Verdict: HEIC wins on efficiency — roughly half the size of JPG at similar quality, which is why iPhones shoot it by default. JPG wins on compatibility — it opens everywhere with zero friction. Keep HEIC for personal storage; convert to JPG before sharing anywhere.
| Criterion | HEIC | JPG |
|---|---|---|
| File size at similar quality | Roughly half the size of JPG | The legacy baseline — larger |
| Compatibility | Apple-first; patchy on Windows and the web | Universal since 1992 — opens everywhere |
| Image quality | 16-bit color, less banding in skies and gradients | 8-bit with older compression |
| Default on | iPhone photos since iOS 11 | Every other camera, site, and app |
| Burst and live photos | Efficient sequences stored in one container | One file per frame |
| Best for | Personal storage in the Apple ecosystem | Sharing, uploading, printing, the web |
Every tool below runs entirely in your browser — your files never leave your device.
Windows 10/11 needs a paid HEVC extension for full HEIC support, and many apps ignore it. Converting to JPG removes the problem permanently.
Barely, at high quality settings — HEIC's efficiency headroom means the JPG still looks excellent. Keep the HEIC originals if you want a lossless archive path.
Storage: HEIC holds roughly twice the quality per megabyte, plus live photos, bursts, and depth data in one container. Apple converts to JPG automatically when you share.
Yes — the linked converters run entirely in your browser, so personal photos never leave your device.