HEIC vs JPG/JPEG
Comparing High Efficiency Image Container and Joint Photographic Experts Group — which format should you use?
| HEIC | JPG/JPEG | |
|---|---|---|
| Full Name | High Efficiency Image Container | Joint Photographic Experts Group |
| Extension | .heic | .jpg |
| MIME Type | image/heic | image/jpeg |
| Category | image | image |
HEIC Pros
- +50% smaller than JPEG at same quality
- +Supports 16-bit color depth
- +Stores multiple images (Live Photos, bursts)
- +Supports transparency and depth maps
HEIC Cons
- -Limited browser support (no native web support)
- -Requires conversion for most platforms
- -Patent-encumbered (HEVC licensing)
- -Not supported by many image editors
JPG/JPEG Pros
- +Excellent compression for photographs
- +Universal support across all platforms
- +Adjustable quality/size tradeoff
- +Small file sizes for web use
JPG/JPEG Cons
- -Lossy — quality degrades with each save
- -No transparency support
- -Artifacts visible at low quality settings
- -Not ideal for text, logos, or sharp edges
Use HEIC when...
- -iPhone and iPad photography
- -Apple ecosystem sharing
- -Storage-efficient photo libraries
- -Live Photos and burst sequences
Use JPG/JPEG when...
- -Digital photography
- -Web images and thumbnails
- -Social media uploads
- -Email attachments