Optimizing images is one of the simplest ways to speed up a WordPress site. Plugins like Imagify, ShortPixel, Optimole, EWWW Image Optimizer, TinyPNG and Smush all compress pictures and deliver modern formats to improve loading times, but they vary in flexibility, features and pricing.
After reviewing the main options, one plugin stands out as the strongest overall solution thanks to its balance of performance, tools and cost.
Here’s a straightforward overview for non-technical WordPress users.
ShortPixel Image Optimizer
ShortPixel Image Optimizer supports a wider range of formats than most competitors, including JPG, PNG, GIF, PDF, WebP, AVIF, and HEIC.
You can pick from three compression modes - lossy, glossy, and lossless, to get the right balance between quality and speed.
It compresses uploads automatically and stores backups in a separate folder so you can revert if needed.
Features like smart cropping, WebP/AVIF generation, image SEO, option to allow or prevent images from being used by AI/ML training add extra flexibility.
Tests show ShortPixel consistently delivers strong compression results, without imposing strict file size caps. The free plan includes 100 credits per month, while unlimited plans start at $9.99 and can be used across multiple sites.
EWWW Image Optimizer
EWWW compresses JPG, PNG, GIF, PDF, and SVG files and can strip metadata.
It includes bulk and scheduled optimization, plus WebP/AVIF support on premium plans.
The catch is that the free version runs entirely on your own server, consuming resources. EWWW is good for those who prefer self-hosting and don’t mind server configuration.
TinyPNG
TinyPNG connects to the popular online service.
It automatically picks a compression level and can resize images in bulk.
It integrates with WooCommerce and multilingual plugins, and the dashboard shows basic stats.
Still, it only works with JPEG, PNG, and WebP, the free plan is capped at around 500 images monthly, and there’s no backup system.
TinyPNG is best for small blogs or personal sites that need quick, easy optimization.
Smush
Smush offers unlimited free compression, but only for files under 5 MB.
It adds lazy-loading and a bulk optimizer, with a Pro version that unlocks stronger compression and a CDN. The free plan doesn’t create WebP and lacks AVIF support.
Smush works well for beginners who need basic optimization, but its advanced features require upgrading.
Why I believe ShortPixel leads the pack
Compared with Imagify and the rest, ShortPixel’s mix of power and flexibility makes it the clear winner:
- Multiple compression modes and wide format support, including modern ones like AVIF and HEIC
- Great for media-heavy websites, including WooCommerce stores
- Built-in image SEO: automatic alt text, captions, and descriptions, with upcoming support for SEO-friendly filenames
- Controls for allowing or blocking AI/ML usage of your images
- Automatic backups plus extras like smart cropping, advanced exclusions, resizing large uploads, and CDN support
- Easy workflow with immediate results and a clean dashboard
- Affordable plans, including an unlimited option usable across sites
- Consistent performance in tests, without harsh file size or format limits
Final word
All these plugins are great Imagify alternatives and can help boost WordPress performance, but after testing the best of the best, ShortPixel comes out on top.
Its mix of flexibility, consistent performance, and fair pricing makes it the clear standout.
You get automation when you want it, control when you need it, and results that put it ahead as the leading alternative to Imagify.
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