TinyPNG (and its sibling TinyJPG) has been the go-to image compressor for millions of designers and developers since 2014. But it has real limitations: a 20-image-per-session limit without an API key, max 5 MB per file, server uploads required, and it doesn't support WebP or AVIF output. In 2026, there are better alternatives for most use cases.
What to look for in a TinyPNG alternative
- Privacy: does it upload your files to a server?
- Format support: can it output WebP and AVIF?
- Batch processing: can you compress 20+ images at once?
- File size limits: what's the maximum per file?
- Quality control: can you preview results before downloading?
1. Picovert (recommended)
Picovert compresses images entirely in your browser using the browser's native codecs. No server upload. Supports PNG, JPG, WebP, AVIF, HEIC, GIF, BMP, TIFF. Unlimited batch size. Output formats include WebP and AVIF.
- Privacy: ✅ browser-only
- WebP/AVIF output: ✅
- Batch limit: unlimited
- File size limit: device memory
- Free: ✅ completely
2. Squoosh (Google)
Squoosh is an open-source tool from Google that runs in the browser via WebAssembly. It offers excellent quality vs size control with a side-by-side preview. Best for single images where you want precise control over encoding settings.
- Privacy: ✅ browser-only
- WebP/AVIF output: ✅
- Batch limit: 1 image
- Free: ✅
3. Compress-or-Die
Advanced compression tool with fine-grained JPEG and PNG settings. Server-based processing. Strong for developers who need precise control over JPEG subsampling and chroma settings.
- Privacy: ❌ server upload
- WebP output: ✅
- Batch: limited
4. iLoveIMG
Full-featured image suite: compression, resize, crop, watermark, and more. Server-based. Free tier has daily limits. Good for users who want all tools in one place and don't mind uploads.
- Privacy: ❌ server upload
- WebP output: ✅
- Batch: 30 files (free tier)
5. ShortPixel
Professional image CDN and optimization service. API-driven. The web compressor is free for up to 50 images/month. Best for WordPress site owners (plugin available).
- Privacy: ❌ server upload
- WebP/AVIF output: ✅
- Free limit: 50 images/month
6. Cloudimage / Cloudinary
Image CDN services that transform and optimize images on delivery. Better suited for production pipelines than one-off compression. Require account setup.
7. EZGIF (for GIFs)
The best free tool specifically for animated GIF compression and optimization. Server-based. For static images, other tools are better.
Comparison table
| Tool | Privacy | WebP/AVIF | Batch | Free limit |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| TinyPNG | ❌ upload | ❌ | 20/session | Yes |
| Picovert | ✅ local | ✅ | Unlimited | Yes |
| Squoosh | ✅ local | ✅ | 1 image | Yes |
| Compress-or-Die | ❌ upload | ✅ | Limited | Yes |
| iLoveIMG | ❌ upload | ✅ | 30/day | Daily limit |
| ShortPixel | ❌ upload | ✅ | 50/month | Monthly limit |
Verdict
For most users in 2026, Picovert is the best TinyPNG alternative: it processes everything locally, supports modern formats, has no limits, and is completely free. Squoosh is the second choice when you need precise single-image control.