IMG Performer or Smush?
Smush is the best-known brand in the segment. AVIF and the stronger compression are Smush Pro (WPMU DEV account). IMG Performer brings AVIF and AI labelling locally, plus AI alt text via your own API key.
Smush is the best-known image optimization plugin for WordPress. The free version compresses losslessly and, since v3.12.0, no longer has a bulk limit. AVIF, the stronger compression and the CDN, however, are reserved for Smush Pro – and Pro runs through a WPMU DEV account. IMG Performer brings AVIF in a standalone Pro version, labels AI images under the EU AI Act and generates AI alt text – image processing local, no account; for alt text the image goes to the AI provider of your choice.
| IMG Performer | Smush | |
|---|---|---|
| Vendor | Enfants Terribles digital GmbH (Hamburg) | – |
| Processing | image optimization local, on your own server | local (Free) / Smush Cloud (Pro, CDN) |
| Account required | no | no (Free) / WPMU DEV account (Pro) |
| AI model (alt text) | your choice – Mistral (France) recommended | – |
| Billing | license, no quota | – |
| Data protection | image optimization without transfer to third parties; for the optional alt-text AI the image goes to your AI provider (DPA with that provider) | – |
| EU AI Act Art. 50 | yes, already in the free version | no |
| WebP / AVIF | yes (AVIF in Pro) | Smush Pro only |
| AI alt text | yes (Pro, your own API key, no credit cap) | no |
| AI image detection | automatic via C2PA/XMP provenance data, otherwise manual classification | – |
| 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 · Pro from $36/year (single site, regularly $60) |
Last verified: August 2026. The current vendor pages are authoritative.
Where the difference is
- AVIF: with IMG Performer in a €69 annual licence; with Smush tied to Smush Pro and the WPMU DEV account.
- Smush generates no AI alt text and offers no EU AI Act labelling.
- IMG Performer processes entirely locally; the stronger Smush compression and the CDN run through the Smush cloud.
When Smush is the better choice
If you are already a WPMU DEV customer, want to use the Smush CDN, and need neither alt text nor AI labelling.
When IMG Performer fits
If you want AVIF without a membership, optimize images locally, and cover AI labelling and accessible AI alt text (via your own API key) at the same time.
Similarly lean, but without a membership model: IMG Performer or Converter for Media?.
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
Does the free Smush version have a limit?
The former 50-image bulk limit was removed in v3.12.0. AVIF and the ultra compression remain Pro.
Do I need an account for IMG Performer?
No. Only the optional alt-text feature uses an AI provider through your own key.