HEIC vs WebP: Which Should You Use?

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

Quick Answer

HEIC is best for iPhone photography and Apple ecosystem. WebP is best for Web images balancing quality and file size.

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 WebP →

WebP Best for Web images balancing quality and file size

✓ Smaller than JPEG and PNG
✓ Supports lossy and lossless
✓ Animation and transparency
✗ Limited support in older browsers

Convert WebP to HEIC →

Specs Comparison

Side-by-side technical comparison of HEIC and WebP

Feature	HEIC	WebP
Category	Image	Image
Year Introduced	2015	2010
MIME Type	image/heic	image/webp
Extensions	.heic, .heif	.webp
Lossy	✓	✓
Lossless	✓	✓
Transparency	✓	✓
Animation	✓	✓
Max Color Depth	10-bit	8-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

WebP

Pros

✓ Smaller than JPEG and PNG
✓ Supports lossy and lossless
✓ Animation and transparency

Cons

✗ Limited support in older browsers
✗ Lower max quality than PNG for lossless
✗ Editing tool support still growing

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 WebP when...

You need files optimized for Web images balancing quality and file size
Smaller than JPEG and PNG
Supports lossy and lossless
You need lossless quality

How to Convert

Convert between HEIC and WebP for free on ChangeThisFile

Convert HEIC to WebP Runs in your browser — files never leave your device Convert WebP to HEIC Server-side conversion — auto-deleted after processing

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the difference between HEIC and WebP?

HEIC is best for iPhone photography and Apple ecosystem, while WebP is best for Web images balancing quality and file size. Both are image formats but they differ in compression, compatibility, and intended use cases.

Is HEIC or WebP better for image?

It depends on your use case. HEIC is better for iPhone photography and Apple ecosystem. WebP is better for Web images balancing quality and file size. Consider your specific requirements when choosing between them.

How do I convert HEIC to WebP?

Go to the HEIC to WebP 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 WebP to HEIC?

Yes. ChangeThisFile supports WebP to HEIC conversion. Upload your file for server-side conversion — files are auto-deleted after processing.

Which is smaller, HEIC or WebP?

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

Does HEIC support hdr?

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

Is HEIC or WebP free to use?

Both HEIC and WebP 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 WebP?

HEIC is newer — it was introduced in 2015, while WebP dates back to 2010. Newer formats often offer better compression and features, but older formats tend to have wider compatibility.