HEIC vs JPG: Which Format Should You Use?
If you have an iPhone, your photos are saved in HEIC format. But the rest of the world largely runs on JPG. Understanding the differences helps you decide when to keep HEIC and when to convert to JPG.
Quick Comparison
| Feature | HEIC | JPG |
|---|---|---|
| Compression | HEVC (lossy) | DCT (lossy) |
| File size (12MP photo) | ~1.5-2.5 MB | ~3-5 MB |
| Quality at same size | Better | Lower |
| Transparency | Yes | No |
| Color depth | Up to 16-bit | 8-bit |
| Compatibility | Apple + modern software | Everything |
| Web browser support | Safari only (mostly) | All browsers |
| Social media | Limited | Universal |
| Editing support | Growing | Universal |
File Size: HEIC Wins
HEIC uses modern HEVC compression that's dramatically more efficient than JPG's 30-year-old DCT algorithm. A typical 12-megapixel iPhone photo is about 1.5-2.5 MB in HEIC vs 3-5 MB in JPG — roughly 50% smaller. That adds up fast when you have thousands of photos.
Compatibility: JPG Wins
JPG is the universal standard. Every device, browser, application, and service on earth supports JPG. HEIC is growing but still has gaps — Windows needs an extension, many web platforms don't accept it, and older software can't read it at all.
Quality: HEIC Wins (Slightly)
At the same file size, HEIC produces noticeably better images than JPG. Or put another way: HEIC matches JPG quality at half the file size. Both formats are lossy, but HEIC's compression is simply more modern and efficient.
When to Convert
Convert HEIC to JPG when you need maximum compatibility — sharing via email, uploading to websites, or sending to non-Apple users. Use our free HEIC to JPG converter to do it instantly in your browser.
If you need lossless quality instead, consider converting to PNG — no compression artifacts at all.