SteadyLink vs ImageKit
ImageKit is an image and video CDN with real-time transforms and a media library, and it can sit in front of storage you already have. SteadyLink hosts the files itself and keeps one permanent link per file through every replacement. At the same $9 entry price, SteadyLink includes more storage and delivery. ImageKit has the deeper transformation toolkit.
At a glance
| Feature | SteadyLink | ImageKit |
|---|---|---|
| Built around | Stable links for files that change | Real-time image and video optimization |
| File types | Any file, delivered as-is | Images and video first |
| Use your own storage | No, files live in SteadyLink | Yes, it can pull from existing origins like S3 |
| Replace a file, keep the link | Built in, with every revision kept | Possible by overwriting, with purges to manage |
| Image transforms | Resize, crop and convert by URL | Extensive real-time transforms |
| Client galleries and proofing | Collections with picks and watermarks | Not a focus |
| Overage | Set limits per plan | Pay as you go above the included amounts |
Pricing
SteadyLink
- Free$0
10 GB storage, 50 GB / month delivery, 1 member
- Personal$9 a month, or $7.50 billed yearly
50 GB storage, 100 GB / month delivery, 1 member
- Pro$39 a month, or $32.50 billed yearly
100 GB storage, 1 TB / month delivery, 5 members
- Business$129 a month, or $107.50 billed yearly
500 GB storage, 3 TB / month delivery, 20 members
ImageKit
- Free$0
3 GB storage, 20 GB bandwidth, 2 users
- Lite$9 a month plus usage
10 GB storage, 40 GB bandwidth, 3 users
- Pro$89 a month plus usage
225 GB storage, 225 GB bandwidth, 5 users
Where ImageKit is the better choice
Works with storage you already have
Point it at an existing bucket or web server and it optimizes what's there. SteadyLink stores the files itself.
More transforms
A wider set of real-time image and video operations than SteadyLink's resize, crop and convert.
Automatic format selection
It serves modern formats to browsers that support them without changing the URL.
Where SteadyLink is the better choice
Replacing a file is the main workflow
Open the file, choose Replace, and the link stays the same. The same works from the CLI with steadylink replace, from the API and SDKs, and over the S3-compatible API.
Any file type, delivered directly
A price list PDF, an installer, a CSV export and a hero image all get a permanent link that serves the file itself, with revision history behind it.
Every revision kept and linkable
Each replacement is a numbered revision you can restore. A pinned link like ?v=3 keeps serving one exact revision and is cached for a year.
More included at the same price
Personal is $9 with 50 GB of storage and 100 GB of delivery, against 10 GB and 40 GB on ImageKit Lite.
Which one to pick
Pick ImageKit if
- Your images already live somewhere and you only want them optimized
- Real-time transforms are central to your product
- You want automatic modern formats per browser
Pick SteadyLink if
- You want the files hosted and their links kept for good
- You publish documents and downloads as well as images
- You want revisions, rollback and pinned versions
- You'd rather have predictable included limits than per-GB overage
Questions
Is SteadyLink an ImageKit alternative?
If you want files hosted at permanent links with revisions, yes. If you only want to optimize images that already live in your own storage, ImageKit is built for that.
Can SteadyLink resize images by URL?
Yes. Add width, height, fit and format parameters to a file's link to get a resized or converted copy.
Which includes more for $9 a month?
SteadyLink Personal includes 50 GB of storage and 100 GB of delivery. ImageKit Lite includes 10 GB of storage and 40 GB of bandwidth, with usage billed above that.
More comparisons
All comparisonsTry SteadyLink with one file you update often.
Free plan with 10 GB. No card required.