MediaShed vs Squoosh: Image Compressor Compared
TL;DR: Both MediaShed and Squoosh compress images entirely in your browser — no uploads, no servers, full privacy. The difference: Squoosh is a single-image tool built for developers who want granular codec control. MediaShed adds batch processing, compression presets, target file size, and broader format support. If you want to experiment with codecs, Squoosh. If you want to compress images and move on, MediaShed.
Features verified as of July 2026.
Quick Comparison
| Feature | MediaShed | Squoosh |
|---|---|---|
| Free to use | ✅ Unlimited | ✅ Unlimited |
| Local processing | ✅ Browser (WebAssembly) | ✅ Browser (WebAssembly) |
| Images stay on device | ✅ Always | ✅ Always |
| Batch processing | ✅ Multiple images | ❌ Single image only |
| Compression presets | ✅ Web, Email, WhatsApp, Recommended | ❌ Manual settings only |
| Target file size | ✅ Set exact size target | ❌ No |
| Quality slider | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| Side-by-side preview | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes (slider comparison) |
| Codec selection | ⚠️ Format-based | ✅ Fine-grained (MozJPEG, OxiPNG, etc.) |
| Resize | ⚠️ Via format converter | ✅ Built-in |
| Metadata stripping | ✅ Automatic | ✅ Automatic |
| Animated format support | ✅ GIF and WebP | ❌ No |
| Input formats | PNG, JPG, WebP, AVIF, GIF | PNG, JPG, WebP, AVIF |
| Offline capable | ✅ After first load | ✅ PWA |
| Open source | ❌ No | ✅ Yes (Google Chrome Labs) |
How They Work
MediaShed
MediaShed uses libvips compiled to WebAssembly. You drop images in, pick a preset or set a target file size, and download compressed results. It handles multiple images in a queue.
The “aggression” slider controls quality loss tolerance across all formats. Purpose-built presets (Web targets <200 KB, WhatsApp targets <100 KB) handle common scenarios without thought.
Squoosh
Squoosh is a Google Chrome Labs project. It loads one image at a time and gives you direct control over the compression codec: MozJPEG, OxiPNG, WebP, AVIF, JPEG XL, and others. A split-view slider lets you compare the original and compressed versions pixel-by-pixel.
Squoosh is designed for developers and designers who want to understand exactly what each codec does to their image. It’s educational as much as practical.
Where Each Tool Excels
Squoosh is better for:
- Codec experimentation — switch between MozJPEG, OxiPNG, WebP, AVIF, and JXL to compare outputs for the same image
- Developer education — see exactly how each codec handles color quantization, chroma subsampling, and effort levels
- Resizing — built-in resize with multiple interpolation methods (Lanczos3, Mitchell, etc.)
- Open source — you can self-host, fork, or inspect every line of code
MediaShed is better for:
- Batch processing — compress multiple images without reloading each time
- Speed — presets eliminate per-image decision-making
- Target file size — set “make this 100 KB” and the tool converges automatically
- Animated formats — compress animated GIFs and WebPs with frame preservation
- Combined workflow — compress, then convert format or remove background in the same tool
Pricing
Both tools are completely free with no limits, no accounts, and no paid tiers. Neither shows ads.
Squoosh is maintained by Google Chrome Labs as an open-source project. MediaShed is independently maintained.
Privacy
Identical. Neither tool uploads your images anywhere. Both process everything locally in your browser using WebAssembly. Both work offline after initial load.
Best For
Choose MediaShed if you:
- Process multiple images regularly
- Want preset-based compression (Web, Email, WhatsApp)
- Need exact target file size
- Work with animated GIFs or WebPs
- Want compressor + converter + background remover in one place
Choose Squoosh if you:
- Want fine-grained codec control (MozJPEG vs OxiPNG vs WebP)
- Need built-in resize with interpolation options
- Want an open-source tool you can self-host
- Prefer a detailed split-view comparison
- Are learning about image compression codecs
Verdict
Squoosh and MediaShed share the same philosophy: free, private, browser-based. They diverge on audience. Squoosh is a precision tool for people who want to understand and control every compression parameter. MediaShed is a workflow tool for people who want to compress images quickly and move on.
If you regularly compress batches of images for web, email, or messaging, MediaShed saves time. If you’re a developer optimizing a single hero image and want to compare six different codecs, Squoosh is purpose-built for that.
Try MediaShed Image Compressor — batch compression with presets, no upload required.