JPEG vs PNG: Which Image Format Should You Use?
A complete comparison of JPEG and PNG image formats — covering file size, quality, transparency support, and the best use cases for each.
Verdict
Use JPEG for photographs and complex images with millions of colors. Use PNG for logos, graphics, screenshots, and images requiring transparency.
Key Differences
| Aspect | JPEG | PNG |
|---|---|---|
| Compression type | Lossy — discards imperceptible data | Lossless — preserves all pixels |
| Transparency | Not supported | Full alpha channel support |
| File size (photo) | Smaller — 60–90% smaller than raw | Larger — typically 3–5× larger than JPEG |
| Best for | Photos, complex gradients | Graphics, text, logos, UI elements |
| Browser support | Universal | Universal |
Use JPEG when:
Photographs, social media images, email photos, product images, real estate photos
Use PNG when:
Logos, icons, screenshots with text, images with transparent backgrounds, UI graphics