ShortPixel Review vs. Kraken & tinyPNG [AppSumo 2019]

Introduction [00:00]

In the ever-evolving world of web development and digital marketing, website speed and performance have become crucial factors for success. One of the most effective ways to enhance a website’s loading time is through image optimization. This review delves into ShortPixel, a powerful image optimization tool designed to help websites load faster by reducing image file sizes while maintaining quality.

ShortPixel has made its third appearance on AppSumo, this time with a $39 lifetime offer. This review will explore the features, benefits, and performance of ShortPixel, comparing it to other popular image optimization tools like Kraken.io and TinyPNG. We’ll also discuss the WordPress plugins offered by ShortPixel and provide insights on whether this AppSumo deal is worth the investment for web developers, marketers, and business owners looking to improve their website’s performance.

Throughout this review, we’ll examine ShortPixel’s compression capabilities, ease of use, and additional features like CDN integration and adaptive image sizing. By the end of this article, you’ll have a comprehensive understanding of ShortPixel’s offerings and how it stacks up against its competitors in the image optimization market.

ShortPixel AppSumo Deal Overview [01:30]

ShortPixel’s latest AppSumo deal offers a lifetime subscription for $39, which is a slight increase from its previous offerings at $29. Let’s break down what you get with this deal:

Deal Details

• Price: $39 per code
• Monthly image allowance: 12,000 images per month
• Stackable: Up to 5 codes (60,000 images per month)
• CDN traffic: 100GB per month per code (up to 500GB with 5 codes)

Key Features

• Usable across multiple websites
• WordPress plugin for easy integration
• Shopify app available
• Compatible with any PHP-based website
• New Adaptive Images plugin included

Adaptive Images Plugin

The Adaptive Images plugin is a standout feature in this deal:

• Serves different image sizes based on the user’s device
• Smaller images for mobile devices, larger for desktops
• Utilizes ShortPixel’s CDN for efficient delivery
• Option to use your own CDN

This deal represents a significant value for website owners and developers who need to optimize large numbers of images across multiple sites. The inclusion of the Adaptive Images plugin adds an extra layer of optimization that can greatly improve user experience and page load times across different devices.

Image Optimization Shootout: ShortPixel vs. Kraken vs. TinyPNG [03:45]

To assess ShortPixel’s performance, we conducted a comparative analysis with two other popular image optimization tools: Kraken.io and TinyPNG. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the shootout:

Test Setup

• Image used: Stock photo of a man flying in a paper plane
• Original image size: Resized to 600 pixels (from 16MB to ~0.9MB)
• Tools tested: ShortPixel, Kraken.io, TinyPNG
• Method: Drag and drop into each tool’s web interface

Results Breakdown

ShortPixel Performance:

• Original size: 0.9MB
• Compressed size: 74.5KB
• Compression ratio: ~91.7% reduction

Kraken.io Performance:

• Original size: 920KB
• Compressed size: 554KB
• Compression ratio: 72% reduction

TinyPNG Performance:

• Original size: 920KB
• Compressed size: 156KB
• Compression ratio: ~83% reduction

Visual Quality Comparison

• Original image: Clear, detailed scarf pattern with motion blur
• TinyPNG: Slight noise addition around scarf outline, minor hue change
• ShortPixel: More noticeable noise, some distortion in facial details
• Kraken: Closest to original, minimal visible distortion

Real-world Implications

• Full image view: Minimal noticeable differences between all versions
• ShortPixel advantage: Smallest file size with acceptable quality
• Consideration: Balance between file size reduction and image quality

This shootout demonstrates ShortPixel’s impressive compression capabilities, achieving the smallest file size among the three tools. However, it’s important to note that this comes with a slight trade-off in image quality when examined closely. For most web applications, the difference in quality would be negligible, making ShortPixel an excellent choice for optimizing images without significantly impacting visual appeal.

ShortPixel WordPress Plugins [07:30]

ShortPixel offers two main WordPress plugins that cater to different optimization needs. Let’s explore these plugins and their features:

1. ShortPixel Image Optimizer Plugin

This is the standard plugin that has been around for several years and has built a stellar reputation in the WordPress community.

Key Features:

• Multiple compression types: Lossy, Glossy, and Lossless
• Thumbnail compression options
• Ability to exclude large images from compression
• CloudFlare integration
• Detailed statistics on compression results

Setup Process:

1. Install the plugin from the WordPress repository
2. Choose compression type (Lossy, Glossy, or Lossless)
3. Configure advanced settings if needed
4. Run bulk optimization on existing media library

2. ShortPixel Adaptive Images Plugin

This newer plugin offers dynamic image resizing based on the user’s device, enhancing both loading speed and user experience.

Key Features:

• Automatic image resizing for different devices
• CDN integration for faster delivery
• WebP support for modern browsers
• Easy setup with minimal configuration

Setup Process:

1. Install the plugin from the WordPress repository
2. Choose between local or global audience settings
3. Configure CDN settings (optional)
4. Select image replacement method (SRC, SRC set, or both)

Choosing Between Plugins

• Standard Image Optimizer: Best for sites with a local audience or those needing fine-grained control over compression
• Adaptive Images: Ideal for sites with a global audience or those prioritizing mobile performance

Additional ShortPixel WordPress Tools

• Thumbnail regeneration plugin
• Media library image replacement plugin

Both plugins offer user-friendly interfaces and seamless integration with WordPress, making image optimization accessible even to non-technical users. The choice between the two largely depends on your specific needs and target audience.

ShortPixel Performance and User Experience [11:15]

To better understand ShortPixel’s real-world performance and user experience, we conducted a practical test using a simple website. Here’s what we found:

Test Setup

• Image: Man flying over a city (same as in the shootout)
• Website: Basic Elementor-built site
• Image size: Set to 1024×1024 pixels in Elementor

Adaptive Images Plugin Performance

Mobile View:

• Image served: 300×90 pixels
• Delivered via ShortPixel CDN

Desktop View:

• Image served: 1024×683 pixels
• Automatically adjusted by ShortPixel

Key Observations:

• Seamless adaptation to different screen sizes
• No manual intervention required
• Efficient use of CDN for delivery

Standard Image Optimizer Performance

• Bulk optimization process:
• Scanned 128 original images
• Identified 576 thumbnails (due to WooCommerce)
• Total of 704 images to optimize
• Optimization speed:
• Small sites: 15-20 minutes
• Large sites: Up to 2 days for completion
• Real-time feedback:
• Shows original vs. optimized image sizes
• Provides ongoing space-saving statistics

User Experience Highlights

• Intuitive interfaces for both plugins
• Easy setup process with minimal configuration required
• Background processing allows for uninterrupted work
• Detailed reporting helps track optimization progress and results

Performance Impact

• Significant reduction in image file sizes
• Improved page load times, especially on mobile devices
• Better user experience due to faster-loading images
• Potential SEO benefits from improved site speed

ShortPixel’s performance in real-world scenarios demonstrates its effectiveness in optimizing images and improving overall website performance. The adaptive nature of the newer plugin, combined with the thorough optimization capabilities of the standard plugin, offers a comprehensive solution for image optimization needs.

Conclusion and Recommendation [14:00]

After a thorough review and testing of ShortPixel, it’s clear that this image optimization tool stands out as a top contender in its field. Here’s a summary of our findings and recommendations:

Key Takeaways

• Impressive compression ratios compared to competitors
• User-friendly WordPress plugins for different optimization needs
• Adaptive Images feature provides excellent device-specific optimization
• Generous AppSumo deal with stackable codes for scalability

Pros

• Superior file size reduction while maintaining acceptable quality
• Easy integration with WordPress and other platforms
• Flexible optimization options (lossy, glossy, lossless)
• CDN integration for faster image delivery
• Continuous updates and new features from the ShortPixel team

Cons

• Slight quality loss in highly detailed images when using aggressive compression
• Higher price point compared to previous AppSumo deals

Final Verdict

ShortPixel receives a strong recommendation with a score of 9.3 out of 10, making it the highest-rated LTD (Lifetime Deal) reviewed on this channel. The combination of powerful optimization capabilities, user-friendly interfaces, and innovative features like Adaptive Images makes ShortPixel an excellent investment for:

• Web developers managing multiple client sites
• Digital marketers focused on site performance and SEO
• Business owners looking to improve their website’s speed and user experience

Is It Worth the Investment?

Absolutely. The $39 lifetime deal on AppSumo represents excellent value, especially considering:

• The potential for significant improvements in website performance
• The ability to use ShortPixel across multiple websites
• The ongoing development and addition of new features

For professionals working on large sites or managing multiple web properties, stacking the deal to its maximum (5 codes) could prove to be a wise long-term investment.

Final Thoughts

ShortPixel has consistently demonstrated its value in the image optimization space. With its powerful features, ongoing development, and now this AppSumo deal, it presents an opportunity that web professionals and site owners should seriously consider. Whether you’re looking to improve a single site or optimize images across a portfolio of websites, ShortPixel offers a robust, efficient, and cost-effective solution.

Remember, faster-loading images contribute to better user experience, improved SEO rankings, and potentially higher conversion rates. In this context, investing in a tool like ShortPixel is not just about image optimization – it’s about enhancing your overall web presence and digital strategy.

For more information and to take advantage of this deal, visit the AppSumo page through our affiliate link: ShortPixel AppSumo Deal

Don’t miss out on this opportunity to supercharge your website’s performance with ShortPixel’s comprehensive image optimization solution.