WP Plugin Shortpixel Image Optimiser
Test report

ShortPixel Image Optimizer - Optimize Images, Convert WebP & AVIF

ShortPixel Image Optimizer is a versatile WordPress plugin developed by ShortPixel - Convert WebP/AVIF & Optimize Images and was first released on 2014-11-05. With over 300 000+ active installations, the plugin aims to boost website speed through efficient image and PDF optimization. ShortPixel stands out from the competition by supporting a wide range of compressed image formats such as JPG, PNG, GIF, WebP, and AVIF. Particularly notable is the automatic conversion to modern formats, which can significantly improve both SEO and user experience. The plugin targets a variety of users, from small blogs to large WooCommerce online stores and agencies that offer unlimited image optimization for a monthly fee. The average rating in the official WordPress Plugin Directory is 4.5 out of 5 stars, based on 796 reviews. The next section will take a closer look at the specific features of the ShortPixel Image Optimizer.

"ShortPixel really sped up my website and significantly improved the results in GTmetrix and PageSpeed Insights."

Features - Diverse image optimization options

The ShortPixel Image Optimizer impresses with its comprehensive feature set that goes far beyond conventional image compression functions. In addition to the aforementioned support for various image and file formats and automatic conversion to modern formats, the plugin offers advanced optimization options such as bulk image optimization. This allows you to optimize all images in the media library with a single click, significantly speeding up the workflow. Another notable feature is support for Smart Cropping, especially useful for e-commerce sites to generate the right thumbnails.

"The variety of features ShortPixel offers makes it one of the most versatile image optimizers on the market."

Free-Features - Limited but useful functions

• 100 free credits per month - Allows optimizing images up to a certain limit at no cost.
• Compression of JPG, PNG, GIF and PDF - Supports the most common image formats.
• Automatic conversion from PNG to JPG - Reduces file size when advantageous.
• CMYK to RGB conversion - For better color representation.
• Backup of original images - Originals are stored locally and can be restored with one click.

Pro-Features - Advanced options for comprehensive image optimization

• Unlimited image optimization for agencies - Flat rate for agencies with many images.
• Bulk optimization - Optimize all images in the media library with one click.
• Background optimization - Images can be optimized without keeping a browser tab open.
• Automatic conversion to WebP and AVIF - For better performance and SEO ranking.
• Smart Cropping - AI-powered thumbnail generation, ideal for e-commerce sites.
• Advanced exclusion options - Exclude images based on filename, path, or size.
• Automatic scans of custom media folders - For new images.
• Integration with Cloudflare - Automatic synchronization with the Cloudflare cache.

"With the Pro version of ShortPixel I was able to take my image optimization to a new level, and the integration with Cloudflare is a real bonus."

License & Value - User ratings and options

ShortPixel offers flexible licensing options that include both free and paid plans. For users who only occasionally perform image optimizations, the 100 monthly credits provide a generous option. For more intensive use, Pro plans are available that allow unlimited image optimizations without limits. Users particularly praise the cost-efficient pricing model, where they only pay for the optimizations they actually need. This makes ShortPixel an attractive option for site owners and agencies with high image volumes. The pricing reflects the plugin’s extensive features, and the ability to purchase one-time credit packs is seen as beneficial.

"The costs are very reasonable compared to the performance and results I was able to achieve."

Technical Details - A look under the hood of the plugin

The ShortPixel Image Optimizer offers an extensive repertoire of developer options that meets even advanced technical requirements. Developers benefit from a variety of actions and filter hooks that allow deep customization of the plugin’s behavior. For example, upon successful image optimization the hook do_action( 'shortpixel_image_optimised', $post_id ); called, offering the possibility for individual adjustments after optimization. There are also specific filters that affect backup folder management, such as apply_filters("shortpixel_backup_folder", $backup_folder, $main_file_path, $sizes);. These integrations give developers flexibility to further customize image optimization and adapt it to specific use cases. A particular technical refinement is the plugin’s ability to work seamlessly with multisite installations, allowing you to efficiently run multiple websites under a single API key.

"The ability to create different API keys for each installation is a big advantage."

System Requirements - Installation requirements

To use the ShortPixel Image Optimizer efficiently, certain system requirements must be met. The plugin requires at least PHP version 7.4, ensuring even older hosting environments are supported. A WordPress version of 4.8.0 or higher is also required. The plugin has been tested up to WordPress version 6.9 and therefore offers high compatibility with current WordPress versions. The current plugin version number is 6.4.3, and the last update in 2026-01 was carried out. These regular updates ensure the plugin’s security and performance.

"The regular updates and the broad support for older PHP versions are definitely pluses."

Quality - Performance and user experiences

The quality of the ShortPixel Image Optimizer is characterized by its advanced features and stable results that many users praise. The main advantage of the plugin is the speed and efficiency with which it optimizes images. By offloading optimization processes to the ShortPixel Image Optimization Cloud, local server resources are conserved, enabling operation even on shared hosting environments. By integrating advanced formats like WebP and AVIF, not only is page load speed improved, but overall user experience is also enhanced. Optimizations happen automatically and resource-efficiently, which is especially beneficial with large volumes of images.

The quality of the service is complemented by the excellent support from the developer team, which is praised by many users, particularly for quick and effective problem solving. Nevertheless, there are occasional critical voices pointing to suboptimal image compression that can produce artifacts with some image types. The ability to individually adjust compression levels is appreciated, since it allows the user to balance quality loss and file size.

"I was amazed by the results this plugin delivers. Other optimization plugins don't reach ShortPixel's level."

Support - Competent support around the clock

Support for the ShortPixel Image Optimizer is often cited as one of the standout points. According to users, the support is not only fast but also effective at resolving issues. Particularly highlighted is the ability to receive support around the clock for questions or difficulties. A frequently mentioned advantage is the response speed, which in many cases occurs the same day. Support is available through various channels, including email, Twitter, Facebook and LinkedIn, enabling flexible communication. For specific inquiries you can consult the official support in the WordPress Plugin Directory or contact the developer support directly. Despite generally positive feedback, some users are not fully satisfied with the support’s problem-solving capability, especially for more complex technical issues.

"The support exceeded my expectations."

Rating - User opinions and reviews

With an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars and 796 reviews, the ShortPixel Image Optimizer enjoys strong approval among WordPress users. Many praise the plugin's efficiency and support. Particularly highlighted are the noticeable improvement in website speed and the support, which in only a few cases is described as insufficient.

An example of the positive reviews is:

"A great plugin, works very well, 62% reduction overall."

On the other hand, there are also critical voices expressing concerns about costs and suitability for larger image volumes:

"Not recommended if many images are present and a free option is desired."

Nevertheless, positive experiences prevail, as reflected in comments that highlight the plugin’s added value and range of features:

"The secret ingredient for a WordPress website."

Criticism - Weaknesses and suggestions for improvement

Despite many positive aspects of the ShortPixel Image Optimizer, there are also some criticisms voiced in user reviews. A frequently criticized issue is technical difficulties that can lead to conflicts in certain configurations. For example, some users report that the plugin made their websites unstable. Another critical aspect is insufficient protection against security vulnerabilities. According to one review, the plugin allows creation of submenus that cannot be removed. These submenus give users the ability to restore backups or perform bulk actions like deleting optimizations, which could unintentionally lead to data loss.

"This plugin crashed my website, and I thought I had lost a year of hard work until I discovered it was incompatible with one of the apps I use."

Another common criticism concerns image quality after optimization. Some users report that images suffer a drop in quality after compression, which is particularly noticeable with heavily compressed images. These complaints underscore the need for flexible settings to individually balance file size and image quality.

"Some of my images were really terrible quality, noisy due to heavy compression."

In addition, it is criticized that the backup feature sometimes does not work adequately and cannot fully restore all images, which poses serious challenges for users. Suggestions for improvement aim to optimize this backup function and ensure that a complete restoration is actually possible.

"The backup that was promised to be safely stored did not work - after attempting to restore most images, they remained as ShortPixel left them: unusable."

Although many users are satisfied with the plugin's performance, these critical voices highlight areas for improvement that ShortPixel could use to make its software even more user-friendly and secure.

Conclusion - A neutral overview of pros and cons

The ShortPixel Image Optimizer proves to be a powerful image optimizer with a variety of features that go beyond basic compression. Developed by ShortPixel, the plugin is particularly popular with users who value ongoing image optimization and want to take advantage of integration with modern image formats like WebP and AVIF. Especially convincing is the ability to optimize many images at once and in the background, which significantly streamlines the workflow. While support is often praised for its efficiency, some concerns about technical issues and the backup feature are apparent. The flexible pricing model appeals to a wide user base, from occasional users to agencies with high image volumes. Overall, the ShortPixel Image Optimizer offers a solid combination of performance and usability, even though there is room for improvement in image quality for heavily compressed versions.