WebP and JPG (JPEG) are both image file formats commonly used on the web, but they have some differences in terms of compression, quality, and features:
WebP: Developed by Google, WebP typically provides better compression than JPEG, resulting in smaller file sizes for images of similar quality. It uses both lossy and lossless compression methods.
JPG: JPEG uses a lossy compression method, which means some image data is discarded to reduce file size. It’s been the standard for web images for a long time and is widely supported by browsers and image editing software.
WebP: Despite its smaller file sizes, WebP images can maintain relatively high quality due to its efficient compression algorithm. It’s capable of preserving more details in images compared to JPEG at similar file sizes.
JPG: While JPEG is known for its widespread support and compatibility, its compression method can result in visible artifacts, especially at lower quality settings or with repeated compressions.
WebP: WebP supports both lossy and lossless transparency. This means it can handle images with transparent backgrounds, like PNGs, while still offering smaller file sizes compared to PNG.
JPG: JPEG doesn’t support transparency. It’s designed primarily for photographs and images without transparency.
WebP: While WebP is gaining adoption, it’s not as widely supported as JPEG. Most modern web browsers support WebP, but some older browsers and image editing software may not.
JPG: JPEG is supported by virtually all web browsers and image editing software, making it a safe choice for compatibility.
WebP: In addition to still images, WebP also supports animated images, similar to GIFs. This makes it versatile for different types of web content.
JPG: JPEG is primarily used for still images and doesn’t support animations.
In summary, WebP generally offers better compression and quality compared to JPEG, especially for images with complex details. However, JPEG remains widely used due to its longstanding support, compatibility, and familiarity in the web development community. The choice between WebP and JPEG often depends on factors such as the specific use case, target audience, and desired balance between file size and image quality.
