HEIC vs PNG: What's the Difference?

HEIC and PNG are both popular image formats, but they serve very different purposes. Understanding the differences helps you choose the right format for your needs — and know when to convert between them.

Quick Comparison

Feature	HEIC	PNG
Compression	Lossy (visually lossless)	Lossless
File size	Very small (50% of JPEG)	Large (2-5x JPEG)
Quality	Excellent	Perfect (pixel-for-pixel)
Transparency	Yes	Yes
Animation	Yes (HEIF sequences)	No (use APNG)
Color depth	Up to 16-bit	Up to 16-bit
Apple support	Native since iOS 11	Universal
Windows support	Requires extension	Native
Web support	Limited	Universal
Best for	iPhone photos, storage	Graphics, screenshots, web

What is HEIC?

HEIC (High Efficiency Image Container) uses the HEVC (H.265) codec to compress images. Apple adopted it as the default iPhone photo format in 2017 with iOS 11. The key advantage is file size — HEIC produces files roughly half the size of JPEG at equal quality.

What is PNG?

PNG (Portable Network Graphics) was created in 1996 as an improved replacement for GIF. It uses lossless compression, meaning every pixel is preserved exactly. PNG is universally supported across all operating systems, browsers, and applications.

When to Use HEIC

Storing photos on your iPhone (saves significant storage space)
Sharing within the Apple ecosystem (Mac, iPad, iPhone)
When file size matters more than universal compatibility

When to Use PNG

Sharing images with non-Apple users
Uploading to websites, platforms, or apps that don't accept HEIC
When you need guaranteed lossless quality
Graphics with text, logos, or sharp edges
Images that need transparency
Screenshots and UI mockups

How to Convert Between Them

Use our free HEIC to PNG converter to convert HEIC photos to PNG instantly in your browser. The conversion is 100% private — your files never leave your device.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is HEIC better quality than PNG?

Both can produce high-quality images, but they work differently. PNG is lossless (preserves every pixel), while HEIC uses efficient lossy compression that is visually lossless at default settings. For practical purposes, quality is comparable.

Why are HEIC files smaller than PNG?

HEIC uses advanced HEVC (H.265) compression that discards imperceptible details. PNG uses lossless compression that preserves all data. This means HEIC files are typically 50-80% smaller than equivalent PNGs.

Should I convert HEIC to PNG?

Convert when you need universal compatibility (sharing with Windows/Linux users), transparency support, or guaranteed lossless quality. Keep HEIC when storage space matters and you're staying in the Apple ecosystem.