Image Optimizer vs ShortPixel Image Optimizer (October 2026)
Updated October 22, 2026 · Data from WordPress.org, refreshed daily · How this works
Both rank in the WordPress.org Image Optimization Plugins top 10: Image Optimizer at #4 and ShortPixel Image Optimizer at #5. They split the 6 measures we track, so the choice comes down to which one you weigh most. Every number below comes straight from WordPress.org and is refreshed every day.
Image Optimizer
Image Optimizer – Compress Images and Convert to WebP or AVIF
Image Optimizer is an easy-to-use WordPress plugin that reduces image size through various compression and resizing techniques – all of which preserve …
ShortPixel Image Optimizer
ShortPixel Image Optimizer – Optimize Images, Convert WebP & AVIF
Compress images & PDFs automatically, convert to WebP & AVIF, and generate SEO-friendly filenames with AI. Bulk optimization, smart crop & resize.
Who leads on what
They split the 6 measures we track, so the choice comes down to which one you weigh most.
Image Optimizer ranks higher on WordPress.org: #4 against #5 in Image Optimization Plugins.
Image Optimizer has more users: 1 million+ active installs against 300,000+.
ShortPixel Image Optimizer is rated higher: 4.5 out of 5 from 829 reviews, against 1.7 from 80 reviews.
ShortPixel Image Optimizer has more reviews behind its score: 829 against 80.
ShortPixel Image Optimizer was updated more recently, on October 14, 2026; Image Optimizer on September 22, 2026.
Image Optimizer was downloaded more in the last 30 days: 681,303 times against 350,091.
Which one to pick
Each plugin is the better answer for the measure it actually leads on. Nothing here is a recommendation we invented.
Image Optimizer
Pick Image Optimizer if you go by where WordPress.org itself puts them, you want the plugin more sites already run or you want the one being installed faster right now.
ShortPixel Image Optimizer
Pick ShortPixel Image Optimizer if the review score matters most to you, you want the score backed by more reviews or you want the one shipping releases most recently.
Image Optimizer vs ShortPixel Image Optimizer side by side
| Image Optimizer | ShortPixel Image Optimizer | |
|---|---|---|
| Image Optimization Plugins ranking | #4 | #5 |
| Rating | 1.7 | 4.5 |
| Reviews | 80 | 829 |
| Active installs | 1 million+ | 300,000+ |
| Total downloads | 16,370,234 | 20,369,139 |
| Downloads, last 30 days | 681,303 | 350,091 |
| Last updated | Sep 22, 2026 | Oct 14, 2026 |
| First published | Jan 8, 2024 | Nov 5, 2014 |
| Tested up to WordPress | 7.0.7 | 7.1.3 |
| Requires PHP | 7.4 | 7.4 |
| Pricing | Free on WordPress.org | Free on WordPress.org |
Downloads per day, last 48 days
Image Optimizer ratings
ShortPixel Image Optimizer ratings
How we compare these two
Every figure here is pulled from the WordPress.org plugin API every day at 03:00 UTC, for both plugins in the same run, so the two are always read on the same day. We compare only what the directory reports: active installs, the rating and how many reviews stand behind it, the last release date and, once we have a month of history, downloads over the last 30 days. Ratings are only called a win above 50 reviews each, because a handful of five-star reviews is not evidence. Nothing is weighted into an overall score, no measure is worth more than another, and neither Image Optimizer nor ShortPixel Image Optimizer can pay to appear here: the pair exists only because both plugins reached the Image Optimization Plugins top 10. Full methodology.
Image Optimizer vs ShortPixel Image Optimizer: common questions
Is Image Optimizer better than ShortPixel Image Optimizer?
They split the 6 measures we track, so the choice comes down to which one you weigh most. Neither is better at everything, and the answer depends on which measure you weigh. Image Optimizer ranks higher on WordPress.org: #4 against #5 in Image Optimization Plugins.
Which has more users, Image Optimizer or ShortPixel Image Optimizer?
Image Optimizer ranks higher on WordPress.org: #4 against #5 in Image Optimization Plugins.
Which is rated higher, Image Optimizer or ShortPixel Image Optimizer?
Image Optimizer has more users: 1 million+ active installs against 300,000+.
Are Image Optimizer and ShortPixel Image Optimizer free?
Both are free to install from WordPress.org. Image Optimizer may also sell a paid version or add-ons. ShortPixel Image Optimizer may also sell a paid version or add-ons.
Alternatives to Image Optimizer and ShortPixel Image Optimizer
Plugins that score close to both in the same WordPress.org rankings and tags.
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What moved this week
One email a week, built from the same daily snapshots these rankings come from: the plugins that climbed, what launched, and one ranking worth a look.