WebP vs PNG vs JPG: Which Is Best for Web Use?
Confused between WebP, PNG, and JPG? Learn in simple words which image format is best for websites, faster page loading, and better image quality.
IMAGE OPTIMIZATION GUIDES
Introduction
Images make a website look alive. They catch attention and help people understand your content better. But heavy images slow down the site. A slow site means fewer visitors and lower search ranking.
Choosing the right image format can fix this problem. You often see images saved as JPG, PNG, or WebP. Each format has its own use. Some are lighter, some look sharper, and some can handle transparency.
Let’s explore them one by one — in simple language — so you can pick the best format for your website.
What Is JPG?
JPG (or JPEG) is the most common image format. Almost every camera, phone, and website uses it. JPG uses a lossy compression method. That means it slightly reduces image quality to make the file smaller.
When you save a photo as JPG, it removes some tiny details that your eyes can’t notice easily. This helps in faster uploads and quicker website loading.
Best use:
Photos
Blog images
Product pictures
Not good for:
Logos
Icons
Transparent backgrounds
JPG is great for colourful and detailed images, but not for graphics or logos that need a clear edge.
What Is PNG?
PNG stands for Portable Network Graphics. It uses lossless compression, meaning it keeps every pixel sharp and clear. Even if you edit and save it many times, the image quality stays the same.
The best thing about PNG is its transparency support. You can make parts of the image invisible, which is perfect for logos, overlays, and icons.
Best use:
Logos and banners
Images with text or shapes
Icons and transparent designs
Not good for:
Large photos
Image-heavy pages (because file size is big)
PNG is for times when quality matters more than speed.
What Is WebP?
WebP is a modern image format made by Google. It’s like the smart mix of JPG and PNG. It can compress images like JPG but also support transparency like PNG.
WebP can be lossy or lossless. In most cases, a WebP file is 25–35% smaller than the same image in JPG or PNG format — without visible quality loss.
Best use:
Blog and website images
E-commerce product photos
Any image that needs both quality and speed
Not good for:
Very old browsers or systems that don’t support it (though most modern browsers do now)
WebP helps your website load fast and still look crisp.
How Each Format Affects Website Speed
Image size directly affects your website’s loading time. Large files take longer to load, which frustrates users. Google also ranks slow websites lower.
JPG: Light, loads fast, but small quality loss.
PNG: Heavy, perfect quality, slower loading.
WebP: Light and high quality, ideal for modern web.
So, for most websites, WebP gives the best balance between speed and quality.
When Should You Use JPG?
Use JPG when you:
Upload real-life photos (like people, places, or products).
Need smaller file size for fast pages.
Don’t need transparency or sharp edges.
JPG keeps your site light and smooth. Just avoid over-compressing or the image will look blurry.
When Should You Use PNG?
Use PNG when you:
Need clean logos, icons, or graphics.
Want to keep image quality perfect.
Need transparency for design layouts.
PNG works well for websites with branding visuals and text-based images.
When Should You Use WebP?
Use WebP when you:
Want the best balance between speed and clarity.
Manage a modern website or blog.
Use a builder like Hostinger that supports WebP uploads.
Most new websites now use WebP as their main format because it makes pages fast and beautiful at the same time.
Why WebP Is the Best for Websites
Smaller file size: WebP images are lighter but still look great.
Supports transparency: You can use it for logos and banners.
Modern and flexible: Works with both photos and designs.
Improves SEO: Fast pages mean better Google ranking.
Saves bandwidth: Perfect for mobile users with slow internet.
If you’re building a site on Hostinger Website Builder, you can upload WebP images directly. The builder automatically optimizes them for speed.
How to Optimize Your Images for Web
No matter what format you use, a few extra steps make your site faster:
1. Resize Before Upload
Don’t upload a 4000px photo if your web layout needs only 1200px. Resize before uploading.
2. Compress Images
Use free tools like TinyPNG, Squoosh, or iLoveIMG to reduce size without losing quality.
3. Use WebP If Possible
Convert old JPG or PNG images into WebP to save space and speed up loading.
4. Keep Image Names Clean
Use short, clear names with keywords (for example: webp-vs-png.jpg). It helps SEO.
5. Use Lazy Loading
Hostinger Builder supports lazy loading. It loads images only when visitors scroll down. This improves performance.
Example Scenarios
Scenario 1: Photography Blog
You post beautiful landscape photos.
Use WebP or JPG for smaller size.
Avoid PNG because it will make your blog heavy.
Scenario 2: Business Website
You display company logos and product icons.
Use PNG for transparent images.
Or WebP lossless if supported by your builder.
Scenario 3: E-Commerce Store
You have hundreds of product images.
Use WebP to save storage and make your site faster.
Keep backup JPGs for older browsers if needed.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Don’t upload full-resolution photos straight from your camera.
Don’t mix too many formats unnecessarily.
Don’t forget to check browser compatibility.
Don’t use PNG for large photos unless you need transparency.
Final Comparison Summary
Use CaseRecommended FormatRegular photosJPG or WebP (lossy)Logos or iconsPNG or WebP (lossless)Transparent imagesPNG or WebPPhoto-heavy blogsWebPOld browser support neededJPG or PNGFastest site performance WebP.
Conclusion
Good images make your website beautiful. Smart image formats make it fast.
If your goal is speed, WebP is the clear winner. It’s light, modern, and supported by almost all browsers today.
Need a perfect quality or transparency, PNG works best.
If you deal with normal photos, JPG still does a fine job.
Use these formats wisely based on your content type. A small change in image format can make a big difference in website speed and user experience.
Start testing different formats on your Hostinger builder site. Measure how fast your pages load. Once you switch to WebP or optimized images, you’ll see the difference — faster pages, happier visitors, and better SEO.