Does WebP Reduce Image Quality?

WebP does not necessarily reduce image quality—at least not more than JPEG or other lossy formats. WebP supports both lossy and lossless compression:

  • In lossy mode, WebP uses advanced compression algorithms that can significantly reduce file sizes while retaining image quality. The compression level is adjustable, allowing you to control the balance between file size and quality. WebP often maintains similar or even better quality than JPEG at lower file sizes.

  • In lossless mode, WebP preserves all image data without losing any quality, similar to PNG. This is particularly useful for images that require perfect reproduction, like logos or detailed graphics.

However, like any lossy compression format, reducing the file size too much will eventually lead to noticeable quality degradation. But in most cases, WebP offers a higher-quality image at a smaller size compared to JPEG.

Learn more about image formats in our guide: Choosing the Right Image Formats: JPG, PNG, WEBP, TIFF.

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