IMG Performer or Optimole?
Optimole delivers images through a global CDN, with an account and billing by visit count. IMG Performer converts locally and serves from your own server.
Optimole is not a pure optimization plugin but an image CDN: images are transferred to Optimole, processed there and delivered through a global network. That can speed up delivery, but it means an account, billing by visit count and image transfer to a third party with a possible transfer outside the EU. IMG Performer converts locally and serves from your own server – and additionally covers AI labelling and alt text.
| IMG Performer | Optimole | |
|---|---|---|
| Vendor | Enfants Terribles digital GmbH (Hamburg) | ThemeIsle |
| Processing | local, on your own server | cloud / CDN |
| Account required | no | yes |
| AI model (alt text) | your choice – Mistral (France) recommended | – |
| Billing | license, no quota | by visitor count |
| Data protection | no image transfer to third parties; DPA only for the optional alt-text AI | – |
| EU AI Act Art. 50 | yes, already in the free version | no |
| WebP / AVIF | yes (AVIF in Pro) | yes (via CDN) |
| AI alt text | yes (Pro, your own API key, no credit cap) | no |
| AI image detection | automatic (C2PA, EXIF, AI-tool signatures) | – |
| Marker in all image sizes | yes – machine-readable marker in every size incl. WebP/AVIF | – |
| Visible label | yes, customizable design (Pro) | – |
| Platforms | WordPress | – |
| Cost | Free · Pro €69/year or €9/month | Free up to ~1,000 visits/month · paid from ~$22.52/month (verify pricing before publishing) |
Last verified: August 2026. The current vendor pages are authoritative.
CDN vs. local delivery
A CDN can lower load time for an international audience. The price for that: a permanent dependency on an external service and the server-location question. IMG Performer optimizes locally in advance; you can still put a CDN in front of it if needed.
When Optimole is the better choice
If you have a worldwide audience, want an integrated image CDN, and are fine with cloud processing.
When IMG Performer fits
If the images should stay on your server, you want predictable costs, and you cover AI labelling and alt text at the same time.
For more cloud and local alternatives, see GDPR image optimization without the cloud.
Disclaimer
Note: Information on features and prices – including those of IMG Performer – reflects our knowledge at the time of publication and may change. We accept no liability for its accuracy. The current product and pricing pages of the respective providers are authoritative; information on IMG Performer is available at img-performer.enfants.de.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a CDN with IMG Performer?
No. Optimization happens locally; a CDN is optional and freely chosen.
Are images processed outside the EU with Optimole?
Optimole delivers through a global CDN; a transfer outside the EU is possible. Check the details on the vendor page.