Large images are the number one cause of slow websites. Whether you are a web developer optimizing a portfolio, a blogger trying to rank on Google, or a designer sending files to clients, image compression is essential. The two most popular free tools in this space are TinyPNG, the veteran with over a billion images compressed, and Squoosh, Google's open-source challenger. We put both to the test.
| Feature | TinyPNG | Squoosh |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Free (up to 20 images) | Completely free |
| Paid Plan | Web Pro: $39/year | None (100% free) |
| Formats | PNG, JPEG, WebP | PNG, JPEG, WebP, AVIF, JXL |
| Max File Size | 5 MB per image | No limit (browser-based) |
| Batch Upload | Up to 20 at once | One at a time |
| API Access | Yes (paid) | No |
| Desktop App | Photoshop plugin | No (browser only) |
| Open Source | No | Yes (Apache 2.0) |
| Our Rating | ★★★★☆ 4.8 | ★★★★☆ 4.6 |
TinyPNG has been the gold standard for lossy image compression since 2013. Its magic lies in selectively reducing the number of colors in an image, a technique that typically reduces file sizes by 50–80% with virtually no visible quality loss. Over 1 billion images have been compressed through the service, and it remains the top choice for web developers who need to optimize entire sites quickly.
The workflow is dead simple: drag up to 20 PNG or JPEG files into the browser window, wait a few seconds, and download the compressed versions. For power users, TinyPNG offers a Photoshop plugin and a developer API that integrates directly into build pipelines. The Pro plan removes the 20-image limit and adds Dropbox integration, making it a solid choice for agencies and design teams.
Best for: Web developers, bloggers, and designers who need to compress many PNG/JPEG images quickly with predictable, high-quality results.
Try TinyPNG Free →Squoosh is Google's open-source image compression app, built by the Chrome DevRel team to showcase next-generation web technologies. Unlike TinyPNG's black-box approach, Squoosh gives you a visual side-by-side comparison and granular control over every compression setting. Want to squeeze an extra 10% out of your image by adjusting chroma subsampling? Squoosh lets you do that.
The standout feature is support for cutting-edge formats like AVIF and JPEG XL, which offer significantly better compression than WebP. Squoosh runs entirely in your browser — no uploads to a server — making it ideal for sensitive images. The open-source nature means the underlying codecs are available for integration into your own projects. However, the single-image workflow and steep learning curve make it less suited for bulk operations.
Best for: Developers and advanced users who want maximum compression with next-gen formats, or anyone handling sensitive images that should not leave their computer.
Try Squoosh Free →For 99% of users, TinyPNG is the better choice. Its batch processing, proven compression quality, and simple workflow make it the most practical tool for everyday image optimization. The API access is a game-changer for professional web developers who need automation.
Try TinyPNG →If you need AVIF support, work with sensitive images, or want pixel-level control over compression settings, Squoosh is unbeatable. It is completely free with no restrictions — just be prepared to process images one by one.
Try Squoosh →You cannot beat free with no limits. Squoosh delivers professional-grade compression at zero cost, with the added bonus of keeping your images on your own device. For students and hobbyists, this is the clear budget winner.
Open Squoosh →Both TinyPNG and Squoosh use "lossy" compression, which does remove some data. However, the reduction is optimized to be virtually invisible to the human eye. In our tests, compressed images were indistinguishable from originals at normal viewing sizes. For maximum quality retention, Squoosh offers lossless options as well.
Use JPEG for photographs, PNG for images with transparency or text, WebP for modern web projects (30% smaller than JPEG), and AVIF for maximum compression (50% smaller than JPEG) if browser support is not a concern. Squoosh lets you compare all formats side by side.
Yes — Squoosh processes everything locally in your browser, so your images never leave your computer. TinyPNG requires uploading to their servers, though they delete files after compression and use secure connections. For sensitive medical, legal, or personal images, Squoosh is the safer choice.
Disclosure: This review contains affiliate links. We may earn a commission if you purchase through these links, at no extra cost to you. All opinions are our own based on hands-on testing.