ImageOptim vs MediaOptim: Honest Comparison (2026)
An unbiased look at ImageOptim (Free) and MediaOptim ($49 one-time). We'll tell you when ImageOptim is the better choice.
Quick Verdict
ImageOptim is a beloved Mac tool for good reason—it's free, simple, and great at compressing images. If images are your only concern, ImageOptim is arguably the better choice (free and focused). But it can't touch video or audio files, and it doesn't help you find what's using your storage. MediaOptim covers all media types in one tool.
Free (Open source)
$49 (One-time)
Feature Comparison
| Feature | ImageOptim | MediaOptim |
|---|---|---|
| Video Compression | ||
| Photo Compression | ||
| Audio Compression | ||
| Batch Folder Processing | ||
| Space Scanner | ||
| HEVC/H.265 Support | ||
| 100% Local & Private | ||
| Format Conversion (WebP/AVIF) | ||
| Price | Free | $49 |
Detailed Breakdown
Price
ImageOptim is free. MediaOptim is $49. For pure image compression, ImageOptim is the obvious budget choice. The question is whether you also need video/audio compression and a Space Scanner—those features don't exist in ImageOptim at any price.
Features
ImageOptim is a focused image optimizer: it compresses PNG, JPEG, and GIF files using multiple compression engines (pngcrush, zopfli, jpegoptim, etc.). It's excellent at what it does. MediaOptim covers video, photos, and audio, with a Space Scanner. For images specifically, ImageOptim may actually produce slightly better results in some cases due to its multi-engine approach.
Ease of Use
Both use drag-and-drop interfaces. ImageOptim is slightly simpler since it does less—drop images, they get compressed automatically. MediaOptim has more options because it handles more file types, but it's still straightforward.
Privacy
Both are fully local and private. ImageOptim is open-source, so the privacy claim is verifiable. MediaOptim also processes everything locally.
Format Support
ImageOptim focuses on optimizing existing formats: JPEG, PNG, GIF. It doesn't convert between formats. MediaOptim supports photo formats including WebP and AVIF conversion, plus video (H.264, HEVC) and audio (MP3, AAC, FLAC, WAV).
When to Choose ImageOptim
- You only need image compression (PNG, JPEG, GIF)
- Budget is zero—ImageOptim is free
- You want lossless image optimization
- You're a web developer optimizing images for websites
- You prefer open-source software
When to Choose MediaOptim
- You need video and audio compression alongside images
- You want to convert to modern formats (WebP, AVIF, HEIF)
- You need the Space Scanner to find large media files
- Your storage problem is primarily video files (which ImageOptim can't help with)
- You want one tool for all media types
ImageOptim: Strengths & Weaknesses
Strengths
- Completely free and open-source
- Excellent PNG, JPEG, and GIF optimization
- Simple drag-and-drop interface
- Strips metadata automatically
- Well-established with years of development
- Lossless compression options
Weaknesses
- Image only—no video or audio
- No space scanner
- No modern format conversion (WebP, AVIF output)
- No video compression at all
- Mac only (though that's true of MediaOptim too)
Frequently Asked Questions
Is ImageOptim better than MediaOptim for photos?
Can ImageOptim compress videos?
Does ImageOptim convert to WebP or AVIF?
Can I use ImageOptim and MediaOptim together?
Ready to Free Up Storage?
Compress your videos, photos, and audio files without losing quality. One-time purchase, no subscription, 100% private.
$49 one-time. Free trial available. macOS only.