JPG vs WebP
WebP is Google's modern image format designed to replace JPEG for web use. It typically delivers 25-35% smaller files at equivalent quality. But JPEG still has advantages in compatibility and tooling support.
Format comparison
| Property | JPG | WebP |
|---|---|---|
| Compression | Lossy | Lossy or lossless |
| Transparency | No | Yes |
| Typical web file size | Baseline | 25-35% smaller |
| Browser support | Universal | All modern browsers |
| Camera / tool support | Universal | Growing |
When to use WebP
For all web delivery where you control the server. Next.js, Nuxt, and most modern CMSes auto-serve WebP to supported browsers.
When to keep JPG
For email attachments, print workflows, camera output, and any system that doesn't yet support WebP.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is WebP supported by all browsers?
Yes — all major browsers (Chrome, Firefox, Safari 14+, Edge) support WebP. Only very old browsers (IE11, Safari 13-) do not.
Does WebP reduce quality?
At equivalent settings, WebP quality is comparable to JPEG. The smaller file at the same visual quality is the advantage.