HEIC vs JPEG: Complete Comparison Guide

What is HEIC and how does it differ from JPEG?

HEIC (High Efficiency Image Container) is Apple's implementation of the HEIF (High Efficiency Image Format) standard. It was introduced in iOS 11 and macOS High Sierra as the default image format for photos taken with newer Apple devices.

JPEG (Joint Photographic Experts Group), on the other hand, has been the standard image format since the early 1990s and is universally supported across all devices, operating systems, and applications.

Are HEIC files smaller than JPEG?

Yes, HEIC files are significantly smaller than JPEG files of equivalent quality. This is one of the primary advantages of the HEIC format. On average, HEIC files are about 40-50% smaller than their JPEG counterparts while maintaining the same or better image quality.

This size reduction is achieved through more advanced compression algorithms that are more efficient at encoding image data. For example, a 3MB JPEG photo might only be 1.5MB in HEIC format with no visible loss in quality.

Are HEIC files better than JPEG?

From a technical standpoint, HEIC is superior to JPEG in several ways:

• Better compression: HEIC files are smaller while maintaining higher quality
• Higher bit depth: HEIC supports 10-bit and 12-bit color compared to JPEG's 8-bit
• Transparency support: Unlike JPEG, HEIC can store transparent images
• Multiple images: A single HEIC file can contain multiple images (useful for Live Photos)
• Better metadata support: HEIC has more robust support for image metadata

However, JPEG has one major advantage: universal compatibility. Almost every device, application, and website supports JPEG files, while HEIC support is still limited primarily to the Apple ecosystem.

Are HEIC files live photos?

HEIC files themselves are not Live Photos, but Apple uses the HEIC format as a container for Live Photos. A Live Photo on an iPhone consists of a still image (stored in HEIC format) and a short video clip (stored in MOV format). When you take a Live Photo on an iPhone, the Camera app captures 1.5 seconds of video before and after you press the shutter button. The HEIC file stores the still image, while the associated MOV file contains the video portion. So while HEIC files can be part of Live Photos, not all HEIC files are Live Photos. Regular photos taken on newer iPhones are also stored in HEIC format by default.

Are HEIC files bigger than JPEG?

No, HEIC files are not bigger than JPEG files. In fact, it's quite the opposite. HEIC files are typically 40-50% smaller than equivalent JPEG files while maintaining the same or better image quality.

This is one of the main reasons Apple adopted the format - to help users save storage space on their devices. For example, if your photo library contains 1000 photos and each JPEG would be 3MB, the same photos in HEIC format might only take up 1.5MB each, saving you approximately 1.5GB of storage space.

Can HEIC files be opened on Windows?

Yes, HEIC files can be opened on Windows, but it requires installing additional software or extensions. Windows 10 and 11 don't support HEIC files natively out of the box.

To open HEIC files on Windows, you have several options:

• Install HEIF Image Extensions: Microsoft offers a free extension in the Microsoft Store that adds HEIC support to Windows 10 and 11
• Use third-party software: Programs like Adobe Photoshop, IrfanView, or XnView can open HEIC files with the proper plugins
• Convert to JPG: Use our online HEIC to JPG converter to convert your files without installing any software

Can HEIC files be opened on Android?

Most modern Android devices can open HEIC files, but support varies depending on the device manufacturer and Android version. Android 9 (Pie) and newer versions generally have better support for HEIC files.

If your Android device doesn't support HEIC files natively, you can:

• Install a third-party gallery app that supports HEIC, such as Google Photos
• Use our browser-based HEIC to JPG converter directly on your Android device

Can HEIC files be malicious?

HEIC files, like any file format, could potentially be malicious if specifically crafted by an attacker to exploit vulnerabilities in image processing software. However, this risk is not unique to HEIC files and applies to virtually all file formats.

The risk of encountering a malicious HEIC file is very low, especially if you're only opening files from trusted sources like your own Apple devices or people you know. As with any file type, exercise caution when opening files from unknown sources.

Can HEIC files be printed?

HEIC files can be printed, but with limitations. Most printers and printing services don't directly support the HEIC format yet. To print HEIC files, you typically need to:

1. Convert the HEIC file to a more widely supported format like JPEG or PNG
2. Use software that can both open HEIC files and communicate with your printer

For the simplest experience, we recommend converting your HEIC files to JPG before printing using our free converter.

Conclusion: When to use HEIC vs JPEG

The choice between HEIC and JPEG depends on your specific needs:

• Use HEIC when:
  • You want to save storage space on your Apple devices
  • You're sharing files only within the Apple ecosystem
  • You need the highest image quality at the smallest file size
• Use JPEG when:
  • You need universal compatibility across all devices and platforms
  • You're sharing images online or with non-Apple users
  • You're printing photos or uploading to services that don't support HEIC

For the best of both worlds, you can keep your original photos in HEIC format on your Apple devices to save space, and convert them to JPEG when sharing with others or uploading to services that don't support HEIC.

Our free online HEIC to JPG converter makes this process quick and easy, with no software to install and complete privacy since all conversion happens directly in your browser.