WebP vs PNG
PNG has been the go-to lossless format for over two decades. WebP is the modern challenger. Here is how they compare — and when to use each.
| PNG | WebP | |
|---|---|---|
| Compression | Lossless only | Lossless & lossy |
| File size | Large | 26–80% smaller |
| Transparency | Yes (alpha) | Yes (alpha) |
| Browser support | Universal | 95%+ (all modern) |
| Software support | Universal | Growing, not universal |
| Best for | Editing, compatibility | Web delivery |
File size: WebP wins clearly
PNG is lossless — it stores every pixel without any compression artifacts. That precision produces large files. A photograph saved as PNG might be 3–8MB. The same image as a lossy WebP at quality 85 might be 150–300KB. Lossless WebP (which matches PNG's exact fidelity) is still around 26% smaller than PNG on average.
Quality: effectively identical for web use
At quality 85–90%, lossy WebP is visually identical to the original for photographs and most graphics. The human eye cannot detect the difference at typical screen viewing distances. Where quality matters most — pixel-perfect screenshots, print design, precise color work — lossless WebP or PNG are both appropriate.
Transparency: WebP handles it
One of PNG's key advantages over JPEG has always been transparency support. WebP matches this completely — it supports full alpha channel transparency. Converting a PNG logo with a transparent background to WebP preserves the transparency exactly.
When to stick with PNG
PNG is still the right choice when files need to be opened in software that doesn't support WebP (older Photoshop versions, some Windows apps), when sharing files via email or platforms that display PNG thumbnails, for screenshots (Windows saves screenshots as PNG by default), or any time you need guaranteed compatibility across all possible software.
The verdict
For images displayed in a web browser: use WebP. For files that need to work everywhere including non-browser software: use PNG. If you are building or optimising a website, converting your PNG images to WebP is one of the simplest performance wins available.
Convert PNG to WebP free
Drop your PNG, adjust quality, download a smaller WebP. Runs in your browser.
Use PNG to WebP Converter →Frequently asked questions
Is WebP better than PNG?
For web use, yes. WebP produces smaller files than PNG at equivalent or better quality, supports transparency, and is supported by all modern browsers. PNG remains preferable for editing workflows, screenshots on Windows, and cases requiring maximum compatibility with non-browser software.
Does WebP support transparency like PNG?
Yes. WebP supports full alpha channel transparency. You can convert a transparent PNG to WebP and the transparency is preserved perfectly. This makes WebP a direct replacement for PNG in web contexts — logos, icons, and cutout images all work.
How much smaller is WebP compared to PNG?
Lossless WebP is on average 26% smaller than PNG. For photographs and complex images, lossy WebP at quality 80–90% is typically 60–80% smaller than the equivalent PNG. The exact savings vary by image content — simpler graphics save less, photographs save more.
Which browsers support WebP?
All modern browsers: Chrome (since 2010), Firefox (since 2019), Safari (since 14 in 2020), Edge, Opera, Samsung Internet. Global support is above 95% in 2025. Internet Explorer does not support WebP, but IE reached end of life in 2022.
When should I keep PNG instead of WebP?
Use PNG when you need files that open in design software (some older tools don't handle WebP), when sharing files with people who might open them in email clients or apps with limited format support, for screenshots on Windows where PNG is the default, or any situation where maximum software compatibility matters more than file size.
Can I convert PNG to WebP without losing quality?
Yes. WebP supports lossless compression, which preserves every pixel exactly like PNG does. The result is a smaller file with no quality loss. Alternatively, lossy WebP at 90%+ quality is visually identical to the original for most images while being significantly smaller.