The aim of this paper is to evaluate and compare different optimization algorithms for Peak to Average Power Ratio (PAPR) reduction in Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing (OFDM) systems. Based on Tone Reservation (TR) method, we exploit the unused subcarriers of the studied standard to generate the peak canceling signal without data rate loss. Gradient, Conjugate-Gradient with two directions search and Quasi-Newton methods have been investigated and evaluated on the basis of spectral regrowth, convergence speed and ability to improve the high peak-to-average reduction in multicarriers systems. As an example, the simulations are performed in the case of Local Area Network WLAN (IEEE 802.11a standard). Simulation results show that a PAPR reduction gain around 3 dB can be achieved.