HEIC to JPEG vs PNG: Which Format Should You Convert To?

Q: Which has better quality, JPEG or PNG?

PNG has better quality because it's lossless - no data is lost during compression. JPEG uses lossy compression, which slightly reduces quality to achieve smaller files. However, at high quality settings (90%+), JPEG quality loss is barely noticeable for photos.

Q: Is JPEG or PNG better for printing photos?

For printing photos, both work well. PNG preserves maximum quality but creates larger files. High-quality JPEG (90-100%) is usually sufficient for prints and more practical due to smaller file sizes. Professional print shops accept both formats.

Last updated: December 2025 | Reading time: 5 minutes

Converting HEIC files but not sure whether to choose JPEG or PNG? This guide breaks down the differences and helps you pick the right format for your specific needs.

Quick Answer

For photos you'll share: Convert to JPEG (smaller files, good quality)
For images you'll edit: Convert to PNG (lossless, preserves all data)
For web use: Convert to WebP (smallest files, great quality)

JPEG vs PNG vs WebP: Quick Comparison

Feature	JPEG	PNG	WebP
File Size	Small	Large	Smallest
Quality	Good (lossy)	Perfect (lossless)	Excellent
Transparency	No	Yes	Yes
Compatibility	Universal	Universal	Modern browsers
Best For	Photos, sharing	Graphics, editing	Web, apps

When to Convert HEIC to JPEG

Choose JPEG When:

Sharing photos via email - Smaller files send faster
Uploading to social media - Most platforms prefer JPEG
Sending to non-tech-savvy recipients - Everyone can open JPEG
Storage space matters - 3-5x smaller than PNG
Printing photos - Print shops work great with JPEG

Typical file sizes (12MP photo):

HEIC: ~1.5 MB
JPEG (90% quality): ~2.5 MB
PNG: ~8 MB

When to Convert HEIC to PNG

Choose PNG When:

You'll edit the image further - No quality loss from repeated saves
You need transparency - PNG supports alpha channel
It's a screenshot or graphic - PNG handles text/lines better
Maximum quality is essential - Lossless compression
Archiving important photos - Preserves all original data

When to Convert HEIC to WebP

Choose WebP When:

Images are for websites - Fastest loading times
Building mobile apps - Smallest file sizes
You want the best balance - Quality + small size
Modern browser support is fine - All current browsers support WebP

Our recommendation: For most people sharing iPhone photos, JPEG at 90% quality is the sweet spot. You get much smaller files than PNG with quality that's visually identical to the original.

Real-World File Size Comparison

Here's what happens when you convert the same 12MP iPhone photo:

Format	File Size	Quality	Reduction vs PNG
Original HEIC	1.5 MB	Original	81% smaller
PNG	8.0 MB	Lossless (100%)	-
JPEG 100%	4.2 MB	~99%	47% smaller
JPEG 90%	2.5 MB	~97%	69% smaller
JPEG 80%	1.8 MB	~93%	78% smaller
WebP	1.6 MB	~98%	80% smaller

Convert HEIC to Any Format

Choose PNG, JPEG, or WebP - we support all three. Free and instant.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Should I convert HEIC to JPEG or PNG?

Convert to JPEG if you want smaller file sizes for sharing photos via email or social media. Convert to PNG if you need perfect quality, transparency support, or plan to edit the image further. For most photo sharing, JPEG is the better choice.

Which has better quality, JPEG or PNG?

PNG has better technical quality because it's lossless - no data is lost during compression. JPEG uses lossy compression, which slightly reduces quality. However, at high quality settings (90%+), the difference is virtually invisible to the human eye for photos.

Is JPEG or PNG better for printing photos?

For printing, both work well. PNG preserves maximum quality but creates larger files. High-quality JPEG (90-100%) is usually sufficient for prints and more practical due to smaller file sizes. Professional print shops accept both formats.

What about WebP?

WebP offers the best of both worlds: smaller files than JPEG with quality comparable to PNG. It supports both lossy and lossless compression, plus transparency. The only downside is slightly less universal compatibility, though all modern browsers support it.

Does converting HEIC to JPEG lose quality?

Yes, technically - JPEG uses lossy compression. However, at 90% quality, the loss is imperceptible for photos. You'd need to zoom in significantly and compare side-by-side to notice any difference. For practical purposes, JPEG quality is excellent.

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