WebP Express

What is WebP Express?

WebP Express is a performance plugin that automatically converts JPEG and PNG images to the lighter WebP format. It serves these smaller files to browsers that support WebP while keeping original images for older browsers. The plugin has been maintained by developer rosell.dk for 8 years, showing consistent long-term support. It currently has over 300,000 active installs and holds a 4.4 out of 5 star rating from 161 user reviews, with 81% of those ratings being five-star.

The plugin addresses a clear waste of bandwidth. As its description notes, more than 9 out of 10 users browse with WebP-capable browsers, yet most sites still serve JPEG images that are typically double the size. WebP Express uses the WebP Convert library to handle image conversion through multiple methods, including local options like Imagick, cwebp, VIPS, and GD. If none of those work on your hosting, cloud alternatives such as the ewww service (paid) or a connection to another WordPress site running WebP Express are available.

Key Features of WebP Express

• Varied Image Responses via .htaccess – Routes JPEG/PNG requests to WebP copies without changing image URLs, relying on browser headers to deliver the correct format.
• Alter HTML with Picture Tags – Replaces image tags in your HTML with <picture> elements, generating missing WebP versions automatically upon page visit.
• Alter HTML with URL Replacement – Swaps image URLs to point directly to WebP files, but only for browsers that support the format. Missing WebP files are generated on the fly.
• Cache Enabler Integration – Works with the Cache Enabler plugin to serve WebP images through a page caching system, reducing server load further.
• Multiple Conversion Methods – Supports Imagick, cwebp, VIPS, GD locally, plus cloud-based options like ewww or the plugin’s own web service on another site.
• Live Testing Tools – Built-in tests let you verify that .htaccess rules and conversion methods are working correctly after configuration.
• Automatic WebP Generation on Visit – Missing WebP files are created when a user first requests them, so you do not need to batch-convert your entire media library upfront.

Who Should Use WebP Express?

This plugin is ideal for site owners who want faster image loading without rebuilding their theme. The developer recommends it for anyone using a browser that supports WebP—over 90% of users. If your site relies heavily on images, such as photography portfolios, eCommerce stores, or news sites, the size reduction of roughly 50% for JPEG files can significantly cut page load times. The plugin requires some technical comfort, as it involves editing .htaccess rules and testing server capabilities.

Users with basic WordPress experience can configure it, but beginners may need to follow the FAQ closely. The plugin does nothing until you save settings, which writes redirection rules into .htaccess files in directories like uploads, themes, and wp-content/webp-express. The live test buttons are recommended over manual inspection. With version 0.25.15 tested up to WordPress 6.9.4, it remains compatible with the latest core releases.

Installation & Setup

You can install WebP Express through the WordPress plugins screen or by uploading the files to /wp-content/plugins/webp-express. After activation, the plugin does nothing until you configure it. You must ensure at least one conversion method shows a green checkmark, then save settings to place the redirection rules into your .htaccess files. The live test buttons help confirm everything is working.

Support & Community

The plugin’s support forum shows a concerning trend. Over the last two months, there was 1 open support thread with 0 resolved, resulting in a 0% resolution rate. This is a sharp drop for a plugin with 300,000 active users. The rating breakdown tells a mixed story: 81% of 161 ratings are 1% are one-star. That gap suggests some users encounter issues that go unresolved, possibly related to server configuration problems or .htaccess conflicts. The developer rosell.dk maintains the plugin and its underlying libraries, but the lack of recent forum responses may worry potential adopters who anticipate needing help.