In the ever-evolving digital landscape, efficient image formats are crucial for both web performance and mobile device storage. WebP, developed by Google, has become a standard for web optimization, while HEIC (High Efficiency Image Container), primarily used by Apple, has revolutionized how photos are stored on iPhones and iPads.
While both formats aim to reduce file sizes without compromising quality, they originate from different ecosystems and have distinct primary use cases. This comparison will help you understand their differences and determine which format is best for specific scenarios.
Both formats offer superior compression compared to older formats like JPEG and PNG.
Beyond basic compression, both formats offer advanced features.
This is where the formats diverge significantly due to their primary use cases.
Yes, you can convert HEIC to WebP using various online converters or desktop software. This is a common practice when you want to use HEIC photos on a website.
No, WebP is an image format and does not support the Live Photo feature (which combines a still image with a short video). Live Photos are typically stored as HEIC files (HEIF containers) by Apple.
While HEIC offers better compression for photos, its browser support is not as universal as WebP. For web use, WebP is generally preferred due to its widespread compatibility and optimization for web delivery. You would typically convert HEIC to WebP before putting it on a website.
HEIC uses the HEVC (H.265) video codec, which can sometimes involve licensing fees. This has slowed its adoption outside of Apple's ecosystem, where they have integrated the codec deeply into their hardware and software.
Use our free online tools for quick and easy conversions:
webp vs gif