PNG vs WebP: The Real Performance Difference
We conducted a side-by-side comparison of PNG and WebP formats across 1000 images. The results reveal significant bandwidth savings without compromising visual fidelity.
Is switching to WebP really worth the effort? We benchmarked common web graphics—screenshots, logos, and photos—to measure the actual bandwidth savings.
The Benchmark Results
Our tests showed that converting transparent PNGs to WebP reduced file sizes by an average of 45%. For photographic images, the savings jumped to nearly 60% compared to unoptimized PNGs.
Visual Quality Analysis
Using the SSIM (Structural Similarity Index) metric, WebP maintained a score of 0.98 or higher even at significant compression levels, meaning the difference is imperceptible to the human eye.
Verdict
For any website serving high-traffic visual content, WebP is the clear winner, offering substantial bandwidth cost reductions and faster load times.