WP Plugin Webp Converter For Media
Test report

Converter for Media - Optimize images | Convert WebP & AVIF

Introduction - Comprehensive image optimization for WordPress

Webp Converter For Media by matt plugins - Optimize images by convert WebP & AVIF, first released on 2019-06-16, is an outstanding WordPress plugin that revolutionizes image optimization to improve website performance. With over 500 000+ active installations, the plugin not only offers conversion of images to WebP and AVIF formats, but is particularly known for its high compression rate without quality loss, resulting in a significant reduction in page weight. Unique is the fully automatic image optimization that captures both existing and newly uploaded images, providing a continuous advantage for page speed and thus for SEO rankings. The target audience mainly includes users of modern browsers, of which over 90% support WebP. The excellent ratings with an average score of 4.9 out of 5 stars from 1 071 reviews in the WordPress Plugin Directory underscore user satisfaction. The following section details the specific features that enable these benefits.

"The plugin delivers what has been promised to us since WordPress 6.0: a decent way to replace JPEG and PNG with WebP images to make our sites faster."

Features - Automatic and versatile image conversion

The WordPress plugin Webp Converter For Media impresses with its automated image optimization that reliably converts both existing and newly uploaded images. A notable feature not mentioned in the first paragraph is the support for additional directories. This function enables optimization of images stored not only in the media library but also in directories such as /plugins and /themes for which the Pro version is required.

"The ability to optimize images in directories outside the media library sets this plugin apart from many other solutions."

Free Features - Extensive functionality at no cost

• Image optimization - Images are automatically converted to the WebP format, significantly reducing file size without quality loss.
• Automatic conversion - New images are converted immediately after being uploaded to the media library.
• Original image safety - Original images remain untouched and securely stored.
• WebP support - The plugin detects browsers that support WebP and serves appropriate images.
• No redirects - Optimized image delivery without extra loading time from redirects.
• Compatibility with HTML tags - Works with common HTML elements for image display.
• Data reduction - Reduced data volume when loading images, which decreases load times.
• No traces left behind - Removes all plugin traces upon uninstallation.

Pro Features - Advanced optimization options

• AVIF support - Enables conversion to the AVIF format for even better compression and image quality.
• Support for additional directories - Optimization of images in further directories such as /plugins and /themes.
• Access to advanced features - Additional image optimization options for improved performance.

"The Pro version is especially valuable for sites with extensive image archives in various directories."

License & Value for Money - Balance Between Cost Efficiency and Functionality

The Webp Converter For Media plugin offers a free version that already provides a wide range of important features. For users with higher image optimization needs who want to use the Pro features, a paid version is available. The Pro version is especially popular with users who run commercial websites and manage large image libraries. The value for money is perceived as reasonable, particularly when the advanced features are used to further optimize load times. Some users, however, find the costs relatively high, while the effective image compression and the resulting performance gains are often highlighted positively.

"Wonderful plugin, I paid for the Pro version and it's worth the money."

Technical Details - A Look at the Inner Workings

The WordPress plugin Webp Converter For Media is characterized by a thoughtful technical architecture that enables efficient conversion of images to WebP and AVIF formats. At the file system level it relies on custom PHP routines to dynamically switch the MIME type while keeping the image URL unchanged. This technique minimizes potential integration issues with caching solutions and other WordPress plugins. Developers can use an alternative PHP loading path if the standard rewrite rules are blocked, which is controlled by specific .htaccess settings. It also supports image conversion from directories such as /plugins and /themes, which can be extended via hooks and filters. The integration of shortcodes and APIs gives developers additional freedom to create advanced implementations.

System Requirements - Minimum Requirements for Smooth Operation

To use the Webp Converter For Media plugin, certain system requirements are necessary. Minimum system requirements include PHP version 7.1 and WordPress version 4.9. The plugin is compatible with and tested up to WordPress version 5.8. The current plugin version is 6.5.3, and it was last updated on 2026-01. These requirements ensure the plugin runs efficiently on both older, stable systems and modern setups, with broad compatibility being a notable point.

"It's important to check the system requirements before installation to ensure smooth functionality."

Quality - Efficient Conversion Without Loss of Quality

The quality of the Webp Converter For Media plugin is mainly characterized by excellent image optimization that occurs without noticeable loss of quality. Converting images to WebP and AVIF not only significantly reduces file sizes but also preserves the visual integrity of the images. Image performance is greatly improved, leading to faster load times and an optimized user experience. Furthermore, automated conversion contributes to efficiency by occurring without manual intervention and leaving the original image files untouched, ensuring data safety. The ability to also convert images from other directories such as /plugins and /themes increases the plugin's versatility immensely. In particular, the Pro version convinces with various additional features that are highly beneficial for websites with extensive media archives.

"It works very well, converts to WebP without losing quality. Has significantly sped up my site."

Support - Experiences with the Support Service

The support for the Webp Converter For Media plugin is consistently rated positively. Users praise the quick and effective assistance from the developer, which is highlighted repeatedly in reviews. When contacting support-primarily via the Support Forum in the WordPress Plugin Directory or directly via the developer's site-users often receive a solution to their problems the same day. The personal and dedicated help of the developer team is frequently mentioned. Nevertheless, there are individual voices pointing to inadequate help, especially for more specialized issues or during uninstallation. The recommendation to try the PRO version may imply that additional support is primarily available to paying users.

"The team’s support is outstanding and really fast. Thanks, Mateusz, for your great work."

Rating - User Opinions and Experiences

The plugin Webp Converter For Media has received impressive ratings in the WordPress Plugin Directory, with an average of 4.9 out of 5 stars from a total of 1 071 reviews. This high rating reflects users' largely positive experience with the plugin's functionality and effectiveness. Many especially praise the seamless integration and the noticeable improvement in website load times.

A frequently mentioned praise is the automatic image optimization, which provides users with significant relief in maintaining their websites. On the positive side, the following quote was often expressed as representative:

"It works very well, converts to WebP without losing quality. Has significantly sped up my site."

But there are also critical voices reporting negative experiences. Not all users were satisfied with the plugin's performance. One critical feedback highlights problems caused by the plugin:

"Think it over a hundred times before you install this plugin. Things only got worse on my site."

Despite a few negative experiences, the vast majority of reviews remain very positive. Users appreciate the plugin's reliable performance, which is made clear in another praising comment:

"The plugin delivers what has been promised to us since WordPress 6.0: a decent way to replace JPEG and PNG with WebP images to make our sites faster."

In summary, the Webp Converter For Media is perceived by most users as very useful and effective despite isolated criticisms.

Criticism - Potentials and Problem Areas of the Plugin

Criticism of the Webp Converter For Media plugin covers several aspects users have pointed out in their experiences. A frequently mentioned issue is the lack of communication and clarity from the developer regarding some plugin features, particularly why conversion to the WebP format sometimes fails. Users also complain about the missing warning about the consequences of deactivating the plugin, which can lead to unexpected problems.

It is also reported that the plugin sometimes blocks the media library or increases the number of files, which can cause unwanted effects on the website. These problems seem to occur especially with specific server configurations, such as blocked htaccess rewrites, requiring technical support from the hosting provider. Another critical feedback concerns the removal function of already converted images upon uninstallation, which is considered impractical.

User suggestions for improvement propose that the plugin should better communicate which features are exclusive to the Pro version and how automatic compression could be optimized.

"I would like to see some improvements here.",

Conclusion - Assessment of Functionality and Popularity

The Webp Converter For Media plugin offers a comprehensive solution for image optimization on WordPress sites. Developed by Mateusz Gbiorczyk, it impresses with automation and support for modern image formats that can significantly improve load times. A large number of satisfied users and high ratings underscore the plugin's efficiency and user-friendliness. Nevertheless, there are criticisms, particularly regarding deactivation and removal of the plugin, and the need for more transparent communication about Pro features. Despite these challenges, it remains a preferred choice for many WordPress users looking to optimize their site performance due to its extensive features and flexibility.