HEIC vs JPG: What's the Difference? (2026 Comparison)
Apple switched iPhones to HEIC in 2017. Nine years later, many people still wonder what HEIC is, why their photos won't open on Windows, and whether they should convert. Here is everything you need to know.
What Is HEIC?
HEIC (High Efficiency Image Container) is an image format based on the HEVC (H.265) video codec. Apple adopted it as the default photo format on iPhones starting with iOS 11 in 2017.
50% Smaller Files
HEIC compresses photos to roughly half the size of equivalent JPGs while maintaining the same visual quality.
10-bit HDR Color
Supports over 1 billion colors (vs. 16.7 million for JPG), enabling better gradients and HDR photography.
What Is JPG?
JPG (JPEG) is the most widely used image format in the world, standardized in 1992. It uses lossy compression to reduce file sizes, which means some image data is permanently discarded during encoding.
Universal Compatibility
Every device, browser, app, and operating system supports JPG. It is the safest choice for maximum compatibility.
Legacy Standard
Over 30 years old and still the default for web images, email attachments, and most non-Apple cameras.
HEIC vs JPG: Full Comparison Table
| Feature | HEIC | JPG |
|---|---|---|
| Full Name | High Efficiency Image Container | Joint Photographic Experts Group |
| File Extension | .heic, .heif | .jpg, .jpeg |
| Compression | HEVC (H.265) | DCT-based lossy |
| Avg. File Size (12 MP) | ~1.5 MB | ~3.5 MB |
| Color Depth | 10-bit (HDR) | 8-bit |
| Transparency | Supported | Not supported |
| Animation | Supported | Not supported |
| iOS Support | Native (iOS 11+) | Native |
| Android Support | Android 10+ | Native |
| Windows Support | Windows 10+ (extension needed) | Native |
| Web Browser Support | Safari only | All browsers |
| Social Media Support | Limited | Universal |
When to Use HEIC vs JPG
Use HEIC When...
- You want to save storage on your iPhone
- You are staying within the Apple ecosystem
- You need HDR or 10-bit color depth
- You are archiving photos and want smaller files
- You are not sharing externally
Use JPG When...
- You are sharing photos via email or messaging
- You are uploading to websites or social media
- You need Windows or Linux compatibility
- You are working with older software
- You are sending to someone who does not use Apple
How to Convert HEIC to JPG
CleanMyGallery's HEIC to JPG converter runs entirely in your browser. No upload, no server processing, no quality loss.
- 1
Open the HEIC Converter
Visit cleanmygallery.com/tools/heic. Works in any modern browser on any device.
- 2
Select your HEIC files
Drag and drop or click to browse. You can convert multiple files at once.
- 3
Download your JPGs
The converter automatically produces high-quality JPG files ready to share anywhere.
Tip:On iPhone, you can set the default camera format to JPG in Settings > Camera > Formats > Most Compatible. This avoids HEIC entirely, but uses roughly twice the storage.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is HEIC better quality than JPG?
At the same file size, HEIC produces noticeably better image quality than JPG. At the same visual quality, HEIC files are about 50% smaller. HEIC also supports 10-bit color depth vs. JPG's 8-bit.
Does converting HEIC to JPG lose quality?
There is a minor quality reduction since JPG uses a different (older) compression method. At high quality settings (90%+), the difference is imperceptible to the human eye.
Why does my iPhone save photos as HEIC?
Apple adopted HEIC to save storage space. A 12 MP HEIC photo is roughly 1.5 MB vs. 3.5 MB for JPG. On a 128 GB phone, this means fitting roughly twice as many photos.
Can Windows open HEIC files?
Windows 10 and 11 can open HEIC files after installing the free "HEIF Image Extensions" from the Microsoft Store. Without this extension, HEIC files will not display.
Should I switch my iPhone to JPG?
Only if compatibility is more important to you than storage savings. If you regularly share photos with non-Apple users, switching to "Most Compatible" (JPG) avoids conversion hassles. Otherwise, keep HEIC and convert individual photos when needed.
Free HEIC to JPG Converter
Convert HEIC photos to universally compatible JPG format. 100% client-side — your photos never leave your browser.
Open HEIC Converter