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

AspectJPEGPNG
Compression typeLossy — discards imperceptible dataLossless — preserves all pixels
TransparencyNot supportedFull alpha channel support
File size (photo)Smaller — 60–90% smaller than rawLarger — typically 3–5× larger than JPEG
Best forPhotos, complex gradientsGraphics, text, logos, UI elements
Browser supportUniversalUniversal

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

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Frequently Asked Questions