EWWW Image Optimizer vs WP Smush
Compare WordPress plugins and tools side by side. Pick products with “Compare” in the software directory.
| Feature | EWWW Image Optimizer v8.9.0 · checked 23 Oct 2026 Free + paid · ★ 4.8/5 Visit Details | WP Smush v4.3.5 · checked 23 Oct 2026 Free + paid · ★ 4.8/5 Visit Details |
|---|---|---|
| At a glance | ||
| Active installs | 1M+ | 1M+ |
| Last updated | October 13, 2026 | October 20, 2026 |
| Editions | EWWW Image Optimizer · EWWW Image Optimizer Premium ($) | Smush · Smush Pro ($) |
| Pros | WebP conversion and bulk optimisation in the free version; Local server tools or cloud API optimisation; Works with NextGEN Gallery and Flagallery libraries | Bulk and on-upload image compression at no cost; Lazy loading for images and embedded video; Works with common page builders, WooCommerce and caching plugins |
| Cons | Higher optimisation levels need a paid API key; Some CDN and cloud features call the vendor's servers | WebP, AVIF, resizing and the image CDN need Smush Pro; Images are sent to the WPMU DEV API for compression |
| Mentioned in our posts | 1 | 3 |
| More features | ||
| Other features | WebP conversion and quality settings, Bulk optimize admin page for the media library, Front-end rewrite to WebP files, NextGEN Gallery bulk optimize page, Flagallery bulk optimize page, Cloud optimisation levels unlocked by an API key ($) | Bulk compression of the media library, Lazy loading for images and embedded video, WebP and AVIF conversion (Pro) ($) |
| Integrations | ||
| Analytics | EWWW usage stats (opt-in) | — |
| E-commerce | — | WooCommerce |
| Plugins | NextGEN Gallery, Flagallery | WP Rocket, Elementor, Divi, Gravity Forms |
| Other | ExactDN image CDN (api.exactlywww.net) | WPMU DEV Smush API |
| Requires WordPress | 6.8 | 6.4 |
| Requires PHP | 7.4 | 7.4 |
| Tested up to | 7.1 | 7.1 |
| Phones home | Only if you agree | Only if you agree |
| External services | api.exactlywww.net, stats.exactlywww.net | smushpro.wpmudev.com |
| Custom tables | — | 1 |