The strongest Converter for Media alternative for most sites is Smush, which pairs WebP conversion with compression, lazy load, and a CDN rather than focusing on next-gen formats alone. For unlimited local optimization, EWWW Image Optimizer is excellent, while Imagify and ShortPixel lead on quality and WebP Express stays free and focused. We ranked these from our index of 55,000+ WordPress plugins.

Why people switch from Converter for Media

• Converter for Media focuses on format conversion, so people wanting full compression, lazy load, and a CDN move to Smush or Imagify.
• People wanting unlimited local optimization with no API quota move to EWWW Image Optimizer.
• Those chasing the smallest possible files move to ShortPixel or Imagify.
• People wanting a free, self-hosted WebP setup move to WebP Express.

Smush – All-in-one optimizer

Smush, from WPMU DEV, is a popular optimizer that compresses images, lazy-loads them, converts to WebP, and can serve them from a CDN. Against Converter for Media, it bundles compression and delivery features that go beyond format conversion. What it does not do: bulk optimization on the free tier is throttled per batch, and original-size compression plus the CDN sit behind the paid plan.

Choose Smush if you want compression, lazy load, and WebP in one plugin.

EWWW Image Optimizer – Unlimited local

EWWW Image Optimizer can optimize images locally on your own server with no per-image quota, plus optional cloud compression and WebP delivery. Against Converter for Media, it offers unlimited free local compression alongside next-gen conversion. What it does not do: local optimization depends on server tools and can be slow, and the interface exposes a lot of technical options that can intimidate beginners.

Choose EWWW Image Optimizer if you want unlimited local optimization with no API limits.

Imagify – Quality and ease

Imagify, from the WP Rocket team, is a cloud optimizer known for a clean interface and adjustable compression levels, with WebP and AVIF output. Against Converter for Media, it adds smart lossy compression tuned for a good quality-to-size balance. What it does not do: it is API-based with a monthly free quota, so high-volume sites will need a paid plan.

Choose Imagify if you want easy, quality-focused compression with WebP and AVIF.

ShortPixel – Smallest files

ShortPixel is a well-regarded cloud optimizer offering strong compression, WebP and AVIF, and flexible lossy or lossless modes. Against Converter for Media, it typically produces smaller files while still converting to next-gen formats. What it does not do: it works on a credit system, so once your monthly free credits run out you either wait or buy more.

Choose ShortPixel if you want the smallest files with flexible compression modes.

WebP Express – Free self-hosted WebP

WebP Express is a free, self-hosted tool that converts and serves WebP images using your own server, with fine control over the conversion method. Against Converter for Media, it covers similar WebP delivery ground at no cost with deep configurability. What it does not do: setup is more technical, relying on server rewrite rules, and it focuses on WebP rather than full compression or a CDN.

Choose WebP Express if you want a free, self-hosted WebP setup and do not mind configuration.

When to stay on Converter for Media

Stay on Converter for Media if your priority is exactly what it does best: converting your media library to WebP and AVIF and serving those formats reliably with minimal fuss. It handles next-gen formats well on its own, and if you already run separate compression or a CDN, switching to a heavier all-in-one plugin adds little.

How we ranked these

Every plugin here is scored by the WPS Score, a single 0 to 10 rating built from 21 signals covering maintenance, support responsiveness, compatibility, performance, and ratings quality across our index of 55,000+ plugins. Rankings are derived from that data, not editorial preference, and no plugin author can pay to change a score. How the WPS Score works.

Frequently asked questions

What is the best free alternative to Converter for Media?

EWWW Image Optimizer is a strong free choice because it can optimize images locally with no per-image limit, and WebP Express is fully free for self-hosted WebP delivery. Smush also has a capable free tier that adds compression and lazy loading.

Do I need a separate plugin just to convert images to WebP?

Not usually. Many image optimizers now include WebP conversion, so plugins like Smush, Imagify, and ShortPixel handle compression and next-gen formats together. Converter for Media and WebP Express are the more focused options if WebP delivery is all you need.

Does converting images to WebP reduce quality?

WebP and AVIF generally produce smaller files at similar visual quality to JPEG or PNG. Most plugins let you choose lossy or lossless modes and a compression level, so you can balance file size against quality to suit your site.

The verdict

The best all-round Converter for Media alternative is Smush for combining conversion with compression and delivery, while EWWW Image Optimizer is the pick for unlimited local optimization and ShortPixel for the smallest files. If you only need reliable WebP and AVIF serving, staying on Converter for Media is a sound choice.