PixRinseThe short version
Stay with ImageOptim if
- You want a free, open-source tool.
- Your main goal is smaller files, with image quality preserved by default.
- You work with SVG or animated GIF files.
- You want to start it from the command line or the Services menu in Finder.
Consider PixRinse if
- An upload form or email needs a maximum file size.
- You also need to convert formats, such as HEIC to JPEG or images to WebP.
- You need resize rules, a product canvas or several sizes from one source.
- You want exported copies rather than files overwritten in place.
- You want to remove GPS and keep the capture date.
- The same delivery comes back and you want to reuse the setup.
Side by side
| Feature | ImageOptim | PixRinse |
|---|---|---|
| Main job | Reduce file size and remove metadata | Prepare images for a destination: size limit, dimensions, format and metadata |
| Cost | Free and open source (GPL v2 or later) | Free to download with limits. Pro is a one-time lifetime purchase |
| Where to get it | Download from its site. Not on the App Store | Mac App Store |
| System | macOS 11 or later | macOS 14 or later |
| Your originals | Overwrites files with optimised versions and puts the originals in the Trash | Built-in presets export copies. Replacing originals is a separate, deliberate mode |
| Compression | Preserves image quality by default, with lossy optimisation as an option | Depends on the preset and format. Lossless Cleanup uses supported lossless paths |
| Metadata | Removes EXIF such as GPS and serial number, with an option to keep metadata | Choose a policy, such as removing sensitive data, with separate capture-date and copyright controls |
| Maximum file size | Not mentioned on its site | Set a limit and review any file that did not meet it |
| Format conversion | Not mentioned on its site | Exports JPEG, PNG, WebP, HEIC and TIFF, depending on codec availability |
| Resizing | Not mentioned on its site | Long-edge, fit, crop and canvas rules |
| SVG and animated GIF | Both listed | Still-image workflow. SVG is not a listed format, and animation preservation is not promised |
| Batch limits | None mentioned on its site | Free: up to 10 images per batch. Pro removes the limit |
“Not mentioned” means the ImageOptim pages we checked did not describe that feature. The app may still offer it.
Moving from ImageOptim
Match what you used it for
For smaller files without resizing, start with the Lossless Cleanup preset. It keeps the original format and retains a result only when it is smaller.
Add the requirements you were handling elsewhere
If you were also resizing or hitting an upload limit in another app, use Upload Requirements or a custom preset to bring those steps together.
Choose an output folder
Presets export copies, so decide where the finished set should go instead of expecting files to change in place.
Compare on your own files
Export a small batch and inspect the results. File sizes depend on your images and settings.
A couple of common questions
Is PixRinse better than ImageOptim?
It depends on the job. For smaller files with nothing else changed, ImageOptim is free and may be all you need. PixRinse is built for preparing images to meet a destination’s requirements.
Does PixRinse make smaller files?
We have not published a benchmark. Results depend on your images and settings, and PixRinse does not promise a fixed saving.
Is PixRinse free?
You can download it free and process up to 10 images per batch, with one output per source. Pro is a one-time lifetime purchase with no subscription. The App Store shows the price for your region.
Does PixRinse overwrite my files like ImageOptim?
Built-in presets export copies. Replacing originals is a separate mode that you choose deliberately.
Sources
Checked on November 4, 2026. Product details change, so confirm anything important on the vendor’s site.
Try it on your own files.
Add a few images to PixRinse and compare the results yourself.
Download for MacFree: up to 10 images per batch and one output per source. Compare Free & Pro.