Exemplary method, system, and computer program product embodiments for real-time selection of compression operations are provided. In one embodiment, by way of example only, available compression operations are initialized according to an assigned success factor. The available compression operations are tested for determining if at least one of the compression operations yields a compression ratio greater than a minimal compression ratio. The available compression operations selected in real time for compressing at least one of the data blocks is applied. Additional system and computer program product embodiments are disclosed and provide related advantages.