WP Plugin Ewww Image Optimizer
Test report

EWWW Image Optimizer

EWWW Image Optimizer, developed by Exactly WWW, has since its release on 2012-06-07 been a popular WordPress plugin with over 1,000,000+ active installations. The plugin is used to improve website performance by optimizing images, which leads to reduced bounce rates and better SEO performance. A central unique selling point of EWWW Image Optimizer is image optimization directly on your own server, giving users full control over the process. This functionality gives the plugin an edge over others that rely on external servers. The target audience primarily includes website operators seeking a faster and more user-friendly experience. With an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars from 1,802 reviews in the official WordPress plugin store, the high satisfaction and acceptance among users is evident. Below is an overview of the main features and functions of EWWW Image Optimizer.

"Optimizes all current and newly added images as if by magic."

Features - Extensive capabilities for optimized image presentation

EWWW Image Optimizer offers a wide range of features that help users optimize images efficiently. In addition to the already mentioned on-server optimization, the plugin also provides a bulk optimization feature that allows all images on a website to be processed at once. Another notable feature is the direct conversion of images to the WebP format, which results in faster load times and reduced storage usage. This automation makes it a time-saving solution for web administrators who want to run a high-performance website.

"Works better than other optimizers. It was painless to use and ran stable."

Free Features - No-cost functions for comprehensive image optimization

• Optimization of all existing images - Enables compression and conversion to a web-optimized format.
• Automatic image optimization - Automatic compression and adjustment of new images.
• Unlimited file size - No restrictions regarding image size.
• Pixel-perfect optimization - Precise control over every image using leading tools.
• Smart conversion options - Format changes tailored to the respective need.
• Free backup - 30-day storage of original images.
• Bulk optimization - Optimizes all images of a website centrally from a single page.
• Plugin compatibility - Wide support and compatibility with numerous plugins and themes.
• CDN support - Integration with various content delivery networks (CDNs).

License - Free to use for all users

EWWW Image Optimizer is available as freeware, making it especially attractive for small website owners and newcomers to web development. Users appreciate the benefits of a free plugin that still offers high-quality features. Availability without fees allows access to comprehensive image optimization tools without financial investment. This contributes to the plugin's popularity and high installation rate.

"Grateful that there is a free option."

Technical Details - A deep dive for developers

EWWW Image Optimizer impresses with its ability to optimize images server-side directly on the WordPress installation. For developers, the plugin offers support via WP-CLI, enabling seamless bulk optimization processes via the command line and thus increasing efficiency, especially for large image datasets. The plugin uses PHP's GD library by default to process images and also allows the use of more specialized tools like ImageMagick, jpegtran and OptiPNG if available. This extensibility provides precise control over compression settings and image quality. Another noteworthy feature is WebP conversion, which can be driven by the GD library to deliver more efficient formats. EWWW also supports database-backed storage of metadata and optimization histories, allowing users to track exactly which images were optimized and to what extent.

System Requirements - Compatibility overview

EWWW Image Optimizer requires at least PHP version 7.4, to function properly. Regarding WordPress, the plugin is compatible from version 4.7 and has been thoroughly tested up to the latest WordPress version 6.5 available. Currently the plugin is in version 8.2.1 available and the last update took place on 2025-08 . These current compatibility and system requirement details underline the plugin's ability to operate smoothly in a modern web environment and to receive continuous support and security updates.

"Updates come regularly and ensure seamless integration with new WordPress versions."

Quality - High-level image compression

EWWW Image Optimizer is characterized by its high image quality even after optimization. It offers an excellent balance between file size reduction and maintaining image sharpness. The plugin uses industry-leading algorithms to ensure that images not only load faster but are also displayed in the best possible quality. This optimization typically leads to faster page load times, which can positively affect user experience and SEO rankings. Despite the automatic processes, the plugin also allows detailed control over compression settings so users can tailor preferences for different use cases.

"This optimizer reduces file size and preserves quality impressively well."

Support - Scope of offerings and user opinions

Support for EWWW Image Optimizer is rated very positively by many users. The plugin offers comprehensive contact options to resolve issues and concerns. Users can visit the official support area of the plugin on WordPress.org or contact the official website directly to reach the development team. Email support is available to all users at no cost, and existing customers often receive quick and helpful assistance. In addition to general troubleshooting inquiries, the team also accepts feedback and suggestions for future features, which is appreciated by the community.

Users' experiences with support are varied. While some praise the responsiveness and solution orientation, there are also reports of longer wait times and inadequate assistance for specific issues. Nevertheless, support stands out with numerous positive reviews, especially in the personal care for the Pro version.

"Excellent support and quick solutions despite complex issues."

Rating - High satisfaction despite some criticism

EWWW Image Optimizer enjoys a high average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars from a total of 1,802 reviews. These positive responses illustrate users' overall satisfaction with the plugin's performance and features. Many users praise its efficiency and reliability in image optimization.

One of the positive reviews comes from a user who is convinced by the plugin's hassle-free user experience:

"Works better than other optimizers. It was painless to use and ran stable."

Despite these positive responses, there are also some critical voices. One user complains about the plugin's behavior after deactivation:

"I deactivated this plugin about around 1,000,000+ installations and it still prompts me to leave a review."

Another praise highlights the plugin's optimization performance in the area of WebP format:

"Excellent for self-hosted WP sites for image optimization and WebP conversion."

These reviews reflect strong community acceptance, although there are also points that could be considered for future updates to further improve the user experience.

Criticism - Nuanced consideration of weaknesses

Although largely positively rated, EWWW Image Optimizer is also the focus of some user criticism. A frequently cited point of criticism is malware warnings flagged by security platforms like VirusTotal. These warnings have caused concern among some users, although no actual damage has been reported so far. Such security concerns are taken seriously, and the developer offers close collaboration with the Patchstack Vulnerability Disclosure Program to validate and address vulnerabilities.

Another issue repeatedly highlighted concerns the often intrusive prompts to rate the plugin, which even appear after the plugin has been deactivated. Users find these requests annoying and not very user-friendly.

Reports of bugs and UI complications are also present. Some users have found that the plugin occasionally works inefficiently by converting images into unusable code or disrupting website structure. The documentation is criticized as insufficient, particularly regarding default settings, which are often poorly documented and cause confusion.

Despite these issues, it is acknowledged that the developer continuously works to fix reported bugs and respond to user feedback. A participatory roadmap allows the community to contribute to the plugin's further development.

"While this EWWW Image Optimizer plugin triggers malware warnings on VirusTotal, no actual harm has been observed so far." - Translation of user feedback.

These mixed experiences suggest that the user base is largely satisfied, but specific areas for improvement have been identified to further optimize the plugin and adapt it to users' needs.

Conclusion - Summary of strengths and weaknesses

The EWWW Image Optimizer, developed by Exactly WWW, is a powerful solution for optimizing images on WordPress sites. With a variety of features, including server-side processing and conversion to WebP format, the plugin provides a solid foundation for improving website performance. The free availability and compatibility with a wide range of plugins and themes make it an attractive option for many site owners.

The predominantly positive reviews reflect widespread satisfaction within the community, although individual criticisms regarding security warnings and user experience have been highlighted. Despite these challenges, the developer strives to resolve issues and implement improvements. Ultimately, EWWW Image Optimizer positions itself as one of the leading plugins in the field of image optimization for WordPress users.