Converter for Media vs ShortPixel Image Optimizer
Updated 6 Oct 2026. 25 features compared side by side.
Converts JPEG, PNG and GIF images to WebP (free) or AVIF (PRO) and serves them via server rewrites, leaving originals untouched.
Credit-based cloud image optimizer with lossy, glossy and lossless modes, free WebP/AVIF, PDF compression and an optional CDN.
Choose Converter for Media if…
- You need generous free tier and local processing
- You want the lower entry price ($5/mo vs $9.99/mo)
- You prefer the more widely used option
- You weigh user ratings (4.9 vs 4.5 on WordPress.org)
Choose ShortPixel Image Optimizer if…
- You need image CDN and adaptive image sizes
- You also want PDF compression and PNG to JPG conversion
- You want the more complete feature set (90/100 vs 74/100)
Converter for Media includes 2 features that ShortPixel Image Optimizer lacks, including Local processing and Generous free tier; ShortPixel Image Optimizer has 6 that Converter for Media lacks, including PDF compression, PNG to JPG conversion and Image CDN. Both include 17 of the 25 features we track.
At a glance
Feature comparison
Click a screenshot to see both plugins side by side.
Converter for Media ShortPixel Image OptimizerCompression6/77/7
Quality presets from 75% to 95% (lossy); no lossless mode.
Choose lossy, glossy or lossless compression.
One-click bulk conversion of the whole Media Library.
One-click bulk optimization with background mode; uses credits.
New uploads are converted automatically.
New uploads and their thumbnails are optimized automatically.
Non-destructive: originals untouched, converted copies kept in a separate folder.
Local backups with one-click restore; optional smart backups of main image only.
Maximum image dimensions during conversion is a PRO setting.
Scales down large images to set maximum dimensions.
Converted copies drop EXIF/XMP unless 'keep metadata' is on; originals unchanged.
EXIF can be kept or removed.
Handles JPEG, PNG and GIF images only.
Compresses PDF documents as well as images.
Next-gen formats3/44/4
Free version converts to WebP.
Creates WebP versions; available to all accounts.
AVIF output is available in the PRO version.
Creates AVIF versions; available to all accounts.
Rewrites serve AVIF/WebP to supporting browsers, originals to others.
Delivers WebP/AVIF via picture tags, .htaccess rules or the CDN.
No PNG-to-JPG conversion.
Optional automatic PNG-to-JPG conversion when the result is smaller.
Delivery1/44/4
No vendor CDN; only BunnyCDN compatibility is documented.
Built-in CDN delivery; traffic uses credits unless on Unlimited (500GB/month).
No per-device resizing.
Free ShortPixel Adaptive Images plugin serves viewport-sized images via CDN (uses credits).
No lazy loading feature.
Provided by the free ShortPixel Adaptive Images companion plugin.
URL-level rewrites also cover images referenced in CSS.
CSS background images can be served from the CDN option, which consumes credits.
Processing & limits4/53/5
Converts on your server with GD or Imagick.
All optimization runs in ShortPixel's cloud.
Remote server conversion offloads work to matt plugins' server.
Optimization runs on ShortPixel's servers, sparing hosting resources.
No quota on free WebP conversions since they run locally.
Only 100 credits per month, and each thumbnail counts as a credit.
No plugin-imposed size cap; limited only by server resources.
Per-image limit is 100MB, which is not restrictive for normal use.
No per-size selection; exclusions work by directory or filter.
Exclude individual thumbnail sizes from optimization.
Extras & compatibility5/55/5
Supports /uploads, /themes, /plugins and custom directories.
Other Media lets you add custom folders to optimize.
Product images in /uploads are converted like any library image.
Compatible with WooCommerce, NextGEN, Modula, FooGallery and others.
Network-level settings and multisite path handling built in.
Works on multisite networks with a single API key.
wp converter-for-media calculate and regenerate commands.
WP-CLI commands for background and scheduled processing.
Optimisation statistics shown in the Media Library.
Shows savings and a 30-day optimization report.
Statuses: Yes Pro Add-on Partial 3rd-party No ?
Pricing compared
Converter for Media Freemium
| Free | $0 |
|---|---|
| PRO 10,000 images/month | $5 per month, Unlimited |
| PRO 25,000 images/month | $10 per month, Unlimited |
| PRO 120,000 images/year | $60 per year, Unlimited |
| PRO 300,000 images/year | $120 per year, Unlimited |
| PRO 840,000 images/year | $300 per year, Unlimited |
| Business 2,000,000 images/year | $500 per year, Unlimited |
ShortPixel Image Optimizer Freemium
| Free | $0 |
|---|---|
| Free | Free per month, Multiple |
| Unlimited (monthly) | $9.99 per month, Multiple |
| Unlimited (annual) | $99.90 per year, Multiple |
| One-time credits | $19.99 one-off, Multiple |
Downloads trend
Converter for Media
171,299 downloads last week
ShortPixel Image Optimizer
31,950 downloads last week
Verdict
ShortPixel Image Optimizer scores higher on our feature checklist (90/100 against 74/100) and includes image CDN, adaptive image sizes and PDF compression that Converter for Media does not. Converter for Media still has the edge on generous free tier and local processing. Paid plans start at $5/mo for Converter for Media and $9.99/mo for ShortPixel Image Optimizer. Check the features you rely on in the table below before deciding.
Biggest differences
Converter for Media: not included. ShortPixel Image Optimizer: paid version (Unlimited). Built-in CDN delivery; traffic uses credits unless on Unlimited (500GB/month).
Converter for Media: not included. ShortPixel Image Optimizer: via add-on. Free ShortPixel Adaptive Images plugin serves viewport-sized images via CDN (uses credits).
Converter for Media: included. ShortPixel Image Optimizer: not included. No quota on free WebP conversions since they run locally.
Converter for Media: not included. ShortPixel Image Optimizer: included. Compresses PDF documents as well as images.
Converter for Media: not included. ShortPixel Image Optimizer: included. Optional automatic PNG-to-JPG conversion when the result is smaller.
Converter for Media: not included. ShortPixel Image Optimizer: via add-on. Provided by the free ShortPixel Adaptive Images companion plugin.
Written from the feature, pricing and install data on this page, not from hands-on testing. How we compare.
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FAQ
Which is better, Converter for Media or ShortPixel Image Optimizer?
ShortPixel Image Optimizer scores higher on our feature checklist (90/100 against 74/100) and includes image CDN, adaptive image sizes and PDF compression that Converter for Media does not. Converter for Media still has the edge on generous free tier and local processing. Paid plans start at $5/mo for Converter for Media and $9.99/mo for ShortPixel Image Optimizer. Check the features you rely on in the table below before deciding.
Which has more features?
ShortPixel Image Optimizer includes 23 of the 25 features we track, against 19 for Converter for Media. Feature count is only part of the picture; check which of the differences matter to you.
Is Converter for Media free?
Converter for Media has a free version on WordPress.org. Paid plans start at $5/mo.
Is ShortPixel Image Optimizer free?
ShortPixel Image Optimizer has a free version on WordPress.org. Paid plans start at $9.99/mo.
Feature data last changed 6 Oct 2026. Spotted something wrong? Suggest an edit to Converter for Media or ShortPixel Image Optimizer. Some links are affiliate links. We may earn a commission at no cost to you; it never affects our data or rankings.