HEIC vs PNG: Which Should You Use?

Side-by-side comparison of HEIC and PNG image formats — features, pros, cons, and conversion options.

Quick Answer

HEIC is best for iPhone photography and Apple ecosystem. PNG is best for Graphics with transparency, screenshots, and diagrams.

Quick Verdict

HEIC Best for iPhone photography and Apple ecosystem

✓ 50% smaller than JPEG at same quality
✓ Supports depth maps and HDR
✓ Apple default format
✗ Limited Windows/web support

Convert HEIC to PNG →

PNG Best for Graphics with transparency, screenshots, and diagrams

✓ Lossless compression
✓ Full transparency support
✓ Universal web support
✗ Larger than JPEG for photos

Specs Comparison

Side-by-side technical comparison of HEIC and PNG

Feature	HEIC	PNG
Category	Image	Image
Year Introduced	2015	1996
MIME Type	image/heic	image/png
Extensions	.heic, .heif	.png
Lossy	✓	✗
Lossless	✓	✓
Transparency	✓	✓
Animation	✓	✗
Max Color Depth	10-bit	16-bit
Hdr	✓	✗

Pros & Cons

HEIC

Pros

✓ 50% smaller than JPEG at same quality
✓ Supports depth maps and HDR
✓ Apple default format

Cons

✗ Limited Windows/web support
✗ Patent-encumbered
✗ Requires conversion for sharing

PNG

Pros

✓ Lossless compression
✓ Full transparency support
✓ Universal web support

Cons

✗ Larger than JPEG for photos
✗ No animation (use APNG)
✗ No lossy mode

When to Use Each

Choose HEIC when...

You need files optimized for iPhone photography and Apple ecosystem
50% smaller than JPEG at same quality
Supports depth maps and HDR
You need lossless quality

Choose PNG when...

You need files optimized for Graphics with transparency, screenshots, and diagrams
Lossless compression
Full transparency support
You need lossless quality

How to Convert

Convert between HEIC and PNG for free on ChangeThisFile

Convert HEIC to PNG Runs in your browser — files never leave your device

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the difference between HEIC and PNG?

HEIC is best for iPhone photography and Apple ecosystem, while PNG is best for Graphics with transparency, screenshots, and diagrams. Both are image formats but they differ in compression, compatibility, and intended use cases.

Is HEIC or PNG better for image?

It depends on your use case. HEIC is better for iPhone photography and Apple ecosystem. PNG is better for Graphics with transparency, screenshots, and diagrams. Consider your specific requirements when choosing between them.

How do I convert HEIC to PNG?

Go to the HEIC to PNG converter on ChangeThisFile. The conversion runs entirely in your browser — your file never leaves your device. It's free with no signup required.

Can I convert PNG to HEIC?

Direct conversion from PNG to HEIC is not currently supported. Check the conversion pages for available routes using intermediate formats.

Which is smaller, HEIC or PNG?

File size depends on the content and compression settings. HEIC uses lossy compression for smaller files. PNG preserves full quality. For the smallest files, choose the format with lossy compression that meets your quality needs.

Does HEIC support lossy?

Yes, HEIC supports lossy, but PNG does not. This may be important depending on your use case.

Is HEIC or PNG free to use?

Both HEIC and PNG are supported file formats that are free to use. You can convert between them for free on ChangeThisFile — browser-based conversions have no limits and your files never leave your device.

Which format is newer, HEIC or PNG?

HEIC is newer — it was introduced in 2015, while PNG dates back to 1996. Newer formats often offer better compression and features, but older formats tend to have wider compatibility.