FormatWave vs iLoveIMG
Both turn HEIC and WebP into JPG. The difference is where the file goes, and what the free tier actually gives you.
Checked November 2026 · Public information on both products’ own pages
iLoveIMG is a server-based image suite: you upload files, it converts them in the cloud, and full-resolution output sits behind a Premium subscription. FormatWave does one job — convert images — entirely in your browser, so nothing is uploaded, the output keeps the original pixel dimensions for free, and there is no account or daily quota.
Side by side
| FormatWave | iLoveIMG | |
|---|---|---|
| Where the file is processed | In your browser, on your device | On iLoveIMG’s servers, after upload |
| Upload required | No | Yes — or import from Google Drive / Dropbox |
| Works offline once the page has loaded | Yes | No |
| Free-tier output resolution | Original pixels, no upsell | “Recommended quality”; full resolution is Premium |
| Input formats | HEIC/HEIF, WebP, PNG, JPG, AVIF | HEIC, WebP, PNG, JPG, GIF, TIF, PSD, SVG, RAW |
| Output formats | JPG, PNG, WebP | JPG, PNG, GIF |
| Batch size | Up to 100 files per run, 100 MB each | Several files per run; limits depend on plan |
| Daily quota | None | Free tier is limited, more with Premium |
| Account | Not needed | Not needed for basic use |
| Other tools | Conversion only | Compress, resize, crop, watermark, background removal, upscale |
| API | Not available | Yes, iLoveAPI (paid) |
| Price | Free | Free tier plus a subscription |
The real difference: where your photo goes
iLoveIMG has to upload your image before it can work on it. That is not a design flaw — it is how a server-side tool works, and it buys them things a browser cannot easily do, like batch compression, RAW decoding and background removal. But it also means a copy of your photo exists on someone else’s disk for as long as their retention policy allows.
FormatWave decodes and re-encodes inside the page. There is no upload endpoint at all, which is why it keeps working after you disconnect from the internet, and why a scan of your passport or ID never leaves the laptop.
Full resolution without a subscription
On iLoveIMG’s JPG converter, the free option is “Recommended quality” and the “High Quality” mode that keeps the original pixel dimensions is marked Premium. That is a reasonable business model, but it means the free tier quietly resamples your image.
FormatWave has no second tier: quality 92 at full resolution is the default, and the only limit is a file size cap of 100 MB so a single huge photo cannot crash the tab.
Batches, quotas and repeat visits
Converting one file occasionally is not where these tools differ. The difference shows up when you have a folder of 300 iPhone photos: FormatWave takes 100 per run with no daily counter, and the second and third runs cost nothing. Server-based services meter that, because every file costs them CPU and bandwidth.
When iLoveIMG is the better choice
Being accurate here is more useful than winning the comparison.
You need RAW, PSD, TIF or SVG
FormatWave accepts HEIC, WebP, PNG, JPG and AVIF. Camera RAW and layered design files are out of scope.
You want compression, resizing and cropping in one pass
iLoveIMG bundles a whole toolbox; FormatWave deliberately does one thing.
You need an API for a pipeline
iLoveAPI exists and is documented. FormatWave has no API yet.
You are converting on a low-powered device
A 60 MP batch is heavy work for a phone browser. Offloading it to a server can be the pragmatic choice.
Pick in one line
- Choose FormatWave — if the images are personal, if you need the original resolution for free, or if you are converting a folder and do not want a quota in the way.
- Choose iLoveIMG — if you need RAW/PSD support, extra editing tools, or an API, and you are comfortable uploading the files.
Questions
Is FormatWave a drop-in replacement for iLoveIMG?
For plain format conversion, yes: HEIC, WebP, PNG, JPG and AVIF in, JPG, PNG or WebP out. It is not a replacement for their compression, resizing, RAW or API features.
Does iLoveIMG keep my files?
That is governed by their privacy policy, and as a server-side service the file has to be uploaded and stored temporarily to be processed. FormatWave never uploads anything, so there is nothing to retain or delete.
Which one is faster?
For a single photo, FormatWave usually wins because there is no upload and no round trip. For a very large batch on a weak laptop, a server with more CPU can finish sooner — the browser is doing the work on your hardware.
Can I convert RAW or PSD files here?
No. Browsers cannot decode most camera RAW formats, and PSD requires a full Photoshop-compatible parser. Use a desktop tool or a server-based converter for those.
Is FormatWave really free?
Yes — no account, no watermark, no daily batch limit. The only limits are technical: 100 files per run and 100 MB per file.
Converters
Same engine, different formats — all processed locally.