LocalJPG vs TinyPNG
Which is safer for your photos?
tl;dr
TinyPNG uploads every image to Tinify's servers (stored up to 48 hours). LocalJPG converts in your browser — nothing is ever sent. If your photos are private, LocalJPG is safer. TinyPNG is better for automated API workflows or WordPress plugin integration.
Both tools compress and convert images. The fundamental difference is where the work happens. TinyPNG sends your file to a remote server, processes it there, and returns the result. LocalJPG runs the same operation using WebAssembly inside your browser tab — your file never leaves your device.
Side-by-side comparison
| Feature | LocalJPG | TinyPNG |
|---|---|---|
| Uploads your file to a server | Never | Always (up to 48 h) |
| HEIC / iPhone photos | Yes | No |
| WebP → JPG | Yes | WebP only (no JPG output) |
| Free file size limit | No limit | 5 MB per file |
| Batch download as ZIP | $5 one-time | API only (paid) |
| Account required | No | No (web) · Yes (API) |
| Works offline | Yes (after first load) | No |
| EXIF data preserved | Yes | Stripped by default |
| WordPress plugin | No | Yes |
| API / automation | No | Yes (paid) |
Why privacy matters for image conversion
Most people assume “HTTPS” means private. It doesn't — it means the transfer is encrypted, but the destination server still receives and stores your file. TinyPNG's privacy policy states files are deleted within 48 hours. That's a policy, not a technical guarantee.
With LocalJPG, there is no policy to trust because there is no upload. The conversion engine ( libheif + MozJPEG, compiled to WebAssembly) runs inside your browser tab. You can verify this yourself: open DevTools → Network tab → drop a file. You'll see analytics requests, but zero POST requests containing image data.
When TinyPNG is the better choice
TinyPNG has a polished WordPress plugin, a well-documented API, and has been around since 2014. If you need automated image compression in a CMS, a CI pipeline, or a developer workflow — TinyPNG's API is the right tool. LocalJPG is for manual, one-off conversions where privacy is the priority.
Frequently asked questions
Does TinyPNG actually delete my files?▾
TinyPNG's privacy policy states uploaded images are stored for a maximum of 48 hours and then automatically deleted. This is a company policy — not a technical control. LocalJPG never stores your files because they are never uploaded in the first place.
Can TinyPNG convert HEIC files?▾
No. TinyPNG supports JPEG, PNG, WebP, and AVIF — but not HEIC or HEIF. To convert iPhone photos (.heic), you need a dedicated HEIC converter like LocalJPG.
Is LocalJPG free?▾
Single file conversion is always free with no size limits. Downloading 2+ files as a ZIP costs $5 (Apple Pay, Visa, Mastercard) or $0.50 in TON cryptocurrency. Each file can also be downloaded individually for free.
Which is faster?▾
For large files on a slow connection, LocalJPG is faster — there's no upload or download round trip. For very large batches on a fast connection, the difference is minimal. LocalJPG's WebAssembly engine adds some CPU overhead vs. a dedicated server, but on a modern device the difference is imperceptible for typical photo batches.
Related: LocalJPG vs CloudConvert · HEIC to JPG converter · Convert HEIC without uploading
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