EWWW Image Optimizer vs Smush
EWWW Image Optimizer and Smush are both WordPress image optimization plugins, and they're closer in size than most pairs on this list: an estimated 1.44 million active installs for EWWW against 1.42 million for Smush, both rated 4.8 stars. The real difference is in how each one is sold and how it's currently trending - EWWW's downloads are rising (+18.4% over 30 days), while Smush's are falling sharply (-41%).
EWWW is built around a credit-based compression API plus optional CDN and performance add-ons, sold separately or bundled. Smush is developed by WPMU DEV and bundled into that company's broader membership rather than sold as a single standalone upgrade. Neither approach is inherently better - it depends on whether you'd rather pay for image compression specifically or get it as part of a wider toolkit you're already using.
Quick verdict: Choose EWWW Image Optimizer if you want image compression as its own service with clear, separate add-ons (CDN, page caching). Choose Smush if you're already using or considering other WPMU DEV tools and want image optimization bundled into that membership.
EWWW Image Optimizer vs Smush at a glance
Numbers above are StatWP's own estimates, derived from WordPress.org's bucketed reporting rather than an exact figure the directory publishes, and update automatically rather than reflecting a fixed snapshot.
Feature and starting price at a glance
| Feature | EWWW Image Optimizer | Smush |
|---|---|---|
| Core method | Server-side compression API, sold on a credit system | Bulk and automatic image compression, bundled with WPMU DEV membership |
| CDN | Easy IO CDN with auto-WebP, sold separately | CDN delivery included in Smush Pro |
| Extra performance tools | SWIS: page caching, deferred asset loading, unused-asset removal | Focused primarily on image optimization |
| Free version | Yes, with a free tier of the compression API | Yes |
| Starting premium price | Credit-based; varies by usage rather than a flat starting fee | Bundled into WPMU DEV membership rather than sold standalone |
Neither plugin has a simple, single starting price - EWWW scales with how much you compress, and Smush Pro comes attached to a broader membership rather than its own line item. Budgeting for either means checking usage volume (EWWW) or the membership tier (Smush), not just a headline number.
What does EWWW Image Optimizer actually do?
EWWW's own site positions it around three distinct services rather than one bundled feature set:
A Compress API that optimizes new uploads automatically, with a 30-day backup of originals.
Easy IO CDN for delivering optimized images, with auto-scaling and automatic WebP conversion.
SWIS performance tools - page caching, deferred asset loading, and removal of unused CSS/JS per page.
It markets itself on broad compatibility with other popular plugins and a pay-for-what-you-use model rather than a flat subscription.
What does Smush actually do?
Smush's own listing (via WPMU DEV) leans on bulk, automatic optimization as part of a larger toolkit:
Bulk compression of existing image libraries.
Automatic optimization of new uploads.
Lazy loading and WebP conversion.
CDN delivery included as part of the Pro/membership tier.
WPMU DEV positions Smush as one piece of a broader WordPress toolkit (hosting, backups, SEO tools) rather than a standalone product competing purely on image compression.
What features does each one have that the other doesn't?
EWWW's structural advantage is unbundling - you can buy just the compression API, just the CDN, or just the performance tools, and pay only for what you use rather than a full membership.
Smush's structural advantage is the reverse: if you're already paying for or considering WPMU DEV's other tools, image optimization comes along with them rather than as a separate purchase decision.
Which should you actually use?
If image optimization is the only thing you need and you'd rather not commit to a broader toolkit, EWWW's à la carte pricing is the more direct fit. If you're already using (or open to) other WPMU DEV products, Smush folds into that relationship rather than adding a separate vendor to manage.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between EWWW Image Optimizer and Smush?
EWWW sells image compression, CDN delivery, and performance tools as separate, credit-based or à la carte services. Smush bundles image optimization into WPMU DEV's broader membership rather than selling it as a standalone product.
Is Smush better than EWWW Image Optimizer?
Not universally - EWWW is currently growing in downloads while Smush is declining, but Smush carries the advantage of bundling if you already use WPMU DEV's other tools. Standalone image compression favors EWWW; toolkit convenience favors Smush.
Does EWWW Image Optimizer require a subscription?
The core plugin is free; the Compress API, CDN, and performance add-ons run on a credit or subscription basis depending on which service you use.
Can I use Smush without a WPMU DEV membership?
Yes - the free version works standalone. Pro features require either an individual Smush Pro purchase or a broader WPMU DEV membership.
See the live, current numbers for either plugin any time on StatWP's EWWW Image Optimizer page or StatWP's Smush page, or run this comparison yourself with StatWP's compare tool.