Format Comparison
HEIC vs JPG: which is better?
Your iPhone saves photos as HEIC by default, but almost everything else in the world uses JPG. Which one should you use? It depends on what you're doing with the photos.
The short answer
HEIC wins on file size and quality — roughly half the size of JPG at the same quality. JPG wins on compatibility — it opens literally everywhere. For storage and backup, HEIC is great. For sharing, uploading, and printing, JPG is still the universal standard.
Key differences at a glance
| Feature | HEIC | JPG |
|---|---|---|
| File size | ~50% smaller | Larger |
| Image quality | Excellent (modern compression) | Very good |
| Compatibility | Limited (Apple, newer Android) | Universal — everywhere |
| Windows support | Needs extensions | Built in |
| Web / email uploads | Often rejected | Always accepted |
| Live Photos / bursts | Yes | No |
When to keep HEIC
- Storing photos on your iPhone / iCloud to save space.
- Backing up large libraries where every GB counts.
- Sharing between Apple devices only (AirDrop, iMessage).
When to convert to JPG
- Sending photos to a Windows PC or Android phone.
- Uploading to websites, forms, or online stores.
- Emailing photos to friends and family.
- Using old photo editors or printers.
- Posting to social media platforms.
Does converting lose quality?
Our converter keeps the original resolution and uses a high 92% quality setting, so the JPG looks visually identical to the HEIC. Files will be larger, but you won't notice any quality loss.
Convert your HEIC photos to JPG — free