HEIC vs JPG: What’s the Difference?
Smaller files vs. universal compatibility — here is how to decide, format by format.
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The short version
HEIC compresses more efficiently than JPG, so files are roughly 40–50% smaller at similar visual quality. JPG, in exchange, is supported by essentially every device, browser, app, and printer made in the last 25+ years. Most people should keep taking photos in HEIC (or whichever their phone defaults to) and convert to JPG only when something specifically requires it.
Side-by-side comparison
- Compression: HEIC uses HEVC (H.265); JPG uses the older, less efficient JPEG codec — HEIC files are typically half the size
- Compatibility: JPG works everywhere; HEIC is fully supported mainly on Apple devices and recent Windows/Android with codec support
- Transparency: both can technically support it, but nearly no camera photos use it either way
- Color depth: HEIC supports up to 16-bit color for wider-gamut photos; JPG is limited to 8-bit
- Editing: JPG is universally editable; HEIC editing support outside Apple’s own apps is inconsistent
- Extras: HEIC can store image sequences (bursts, Portrait mode depth data); JPG cannot
Is HEIC "better" than JPG?
Technically, yes — better compression and more capabilities. Practically, "better" depends on what you need to do with the file next. If you are archiving on Apple devices, HEIC’s smaller size is a clear win. If you are sharing, uploading, printing, or handing a photo to someone whose device or software might not recognize HEIC, JPG’s universal support wins every time.
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Open HEIC to JPG converterFrequently asked questions
Is HEIC or JPG bigger?
JPG files are typically about twice the size of HEIC files at the same visual quality, because HEIC uses more efficient HEVC compression.
Does converting HEIC to JPG lose quality?
A small, generally invisible amount at the default 90% quality setting, since JPG re-encodes the image with its own lossy compression.
Which format should I use for printing photos?
JPG — virtually every printing service and photo lab is set up for it, while HEIC support is inconsistent.
Can JPG store as much color detail as HEIC?
No — JPG is limited to 8-bit color per channel, while HEIC can store up to 16-bit, which matters for wide-gamut or HDR-style photos.