WP Plugin Image Optimization
Test report

Image Optimizer - Optimize Images and Convert to WebP or AVIF

Image Optimization is a WordPress-integrated plugin developed by Elementor.com and released on 2024-01-08. With over 1 000 000+ active installations, it is a widely used tool for image optimization on WordPress websites. The plugin stands out for its ability to efficiently compress images while preserving image quality, ultimately reducing load times and improving the user experience. A unique feature is background optimization, which allows images to be optimized in the background without the user having to actively monitor it. This feature makes it especially suitable for site owners who use a large number of images and want to optimize their load times without impacting site performance. The plugin has a average rating of 1.5 out of 5 stars based on 68 reviews in the official WordPress Plugin Directory. The next section will go into detail about the plugin's features and functions.

"The ability to convert images to WebP results in faster load times without compromising quality."

Features - Extensive options for image optimization

The WordPress plugin "Image Optimization" offers a variety of features that go beyond basic image compression. One of the standout features is support for multiple image formats, including JPEG, PNG, WebP, AVIF, and GIF. This versatility ensures users can optimize a wide range of image types. Another notable feature is automatic resizing, which allows uploaded images to be reduced to a predetermined pixel width. This feature is particularly useful to ensure that image sizes do not adversely affect website performance.

"It's super easy to use - just a few clicks, and my images were optimized without quality loss."

Free Features - Comprehensive functionality in the free version

• Supported Image Formats - Supports JPEG, PNG, WebP, AVIF and GIF.
• Background Optimization - Optimizes images in the background without requiring the page to remain open during optimization.
• Resize Large Images - Ability to set a maximum pixel width after which images are automatically downsized.
• 2 Compression Levels - Lossless (highest quality with minimal compression) and lossy (maximum compression with slightly reduced quality).
• Optimization on Upload - Images are automatically optimized when uploaded.
• Bulk or Single Optimization - Flexible options for image optimization, both on demand and for the entire media library.
• EXIF Metadata - Option to remove image metadata to further reduce size without affecting image quality.
• Backup Original Images - Option to permanently delete backups to save storage space.
• Restore Original Images - Option to restore original images (all sizes) for selected media items.
• Conversion to WebP and AVIF - Enables more efficient and faster-loading formats for improved web performance.
• Image Thumbnails - Default resizing of all image sizes; users can select specific image sizes based on WordPress-registered thumbnail sizes.

License - Flexible usage options

The plugin "Image Optimization" is offered as a free version that covers many image optimization features. With its broad range of features, it enables users to achieve high-quality image compression with reduced effort. Users appreciate the plugin's flexibility and the fact that it does not incur immediate costs. The lack of paid features in the base version makes it an attractive option for site owners seeking a cost-effective solution.

Technical Details - Behind the scenes of Image Optimization

The WordPress plugin "Image Optimization" by Elementor is deeply integrated into the site's infrastructure and offers both developers and IT professionals interesting insights into how it works. Primarily, the plugin works in conjunction with an external third-party service that is tasked with optimizing uploaded images in JPG, PNG, GIF, or WEBP format. This optimization occurs in the file system, with original images being replaced by web-optimized versions, depending on the automatic or manual settings chosen by the user.

A central aspect is the API integration required for the connection between the Elementor account and the plugin. This interface not only ensures smooth user identification but also enables image management via hooks. This architecture allows developers to further customize and optimize functionality using filters and actions.

Database interaction is minimal because the plugin primarily relies on server-side operations controlled via the file system. This reduces database load significantly and provides higher performance for the entire web application. Web developers appreciate this efficient resource usage and the potential customization options provided by technical hooks.

Integration into multisite environments is theoretically possible, however specific implementations in large networks are not yet comprehensively documented. This could pose a challenge for operators of large networks looking to meet individual requirements.

System Requirements - Technical requirements at a glance

The "Image Optimization" plugin requires specific system prerequisites to function properly. At minimum it needs a PHP version of 7.4, as well as a WordPress version of 6.6 or higher. The plugin has been tested up to WordPress version 6.9, which provides a certain level of compatibility assurance for more recent installations.

The current plugin version number is 1.7.2 and the last update was released in 2026-02. These details are important to ensure that the plugin can be operated on a compatible and secure basis.

"It meets the technical requirements and is well compatible with current WordPress versions."

Quality - High-quality image compression and savings

The WordPress plugin "Image Optimization" stands out for the high quality of its compression methods. User reports highlight that the plugin’s compression efficiency is impressive, as it significantly reduces file size without noticeably degrading image quality. In particular, support for modern formats like WebP and AVIF enables savings in load times and bandwidth, positively affecting the user experience. The choice between lossless and lossy compression offers flexibility to meet different website operator needs. There have been occasional negative reports about technical issues that may affect the user experience, but these are exceptions and the core functionality and quality of the plugin remain highly regarded.

"The plugin delivers amazing compression efficiency while maintaining image quality, which significantly improved my site's overall performance."

Support - Experiences and availability

Experiences with the "Image Optimization" plugin support are mixed. Users note both positive and negative aspects. Some praise quick response times and helpful assistance, while others report unsatisfactory experiences where support seemed neither competent nor helpful. Contact options include the official support forum and a commercial developer support option. These channels handle a variety of user inquiries, though the quality and satisfaction with provided support can vary widely.

"If a support manager at Elementor reads this, they should rethink how they support-or fail to support-their paying customers.",

Rating - Diverging user opinions

The WordPress "Image Optimization" plugin has an overall average rating of 1.5 out of 5 stars based on 68 reviews. The ratings paint a mixed picture: while some users praise the plugin’s functionality and performance, others criticize aspects such as its integration into paid plans.

Some users are thrilled with the plugin’s capabilities:

"This plugin is a real game-changer! It feels like it was designed specifically for web developers like me.",

Others are annoyed by the pricing policy and missing features in certain subscriptions:

"That should be included in the Pro plan I’m already paying for.",

Still, there are many positive feedbacks highlighting the plugin’s compression efficiency:

"The plugin works so well compared to other solutions.",

Criticism - Bugs and shortcomings of the plugin

Despite its popularity, the WordPress image optimization plugin faces several criticisms related to functionality and usability. A frequently cited issue is spam-like behavior when the plugin is not activated. Users report that Elementor repeatedly prompts them to install the plugin, which is perceived as annoying. Pricing is also seen as misleading; the final cost often only becomes apparent during use and can lead to unexpected charges.

Another problem concerns technical challenges and bugs in the plugin. Users report long optimization times and frequent error messages, especially in combination with the Rankmath plugin, which impacts image compression. Such technical hurdles hinder smooth use and worsen the user experience.

Criticism also includes installation without prior consent, where the plugin is installed automatically, which is considered unacceptable. Support quality has also been rated negatively, with claims of inefficiency and lack of knowledge in handling customer inquiries.

On the security side there is little cause for concern, as there are no specific reports of security vulnerabilities. This also applies to privacy aspects, where no notable shortcomings have been identified.

"The plugin was installed without my consent, which is an absolute no-go.",

Conclusion - A versatile but controversially discussed plugin

The "Image Optimization" plugin from Elementor offers a comprehensive solution for image compression and optimization for WordPress websites. With support for numerous image formats and flexible compression options, it simplifies image management and helps improve load times. However, the plugin is not without criticism. Users report unexpected installations and incompatibilities with other plugins, which can impair the user experience. There are also mixed reviews of support, which varies in response time and effectiveness. Despite these challenges, the core functionality remains impressive and provides a significant performance improvement for websites through effective image compression.