WebP is an image format developed by Google in 2010. It uses more modern compression algorithms than JPEG or PNG, producing significantly smaller files at equivalent quality. As of 2025, it’s supported by all major browsers and is the recommended format for web images.
WebP gives you the same image quality as JPEG (for photos) or PNG (for graphics with transparency) in a file that’s 25–35% smaller.
WebP vs Other Formats: The Numbers
| Format | File size (1200×800 photo) | Transparency | Animation |
|---|---|---|---|
| JPEG (quality 85) | ~130KB | No | No |
| PNG | ~900KB | Yes | No |
| WebP lossy (quality 80) | ~95KB | No | Yes |
| WebP lossless | ~650KB | Yes | Yes |
What WebP Can Do That Others Can’t
WebP is unique in supporting all four in a single format:
- Lossy compression (photos, like JPEG)
- Lossless compression (graphics, like PNG)
- Transparency (alpha channel, like PNG)
- Animation (like GIF, but smaller)
Browser Support: 97% Global Coverage
Chrome (2012), Firefox (2019), Safari (iOS 14+, 2020), Edge, Opera, Samsung Internet. Only IE11 (<0.5% of traffic) and very old mobile browsers don’t support WebP. Use it as your default format.
How to Convert to WebP
AllMediaTools Image Converter converts JPEG, PNG, and GIF to WebP for free — choose lossy (photos) or lossless (graphics with transparency).
HTML with fallback for older browsers
<picture>
<source srcset="image.webp" type="image/webp">
<img src="image.jpg" alt="Description">
</picture>Frequently Asked Questions
Is WebP lossless actually smaller than PNG?
Yes — typically 25–35% smaller for equivalent quality. The compression algorithm is more sophisticated than PNG’s deflate compression.
Will WebP be replaced by newer formats?
AVIF (based on AV1) is more efficient and gaining browser support. Long-term AVIF may succeed WebP, but WebP has years of adoption lead and remains the practical choice for 2025.
Does WebP support camera metadata (EXIF)?
Yes — WebP supports EXIF, XMP, and ICC color profile metadata. Read more: WebP vs JPEG vs PNG comparison.