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Kraken.io Image Optimizer

By karim79

Performance & Optimization / Image Optimization & Compression

Kraken.io Image Optimizer Review - In-Depth Analysis

Optimize and resize your WordPress images using the Kraken.io API. Supports JPEG, PNG, and GIF formats. Offers both lossless and intelligent lossy optimization.

Performance Overview

WPS Score

6.98/10

User Rating

4.5/5 (based on 119+ reviews)

Active Installations

9,000+

Update Frequency

Below Average It is calculated using the weighted average of same category plugins.

Security Score

1 / 10 (Very Low Risk) It is calculated using the weighted average of all versions.

What It Does

This plugin allows you to optimize and resize new and existing WordPress image uploads through Kraken.io's API. Both lossless and intelligent lossy optimization modes are supported. Supported filetypes are JPEG, PNG and GIF (including animated GIF). Maximum filesize limit is 32 MB. Even when using Kraken.io's lossy optimization, our system goes the extra mile to ensure that the results are of high quality, every time.

You can use your Kraken.io API key and secret on as many sites/blogs as you like. We have no per-site license. All images uploaded through the media uploader are optimized on-the-fly. All generated thumbnails are optimized too. The main image upload can be optionally resized, which is useful for preventing user uploads with unnecessarily large dimensions.

When restricting the maximum dimensions of the main image using the resizing feature, the resulting image is enhanced using various advanced techniques to help prevent downsample artifacts and produce a sharper result. You can optionally preserve one or more of the Date, Copyright, Geotag, Orientation, Profile EXIF metadata tags. Images can be automatically oriented according to their EXIF Orientation value.

Comparing to Alternatives

Kraken.io Image Optimizer is a popular choice for image compression among WordPress users, competing with several other well-known plugins. Here's how it stacks up against some top alternatives.

Top alternatives

Strengths

Effective image compression that can save significant storage space.
Supports multiple image formats for optimization.
Offers both free and pro versions with scalable features.
Integrates easily with WordPress for seamless optimization workflows.

Weaknesses

Bulk image optimization can be unreliable or limited.
Customer support has been reported as poor or unresponsive.
Subscription management issues reported by some users.
Plugin updates and maintenance appear infrequent.

User Sentiment Analysis

User feedback highlights a mix of appreciation for the plugin's compression capabilities and frustration with customer service and functionality.

Positive highlights

"Just saved a few GB from my websites and the support service is great. Thanks Karim !" - emldesign
Effective at compressing images and reducing file sizes.
Easy to use for single image optimization.
Integration with WordPress is straightforward.

Common complaints

Bulk optimization does not meet expectations or Google PageSpeed standards.
Subscription cancellation is difficult or ignored.
Customer support is often unresponsive or non-existent.
Plugin updates have been lacking for over a year.
Some users report poor compression quality or broken functionality.

Weaknesses

Lack of timely support and communication.
Issues with subscription and account management.
Infrequent plugin updates leading to potential compatibility problems.

Who Should Use This?

Best for

Users who need effective image compression for individual images and are comfortable managing subscriptions carefully. It suits those who prioritize file size reduction and have simpler optimization needs.

Not ideal for

Users requiring reliable bulk image optimization or responsive customer support. Those who want frequent updates and active plugin maintenance may find this plugin lacking.

Pricing & Value

Free version includes

The free version offers basic image optimization features suitable for small websites or limited use, allowing users to compress images without cost.

Pro version

The pro version provides enhanced features such as higher compression limits, bulk image optimization, and priority support, catering to users with larger sites or advanced needs.

Final Verdict

Kraken.io Image Optimizer delivers solid image compression capabilities that can significantly reduce website storage and improve load times. However, its bulk optimization features and customer support have notable shortcomings that may impact user experience.

Potential users should weigh the benefits of effective compression against the reported issues with support and subscription management. It is best suited for those with simpler optimization needs and who do not rely heavily on bulk processing or prompt assistance.

Other Notable Features

Here are a few other notable features of this free Kraken.io Image Optimizer plugin.

Compress Images

Image Optimizer

Image Resize

Screenshots

FAQ

Yes you can. All of our plans require that you first create your free Kraken.io account. No credit card is required, and we give you free testing quota of 50 MB, with which you can test all the features we offer, including this plugin.

Additionally, if you would like to test the performance and results of Kraken.io Image Optimizer, you can try the free Web Interface at https://kraken.io/web-interface which does not require any registration.