TinyPNG has been a go-to image compressor for years, but it’s not the only option — and depending on what you need (batch size limits, privacy, API access, format support), it might not be the best fit. Here’s a rundown of solid alternatives and what each one is actually good at.
What to look for in a PNG compressor
Before comparing tools, it helps to know what actually matters:
- Upload limits — free tiers often cap file size or batch count
- Privacy — does the tool upload your images to a server, or process them locally?
- Format support — PNG only, or also JPEG/WebP/AVIF/GIF?
- API access — needed if you want to automate compression in a build pipeline
- Compression quality vs. speed tradeoff
Alternatives worth considering
1. WebP Ninja — Compresses PNG, JPEG, WebP, and GIF entirely in your browser using WebAssembly, so files never touch a server. No file-size limit on paid plans, no sign-up required for basic use, and it converts between formats (not just compresses within one). If privacy or file-size caps are your main frustration with server-based tools, this closes both gaps. Try it here.
2. Squoosh — Google’s open-source browser-based compressor. Excellent for one-off images and side-by-side quality comparison of different codecs, but lacks batch processing for large jobs.
3. ImageOptim (Mac only) — A desktop app that’s great for a local workflow if you’re already on macOS and want compression built into your file manager via a drag-and-drop app.
4. Squash / caesium (desktop) — Good for power users who want batch compression outside the browser with fine-grained control over compression levels.
5. ShortPixel — A WordPress-focused plugin/service with a generous free tier, useful if your main use case is a CMS rather than manual exports.
6. Sharp / libvips (self-hosted) — For teams that want compression baked into their own build pipeline or API, running an open-source library yourself gives full control, at the cost of needing to set it up.
Our take
If your main complaints about TinyPNG are the upload limit, not wanting to send images to a third-party server, or needing more than just PNG support, a browser-based tool like WebP Ninja solves all three without adding a new step to your workflow — drag your files in, get compressed output back, nothing leaves your device.
If you’re deep in a WordPress setup, a plugin-based tool like ShortPixel might fit better. And if you’re automating compression as part of a build, a self-hosted library gives you the most control.
There’s no single “best” tool — just the one that matches your actual constraints. Try a couple with your real files and compare the output size and quality directly; that’s more reliable than any spec sheet.