Images by coolLabs
An open-source & self-hostable image optimization service, a drop-in replacement for Vercel's Image Optimization.
SubscriptionHostingOpen SourceDevOps2,034 impressions#315 of its week
Images by coolLabs is an open-source, self-hostable image optimization service that can replace Vercel’s Image Optimization.
- for
- Web developers using Next.js or any web app needing image optimization.
- pricing
- open source
Key features
- Drop-in Vercel replacement — Works as a direct substitute for Vercel’s Image Optimization with minimal code changes.
- Self-hostable — Run the service on your own infrastructure for full control.
- Free global CDN — Provides worldwide content delivery at no cost.
- Unlimited usage — No hidden fees or usage caps for image processing.
- Framework agnostic — Can be used in any web application, not limited to Next.js.
Use cases
- Optimize images in a Next.js site without Vercel’s service
- Serve optimized images from a custom backend for a SaaS product
- Provide fast image delivery for a global e-commerce storefront
- Reduce bandwidth costs by serving compressed images via the free CDN
Images by coolLabs vs alternatives
 Images by coolLabs |  imgproxy |  Frameright |  Compress | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Best for | Self-hosted image optimization with free CDN | Self-hosted generic image processing | Responsive image handling | Free video compression |
| Pricing | Open source | Free | Free | Free |
| DevHunt upvotes | 0 | 95 | 78 | 55 |
| Launched | Jan 2024 | Feb 2024 | Jan 2023 | Mar 2024 |
- Images by coolLabs vs imgproxy: imgproxy is also self-hosted but focuses on generic image processing pipelines, not a Vercel drop-in.
- Images by coolLabs vs Frameright: Frameright manages responsive image behavior rather than providing a CDN-backed optimizer.
- Images by coolLabs vs Compress: Compress optimizes videos, not images, and is a separate service.
Images by coolLabs FAQ
Can Images by coolLabs be used with frameworks other than Next.js?+
Yes, it works as a standalone image optimization service for any web application.
Is there any cost for using the global CDN?+
The CDN is provided for free with unlimited usage and no hidden fees.
Do I need to host the service myself?+
Yes, the service is self-hostable, giving you full control over deployment.
How does it replace Vercel’s Image Optimization?+
You replace Vercel’s service by adding a few lines of code; the API is compatible with Vercel’s expectations.
Is commercial support available?+
The provided page only shows an nginx default page; no commercial support information is given for Images by coolLabs.
Summarized by DevHunt from images.coollabs.io · Sep 28, 2026. Details may change; check the official site.
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