Chaotic image encryption schemes are fast techniques which are easily realized in hardware and software. Chaotic map encryption schemes consist of Line map, Cat map and Baker's Map. As there is always a need for fast and robust encryption techniques in image processing, it becomes necessary to compare the different chaotic map techniques based on complexity, execution time and sensitivity to small changes in the plain image. The algorithms for Line map, Cat map and Baker's map were coded in MATLAB and the execution time and Peak Signal to Noise Ratio (PSNR) values were compared. From the simulation results, the best encryption technique has been selected for image processing and that technique will also be faster, more secure, less affected by noise and more sensitive to changes in the encryption key. We have also analyzed the extent of diffusion in these techniques, which is the resolution of the decrypted image in comparison with the original image. Less the extent of diffusion, better is the encryption technique. © 2018 IEEE.