WPThumbs
Themes Plugins By purpose By industry Best-of lists Fix it guides
Free Plugin by Niels Lange v2.1

SMNTCS Deactivate image compression

Deactivate the WordPress default image compression.

SMNTCS Deactivate image compression

The facts

Active installs
1k+
Price
Free
Last updated
14 Aug 2026
Added
Jul 2019
Requires WP
2.5
Tested up to
WP 7.0.4
Requires PHP
7.4
Downloads
16,759

Our analysis

AI-assisted

SMNTCS Deactivate Image Compression is a WordPress plugin that disables the default image compression feature introduced in WordPress 2.5. By doing so, it prevents WordPress from automatically compressing uploaded images by 90%, which can result in pixelation when used alongside other image optimisation tools.

This plugin is suitable for users who wish to maintain the original quality of their images without the interference of WordPress's built-in compression. It is particularly useful for those who rely on other image optimisation methods that may conflict with WordPress's default settings.

Best for: This plugin suits WordPress users who want to avoid automatic image compression.

What it does well

  • Deactivates WordPress's default image compression
  • Helps maintain original image quality
  • Useful for users of other image optimisation tools
  • Free to use from the WordPress.org directory
  • Active installs indicate a user base

Where it falls short

  • Limited information on compatibility and performance
  • No published rating available

Verdict

SMNTCS Deactivate Image Compression provides a straightforward solution for maintaining image quality in WordPress. It may be beneficial for users who require high-resolution images.

From the developer

Niels Lange's own description of SMNTCS Deactivate image compression, lightly tidied.

Deactivate the WordPress default image compression which got introduced with WordPress 2.5.

Purpose

By default, WordPress compress every uploaded image by 90%. In combination with other image optimisation tools, this can lead to pixelated images. This plugin deactivates the default image compression to avoid this issue.

Read the full description on the official page →

Tagged as

Alternatives

Other plugins for optimising images.

EWWW Image Optimizer

Comprehensive image optimization with WebP, AVIF, Lazy Load, and more. Optimize images automatically for Faste...

Free 1M+ installs 4.8★ (1,838)
Smush

Smush

93

Compress and optimize images, enable lazy load, serve WebP & AVIF, and speed up your site with a global im...

Free 1M+ installs 4.8★ (6,051)
Converter for Media

Speed up your website by using our WebP & AVIF Converter. Optimize images and serve WebP and AVIF images i...

Free 500k+ installs 4.9★ (1,097)
Admin and Site Enhancements

Duplicate post, post order, image resize, email via SMTP, admin menu editor, custom css / code, disable gutenb...

Free 200k+ installs 5★ (421)
SpeedyCache

SpeedyCache is a WordPress cache plugin that helps you improve performance of your WordPress site by caching,...

Free 600k+ installs 4.4★ (30)