP and JPEG are two of the most popular image formats on the web. Understanding their differences can help you make better decisions for your website's performance.

What is WebP?

WebP is a modern image format developed by Google that provides superior compression for images on the web. It supports both lossy and lossless compression, as well as transparency and animation.

Key Benefits of WebP:

25-35% smaller file sizes compared to JPEG at similar quality

Supports transparency (alpha channel)

Supports animation

Better compression algorithms

Excellent browser support (95%+ globally)

What is JPEG?

JPEG (Joint Photographic Experts Group) has been the standard for photographic images since 1992. It uses lossy compression to reduce file sizes.

Key Benefits of JPEG:

Universal browser support (100%)

Wide software compatibility

Proven and reliable

Simple to use

File Size Comparison

In our tests, WebP consistently produces smaller files:

Photography: WebP is 25-35% smaller

Graphics: WebP is 30-40% smaller

Screenshots: WebP is 35-45% smaller

Browser Support

**WebP**: Supported by Chrome, Firefox, Edge, Safari (since 2020), and Opera. Coverage: ~95%

**JPEG**: Universal support across all browsers and devices. Coverage: 100%

When to Use WebP

Use WebP when:

You want the best compression and quality balance

Your audience uses modern browsers

You need transparency in photos

File size is critical for performance

When to Use JPEG

Use JPEG when:

You need maximum compatibility

Working with legacy systems

Simplicity is more important than optimization

Conclusion

For modern websites, WebP is the superior choice. Use it with JPEG fallbacks for maximum compatibility and performance.