diff --git a/conf/configuration.go b/conf/configuration.go
index da549ce26..b867e0d56 100644
--- a/conf/configuration.go
+++ b/conf/configuration.go
@@ -69,7 +69,7 @@ type configOptions struct {
 	MPVPath                         string
 	MPVCmdTemplate                  string
 	CoverArtPriority                string
-	CoverJpegQuality                int
+	CoverArtQuality                 int
 	ArtistArtPriority               string
 	LyricsPriority                  string
 	EnableGravatar                  bool
@@ -140,6 +140,7 @@ type configOptions struct {
 	DevOptimizeDB                     bool
 	DevPreserveUnicodeInExternalCalls bool
 	DevEnableMediaFileProbe           bool
+	DevJpegCoverArt                   bool
 }
 
 type scannerOptions struct {
@@ -283,6 +284,7 @@ func Load(noConfigDump bool) {
 	mapDeprecatedOption("ReverseProxyWhitelist", "ExtAuth.TrustedSources")
 	mapDeprecatedOption("ReverseProxyUserHeader", "ExtAuth.UserHeader")
 	mapDeprecatedOption("HTTPSecurityHeaders.CustomFrameOptionsValue", "HTTPHeaders.FrameOptions")
+	mapDeprecatedOption("CoverJpegQuality", "CoverArtQuality")
 
 	err := viper.Unmarshal(&Server)
 	if err != nil {
@@ -415,6 +417,7 @@ func Load(noConfigDump bool) {
 	logDeprecatedOptions("ReverseProxyWhitelist", "ExtAuth.TrustedSources")
 	logDeprecatedOptions("ReverseProxyUserHeader", "ExtAuth.UserHeader")
 	logDeprecatedOptions("HTTPSecurityHeaders.CustomFrameOptionsValue", "HTTPHeaders.FrameOptions")
+	logDeprecatedOptions("CoverJpegQuality", "CoverArtQuality")
 
 	// Call init hooks
 	for _, hook := range hooks {
@@ -655,7 +658,7 @@ func setViperDefaults() {
 	viper.SetDefault("ffmpegpath", "")
 	viper.SetDefault("mpvcmdtemplate", "mpv --audio-device=%d --no-audio-display %f --input-ipc-server=%s")
 	viper.SetDefault("coverartpriority", "cover.*, folder.*, front.*, embedded, external")
-	viper.SetDefault("coverjpegquality", 75)
+	viper.SetDefault("coverartquality", 75)
 	viper.SetDefault("artistartpriority", "artist.*, album/artist.*, external")
 	viper.SetDefault("lyricspriority", ".lrc,.txt,embedded")
 	viper.SetDefault("enablegravatar", false)
@@ -707,7 +710,7 @@ func setViperDefaults() {
 	viper.SetDefault("subsonic.enableaveragerating", true)
 	viper.SetDefault("subsonic.legacyclients", "DSub")
 	viper.SetDefault("subsonic.minimalclients", "SubMusic")
-	viper.SetDefault("agents", "lastfm,spotify,deezer")
+	viper.SetDefault("agents", "deezer,lastfm,spotify")
 	viper.SetDefault("lastfm.enabled", true)
 	viper.SetDefault("lastfm.language", consts.DefaultInfoLanguage)
 	viper.SetDefault("lastfm.apikey", "")
@@ -749,7 +752,7 @@ func setViperDefaults() {
 	viper.SetDefault("devuishowconfig", true)
 	viper.SetDefault("devneweventstream", true)
 	viper.SetDefault("devoffsetoptimize", 50000)
-	viper.SetDefault("devartworkmaxrequests", max(2, runtime.NumCPU()/3))
+	viper.SetDefault("devartworkmaxrequests", max(4, runtime.NumCPU()))
 	viper.SetDefault("devartworkthrottlebackloglimit", consts.RequestThrottleBacklogLimit)
 	viper.SetDefault("devartworkthrottlebacklogtimeout", consts.RequestThrottleBacklogTimeout)
 	viper.SetDefault("devartistinfotimetolive", consts.ArtistInfoTimeToLive)
@@ -765,6 +768,7 @@ func setViperDefaults() {
 	viper.SetDefault("devoptimizedb", true)
 	viper.SetDefault("devpreserveunicodeinexternalcalls", false)
 	viper.SetDefault("devenablemediafileprobe", true)
+	viper.SetDefault("devjpegcoverart", false)
 }
 
 func init() {
diff --git a/core/artwork/artwork_internal_test.go b/core/artwork/artwork_internal_test.go
index e2ea7adb0..5ca32f401 100644
--- a/core/artwork/artwork_internal_test.go
+++ b/core/artwork/artwork_internal_test.go
@@ -7,9 +7,12 @@ import (
 	"image/jpeg"
 	"image/png"
 	"io"
+
 	"os"
 	"path/filepath"
 
+	_ "github.com/gen2brain/webp"
+
 	"github.com/navidrome/navidrome/conf"
 	"github.com/navidrome/navidrome/conf/configtest"
 	"github.com/navidrome/navidrome/log"
@@ -353,24 +356,24 @@ var _ = Describe("Artwork", func() {
 			})
 		})
 		When("Square is false", func() {
-			It("returns a PNG if original image is a PNG", func() {
+			It("returns WebP even if original image is a PNG", func() {
 				conf.Server.CoverArtPriority = "front.png"
 				r, _, err := aw.Get(context.Background(), alMultipleCovers.CoverArtID(), 15, false)
 				Expect(err).ToNot(HaveOccurred())
 
 				img, format, err := image.Decode(r)
 				Expect(err).ToNot(HaveOccurred())
-				Expect(format).To(Equal("png"))
+				Expect(format).To(Equal("webp"))
 				Expect(img.Bounds().Size().X).To(Equal(15))
 				Expect(img.Bounds().Size().Y).To(Equal(15))
 			})
-			It("returns a JPEG if original image is not a PNG", func() {
+			It("returns WebP if original image is not a PNG", func() {
 				conf.Server.CoverArtPriority = "cover.jpg"
 				r, _, err := aw.Get(context.Background(), alMultipleCovers.CoverArtID(), 200, false)
 				Expect(err).ToNot(HaveOccurred())
 
 				img, format, err := image.Decode(r)
-				Expect(format).To(Equal("jpeg"))
+				Expect(format).To(Equal("webp"))
 				Expect(err).ToNot(HaveOccurred())
 				Expect(img.Bounds().Size().X).To(Equal(200))
 				Expect(img.Bounds().Size().Y).To(Equal(200))
@@ -380,9 +383,9 @@ var _ = Describe("Artwork", func() {
 			var alCover model.Album
 
 			DescribeTable("resize",
-				func(format string, landscape bool, size int) {
-					coverFileName := "cover." + format
-					dirName := createImage(format, landscape, size)
+				func(srcFormat string, expectedFormat string, landscape bool, size int) {
+					coverFileName := "cover." + srcFormat
+					dirName := createImage(srcFormat, landscape, size)
 					alCover = model.Album{
 						ID:        "444",
 						Name:      "Only external",
@@ -399,16 +402,70 @@ var _ = Describe("Artwork", func() {
 
 					img, format, err := image.Decode(r)
 					Expect(err).ToNot(HaveOccurred())
-					Expect(format).To(Equal("png"))
+					Expect(format).To(Equal(expectedFormat))
 					Expect(img.Bounds().Size().X).To(Equal(size))
 					Expect(img.Bounds().Size().Y).To(Equal(size))
 				},
-				Entry("portrait png image", "png", false, 200),
-				Entry("landscape png image", "png", true, 200),
-				Entry("portrait jpg image", "jpg", false, 200),
-				Entry("landscape jpg image", "jpg", true, 200),
+				Entry("portrait png image", "png", "webp", false, 200),
+				Entry("landscape png image", "png", "webp", true, 200),
+				Entry("portrait jpg image", "jpg", "webp", false, 200),
+				Entry("landscape jpg image", "jpg", "webp", true, 200),
 			)
 		})
+		When("DevJpegCoverArt is true and square is false", func() {
+			BeforeEach(func() {
+				conf.Server.DevJpegCoverArt = true
+			})
+			It("returns JPEG even if original image is a PNG", func() {
+				conf.Server.CoverArtPriority = "front.png"
+				r, _, err := aw.Get(context.Background(), alMultipleCovers.CoverArtID(), 15, false)
+				Expect(err).ToNot(HaveOccurred())
+
+				img, format, err := image.Decode(r)
+				Expect(err).ToNot(HaveOccurred())
+				Expect(format).To(Equal("jpeg"))
+				Expect(img.Bounds().Size().X).To(Equal(15))
+				Expect(img.Bounds().Size().Y).To(Equal(15))
+			})
+			It("returns JPEG if original image is a JPG", func() {
+				conf.Server.CoverArtPriority = "cover.jpg"
+				r, _, err := aw.Get(context.Background(), alMultipleCovers.CoverArtID(), 200, false)
+				Expect(err).ToNot(HaveOccurred())
+
+				img, format, err := image.Decode(r)
+				Expect(err).ToNot(HaveOccurred())
+				Expect(format).To(Equal("jpeg"))
+				Expect(img.Bounds().Size().X).To(Equal(200))
+				Expect(img.Bounds().Size().Y).To(Equal(200))
+			})
+		})
+		When("DevJpegCoverArt is true and square is true", func() {
+			var alCover model.Album
+
+			BeforeEach(func() {
+				conf.Server.DevJpegCoverArt = true
+			})
+			It("returns PNG for square mode", func() {
+				dirName := createImage("png", false, 200)
+				alCover = model.Album{
+					ID:        "444",
+					Name:      "Only external",
+					FolderIDs: []string{"tmp"},
+				}
+				folderRepo.result = []model.Folder{{Path: dirName, ImageFiles: []string{"cover.png"}}}
+				ds.Album(ctx).(*tests.MockAlbumRepo).SetData(model.Albums{alCover})
+
+				conf.Server.CoverArtPriority = "cover.png"
+				r, _, err := aw.Get(context.Background(), alCover.CoverArtID(), 200, true)
+				Expect(err).ToNot(HaveOccurred())
+
+				img, format, err := image.Decode(r)
+				Expect(err).ToNot(HaveOccurred())
+				Expect(format).To(Equal("png"))
+				Expect(img.Bounds().Size().X).To(Equal(200))
+				Expect(img.Bounds().Size().Y).To(Equal(200))
+			})
+		})
 		When("Requested size is larger than original", func() {
 			It("clamps size to original dimensions", func() {
 				conf.Server.CoverArtPriority = "front.png"
diff --git a/core/artwork/benchmark_decode_test.go b/core/artwork/benchmark_decode_test.go
new file mode 100644
index 000000000..cfbfe5605
--- /dev/null
+++ b/core/artwork/benchmark_decode_test.go
@@ -0,0 +1,37 @@
+package artwork
+
+import (
+	"bytes"
+	"fmt"
+	"image"
+	_ "image/jpeg"
+	_ "image/png"
+	"testing"
+)
+
+func BenchmarkImageDecode(b *testing.B) {
+	sizes := []int{300, 1000, 3000}
+	formats := []struct {
+		name string
+		gen  func(tb testing.TB, w, h int) []byte
+	}{
+		{"jpeg", func(tb testing.TB, w, h int) []byte { return generateJPEG(tb, w, h, 75) }},
+		{"png", func(tb testing.TB, w, h int) []byte { return generatePNG(tb, w, h) }},
+	}
+
+	for _, format := range formats {
+		for _, size := range sizes {
+			data := format.gen(b, size, size)
+			b.Run(fmt.Sprintf("%s/%dx%d", format.name, size, size), func(b *testing.B) {
+				b.SetBytes(int64(len(data)))
+				b.ResetTimer()
+				for i := 0; i < b.N; i++ {
+					_, _, err := image.Decode(bytes.NewReader(data))
+					if err != nil {
+						b.Fatal(err)
+					}
+				}
+			})
+		}
+	}
+}
diff --git a/core/artwork/benchmark_e2e_test.go b/core/artwork/benchmark_e2e_test.go
new file mode 100644
index 000000000..c27964018
--- /dev/null
+++ b/core/artwork/benchmark_e2e_test.go
@@ -0,0 +1,189 @@
+package artwork
+
+import (
+	"context"
+	"fmt"
+	"image/jpeg"
+	"io"
+	"os"
+	"path/filepath"
+	"runtime"
+	"sync"
+	"testing"
+	"time"
+
+	"github.com/navidrome/navidrome/conf"
+	"github.com/navidrome/navidrome/conf/configtest"
+	"github.com/navidrome/navidrome/model"
+	"github.com/navidrome/navidrome/tests"
+	"github.com/navidrome/navidrome/utils/cache"
+)
+
+// setupE2EBenchmark creates an artwork instance with a real album cover image on disk,
+// backed by either a real file cache or disabled cache depending on cacheSize.
+// Note: This benchmarks artwork.Get() directly (not the full HTTP handler), which covers
+// the critical path (source selection, decode, resize, encode, cache). This is a deliberate
+// spec deviation — the full HTTP round-trip benchmark requires significant infrastructure
+// (DB, scanner, fake filesystem) and can be added later if HTTP overhead proves significant.
+//
+// Depends on fakeFolderRepo defined in reader_artist_test.go (same package, compiled together).
+func setupE2EBenchmark(b *testing.B, cacheSize string) (Artwork, model.ArtworkID, func()) {
+	b.Helper()
+	cleanup := configtest.SetupConfig()
+	b.Cleanup(cleanup)
+
+	tmpDir, err := os.MkdirTemp("", "artwork-bench-*")
+	if err != nil {
+		b.Fatal(err)
+	}
+
+	// Create a realistic cover image on disk
+	coverPath := filepath.Join(tmpDir, "cover.jpg")
+	coverImg := generateGradientImage(1000, 1000)
+	f, err := os.Create(coverPath)
+	if err != nil {
+		b.Fatal(err)
+	}
+	if err := jpeg.Encode(f, coverImg, &jpeg.Options{Quality: 90}); err != nil {
+		f.Close()
+		b.Fatal(err)
+	}
+	f.Close()
+
+	// Configure cache
+	conf.Server.ImageCacheSize = cacheSize
+	conf.Server.CacheFolder = tmpDir
+	conf.Server.CoverArtQuality = 75
+	conf.Server.CoverArtPriority = "cover.*"
+
+	// Set up mock data store with album pointing to our cover.
+	// Set UpdatedAt so CoverArtID().LastUpdate is consistent across calls.
+	album := model.Album{
+		ID:        "bench-album-1",
+		Name:      "Benchmark Album",
+		FolderIDs: []string{"f1"},
+		UpdatedAt: time.Date(2025, 1, 1, 0, 0, 0, 0, time.UTC),
+	}
+	folderRepo := &fakeFolderRepo{
+		result: []model.Folder{{
+			Path:       tmpDir,
+			ImageFiles: []string{"cover.jpg"},
+		}},
+	}
+	ds := &tests.MockDataStore{
+		MockedTranscoding: &tests.MockTranscodingRepo{},
+		MockedFolder:      folderRepo,
+	}
+	ds.Album(context.Background()).(*tests.MockAlbumRepo).SetData(model.Albums{album})
+
+	artID := album.CoverArtID()
+
+	imgCache := cache.NewFileCache("BenchImage", cacheSize, "bench-images", 0,
+		func(ctx context.Context, arg cache.Item) (io.Reader, error) {
+			r, _, err := arg.(artworkReader).Reader(ctx)
+			return r, err
+		})
+
+	// Wait for cache init if enabled
+	if cacheSize != "0" {
+		for !imgCache.Available(context.Background()) && !imgCache.Disabled(context.Background()) {
+			runtime.Gosched() // Yield to allow background init goroutine to run
+		}
+	}
+
+	ffmpeg := tests.NewMockFFmpeg("fallback content")
+	aw := NewArtwork(ds, imgCache, ffmpeg, nil)
+
+	cleanupAll := func() {
+		os.RemoveAll(tmpDir)
+	}
+	return aw, artID, cleanupAll
+}
+
+func BenchmarkArtworkGetE2E(b *testing.B) {
+	cacheConfigs := []struct {
+		name      string
+		cacheSize string
+	}{
+		{"no_cache", "0"},
+		{"with_cache", "100MB"},
+	}
+	sizes := []int{0, 300}
+
+	for _, cc := range cacheConfigs {
+		for _, size := range sizes {
+			b.Run(fmt.Sprintf("%s/size_%d", cc.name, size), func(b *testing.B) {
+				aw, artID, cleanup := setupE2EBenchmark(b, cc.cacheSize)
+				defer cleanup()
+
+				// Warm the cache on first call if cache is enabled
+				if cc.cacheSize != "0" {
+					r, _, err := aw.Get(context.Background(), artID, size, size > 0)
+					if err != nil {
+						b.Fatal(err)
+					}
+					_, _ = io.ReadAll(r)
+					r.Close()
+				}
+
+				b.ResetTimer()
+				for i := 0; i < b.N; i++ {
+					r, _, err := aw.Get(context.Background(), artID, size, size > 0)
+					if err != nil {
+						b.Fatal(err)
+					}
+					_, _ = io.ReadAll(r)
+					r.Close()
+				}
+			})
+		}
+	}
+}
+
+func BenchmarkArtworkGetE2EConcurrent(b *testing.B) {
+	cacheConfigs := []struct {
+		name      string
+		cacheSize string
+	}{
+		{"no_cache", "0"},
+		{"with_cache", "100MB"},
+	}
+	concurrencyLevels := []int{10, 50}
+
+	for _, cc := range cacheConfigs {
+		for _, n := range concurrencyLevels {
+			b.Run(fmt.Sprintf("%s/goroutines_%d", cc.name, n), func(b *testing.B) {
+				aw, artID, cleanup := setupE2EBenchmark(b, cc.cacheSize)
+				defer cleanup()
+
+				// Warm cache
+				if cc.cacheSize != "0" {
+					r, _, _ := aw.Get(context.Background(), artID, 300, true)
+					if r != nil {
+						_, _ = io.ReadAll(r)
+						r.Close()
+					}
+				}
+
+				b.ResetTimer()
+				for i := 0; i < b.N; i++ {
+					var wg sync.WaitGroup
+					wg.Add(n)
+					for g := 0; g < n; g++ {
+						go func() {
+							defer wg.Done()
+							r, _, err := aw.Get(context.Background(), artID, 300, true)
+							if err != nil {
+								b.Error(err)
+								return
+							}
+							_, _ = io.ReadAll(r)
+							r.Close()
+						}()
+					}
+					wg.Wait()
+				}
+			})
+		}
+	}
+}
diff --git a/core/artwork/benchmark_encode_test.go b/core/artwork/benchmark_encode_test.go
new file mode 100644
index 000000000..d8ab858f5
--- /dev/null
+++ b/core/artwork/benchmark_encode_test.go
@@ -0,0 +1,40 @@
+package artwork
+
+import (
+	"bytes"
+	"fmt"
+	"image/jpeg"
+	"image/png"
+	"testing"
+)
+
+func BenchmarkImageEncode(b *testing.B) {
+	img := generateGradientImage(300, 300)
+
+	jpegQualities := []int{60, 75, 90}
+	for _, q := range jpegQualities {
+		b.Run(fmt.Sprintf("jpeg/q%d/300x300", q), func(b *testing.B) {
+			var buf bytes.Buffer
+			b.ResetTimer()
+			for i := 0; i < b.N; i++ {
+				buf.Reset()
+				if err := jpeg.Encode(&buf, img, &jpeg.Options{Quality: q}); err != nil {
+					b.Fatal(err)
+				}
+			}
+			b.ReportMetric(float64(buf.Len()), "bytes")
+		})
+	}
+
+	b.Run("png/300x300", func(b *testing.B) {
+		var buf bytes.Buffer
+		b.ResetTimer()
+		for i := 0; i < b.N; i++ {
+			buf.Reset()
+			if err := png.Encode(&buf, img); err != nil {
+				b.Fatal(err)
+			}
+		}
+		b.ReportMetric(float64(buf.Len()), "bytes")
+	})
+}
diff --git a/core/artwork/benchmark_helpers_test.go b/core/artwork/benchmark_helpers_test.go
new file mode 100644
index 000000000..60990bb8b
--- /dev/null
+++ b/core/artwork/benchmark_helpers_test.go
@@ -0,0 +1,47 @@
+package artwork
+
+import (
+	"bytes"
+	"image"
+	"image/color"
+	"image/jpeg"
+	"image/png"
+	"testing"
+)
+
+// generateJPEG creates a JPEG image of the given dimensions with a gradient pattern.
+// The gradient ensures the image has realistic entropy (not trivially compressible).
+func generateJPEG(t testing.TB, width, height, quality int) []byte {
+	t.Helper()
+	img := generateGradientImage(width, height)
+	var buf bytes.Buffer
+	if err := jpeg.Encode(&buf, img, &jpeg.Options{Quality: quality}); err != nil {
+		t.Fatal(err)
+	}
+	return buf.Bytes()
+}
+
+// generatePNG creates a PNG image of the given dimensions with a gradient pattern.
+func generatePNG(t testing.TB, width, height int) []byte {
+	t.Helper()
+	img := generateGradientImage(width, height)
+	var buf bytes.Buffer
+	if err := png.Encode(&buf, img); err != nil {
+		t.Fatal(err)
+	}
+	return buf.Bytes()
+}
+
+// generateGradientImage creates an RGBA image with a diagonal gradient pattern.
+func generateGradientImage(width, height int) *image.RGBA {
+	img := image.NewRGBA(image.Rect(0, 0, width, height))
+	for y := 0; y < height; y++ {
+		for x := 0; x < width; x++ {
+			r := uint8((x * 255) / width)
+			g := uint8((y * 255) / height)
+			b := uint8(((x + y) * 255) / (width + height))
+			img.Set(x, y, color.RGBA{R: r, G: g, B: b, A: 255})
+		}
+	}
+	return img
+}
diff --git a/core/artwork/benchmark_pipeline_test.go b/core/artwork/benchmark_pipeline_test.go
new file mode 100644
index 000000000..9dc4f6c95
--- /dev/null
+++ b/core/artwork/benchmark_pipeline_test.go
@@ -0,0 +1,51 @@
+package artwork
+
+import (
+	"bytes"
+	"fmt"
+	"testing"
+
+	"github.com/navidrome/navidrome/conf"
+	"github.com/navidrome/navidrome/conf/configtest"
+)
+
+func BenchmarkResizeFullPipeline(b *testing.B) {
+	cleanup := configtest.SetupConfig()
+	b.Cleanup(cleanup)
+	conf.Server.CoverArtQuality = 75
+
+	sourceSizes := []int{1000, 3000}
+	targetSize := 300
+
+	for _, srcSize := range sourceSizes {
+		jpegData := generateJPEG(b, srcSize, srcSize, 90)
+
+		b.Run(fmt.Sprintf("jpeg/%dx%d_to_%d", srcSize, srcSize, targetSize), func(b *testing.B) {
+			b.SetBytes(int64(len(jpegData)))
+			b.ResetTimer()
+			for i := 0; i < b.N; i++ {
+				result, _, err := resizeImage(bytes.NewReader(jpegData), targetSize, false)
+				if err != nil {
+					b.Fatal(err)
+				}
+				if result == nil {
+					b.Fatal("expected non-nil resized image")
+				}
+			}
+		})
+
+		b.Run(fmt.Sprintf("jpeg/%dx%d_to_%d_square", srcSize, srcSize, targetSize), func(b *testing.B) {
+			b.SetBytes(int64(len(jpegData)))
+			b.ResetTimer()
+			for i := 0; i < b.N; i++ {
+				result, _, err := resizeImage(bytes.NewReader(jpegData), targetSize, true)
+				if err != nil {
+					b.Fatal(err)
+				}
+				if result == nil {
+					b.Fatal("expected non-nil resized image")
+				}
+			}
+		})
+	}
+}
diff --git a/core/artwork/benchmark_tag_test.go b/core/artwork/benchmark_tag_test.go
new file mode 100644
index 000000000..fd649beab
--- /dev/null
+++ b/core/artwork/benchmark_tag_test.go
@@ -0,0 +1,38 @@
+package artwork
+
+import (
+	"path/filepath"
+	"runtime"
+	"testing"
+
+	"go.senan.xyz/taglib"
+)
+
+func BenchmarkTagExtraction(b *testing.B) {
+	// Ensure working directory is the project root (tests.Init not called with -run='^$')
+	_, file, _, ok := runtime.Caller(0)
+	if !ok {
+		b.Fatal("runtime.Caller failed")
+	}
+	appPath, _ := filepath.Abs(filepath.Join(filepath.Dir(file), "..", ".."))
+
+	// Use existing test fixture with embedded artwork
+	testFile := filepath.Join(appPath, "tests/fixtures/artist/an-album/test.mp3")
+
+	b.ResetTimer()
+	for i := 0; i < b.N; i++ {
+		f, err := taglib.OpenReadOnly(testFile, taglib.WithReadStyle(taglib.ReadStyleFast))
+		if err != nil {
+			b.Fatal(err)
+		}
+		images := f.Properties().Images
+		if len(images) == 0 {
+			b.Fatal("no images found in test file")
+		}
+		data, err := f.Image(0)
+		if err != nil || len(data) == 0 {
+			b.Fatal("failed to extract image data")
+		}
+		f.Close()
+	}
+}
diff --git a/core/artwork/cache_warmer.go b/core/artwork/cache_warmer.go
index 909d299d8..f13820d00 100644
--- a/core/artwork/cache_warmer.go
+++ b/core/artwork/cache_warmer.go
@@ -132,7 +132,7 @@ func (a *cacheWarmer) waitSignal(ctx context.Context, timeout time.Duration) {
 func (a *cacheWarmer) processBatch(ctx context.Context, batch []model.ArtworkID) {
 	log.Trace(ctx, "PreCaching a new batch of artwork", "batchSize", len(batch))
 	input := pl.FromSlice(ctx, batch)
-	errs := pl.Sink(ctx, 2, input, a.doCacheImage)
+	errs := pl.Sink(ctx, 4, input, a.doCacheImage)
 	for err := range errs {
 		log.Debug(ctx, "Error warming cache", err)
 	}
diff --git a/core/artwork/reader_playlist.go b/core/artwork/reader_playlist.go
index 91d47b0b0..7919eead6 100644
--- a/core/artwork/reader_playlist.go
+++ b/core/artwork/reader_playlist.go
@@ -14,11 +14,11 @@ import (
 	"strings"
 	"time"
 
-	"github.com/disintegration/imaging"
 	"github.com/navidrome/navidrome/conf"
 	"github.com/navidrome/navidrome/log"
 	"github.com/navidrome/navidrome/model"
 	"github.com/navidrome/navidrome/utils/slice"
+	xdraw "golang.org/x/image/draw"
 )
 
 type playlistArtworkReader struct {
@@ -200,7 +200,7 @@ func (a *playlistArtworkReader) createTile(_ context.Context, r io.ReadCloser) (
 	if err != nil {
 		return nil, err
 	}
-	return imaging.Fill(img, tileSize/2, tileSize/2, imaging.Center, imaging.Lanczos), nil
+	return fillCenter(img, tileSize/2, tileSize/2), nil
 }
 
 func (a *playlistArtworkReader) createTiledImage(_ context.Context, tiles []image.Image) (io.ReadCloser, error) {
@@ -238,3 +238,32 @@ func rect(pos int) image.Rectangle {
 	r.Max.Y = r.Min.Y + tileSize/2
 	return r
 }
+
+// fillCenter crops the source image from the center and scales it to fill dstW x dstH exactly,
+// equivalent to imaging.Fill with Center anchor.
+func fillCenter(src image.Image, dstW, dstH int) image.Image {
+	srcBounds := src.Bounds()
+	srcW := srcBounds.Dx()
+	srcH := srcBounds.Dy()
+
+	// Calculate crop rectangle (center crop to match destination aspect ratio)
+	srcAspect := float64(srcW) / float64(srcH)
+	dstAspect := float64(dstW) / float64(dstH)
+
+	var cropRect image.Rectangle
+	if srcAspect > dstAspect {
+		// Source is wider — crop horizontally
+		cropW := int(float64(srcH) * dstAspect)
+		cropX := (srcW - cropW) / 2
+		cropRect = image.Rect(srcBounds.Min.X+cropX, srcBounds.Min.Y, srcBounds.Min.X+cropX+cropW, srcBounds.Max.Y)
+	} else {
+		// Source is taller — crop vertically
+		cropH := int(float64(srcW) / dstAspect)
+		cropY := (srcH - cropH) / 2
+		cropRect = image.Rect(srcBounds.Min.X, srcBounds.Min.Y+cropY, srcBounds.Max.X, srcBounds.Min.Y+cropY+cropH)
+	}
+
+	dst := image.NewNRGBA(image.Rect(0, 0, dstW, dstH))
+	xdraw.BiLinear.Scale(dst, dst.Bounds(), src, cropRect, draw.Src, nil)
+	return dst
+}
diff --git a/core/artwork/reader_resized.go b/core/artwork/reader_resized.go
index 6de983baf..dffcba8e3 100644
--- a/core/artwork/reader_resized.go
+++ b/core/artwork/reader_resized.go
@@ -5,17 +5,26 @@ import (
 	"context"
 	"fmt"
 	"image"
+	"image/draw"
 	"image/jpeg"
 	"image/png"
 	"io"
+	"sync"
 	"time"
 
-	"github.com/disintegration/imaging"
+	"github.com/gen2brain/webp"
 	"github.com/navidrome/navidrome/conf"
 	"github.com/navidrome/navidrome/log"
 	"github.com/navidrome/navidrome/model"
+	xdraw "golang.org/x/image/draw"
 )
 
+var bufPool = sync.Pool{
+	New: func() any {
+		return new(bytes.Buffer)
+	},
+}
+
 type resizedArtworkReader struct {
 	artID      model.ArtworkID
 	cacheKey   string
@@ -46,7 +55,7 @@ func (a *resizedArtworkReader) Key() string {
 	if a.square {
 		return baseKey + ".square"
 	}
-	return fmt.Sprintf("%s.%d", baseKey, conf.Server.CoverJpegQuality)
+	return fmt.Sprintf("%s.%d", baseKey, conf.Server.CoverArtQuality)
 }
 
 func (a *resizedArtworkReader) LastUpdated() time.Time {
@@ -79,7 +88,7 @@ func (a *resizedArtworkReader) Reader(ctx context.Context) (io.ReadCloser, strin
 }
 
 func resizeImage(reader io.Reader, size int, square bool) (io.Reader, int, error) {
-	original, format, err := image.Decode(reader)
+	original, _, err := image.Decode(reader)
 	if err != nil {
 		return nil, 0, err
 	}
@@ -96,26 +105,45 @@ func resizeImage(reader io.Reader, size int, square bool) (io.Reader, int, error
 		return nil, originalSize, nil
 	}
 
-	var resized image.Image
-	if originalSize >= size {
-		resized = imaging.Fit(original, size, size, imaging.Lanczos)
-	} else {
-		if bounds.Max.Y < bounds.Max.X {
-			resized = imaging.Resize(original, size, 0, imaging.Lanczos)
-		} else {
-			resized = imaging.Resize(original, 0, size, imaging.Lanczos)
-		}
-	}
-	if square {
-		bg := image.NewRGBA(image.Rect(0, 0, size, size))
-		resized = imaging.OverlayCenter(bg, resized, 1)
-	}
+	// Calculate aspect-fit dimensions
+	srcW, srcH := bounds.Dx(), bounds.Dy()
+	scale := float64(size) / float64(max(srcW, srcH))
+	dstW := int(float64(srcW) * scale)
+	dstH := int(float64(srcH) * scale)
 
-	buf := new(bytes.Buffer)
-	if format == "png" || square {
-		err = png.Encode(buf, resized)
+	var dst *image.NRGBA
+	var dstRect image.Rectangle
+	if square {
+		// Square canvas with image centered (transparent padding via zero-initialized NRGBA)
+		dst = image.NewNRGBA(image.Rect(0, 0, size, size))
+		offsetX := (size - dstW) / 2
+		offsetY := (size - dstH) / 2
+		dstRect = image.Rect(offsetX, offsetY, offsetX+dstW, offsetY+dstH)
 	} else {
-		err = jpeg.Encode(buf, resized, &jpeg.Options{Quality: conf.Server.CoverJpegQuality})
+		// Tight-fit canvas
+		dst = image.NewNRGBA(image.Rect(0, 0, dstW, dstH))
+		dstRect = dst.Bounds()
 	}
-	return buf, originalSize, err
+	xdraw.BiLinear.Scale(dst, dstRect, original, bounds, draw.Src, nil)
+
+	buf := bufPool.Get().(*bytes.Buffer)
+	buf.Reset()
+	if conf.Server.DevJpegCoverArt {
+		if square {
+			err = png.Encode(buf, dst)
+		} else {
+			err = jpeg.Encode(buf, dst, &jpeg.Options{Quality: conf.Server.CoverArtQuality})
+		}
+	} else {
+		err = webp.Encode(buf, dst, webp.Options{Quality: conf.Server.CoverArtQuality})
+	}
+	if err != nil {
+		bufPool.Put(buf)
+		return nil, originalSize, err
+	}
+	// Copy bytes before returning buffer to pool (pool may reuse the buffer)
+	encoded := make([]byte, buf.Len())
+	copy(encoded, buf.Bytes())
+	bufPool.Put(buf)
+	return bytes.NewReader(encoded), originalSize, nil
 }
diff --git a/core/external/provider.go b/core/external/provider.go
index 6a4f4f5e0..a30afed15 100644
--- a/core/external/provider.go
+++ b/core/external/provider.go
@@ -374,13 +374,19 @@ func (e *provider) ArtistImage(ctx context.Context, id string) (*url.URL, error)
 		return nil, err
 	}
 
-	e.callGetImage(ctx, e.ag, &artist)
-	if utils.IsCtxDone(ctx) {
-		log.Warn(ctx, "ArtistImage call canceled", ctx.Err())
-		return nil, ctx.Err()
+	// Use already-stored image URL if available, avoiding expensive external API calls.
+	// If the info is expired, the background refresh (via UpdateArtistInfo/artistQueue) will update it.
+	imageUrl := artist.ArtistImageUrl()
+	if imageUrl == "" {
+		// No cached URL — must fetch from external source synchronously
+		e.callGetImage(ctx, e.ag, &artist)
+		if utils.IsCtxDone(ctx) {
+			log.Warn(ctx, "ArtistImage call canceled", ctx.Err())
+			return nil, ctx.Err()
+		}
+		imageUrl = artist.ArtistImageUrl()
 	}
 
-	imageUrl := artist.ArtistImageUrl()
 	if imageUrl == "" {
 		return nil, model.ErrNotFound
 	}
diff --git a/go.mod b/go.mod
index d50f738b7..424c52421 100644
--- a/go.mod
+++ b/go.mod
@@ -14,7 +14,6 @@ require (
 	github.com/deluan/rest v0.0.0-20211102003136-6260bc399cbf
 	github.com/deluan/sanitize v0.0.0-20241120162836-fdfd8fdfaa55
 	github.com/dexterlb/mpvipc v0.0.0-20241005113212-7cdefca0e933
-	github.com/disintegration/imaging v1.6.2
 	github.com/djherbis/atime v1.1.0
 	github.com/djherbis/fscache v0.10.2-0.20231127215153-442a07e326c4
 	github.com/djherbis/stream v1.4.0
@@ -22,6 +21,7 @@ require (
 	github.com/dustin/go-humanize v1.0.1
 	github.com/extism/go-sdk v1.7.1
 	github.com/fatih/structs v1.1.0
+	github.com/gen2brain/webp v0.5.5
 	github.com/go-chi/chi/v5 v5.2.5
 	github.com/go-chi/cors v1.2.2
 	github.com/go-chi/httprate v0.15.0
@@ -84,6 +84,7 @@ require (
 	github.com/davecgh/go-spew v1.1.2-0.20180830191138-d8f796af33cc // indirect
 	github.com/decred/dcrd/dcrec/secp256k1/v4 v4.4.1 // indirect
 	github.com/dylibso/observe-sdk/go v0.0.0-20240828172851-9145d8ad07e1 // indirect
+	github.com/ebitengine/purego v0.8.3 // indirect
 	github.com/fsnotify/fsnotify v1.9.0 // indirect
 	github.com/go-logr/logr v1.4.3 // indirect
 	github.com/go-task/slim-sprig/v3 v3.0.0 // indirect
diff --git a/go.sum b/go.sum
index d92075234..a28900a41 100644
--- a/go.sum
+++ b/go.sum
@@ -44,8 +44,6 @@ github.com/deluan/sanitize v0.0.0-20241120162836-fdfd8fdfaa55 h1:wSCnggTs2f2ji6n
 github.com/deluan/sanitize v0.0.0-20241120162836-fdfd8fdfaa55/go.mod h1:ZNCLJfehvEf34B7BbLKjgpsL9lyW7q938w/GY1XgV4E=
 github.com/dexterlb/mpvipc v0.0.0-20241005113212-7cdefca0e933 h1:r4hxcT6GBIA/j8Ox4OXI5MNgMKfR+9plcAWYi1OnmOg=
 github.com/dexterlb/mpvipc v0.0.0-20241005113212-7cdefca0e933/go.mod h1:RkQWLNITKkXHLP7LXxZSgEq+uFWU25M5qW7qfEhL9Wc=
-github.com/disintegration/imaging v1.6.2 h1:w1LecBlG2Lnp8B3jk5zSuNqd7b4DXhcjwek1ei82L+c=
-github.com/disintegration/imaging v1.6.2/go.mod h1:44/5580QXChDfwIclfc/PCwrr44amcmDAg8hxG0Ewe4=
 github.com/djherbis/atime v1.1.0 h1:rgwVbP/5by8BvvjBNrbh64Qz33idKT3pSnMSJsxhi0g=
 github.com/djherbis/atime v1.1.0/go.mod h1:28OF6Y8s3NQWwacXc5eZTsEsiMzp7LF8MbXE+XJPdBE=
 github.com/djherbis/fscache v0.10.2-0.20231127215153-442a07e326c4 h1:wdZllsLrDJtYfHiAKogB4PNHSDeO+v+5S3eqSWHGDlc=
@@ -60,6 +58,8 @@ github.com/dustin/go-humanize v1.0.1 h1:GzkhY7T5VNhEkwH0PVJgjz+fX1rhBrR7pRT3mDkp
 github.com/dustin/go-humanize v1.0.1/go.mod h1:Mu1zIs6XwVuF/gI1OepvI0qD18qycQx+mFykh5fBlto=
 github.com/dylibso/observe-sdk/go v0.0.0-20240828172851-9145d8ad07e1 h1:idfl8M8rPW93NehFw5H1qqH8yG158t5POr+LX9avbJY=
 github.com/dylibso/observe-sdk/go v0.0.0-20240828172851-9145d8ad07e1/go.mod h1:C8DzXehI4zAbrdlbtOByKX6pfivJTBiV9Jjqv56Yd9Q=
+github.com/ebitengine/purego v0.8.3 h1:K+0AjQp63JEZTEMZiwsI9g0+hAMNohwUOtY0RPGexmc=
+github.com/ebitengine/purego v0.8.3/go.mod h1:iIjxzd6CiRiOG0UyXP+V1+jWqUXVjPKLAI0mRfJZTmQ=
 github.com/extism/go-sdk v1.7.1 h1:lWJos6uY+tRFdlIHR+SJjwFDApY7OypS/2nMhiVQ9Sw=
 github.com/extism/go-sdk v1.7.1/go.mod h1:IT+Xdg5AZM9hVtpFUA+uZCJMge/hbvshl8bwzLtFyKA=
 github.com/fatih/structs v1.1.0 h1:Q7juDM0QtcnhCpeyLGQKyg4TOIghuNXrkL32pHAUMxo=
@@ -69,6 +69,8 @@ github.com/frankban/quicktest v1.14.6/go.mod h1:4ptaffx2x8+WTWXmUCuVU6aPUX1/Mz7z
 github.com/fsnotify/fsnotify v1.4.7/go.mod h1:jwhsz4b93w/PPRr/qN1Yymfu8t87LnFCMoQvtojpjFo=
 github.com/fsnotify/fsnotify v1.9.0 h1:2Ml+OJNzbYCTzsxtv8vKSFD9PbJjmhYF14k/jKC7S9k=
 github.com/fsnotify/fsnotify v1.9.0/go.mod h1:8jBTzvmWwFyi3Pb8djgCCO5IBqzKJ/Jwo8TRcHyHii0=
+github.com/gen2brain/webp v0.5.5 h1:MvQR75yIPU/9nSqYT5h13k4URaJK3gf9tgz/ksRbyEg=
+github.com/gen2brain/webp v0.5.5/go.mod h1:xOSMzp4aROt2KFW++9qcK/RBTOVC2S9tJG66ip/9Oc0=
 github.com/gkampitakis/ciinfo v0.3.2 h1:JcuOPk8ZU7nZQjdUhctuhQofk7BGHuIy0c9Ez8BNhXs=
 github.com/gkampitakis/ciinfo v0.3.2/go.mod h1:1NIwaOcFChN4fa/B0hEBdAb6npDlFL8Bwx4dfRLRqAo=
 github.com/gkampitakis/go-diff v1.3.2 h1:Qyn0J9XJSDTgnsgHRdz9Zp24RaJeKMUHg2+PDZZdC4M=
@@ -325,7 +327,6 @@ golang.org/x/crypto v0.48.0 h1:/VRzVqiRSggnhY7gNRxPauEQ5Drw9haKdM0jqfcCFts=
 golang.org/x/crypto v0.48.0/go.mod h1:r0kV5h3qnFPlQnBSrULhlsRfryS2pmewsg+XfMgkVos=
 golang.org/x/exp v0.0.0-20260218203240-3dfff04db8fa h1:Zt3DZoOFFYkKhDT3v7Lm9FDMEV06GpzjG2jrqW+QTE0=
 golang.org/x/exp v0.0.0-20260218203240-3dfff04db8fa/go.mod h1:K79w1Vqn7PoiZn+TkNpx3BUWUQksGO3JcVX6qIjytmA=
-golang.org/x/image v0.0.0-20191009234506-e7c1f5e7dbb8/go.mod h1:FeLwcggjj3mMvU+oOTbSwawSJRM1uh48EjtB4UJZlP0=
 golang.org/x/image v0.36.0 h1:Iknbfm1afbgtwPTmHnS2gTM/6PPZfH+z2EFuOkSbqwc=
 golang.org/x/image v0.36.0/go.mod h1:YsWD2TyyGKiIX1kZlu9QfKIsQ4nAAK9bdgdrIsE7xy4=
 golang.org/x/mod v0.6.0-dev.0.20220419223038-86c51ed26bb4/go.mod h1:jJ57K6gSWd91VN4djpZkiMVwK6gcyfeH4XE8wZrZaV4=
diff --git a/utils/cache/benchmark_test.go b/utils/cache/benchmark_test.go
new file mode 100644
index 000000000..1fe448f84
--- /dev/null
+++ b/utils/cache/benchmark_test.go
@@ -0,0 +1,171 @@
+package cache
+
+import (
+	"context"
+	"fmt"
+	"io"
+	"os"
+	"runtime"
+	"strings"
+	"sync"
+	"testing"
+
+	"github.com/navidrome/navidrome/conf"
+	"github.com/navidrome/navidrome/conf/configtest"
+)
+
+type benchItem struct {
+	key string
+}
+
+func (b *benchItem) Key() string { return b.key }
+
+// setupBenchCache creates a file cache in a temp directory. Returns the cache and cleanup function.
+func setupBenchCache(b *testing.B, cacheSize string, getReader ReadFunc) (*fileCache, func()) {
+	b.Helper()
+	tmpDir, err := os.MkdirTemp("", "bench-cache-*")
+	if err != nil {
+		b.Fatal(err)
+	}
+	b.Cleanup(configtest.SetupConfig())
+	conf.Server.CacheFolder = tmpDir
+
+	fc := NewFileCache("bench", cacheSize, "bench", 0, getReader).(*fileCache)
+
+	// Wait for cache to be ready
+	for !fc.ready.Load() {
+		runtime.Gosched() // Yield to allow background init goroutine to run
+	}
+
+	teardown := func() {
+		os.RemoveAll(tmpDir)
+	}
+	return fc, teardown
+}
+
+func BenchmarkCacheWrite(b *testing.B) {
+	// Simulate writing 50KB images (typical 300px JPEG)
+	imageData := strings.Repeat("x", 50*1024)
+
+	fc, cleanup := setupBenchCache(b, "100MB", func(ctx context.Context, item Item) (io.Reader, error) {
+		return strings.NewReader(imageData), nil
+	})
+	defer cleanup()
+
+	b.SetBytes(int64(len(imageData)))
+	b.ResetTimer()
+	for i := 0; i < b.N; i++ {
+		key := fmt.Sprintf("write-bench-%d", i)
+		s, err := fc.Get(context.Background(), &benchItem{key: key})
+		if err != nil {
+			b.Fatal(err)
+		}
+		_, _ = io.ReadAll(s)
+		s.Close()
+	}
+}
+
+func BenchmarkCacheRead(b *testing.B) {
+	imageData := strings.Repeat("x", 50*1024)
+
+	fc, cleanup := setupBenchCache(b, "100MB", func(ctx context.Context, item Item) (io.Reader, error) {
+		return strings.NewReader(imageData), nil
+	})
+	defer cleanup()
+
+	// Pre-populate cache
+	item := &benchItem{key: "read-bench"}
+	s, err := fc.Get(context.Background(), item)
+	if err != nil {
+		b.Fatal(err)
+	}
+	_, _ = io.ReadAll(s)
+	s.Close()
+
+	b.SetBytes(int64(len(imageData)))
+	b.ResetTimer()
+	for i := 0; i < b.N; i++ {
+		s, err := fc.Get(context.Background(), item)
+		if err != nil {
+			b.Fatal(err)
+		}
+		_, _ = io.ReadAll(s)
+		s.Close()
+	}
+}
+
+func BenchmarkConcurrentCacheRead(b *testing.B) {
+	imageData := strings.Repeat("x", 50*1024)
+
+	fc, cleanup := setupBenchCache(b, "100MB", func(ctx context.Context, item Item) (io.Reader, error) {
+		return strings.NewReader(imageData), nil
+	})
+	defer cleanup()
+
+	// Pre-populate cache
+	item := &benchItem{key: "concurrent-read"}
+	s, _ := fc.Get(context.Background(), item)
+	_, _ = io.ReadAll(s)
+	s.Close()
+
+	concurrencyLevels := []int{1, 10, 50}
+	for _, n := range concurrencyLevels {
+		b.Run(fmt.Sprintf("goroutines_%d", n), func(b *testing.B) {
+			b.SetBytes(int64(len(imageData)))
+			b.ResetTimer()
+			for i := 0; i < b.N; i++ {
+				var wg sync.WaitGroup
+				wg.Add(n)
+				for g := 0; g < n; g++ {
+					go func() {
+						defer wg.Done()
+						s, err := fc.Get(context.Background(), item)
+						if err != nil {
+							b.Error(err)
+							return
+						}
+						_, _ = io.ReadAll(s)
+						s.Close()
+					}()
+				}
+				wg.Wait()
+			}
+		})
+	}
+}
+
+func BenchmarkConcurrentCacheMiss(b *testing.B) {
+	imageData := strings.Repeat("x", 50*1024)
+
+	concurrencyLevels := []int{1, 10, 50}
+	for _, n := range concurrencyLevels {
+		b.Run(fmt.Sprintf("goroutines_%d", n), func(b *testing.B) {
+			fc, cleanup := setupBenchCache(b, "100MB", func(ctx context.Context, item Item) (io.Reader, error) {
+				return strings.NewReader(imageData), nil
+			})
+			defer cleanup()
+
+			b.SetBytes(int64(len(imageData)))
+			b.ResetTimer()
+			for i := 0; i < b.N; i++ {
+				var wg sync.WaitGroup
+				wg.Add(n)
+				// All goroutines request the SAME key (not yet cached)
+				item := &benchItem{key: fmt.Sprintf("miss-%d", i)}
+				for g := 0; g < n; g++ {
+					go func() {
+						defer wg.Done()
+						s, err := fc.Get(context.Background(), item)
+						if err != nil {
+							b.Error(err)
+							return
+						}
+						_, _ = io.ReadAll(s)
+						s.Close()
+					}()
+				}
+				wg.Wait()
+			}
+		})
+	}
+}