What does TinyPNG actually do?
TinyPNG uses lossy compression. For PNG, it applies quantization: similar colors are merged so a 24-bit PNG becomes an 8-bit indexed image with up to 256 colors, with transparency kept. That is why PNGs often shrink by more than half with little visible change. For JPEG, it re-encodes the image and strips metadata. It also handles WebP, AVIF, JPEG XL and animated PNG, and can convert between formats. Files are uploaded to Tinify's servers for processing.
Beyond the website, Tinify offers an API with 500 free compressions a month, an official WordPress plugin and client libraries for Ruby, PHP, Node.js, Python, Java and .NET. Paid web plans raise the free limits.
How does a browser-based alternative compare?
TinyPNG figures from tinypng.com and tinify.com as of October 2026.
| Feature | TinyPNG (free web tool) | Fast WebP Converter compressor |
|---|---|---|
| Where images are processed | Tinify's servers (upload) | Your browser (no upload) |
| PNG method | Palette of up to 256 colors, transparency kept | Palette of up to 256 colors, transparency kept; lossless at quality 95+ |
| JPEG | Re-encoded automatically | Re-encoded at the quality you choose (1–100) |
| Control | Automatic | Quality slider or target size in KB |
| Target file size | Not offered | Yes, scaling dimensions down only if needed |
| Batch | Up to 20 images, 5 MB each | Up to 100 images |
| Metadata | Stripped | Stripped (EXIF, GPS, camera model) |
| Animation | Animated PNG supported | Still images only |
| Automation | API and WordPress plugin | Manual, in the browser |
On PNGs, both rely on the same palette technique, so results are usually in the same range; the exact size depends on the image. The practical differences are where the work happens, how much control you get, and how the tool fits your workflow.
Is TinyJPG different from TinyPNG?
No. TinyJPG and TinyPNG are the same Tinify service on two domains, and both compress JPEG, PNG and WebP files whatever the name suggests. Whichever you use, the images are uploaded to Tinify for processing and downloaded back, and the web tool sets the compression level itself: there is no quality slider or target-size setting. Those two points, the upload and the lack of control over the result, are where a browser-based compressor differs.
When is TinyPNG or its API the better fit?
- You already have an integration. The WordPress plugin compresses uploads automatically, and a build script or CMS hook calling the API needs no one in the loop.
- Server-side automation. Images that arrive from users or a back office, around the clock, are better handled by an API than by a person dragging files.
- Animated PNGs or other formats. TinyPNG compresses APNG and JPEG XL, which a still-image browser compressor does not.
- You prefer no settings at all. TinyPNG picks the compression level for you.
When is a no-upload compressor the better fit?
- Confidential images. Client work under NDA, ID documents, medical images or unreleased products never leave your device. More in convert images without uploading.
- A hard size limit. When a form or a CMS wants files under 200 KB, type it as the target size instead of trying settings.
- Larger batches. Up to 100 images per batch, keeping each format.
- Control over quality. A slider from 1 to 100 lets you trade size for detail, image by image or for a whole batch.
How do I compress PNG and JPG like TinyPNG, without uploading?
- Open Compress PNG (or Compress JPG) and drop up to 100 images.
- Keep Same as original so PNG stays PNG with its transparency and JPG stays JPG.
- Leave the default quality or set 70–85. For a fixed limit, switch to Target size and type the number of KB.
- Check the before and after sizes. If an image cannot be made smaller in its own format, the original is kept.
- Download the results. A single image is free, with nothing to install.
Should I compress PNG and JPG at all, or convert to WebP?
For a website, converting to WebP usually beats any PNG or JPEG compression, because the format itself is more efficient; TinyJPG vs WebP compares the two approaches. Keep compressing within the original format when the format is imposed: email templates, upload forms, print workflows or platforms that only accept JPG and PNG. For another in-browser option, see WebP vs Squoosh.