Head-to-head · September 2026
EWWW Image Optimizer vs ShortPixel Adaptive Images
EWWW Image Optimizer comes out ahead, winning 6 of 6 head-to-head checks against ShortPixel Adaptive Images.
EWWW Image Optimizer
Are you frustrated by a slow website? Do over-sized images make you say “ewww”… Image optimization with EWWW…
ShortPixel Adaptive Images
An easy-to-use plugin that lets you solve any problems with images and improve your website’s Core Web Vitals…
| Metric | EWWW Image Optimizer | ShortPixel Adaptive Images |
|---|---|---|
| Active installs | 1M+ | 10K+ |
| Downloads (30 days) | 858.4K | 4.9K |
| Download trend | -7% | -40.4% |
| Rating | 4.8/5 | 4.8/5 |
| Reviews | 1,841 | 145 |
| Health score | 97/100 | 85/100 |
| Last updated | 4 days ago | 1 month ago |
| Tested up to | WP 7.1.2 | WP 7.1.2 |
| Support resolved | 100% | — |
| Requires PHP | 7.4+ | 5.6.40+ |
| First released | Jun 2012 | Dec 2018 |
Daily downloads, last 90 days
EWWW Image OptimizerShortPixel Adaptive Ima…
Choose EWWW Image Optimizer if…
You care most about active installs, downloads (30 days) and download trend.
- One of the most-used plugins on the web — 1M+ active sites
- Loved by users — 4.8/5 from 1,841 reviews
- Actively developed — last update 4 days ago
- Tested with the latest WordPress (7.1)
Choose ShortPixel Adaptive Images if…
You prefer its feature set and workflow — it holds its own on the fundamentals.
- Proven at scale on 10K+ active sites
- Loved by users — 4.8/5 from 145 reviews
- Tested with the latest WordPress (7.1)
FAQ
EWWW Image Optimizer vs ShortPixel Adaptive Images: quick answers
Straight answers, pulled from live WordPress.org data.
Live data from WordPress.org · checked Sep 28, 2026
Which is better, EWWW Image Optimizer or ShortPixel Adaptive Images?
EWWW Image Optimizer comes out ahead, winning 6 of 6 head-to-head checks against ShortPixel Adaptive Images. Choose EWWW Image Optimizer if you care most about active installs, downloads (30 days) and download trend.
Is EWWW Image Optimizer more popular than ShortPixel Adaptive Images?
EWWW Image Optimizer is the more popular of the two with 1M+ active installs, compared with 10K+ for ShortPixel Adaptive Images.
Can I use EWWW Image Optimizer and ShortPixel Adaptive Images together?
Both plugins cover convert, lazy load and webp, so most sites only need one. Running two plugins that do the same job can cause conflicts and slow your site down — pick the one that fits best and remove the other.
Are EWWW Image Optimizer and ShortPixel Adaptive Images free?
Yes. Both are free to download from the official WordPress.org plugin directory. Either may also offer paid upgrades from its developer.
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