WP Plugin Tiny Compress Images
Test report

TinyPNG - JPEG, PNG & WebP image compression

Tiny Compress Images - A comprehensive overview

Tiny Compress Images is a WordPress plugin developed by TinyPNG and released on 2015-02-12. With more than 100 000+ active installations, the plugin has established itself as an indispensable tool for users who want to improve their website performance through image optimization. It is especially useful for compressing JPEG, PNG, and WebP images, reducing page load times without significantly affecting image quality. Some unique features of this plugin include automatic optimization when uploading new images and the ability to efficiently compress existing images in the media library. The target audience includes WordPress users looking for a quick and easy way to optimize images, as well as WooCommerce store owners who want to improve their e-commerce page loading speed. With a average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars based on 156 reviews, Tiny Compress Images enjoys a solid reputation in the official WordPress Plugin Directory. The following section provides a more detailed look at Tiny Compress Images’ features, further highlighting the plugin’s uniqueness and usefulness.

“I tested many other plugins, but none matched the quality and results of TinyPNG.”

Features - Different functions for optimization needs

The Tiny Compress Images plugin offers a wide range of features for effective image optimization. In addition to automatic optimization on upload and bulk optimization in the media library, multisite compatibility is a notable feature. This allows using a single API key for multiple sites, which is especially beneficial for multisite installation operators. This not only saves time but also administrative effort, as images can be optimized centrally across multiple sites.

“The ability to compress images directly from the admin area saves a lot of time.”

Free features - Extensive free optimization options

The plugin provides the following free features:

• Automatic optimization of new images on upload - Images are automatically optimized when they are uploaded.
• Advanced background optimization - Speeds up the workflow.
• Optimization of individual images in the media library - Existing images can be optimized.
• Easy bulk optimization - All existing images in the media library can be optimized at once.
• Automatic resizing of large image uploads - Maximum width and/or height can be set.
• Progressive JPEG encoding - JPEG images display faster.
• Selection of thumbnail sizes to optimize - Certain thumbnail sizes can be selected.
• Multisite support with a single API key - API key can be defined for all sites.
• Compatible with WPML - Support for multilingual sites.
• Compatible with WooCommerce - Plugin works well with WooCommerce.
• Dashboard widget with total savings - Shows the savings.
• Optimization and resizing of uploads with the WordPress Mobile App - Optimization is also possible on mobile.

License & value for money - Advantages and limits of the pricing structure

The Tiny Compress Images plugin offers a free version that allows optimizing about 100 images per month at no cost. The free license is ideal for personal use or smaller projects, as it provides essential image optimization features. However, once this limit is exceeded, a paid account can be activated to optimize unlimited images. This demonstrates good value for money, as the prices for additional optimizations are considered reasonable. Users appreciate the ability to estimate their costs with a handy cost calculator found directly in the plugin settings.

“The prices for additional images are very reasonable.”

Technical Details - Behind the Scenes of the Plugin

The Tiny Compress Images plugin uses an API integration with the TinyPNG and TinyJPG services to enable efficient image compression directly from the WordPress environment. As soon as an image is uploaded to the media library, it is automatically sent to the external API, which applies advanced compression algorithms. This analysis selects the best possible optimization strategy based on the specific content of the image. The optimized image content is then returned to the WordPress database, where it replaces the original. Technically, data transfer occurs via HTTPS, ensuring the security of transmitted data. The plugin also supports defining API keys in the `wp-config.php`, giving developers flexible configuration across individual sites. This ability to centrally manage keys is especially beneficial for large multisite installations.

System Requirements - Required Versions and Compatibilities

The Tiny Compress Images plugin requires at least PHP version 7.4 or higher. On the WordPress side, at least version 4.0 must be installed. Regarding tested compatibility, the plugin works smoothly up to WordPress version 5.9. To ensure the best performance, it is recommended to keep software versions up to date. The current plugin version number is 3.6.7, and the last update in 2026-01 was published. These regular updates play a crucial role in continuously maintaining both functionality and security.

"Regular updates and smooth operation are signs of good plugin maintenance."

Quality - Consistency in Image Compression and Performance

The quality of Tiny Compress Images is highlighted by effective image compression and preservation of visual integrity. The plugin uses the renowned TinyJPG and TinyPNG services to significantly reduce both JPEG and PNG images, with JPEGs reduced by 40-60% and PNGs by 50-80%. This significant reduction occurs with virtually no visible quality loss, a point many users rate as remarkably good. Automated compression on upload improves workflow and saves time, which is especially appreciated by users with large image libraries. However, some users report a certain quality loss, particularly when the JPEG quality is preset to 85% before actual optimization, which has drawn some criticism.

"This plugin does a great job optimizing images while maintaining impeccable quality."

Support - Experiences and Availability of Support

Support for Tiny Compress Images is generally described as efficient and fast. Users report prompt, helpful, and friendly assistance available through various communication channels. For questions or feedback, the email address support@tinypng.com is available. Contact via X (formerly Twitter) at @tinypng is also possible. The support section on WordPress also provides a space to discuss issues and questions within the community. The support's ability to quickly respond to technical problems and present solutions is particularly noted by users.

Some reviews, however, also point to frustrations, particularly regarding unclear instructions for API key setup and occasional inactivity of support on specific inquiries. The developer support URL can be an additional resource if response times in the official thread are insufficient.

“Their support is fantastic. A recent update caused the plugin to stop working on my sites, and after I commented in the support thread, they contacted me the next day.”

Rating - A Look at User Opinions

The rating for the Tiny Compress Images plugin shows a high level of user satisfaction with an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars. The 156 reviews reflect a largely positive experience, especially for those who value effective image compression.

“This is the best free image compression tool. I’ve tried many and this one is just great!”

Some users, however, express criticisms. A recurring topic is the limitation of free image compression and related misunderstandings:

“I just received an email, three days after installing this plugin, telling me I’d reached my limit of 500 images. I only have 50 images on my entire site. Ripoff!!”

Nevertheless, positive voices prevail, praising the ease of use and compression quality:

“I’ve been using this plugin for some time across all my sites and it works very well.”

Criticism - Issues, Security Flaws, and Areas for Improvement

Criticism of Tiny Compress Images focuses mainly on specific issues that can occur while using the plugin. Users have repeatedly reported bugs and malfunctions that sometimes had serious effects on their websites. A common accusation concerns an alleged bug in bulk optimization, where users reach their image limits unexpectedly quickly, even if they supposedly compressed fewer images. This experience raised questions about the authenticity of the reported image count and the plugin’s operation.

There are also reports of technical issues that impact website performance, especially after performing mass optimizations, which can lead to affected sites becoming unreachable. One highlighted aspect is the lack of availability of updates, which could mean the plugin might have security vulnerabilities. Despite existing technical criticisms, there is a lack of specific security or privacy issues, which is also seen as a drawback because transparency and specific information in these areas could increase user safety.

“It seems the plugin is intentionally buggy, because I compressed far fewer images than I was told.”

In summary, despite the useful features and the large user base, the plugin struggles with certain technical issues and causes dissatisfaction for some users. Future versions could benefit from greater consideration of user feedback and improvements in security and stability to address existing criticism and increase the plugin’s reliability.

Conclusion - A well-thought-out plugin with room for improvement

Tiny Compress Images by TinyPNG is a powerful image compression tool distinguished by its wide range of features and user-friendliness. It provides a good foundation for small to medium projects with free options, while larger projects can benefit from a flexible pricing structure. The integration of TinyPNG and TinyJPG services enables high-quality image compression without noticeable loss of image quality. Despite many advantages, the plugin faces criticism in some areas, particularly around management of free quotas and occasional technical difficulties.

To further improve the user experience, more transparency about limitations and more intensive bug fixing would be desirable. Active responses to feedback and improvements to the update strategy could further increase user satisfaction and resolve future challenges. Overall, however, Tiny Compress Images remains a valuable compression solution for WordPress users.