Search engine optimization (SEO) is more than plugging relevant keywords into your landing pages and blog posts. 

Search engines like Google and Bing prioritize sites on their search engine results pages (SERPs) based on website performance, speed, design, and more.

One important technique for improving your site speed is image optimization. If you’re using a website CMS like WordPress, this process becomes easy with various tools and plugins.

In this article, I’ll share the basics of WordPress image optimization plugins before we compare the 10 WordPress image optimization tools you should consider in 2023.

Are you ready to learn more about the best tools to optimize images?

Let’s dive in. 

The basics of image optimization for SEO

Before I dive into the specifics of WordPress plugins for image optimization, it’s important to understand what image optimization is and how it should fit into your broader SEO strategy.

As I mentioned, on-page optimization with keywords is just one piece of the puzzle regarding SEO. The most popular search engine algorithms use holistic assessments to determine which content ranks the highest.

When it comes to optimizing web pages for search engines, it’s important to consider tools and technologies that can help you achieve a well-rounded SEO strategy. One such tool that has gained significant recognition is the Smart Product Page Optimizer. This innovative solution goes beyond traditional keyword optimization and offers a holistic approach to enhancing the performance of product pages.

Page speed is a major factor for ranking. Metrics related to user experience, design, and behavior help quantify your page speed. For example, the longer it takes for your page to load, the more likely a visitor is to bounce.

Slow page speeds make your site feel spammy and frustrate the user. The faster your page loads, the better. According to Backlinko, the best-ranking pages on Google load in 1.65 seconds. 

Image optimization is perfect for improving your site speed since it reduces the size of your media, allowing it to load faster. It also keeps your images’ clarity and quality when done right. 

Google recommends that your site loads within 3 seconds. However, if you aren’t sure how fast your site is loading, you can run it through the Google PageSpeed Insights tool to test your page speed and loading times. 

If your Core Web Vital Assessment receives a failing grade (like the screenshot below), pay close attention to the LCP metric. If you land in yellow or red, you’ll need the help of an image optimizer.  

(Custom screenshot from Google)

But don’t worry. I’m here today to tell you about the best image optimizers, so you don’t have to scour the internet and read dozens of annoying reviews. You can thank me later. 😜

What is a WordPress image optimization plugin?

A WordPress image optimization plugin is an app or tool for image optimization that integrates seamlessly with WordPress.

WordPress has a plugin marketplace that enables users to add various tools to their WordPress dashboard in just a click.

Most WordPress image optimization plugins are free, but there are a few paid tools where you’ll have to fork over a small monthly fee.

(Image Source) 

It’s important to note that only business plans on WordPress have access to plugins. And, of course, you need a WordPress website. 

Top 10 WordPress image optimization tools in 2023

Now that you’re a bit more familiar with using a WordPress image optimization plugin, let’s review ten of the best options for 2023.

1. ShortPixel Image Optimizer

ShortPixel Image Optimizer is a website optimization tool that offers image compression, media hosting, and other functionality to improve site speed.

 (Image Source)

Features

• Automatic image compression
• JS/CSS optimization
• Media hosting
• Command line optimization
• ShortPixel adaptive images

Pricing

The Short Pixel WordPress image compression plugin is free.

ShortPixel offers a wide variety of pricing options based on usage. Users can buy credits or gigabytes based on their unique needs, and these options range from free to $83.33 per month. 

Since this tool’s pricing is somewhat complex, I recommend checking out ShortPixel’s pricing page to explore the various options to see what makes the most sense for your use case. 

2. WP Compress

WP Compress is an SEO tool that compresses websites to improve site speed, reduce bounce rates, and improve business.

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Features

• Image compression
• Website caching
• Access to a CDN
• JS/CSS optimization
• Bulk optimization option

Pricing

The WP Compress plugin is free on WordPress, but users must buy a premium version from WP Compress to activate the plugin. WP Compress’ pricing plans include the following:

• Starter: $9/month
• Professional: $29/month
• White-Label: $49/month

Lifetime licenses are available, as well.

3. EWWW Image Optimizer

EWWW Image Optimizer is another great plugin for image optimization. This tool offers automatic compression that works seamlessly with several third-party providers, including WordPress.

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Features

• API for automatic compression
• JS/CSS optimization
• Page caching
• Fast delivery via IO CDN 

Pricing

The EWWW Image Optimizer plugin is free on WordPress, but the technology is also available as a stand-alone product. 

Pricing plans for EWWW Image Optimizer include the following:

• Standard: $7/month
• Growth: $15/month
• Infinite: $25/month

Users get two months free when they pay annually.

4. TinyPNG

TinyPNG is a WordPress plugin specializing in WebP, PNG file, and JPEG compression. What sets this tool apart from the others is that it helps optimize partially transparent images. 

Plus, it shows you different levels of compression.

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Features

• Smart media compression
• Partially transparent image optimization
• Compatible with Photoshop
• Content delivery via Tinify CDN

Pricing

The TinyPNG plugin is free to install on WordPress. When using the tool through WordPress, you can compress 100 images for free each month, but file size limits exist.  

If you use Photoshop, you can add the TinyPNG plugin for a one-time fee of $65.

There are different fees attached to using TinyPNG for content delivery. But you never have to worry about image file size again. Image uploads are simple and easy. This investment promises to enhance the efficiency of your design process and seamlessly align it with your WordPress website.

5. Optimole

Optimole is a company that’s focused on image optimization and content delivery. This business has two plugins for WordPress: Image Optimization & Lazy Load and Super Page Cache for Cloudflare.

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Features

• Image optimization
• Compress image
• Maintain image quality 
• Retina images
• WebP optimization
• Cloud image library
• Lazy load images
• 12–24 hour tech support (depending on the plan)

Pricing

Both of Optimole’s plugins are free on WordPress, but pricing for access to premium plans follows a “per X site visits” structure:

• Starter: $19.08/month for up to 50k site visits
• Business: additional functionality with pricing broken down by usage
  • $39.08/month for up to 100k site visits
  • $90.83/month for up to 250k site visits
  • $297.50/month for up to 750k site visits
  • $582.50/month for up to 1.5 million site visits
  • $1165.83/month for 5 million site visits
• Custom: flexible pricing for your custom needs

6. Jetpack

Jetpack is a multi-faceted SEO tool that offers a variety of tools to reduce load times. This plugin is great for website owners and managers who need more well-rounded SEO support and key features. 

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 Features

• Image optimization (reduce image size)
• Website security 
• XML sitemap generation
• Advanced site statistics
• Enhanced image backup

Pricing

Jetpack has various pricing plans available. The “Complete” plan costs $50/month (billed annually) and includes Jetpack’s performance tools and image optimization. 

7. Imagify

Imagify is another excellent WordPress image optimization plugin. What makes Imagify unique from the other options is its support for PDF files and GIF optimization.

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 Features

• Multimedia optimization (images, PDFs, and GIFs)
• Image resizing
• Easy-to-configure settings
• Secure dashboard
• Lossy and lossless compression options

Pricing

The Imagify plugin is free on WordPress, but plans from Imagify are as follows:

• Starter: Free — includes 20 MB (which is about 200 images per month)
• Growth: $4.99/month — includes 500 MB (which is about 5000 images per month)
• Infinite: $9.99/month — includes unlimited images

8. Kraken.io

Kraken.io is a tool that focuses primarily on image optimization. Unlike many other options I’ve covered, this niche focus makes this option available at a lower price point.

In other words, an optimized image without breaking the bank (with no harm to the original image). Also, you can say goodbye to manually resizing individual images. 

(Image Source)

Features

• Image optimization and compression
• Cloud storage
• No vendor lock-in
• Image resizer
• ZIP uploader (images on upload)

Pricing

The Kraken.io plugin is free on WordPress, and the software comes in five separate plans on the Kraken.io website. These include:

• Micro: $5/month for 500 MB of images
• Basic: $9/month for 2 GB of images
• Advanced: $19/month for 5 GB of images
• Premium: $39/month for 15 GB of images
• Enterprise: $79/month for 60 GB of images

Kraken.io gives you two months free when you pay annually.

9. reSmush.it

reSmush.it is a basic WordPress image optimization tool that focuses on basic image compression. This tool is free, but the downside is that it can only handle images up to 5 MB.

Note this tool is different from WP Smush / Smush Pro. That’s another top contender for another day. 

(Image Source)

Features

• Multiple image formats: GIF, BMP, and TIF optimization
• Uses various algorithms for optimal performance
• 80% reductions

Pricing

This tool is entirely free to use. The developers accept donations, but users don’t have to pay. You can size images to your heart’s desire (without going broke in the process). 

10. Imsanity

Imsanity is another image optimizer on WordPress designed for compressing large images. The WordPress community developed this tool. 

(Image Source)

Features

• Image optimization
• Bulk image compression (compress jpeg)
• BMP and PNG image to JPE
• Only available on WordPress

Pricing

Since this is a community-developed tool, it’s free to use. 

How to choose the best WordPress image optimization plugin

The ten WordPress image optimization plugins I’ve reviewed in this article are similar in functionality. However, they vary slightly from one to the next regarding feature offerings, pricing, etc.

With so many image optimization options, you may wonder which is the best. Unfortunately, making a blanket statement on the “best option” is challenging since everybody’s needs differ. 

From image SEO to managing a robust media library and avoiding lossy compression, these are all essential things to remember when picking the best WordPress image optimizer plugin for your needs.

You should test out the free options or the free trials of the paid options to get a feel for what is available. You can read reviews until you’re blue in the face, but you won’t know what’s right for you until you explore individual dashboards and test them on your existing images. 

Once you’re more familiar with what’s available, narrow down which plugins have the functionality you’re looking for and fit into your budget. From there, you can choose the option that you’re most comfortable with or that fits best into your tech stack. 

But if I have to pick my favorite child, I’ll have to go with Wordable because it does everything for me. I can publish Google Docs to WordPress in one click with compressed images that don’t slow down my site. It can’t get much better than that. 😀

That’s why Wordable stands out. Plus, it doesn’t matter what WordPress hosting or theme you have. So it’s a no-brainer addition to your content publishing checklist.

(Image Source)

Final thoughts

2023 is the year to double down on your SEO strategy.

And optimizing images is essential for improving your website’s speed and performance, which enhances user experience and sends positive ranking signals to Google. 

From lossless compression to lazy loading, these plugins offer a variety of features to optimize the custom graphics you create for your blog content. 

You don’t want to sleep on the idea of image optimization. Not only will your visitors be thankful when landing on your WordPress site, but search engines will take notice.

Can you already see the organic traffic rolling in? It’s never too late to focus on technical SEO. The sooner you jump on the bandwagon, the better. 

Which WordPress image optimization plugin will you add to your tech stack this year?