Shortpixel vs Smush: Pricing and Ratings Compared (2026)
Entry prices and free plans as read on each vendor's pricing page, and user ratings as published on review sites, for Shortpixel and Smush side by side. This page compares data; it is not a hands-on review.
On the data: On the data below, Shortpixel leads on a free plan. We do not name an overall winner for this pair.
Short on time? Here's the quick answer
Based on published vendor pricing and features and on public review data, here's who should pick what:
Shortpixel
Compress and optimize images to boost website speed and improve SEO.
Best for you if:
- • You want a fully free tool (Smush requires payment)
Smush
Optimize, compress, and lazy load images for WordPress to boost site performance and SEO.
Best for you if:
- • You want significantly improves website loading speed and performance
| At a Glance | Shortpixel | Smush |
|---|---|---|
Starts at | Free 100% free | From $2.50/mo Basic plan |
Category | Image Editing Developer Tools | Image Editing Developer Tools |
Rating | 4.5/5 G2 4.5 69 reviews | n/a |
Free plan | Yes | No |
Watch out for | n/a | CDN/backup limits could incur overages |
Choose Shortpixel or Smush?
Choose Shortpixel if
- You want a fully free tool (Smush requires payment)
- You want significantly improves website loading speed and SEO
- You want automates image optimization, saving time and effort
Choose Smush if
- You want significantly improves website loading speed and performance
- You want enhances Google PageSpeed scores and SEO
In-Depth Analysis
Shortpixel
Compress and optimize images to boost website speed and improve SEO.
The extensive feature set suggests it's designed for high-volume users or agencies.
Strengths
- Pro: Significantly improves website loading speed and SEO.
- Pro: Automates image optimization, saving time and effort.
- Pro: Supports modern image formats for enhanced performance.
- Pro: Offers various compression levels to suit different quality needs.
- Pro: Provides extensive tools for both non-developers and developers.
Weaknesses
- Con: Some advanced features require development skills for integration.
- Con: Free plan has credit limitations.
Key features
Smush
Optimize, compress, and lazy load images for WordPress to boost site performance and SEO.
The pricing for Smush is quite generous, especially for the lower tiers.
Watch out
CDN/backup limits could incur overages
Strengths
- Pro: Significantly improves website loading speed and performance
- Pro: Enhances Google PageSpeed scores and SEO
- Pro: Comprehensive image optimization features including CDN and next-gen formats
- Pro: Compatible with all WordPress plugins, themes, and builders
- Pro: Included with a suite of other premium WPMU DEV plugins
Weaknesses
- Con: Requires a paid WPMU DEV membership for full Pro features
- Con: CDN bandwidth is limited by plan tier
Key features
Plans and prices: Shortpixel vs Smush
| Tool | Plans and prices | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Shortpixel |
| shortpixel.com/pricing read Oct 1, 2026 |
| Smush |
| wpmudev.com/pricing read Oct 16, 2026 |
Prices as read on each vendor's own pricing page on the date shown. Plans are listed per tool and are not matched against the other tool's plans: a plan name or price in one column says nothing about the same row in the other. Details on Shortpixel pricing and Smush pricing.
Key Takeaways
Shortpixel
- Has a free plan
Smush
- Choose if you want optimize, compress, and lazy load images for WordPress to boost site performance and SEO
What the data shows
On the data below, Shortpixel leads on a free plan. We do not name an overall winner for this pair.
- Only Shortpixel has a published user rating (4.5/5 from 69 reviews); Smush has none we can show.
- Smush starts at $2.50/mo; Shortpixel has no public paid plan price on file.
- Only Shortpixel has a free plan.
Criteria: user rating (only above 20 reviews on both sides, gap of 0.2 or more), entry price (only on the same billing basis), free plan. How we rate
Frequently Asked Questions
How do Shortpixel and Smush compare in 2026?
On the data below, Shortpixel leads on a free plan. We do not name an overall winner for this pair. Only Shortpixel has a published user rating (4.5/5 from 69 reviews); Smush has none we can show. Smush starts at $2.50/mo; Shortpixel has no public paid plan price on file. Only Shortpixel has a free plan.
What are Shortpixel and Smush used for?
Shortpixel: Compress and optimize images to boost website speed and improve SEO. Smush: Optimize, compress, and lazy load images for WordPress to boost site performance and SEO.
What does Shortpixel cost vs Smush?
Shortpixel is free. Smush's cheapest paid plan is Basic at $2.50/mo. Prices read on the vendors' pricing pages, latest check Oct 16, 2026.
What's the main difference between Shortpixel and Smush?
Shortpixel's main strength: significantly improves website loading speed and SEO. Smush's main strength: significantly improves website loading speed and performance.