Image optimization plays a major role in WordPress site performance, and while Smush has built a strong reputation with its free unlimited compression, its limitations can hold back more demanding sites.
Plugins like ShortPixel, Imagify, EWWW Image Optimizer, TinyPNG, and Optimole each bring different strengths to the table, from advanced format support to CDN integration.
After using Smush for a while and exploring what else is available, one alternative consistently delivers better results across the board.
Here's a practical breakdown for WordPress site owners looking beyond Smush.
ShortPixel Image Optimizer
ShortPixel Image Optimizer addresses many of the gaps that Smush leaves open, particularly around format support and file size restrictions.
It handles JPG, PNG, GIF, PDF, WebP, AVIF, and HEIC without the 5 MB cap that limits Smush's free plan. You get three compression levels - lossy, glossy, and lossless - so you can balance quality and file size based on your needs.
Unlike Smush, ShortPixel automatically creates backups in a dedicated folder, making it risk-free to test different compression settings. The plugin includes smart cropping, automatic WebP/AVIF generation, AI-powered image SEO, and controls for managing AI/ML usage of your images.
The free plan offers 100 credits per month, with unlimited plans starting at $9.99 that work across multiple sites. No arbitrary file restrictions, and compression quality stays consistent regardless of image type.
Imagify
Imagify comes from the WP Rocket team and focuses on a streamlined, user-friendly experience.
It supports JPG, PNG, GIF, PDF, and WebP with three compression modes. Bulk optimization is straightforward, and it can automatically resize oversized uploads. Backups are included so you can restore originals when needed.
The interface is notably cleaner than Smush's busier dashboard. The limitation is the free plan's 20 MB monthly quota, which disappears fast on active sites. Paid plans start at $9.99/month for 1 GB.
Imagify works well if you're already invested in the WP Rocket ecosystem and want tools that integrate seamlessly, though the quota system requires more planning than credit-based models.
EWWW Image Optimizer
EWWW takes a self-hosted approach with its free version, running compression directly on your server.
It handles JPG, PNG, GIF, PDF, and SVG files, includes bulk and scheduled optimization, and can strip metadata. WebP and AVIF support requires upgrading to premium plans.
The advantage is complete control and no third-party service dependency. The downside is the server resource usage, which can slow down shared hosting environments. EWWW suits users comfortable with server configuration who want to avoid external APIs.
TinyPNG
TinyPNG connects to the well-known online compression service and keeps things simple.
It automatically selects compression levels and includes bulk resizing. The plugin integrates with WooCommerce and multilingual setups, with basic optimization stats in the dashboard.
The catch is limited format support - only JPEG, PNG, and WebP. The free plan caps at around 500 images monthly, and unlike Smush, there's no backup system built in. TinyPNG works for smaller blogs that don't need extensive features, but growing sites quickly outpace its free tier.
Optimole
Optimole shifts the paradigm by delivering images through its own CDN rather than optimizing them locally.
Images are automatically compressed and resized based on each visitor's device, which offloads work from your server entirely. This approach is powerful for traffic-heavy sites.
The free plan covers up to 5,000 monthly visits, with paid plans from $29.08/year. The tradeoff is dependency on Optimole's infrastructure - switching away later means reconfiguring your entire image delivery. It's a strong choice for sites that want combined CDN and optimization, but less flexible than plugins that work independently.
Why ShortPixel works better for me
Coming from Smush, ShortPixel feels like a significant upgrade in several areas:
- No 5 MB file size limit on any plan, unlike Smush's free tier restriction
- Modern format support including HEIC, which Smush doesn't handle
- Built-in automatic backups that Smush lacks, making experimentation safer
- Three clear compression modes with predictable results
- Image SEO features with AI-generated alt text, captions, and descriptions
- Smart cropping and advanced exclusion options for granular control
- Credit-based pricing that's more predictable than quota systems
- CDN support without locking you into a specific provider
- Controls for managing AI/ML image usage rights
The main advantage over Smush is the removal of arbitrary limitations while adding professional-grade features that actually matter for real-world optimization work.
Final thoughts
Smush serves its purpose well for basic needs, but these alternatives offer more room to grow. After testing the options available, ShortPixel provides the most complete solution.
It eliminates the file size restrictions that hold Smush back, adds the safety net of automatic backups, supports modern formats out of the box, and includes advanced features without overwhelming the interface. The pricing is straightforward, and you're not artificially limited by file sizes or forced into CDN lock-in.
For WordPress users ready to move beyond Smush's limitations, ShortPixel delivers professional-level optimization with the flexibility serious sites need.
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