Pixel Harbor vs ImageOptim
ImageOptim is a free Mac app for local files. Pixel Harbor scans websites and handles batch processing in the cloud.
Pixel Harbor is best for website optimization at scale, especially if you're not on Mac or need to scan live sites.
Quick Summary
• You're on Mac and want a free tool
• You have files locally and need quick compression
• You want lossless PNG/JPEG optimization
• You prefer offline, privacy-focused processing
• You need to scan a live website by URL
• You're on Windows, Linux, or working in a team
• You want WebP/AVIF conversion (not just compression)
• You need folder structure preserved for replacement
Feature Comparison
| Feature | ImageOptim | Pixel Harbor |
|---|---|---|
| PNG optimization | ||
| JPEG optimization | ||
| WebP conversion | ||
| AVIF conversion | ||
| Scan website by URL | ||
| Folder upload | ||
| Preserve folder structure | ||
| Quality comparison preview | ||
| Works on Windows/Linux | ||
| Works offline | ||
| Completely free (Mac app) | ||
| Web API available | Paid | Coming |
Key Differences
Platform Support
ImageOptim is Mac-only. Pixel Harbor is web-based and works on any device—Mac, Windows, Linux, even your phone. Great for teams with mixed setups.
Website Scanning
ImageOptim only works with files on your computer. Pixel Harbor scans live websites by URL—no need to download images first, then upload them for processing.
Modern Formats
ImageOptim focuses on lossless PNG/JPEG compression. Pixel Harbor converts to WebP and AVIF—modern formats that are 30-50% smaller than even optimized JPEGs.
Folder Structure
ImageOptim processes files in place. Pixel Harbor preserves your website's folder hierarchy in downloads—/products/, /blog/, /assets/ all intact.
Who Should Use What?
ImageOptim is best for: Mac users who need quick, free compression of local files—especially designers working on individual assets.
Pixel Harbor is best for: E-commerce stores, agencies, SEO professionals, and developers who need to scan entire websites, work across platforms, or want modern format conversion like WebP/AVIF.
Love ImageOptim but Need More?
ImageOptim is fantastic for what it does. But if you're spending hours downloading images from your site, dragging them into ImageOptim, then re-uploading—Pixel Harbor can scan your entire site in one go.
Get Started with Pixel HarborFrequently Asked Questions
Scan Your Website in One Click
No downloads, no manual uploads—just enter your URL.