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Free Plugin by MegaOptim v2.0.2

MegaOptim Image Optimizer

Further compress WebP and AVIF images, convert old JPG, PNG, and GIF uploads to next-gen formats, and optimize JPEG and PNG files in place.

MegaOptim Image Optimizer

The facts

Rating
5★ from 34
Active installs
100+
Price
Free
Last updated
19 Apr 2026
Added
Oct 2018
Requires WP
5.8
Tested up to
WP 7.0.4
Requires PHP
7.4
Downloads
13,677

Our analysis

AI-assisted

MegaOptim Image Optimizer is a WordPress plugin designed to optimize images by compressing existing WebP and AVIF files, converting traditional formats like JPG, PNG, and GIF to next-gen formats, and optimizing images in place without changing their format. It can process images in bulk from the Media Library or from folders on the server, making it suitable for users looking to enhance their site's performance through image optimisation.

The plugin offers both free local processing and an optional MegaOptim Cloud service for smarter compression. Users can automate the conversion and compression of newly uploaded images and monitor background jobs through a built-in queue feature. This plugin is aimed at website owners who want to improve site speed and efficiency by optimising their image assets.

Best for: This plugin suits WordPress site owners looking to optimise their images for better performance.

What it does well

  • Further compress existing WebP and AVIF images
  • Convert JPG, PNG, and GIF images to WebP or AVIF
  • Optimize JPEG and PNG images in place
  • Bulk process images from the Media Library or server folders
  • Free local processing available with GD or Imagick

Where it falls short

  • Smarter compression requires a MegaOptim Cloud API key
  • Limited information on specific performance improvements

Verdict

MegaOptim Image Optimizer provides a range of image optimisation features that can benefit users aiming to enhance their website's speed. The free local processing option makes it accessible, but advanced features require a paid service.

From the developer

MegaOptim's own description of MegaOptim Image Optimizer, lightly tidied.

MegaOptim 2.0 is a WordPress image optimizer built around three goals:

  1. Further compress existing WebP and AVIF images. Next-gen formats are already small — MegaOptim 2.0 squeezes more out of them while keeping originals intact.
  2. Convert old JPG, PNG, and GIF images to WebP or AVIF. Modernize your Media Library and serve next-gen formats to supported browsers, with the original file preserved as a fallback.
  3. Optimize old formats in place. Make JPEG and PNG smaller without changing the format — useful when you want savings but don’t want a next-gen conversion. GIF, WebP, and AVIF compression are available through MegaOptim Cloud.

The plugin is free when you use the local method (GD or Imagick on your server). For smarter compression — including further optimization of existing WebP and AVIF files — add an API key and use MegaOptim Cloud, available for around $54 per year on unlimited sites.

Why Use MegaOptim?

  • Further compress existing WebP and AVIF images for extra savings
  • Convert JPEG, PNG, and GIF images to WebP or AVIF
  • Optimize JPEG and PNG in place with no format change (GIF/WebP/AVIF compression via Cloud)
  • Bulk process the WordPress Media Library
  • Browse and process folders outside the Media Library
  • Free local processing or smarter MegaOptim Cloud compression
  • Automatically convert or compress newly uploaded images
  • Serve WebP and AVIF with Apache .htaccess or PHP passthru
  • Track background jobs with a built-in queue monitor
  • Restore compressed originals from backup or remove generated next-gen files
  • Optionally process retina images generated by WP Retina 2x / Perfect Images
  • Use WP-CLI for bulk conversion, stats, reset, logs, and queue tools

Free Local Processing or MegaOptim Cloud

MegaOptim works without an API key. If your server has GD or Imagick, you can convert JPEG/PNG/GIF to WebP, generate AVIF where your server supports it, and compress JPEG and PNG entirely on your own server — free, forever. GIF, WebP, and AVIF compression are available via MegaOptim Cloud.

For noticeably better results — including further compression of existing WebP and AVIF images, smarter JPEG/PNG optimization, and broader AVIF support — add a MegaOptim API key. MegaOptim Cloud offloads processing from your server and costs just $54 per year for unlimited sites. Get an API key from the MegaOptim dashboard and see plans at MegaOptim pricing.

What MegaOptim 2.0 Can Do

  • Next-gen optimization: Further compress existing WebP and AVIF images through MegaOptim Cloud
  • Convert mode: Generate WebP or AVIF versions from JPEG, PNG, and GIF images
  • Compress mode: Optimize original images in place (no format change) with local or smart cloud compression
  • Media Library view: Process individual images, selected images, or run bulk jobs across the library
  • File System view: Browse folders on your server and bulk-process images outside the Media Library
  • Upload automation: Automatically convert or compress new uploads in the background
  • Delivery settings: Choose Apache .htaccess rules or PHP passthru rewriting to serve WebP and AVIF
  • Queue monitor: Watch active jobs, progress, failures, and background processing state
  • Tools page: Run restore actions for compressed originals or remove generated WebP/AVIF derivatives
  • Restore support: Restore compressed images from backup and regenerate thumbnails
  • Logging and diagnostics: Use the built-in log viewer and queue statistics through WP-CLI
  • Retina support: Optionally process @2x images created by WP Retina 2x or Perfect Images

Originals Preserved

MegaOptim 2.0 keeps your original uploads in place and generates next-gen derivatives alongside them. On the front end, MegaOptim serves the best format the visitor’s browser supports while keeping the original file available as a fallback.

Migration From Older MegaOptim Versions

MegaOptim 2.0 includes background migration for legacy settings and older attachment data. Existing users can upgrade and let MegaOptim migrate data in batches, with progress shown inside the admin UI while migration is running.

Read the full description on the official page →

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