Squoosh by Google remains one of the most technically impressive image compression tools available. Its WebAssembly-powered browser engine, side-by-side previews, and support for codecs like AVIF, WebP, MozJPEG, and OxiPNG set it apart. But Squoosh has a fundamental limitation: it processes one image at a time. How does it compare to the alternatives in 2026?
Squoosh strengths
- Privacy: fully browser-based, nothing uploaded
- Codec variety: MozJPEG, WebP, AVIF, JPEG XL, OxiPNG, Oxipng, Browser PNG
- Side-by-side preview: pixel-level quality comparison
- Fine control: quality sliders, resize, advanced encoder settings
- Open source: Apache 2.0 license
Squoosh weaknesses
- One image at a time — this is the deal-breaker for most workflows
- No batch download
- No drag-and-drop for multiple files
- UI optimized for desktop; less convenient on mobile
- Slower for large images (WebAssembly overhead vs native browser codecs)
Squoosh vs Picovert
Picovert was built specifically for the use case where Squoosh falls short: batch compression. Drop 50 images, set quality, compress all at once, download as a zip. Browser-only like Squoosh, but with native codec speed and a focus on workflow efficiency over granular control.
| Feature | Squoosh | Picovert |
|---|---|---|
| Batch processing | ❌ 1 image | ✅ Unlimited |
| Privacy | ✅ Browser-only | ✅ Browser-only |
| WebP output | ✅ | ✅ |
| AVIF output | ✅ | ✅ |
| HEIC input | ❌ | ✅ |
| Side-by-side preview | ✅ | ❌ |
| Encoder settings | Very detailed | Quality slider |
| Mobile UX | Adequate | Optimized |
| Free | ✅ | ✅ |
Squoosh vs TinyPNG
TinyPNG is server-based and uploads your files. Squoosh is browser-based and processes everything locally. For privacy-sensitive work, Squoosh wins easily. TinyPNG's advantage is that it supports batches of 20 images, while Squoosh handles only 1. Neither supports WebP/AVIF output — TinyPNG by design, Squoosh technically does but only on a per-image basis.
Squoosh vs Compress-or-Die
Compress-or-Die offers more JPEG subsampling options and server-side processing. Squoosh gives you MozJPEG and browser-side processing. For JPEG-specific compression with chroma subsampling control, Compress-or-Die is actually more capable. For everything else including AVIF and WebP, Squoosh is better.
When to use Squoosh
- Compressing a single important image where every byte matters
- Need to compare exact quality vs size tradeoffs visually
- Want to use specific codecs like MozJPEG or JPEG XL
- Preparing a hero image for a landing page
When NOT to use Squoosh
- Compressing 5+ images at once → use Picovert
- Need HEIC input → use Picovert
- Working on a tablet or phone → use Picovert
- Need to compress and convert to WebP in bulk → use Picovert
The bottom line
Squoosh is a masterclass in what a web-based image tool can do technically, and it remains the gold standard for single-image optimization. But it was never designed for batch workflows. For that, Picovert is the right tool — same browser-only privacy guarantee, faster native codec processing, and unlimited batch size. Use both: Squoosh for perfecting that one hero image, Picovert for everything else.