WP Plugin Wp Smushit
Test report

Smush Image Optimization - Optimize Images | Compress & Lazy Load Images | Convert WebP | Image CDN

WP Smushit, developed by WPMU DEV, is a popular WordPress plugin first released on 2008-12-05. It has over 1 000 000+ active installations and is used for image optimization, compression and conversion to the WebP format to enable faster load times. A standout feature is the ability to perform both lossless and lossy compression, allowing you to choose between higher image quality or smaller file sizes. It targets WordPress users who want to improve their websites' performance through optimized images, regardless of their experience level. With an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars from 6 031 reviews, it is considered a trusted solution for image optimization. The following paragraph highlights the plugin's key features and explores the possibilities it offers.

"The best plugin for optimizing images on WordPress sites."

Features - Extensive image optimization and more

WP Smushit stands out with its versatile features that go far beyond basic image optimization. One notable capability is WebP conversion support, which enables you to convert images to a compressed format with improved quality, resulting in a significant reduction in load times. Because of this feature, Smush ranks among the top plugins, especially for WordPress websites that value both speed and image quality. The option to choose between lossless and lossy compression provides additional flexibility.

"Thanks to WP Smushit, image optimization on my website is easier and more effective than ever."

Free Features - Extensive functionality in the free version

• Lossless compression - Data is removed and images are compressed without affecting image quality.
• Lossy compression - Images can be compressed up to 2x more than with lossless compression.
• Built-In Lazy Loading - Images are only loaded when they are in the viewport.
• Bulk Smush - Images can be optimized and compressed in large batches with one click.
• Resize Images - Large images are scaled to a maximum width and height during optimization.
• Incorrect Image Size Detection - Finds images that slow down page load speed.
• Directory Smush - Optimizes images that are not in WordPress's standard media library.
• Automated Optimization - Images are automatically compressed when uploaded.
• No Monthly Limits - Unlimited optimization of all images (up to 5 MB) for free.
• Gutenberg Block Integration - Shows image compression information directly in image blocks.
• Multisite Compatible - Flexible global and subsite settings for multisite installations.
• Optimize All Image Files - Supports optimization of all PNG and JPEG files.
• No Performance Impact On Your Server - Optimization does not occur on your website's server.
• Configs - Preferred settings can be saved and uploaded to other sites.

Pro Features - Advanced options for even more optimization

• Ultra Smush - 5x more compression power for images while preserving image quality.
• Convert to WebP - Automatically converts images to the WebP format.
• Background Optimization - Optimization runs in the background, even when the plugin is closed.
• 123-point global CDN - Fast image delivery worldwide, including automatic WebP conversion and image resizing.

"The Pro version offers significant benefits, especially the background optimization, which simplified my work."

License & value for money - Free and cost-effective

WP Smushit offers a free license that unlocks most features, making it an economical solution for users who don’t need intensive optimization. The Pro version, on the other hand, requires a paid license but comes with additional features and benefits, such as more aggressive compression and the use of a global CDN. Many users report satisfaction with the free model but appreciate the professionalism and extra features of the Pro version. This value proposition is especially appreciated by users who recognize the worth of the advanced features.

"The free version already offers a variety of useful features, but the Pro features are a must for serious optimization."

Technical details - Deep dive into how it works

The technical workings of WP Smushit are particularly evident in its lean and resource-efficient architecture. Image optimization does not occur directly on the server hosting the website but is performed via the WPMU DEV Smush API. This externalization ensures that the website’s server resources are hardly burdened and that reliable, fast processing is ensured. The use of shortcodes, hooks, and the Smush API creates flexibility for developers who want to design custom solutions. Another notable feature is the integration of a Gutenberg block, which makes it possible to display image compression information directly in the WordPress editor. The plugin’s multisite capability also allows for global or individual configuration for different sites within a network installation. By being able to save preferred settings and transfer them to other sites, efficient management of image optimizations across the entire network is possible.

"The plugin is remarkably stable and easy to integrate with other tools."

System requirements - Compatible environment for smooth performance

To use WP Smushit smoothly, there are some basic system requirements that must be met. The plugin requires at least PHP version 7.4 and WordPress version 6.4 or higher as a prerequisite for installation. It was tested for compatibility up to WordPress version 5.8. The current plugin version number is 3.23.4, and the last update was in 2026-02. These constants form the basis for the plugin's reliability and performance on most WordPress installations. Users working with older versions may encounter compatibility issues and should update their system environment accordingly to fully benefit from the plugin.

"Regular updates and good system requirements make Smush a reliable tool in the WordPress plugin world."

Quality - Smushit convinces with high-quality image optimization

WP Smushit delivers remarkable quality in image optimization for WordPress sites. By combining lossless and lossy compression, images can be heavily optimized without compromising their visual integrity. The Pro version’s “Ultra Smush” feature, which maintains up to five times stronger compression power without reducing image quality, stands out from other offerings on the market. Additionally, built-in lazy loading contributes to improved website performance by loading images only when needed. The ability to convert images to WebP format makes Smushit a future-proof option to reduce file sizes while preserving optimal quality.

"Image compression with Smush drastically improved my page load times and the image quality remains unmatched."

Support - Contact options and user experiences

Support for WP Smushit offers various options to help users with their concerns. Users can contact the official plugin support in the WordPress Plugin Directory or reach out directly to the development team via WPMU DEV. Support reviews are mixed. While some users praise the support as fast and helpful, there is also criticism regarding the accessibility of customer service, especially for free-version users. This limitation is highlighted in several reviews, indicating a need for improved accessibility.

"Works great! Also a great support team."

Rating - user voices and star ratings

WP Smushit enjoys consistently positive feedback from the WordPress community. With an impressive average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars and a total of 6 031 reviews, the plugin is particularly appreciated for its ease of use and efficiency. Reviews often emphasize how the plugin effectively reduces image sizes and thus significantly improves website load times.

One user commented especially praise-worthy:

“I had no idea my load time was affected by the images. The plugin almost halved the time.” - karlcw

Despite the overall approval, there are occasional criticisms. Some users have noticed that the plugin doesn’t always deliver the expected improvements in loading speed:

“Sorry for the review. My blog scored 49 points for mobile on pagespeed.web.dev. After using Smush to reduce image size, the score actually dropped to 44.”

Overall, WP Smushit is still primarily perceived positively and recommended as a reliable tool for image optimization:

“Smush reduced the total file size of my site and increased browsing speed. Well done, folks!” - pdci

Criticism - issues and suggestions for improvement

The WordPress plugin WP Smushit receives mixed feedback when it comes to user criticism. Some users report issues affecting their website after using the plugin. A recurring theme is that optimized images are sometimes not displayed correctly, leading to significant rendering problems on websites. Additionally, there is no easy way to undo the changes made, which limits the user experience. Customer support is difficult to reach for free-version users, making it hard to quickly find solutions to arising problems. Ongoing development and improvements of the plugin appear to require adjustments to ensure security standards and user satisfaction.

"After activation, I noticed that on my gallery page all images were stacked on top of each other."

Despite no reported security vulnerabilities, there continues to be criticism of the data protection practices, particularly regarding interaction with the servers of WPMU DEV, to which images are sent for optimization, albeit without storing EXIF data. Community suggestions for improvement include, for example, an advanced undo feature that allows users to easily restore image changes to retain control over their original content.

"This plugin 'hides' the images and does not allow the product images on my site to be displayed."

Conclusion - Strengths and weaknesses of WP Smushit at a glance

WP Smushit from WPMU DEV offers a wide range of features that prove extremely useful for WordPress site users for image optimization. Its ability to convert to WebP, versatile compression methods, and integration into the Gutenberg block make it an attractive option for many users. While the free version is suitable for performing basic optimizations efficiently, professional users particularly benefit from the Pro version with advanced features like Ultra Smush and global CDN.

Despite its advantages, WP Smushit also faces some criticisms. The challenges with image display after optimization and the limited undo function can cause issues in certain scenarios. Support also shows room for improvement, especially for users of the free version. Nevertheless, WP Smushit remains a preferred choice for image optimization within the WordPress community, offering a notable mix of functionality and user-friendliness.