HEIC vs JPG: Which Image Format Is Better in 2026?
What Is HEIC?
HEIC (High Efficiency Image Container) is the default photo format on iPhones and iPads since iOS 11. It uses the HEIF (High Efficiency Image Format) standard with HEVC compression, offering significantly better compression than traditional JPEG while maintaining high image quality.
What Is JPG?
JPG (also called JPEG) has been the standard image format since 1992. It uses lossy compression, meaning it reduces file size by discarding some image data. Despite being over 30 years old, JPG remains the most universally supported image format across all devices and platforms.
Key Differences
File Size
HEIC files are typically 40-50% smaller than equivalent JPG files at the same visual quality. An iPhone photo that would be 3-4 MB as a JPG is often only 1.5-2 MB as HEIC.
Image Quality
At the same file size, HEIC delivers noticeably better image quality than JPG. HEIC supports 16-bit color depth (vs JPG's 8-bit), resulting in smoother gradients and more accurate colors.
Compatibility
This is where JPG wins. JPG is supported by virtually every application, website, and device ever made. HEIC support is growing but still limited — many Windows applications, older Android devices, and web platforms don't support HEIC natively.
Transparency
HEIC supports transparency (alpha channels), while JPG does not. If you need transparent backgrounds, HEIC is an option, though PNG and WebP are more commonly used for this purpose.
When to Use Each Format
Use HEIC when:
- Storing photos on your iPhone or iPad
- You want to save storage space without losing quality
- Your workflow stays within the Apple ecosystem
Use JPG when:
- Sharing photos via email, social media, or messaging apps
- Uploading images to websites or online platforms
- Maximum compatibility is required across different devices
- Working with older software or systems
How to Convert Between Formats
If you have HEIC photos from your iPhone that you need to share, you can convert them to JPG instantly using our free online HEIC to JPG converter. The conversion happens entirely in your browser — your photos are never uploaded to any server.
The Bottom Line
HEIC is technically superior with better compression and quality, but JPG's universal compatibility makes it the safer choice for sharing. The best approach is to keep your originals in HEIC for storage efficiency and convert to JPG when you need to share with others.