Image optimization software optimizes and delivers images for websites to increase website performance. Image optimization is necessary for delivering high-quality images to websites while keeping the smallest possible size. The process of image optimization includes modifying an image’s format, dimension, size, and resolution. Image optimization software automates the process of optimizing images for delivery to websites on a multitude of devices.
Some content delivery network (CDN) providers offer image optimization as a secondary feature within their solution. Standalone image optimizers often leverage third-party CDNs to deliver images instead. There are browser-based solutions, lightweight applications, and some photo editing software solutions that provide features like manual image compression and resizing, helping optimize images for websites. However, such products are distinct from image optimization software because they do not provide automatic image optimization and delivery via a CDN.
To qualify for inclusion in the Image Optimization category, a product must:
Deliver images via a CDN
Provide image compression and responsive resizing
Automatically convert images to high-quality image formats (WebP, AVIF, etc.)