HEIC vs PNG: Which Format Should You Choose?
Both HEIC and PNG serve different purposes in digital photography. Learn the key differences between these formats to make the right choice for image quality, file size, and compatibility needs.
Choosing between HEIC and PNG formats depends on your specific needs: compression efficiency, image quality, transparency support, and compatibility requirements. This comprehensive comparison will help you understand when to use each format.
Quick Comparison Overview
| Feature | HEIC | PNG |
|---|---|---|
| File Size | ✓ Much smaller | ✗ Larger files |
| Transparency | ✓ Supported | ✓ Full support |
| Compatibility | ✗ Limited | ✓ Universal |
| Compression | ✓ Lossy (efficient) | ~ Lossless |
File Size and Compression
HEIC Wins for File Size
HEIC files are typically 40-50% smaller than PNG files for the same image, making them excellent for storage efficiency on mobile devices.
Compression Differences:
-
HEIC: Uses advanced H.265 compression with lossy algorithms that maintain high quality while significantly reducing file size
-
PNG: Uses lossless compression that preserves every pixel exactly, resulting in larger but perfect-quality files
Image Quality Comparison
Both formats can deliver excellent image quality, but they achieve this differently:
HEIC Quality Features:
- Supports up to 16-bit color depth
- Excellent for photographs with gradients
- HDR and wide color gamut support
PNG Quality Features:
- Perfect pixel-for-pixel reproduction
- Ideal for graphics with sharp edges
- Superior transparency handling
Transparency Support
Both formats support transparency, but PNG has been the gold standard for transparent images:
PNG Transparency
- • Full alpha channel support
- • Partial transparency (0-255 levels)
- • Perfect for logos and graphics
- • Universal browser support
HEIC Transparency
- • Alpha channel supported
- • More efficient transparent compression
- • Limited software compatibility
- • Best on Apple devices
Platform Compatibility
PNG Has Universal Support
PNG is supported everywhere: all browsers, operating systems, image editors, and applications. HEIC support is still limited outside Apple's ecosystem.
Compatibility Breakdown:
PNG Support:
✅ All web browsers, Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS, image editors, printers
HEIC Support:
📱 iOS 11+, macOS High Sierra+, some Android devices, limited Windows support, newer image viewers
When to Use Each Format
Choose HEIC When:
- • Storing photos on iPhone/iPad
- • Saving storage space is priority
- • Working within Apple ecosystem
- • Need HDR or wide color support
- • Photographing with modern devices
Choose PNG When:
- • Need universal compatibility
- • Creating graphics or logos
- • Require perfect transparency
- • Web development projects
- • Professional image editing
Converting Between Formats
Need to convert between HEIC and PNG? Our converter supports both directions:
Free Conversion Options
- • HEIC to PNG converter - Preserve transparency and quality
- • PNG to HEIC converter - Reduce file sizes significantly
- • Batch processing up to 20 files at once
- • No software installation required
Related Articles
HEIC vs JPEG Formats: What's the Difference?
Compare HEIC with JPEG format for photo storage and sharing.
Read More →