imgix vs Cloudinary: Which Should You Choose in 2026?
Choosing between imgix and Cloudinary comes down to understanding what each tool does best. This comparison breaks down the key differences so you can make an informed decision based on your specific needs, not marketing claims.
By Toolradar Team · Last updated February 28, 2026 · Methodology
Short on time? Here's the quick answer
We've tested both tools. Here's who should pick what:
imgix
Real-time image processing
Best for you if:
- • Image processing CDN with URL-based transformation
- • Works with existing image storage
Cloudinary
Image and video management
Best for you if:
- • You want the higher-rated option (8.8/10 vs 8.5/10)
- • You want to try before committing
- • Media management and delivery platform
- • Image and video optimization on the fly
| At a Glance |  imgix |  Cloudinary |
|---|---|---|
Price | Paid | Free + Paid |
Best For | Image Editing | Image Editing |
Rating | 85/100 | 88/100 |
| Feature | imgix | Cloudinary |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Paid | Freemium |
| Editorial Score | 85 | 88 |
| Community Rating | No ratings yet | No ratings yet |
| Total Reviews | 0 | 0 |
| Community Upvotes | 0 | 0 |
| Categories | Image EditingAPI Tools | Image EditingCDN |
How imgix and Cloudinary Compare
imgix
Real-time image processing
Paid · 85/100 score
Cloudinary
Image and video management
Free tier available · 88/100 score
Who Should Use What?
On a budget?
Cloudinary has a free tier. imgix is paid only.
Go with: Cloudinary
Want the highest-rated option?
imgix: 85/100. Cloudinary: 88/100.
Go with: Cloudinary
Value user reviews?
Neither has user reviews yet.
Go with: Cloudinary
3 Questions to Help You Decide
What's your budget?
imgix is paid. Cloudinary is freemium. Cloudinary lets you start free.
What's your use case?
Both are image editing tools. Compare their specific features to decide.
How important are ratings?
Cloudinary scores higher: 88/100 vs 85/100.
Key Takeaways
Cloudinary
- Higher score: 88/100 vs 85
- Free tier available
- Our pick for this comparison
imgix
The Bottom Line
Cloudinary (88/100) is our pick.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is imgix or Cloudinary better?
Cloudinary scores 88/100 in our evaluation. imgix is paid and Cloudinary is freemium.
What are imgix and Cloudinary used for?
imgix: Real-time image processing. Cloudinary: Image and video management.
What does imgix cost vs Cloudinary?
imgix is a paid tool. Cloudinary is freemium (free tier + paid plans). Visit their websites for detailed pricing.