Top 3 WordPress Caching Plugins
If you have a WordPress website, you know that sometimes your site can run slowly which lowers your rank in Google and other search engines and it can be frustrating for your customers. One way to combat slow load speeds is to enable caching (pronounced like cashing). We talk about this briefly in our Speed Up Your WordPress Website article. An easy and effective way to enable caching on your site is to use a free or inexpensive plugin. In this article we’ll talk about our top 3 WordPress caching plugins: WP Super Cache, W3 Total Cache, and WP Rocket. All the top 3 WordPress caching plugins are great options due to their features, their ease of use, their support, and their price.
WP Super Cache
Overview:
WP Super Cache is one of the most downloaded caching plugins out there with over 1 million active installs. This plugin, like others, creates a static HTML file. This static HTML file is then served to users that aren’t logged in, users that have never commented on your site, and users who haven’t viewed a password protected post making it so 99% of your site’s visitors will be viewing a static HTML file instead of making your site request a new one to the server each time someone tries to view your WordPress site. It does mean though that if you are logged in, you won’t be able to experience the supercaching. This plugin works really well if you’re experiencing heavier site traffic than normal. What’s great about this plugin is that it is very easy to use and requires minimal set up; you can even use its built in scheduler to clear cached pages in the future. This is a great plugin if you’re looking for a simple, easy, and free option to help you with caching. If you do run into any issues while using the WP Super Cache plugin, there is a support forum along with a list of FAQs. And the best part is, the WP Super Cache plugin is free!
W3 Total Cache
Overview:
The W3 Total Cache plugin makes the user’s experience better by caching every part of your site. This helps reduce download times and the plugin also integrates seamlessly with CDNs. This caching plugin also has over 16 pages of customization options. This can be a little overwhelming for the average user, though. W3 Total Cache also boasts that they have easy set up and they can be used with any theme and other plugins without issues. Like WP Super Cache, W3 Total Cache has a support forum and list of FAQs. The creator’s site, w3-edge, also has support forums, FAQs, and support numbers you can call. The premium version of the plugin allows for even more customization options and more support. The W3 Total Cache is also a free plugin. Because of its multitude of configurations, W3 Total Cache plugin is great option if you want as much control as possible over your caching options.
WP Rocket
Overview:
While you do have to pay for WP Rocket, it makes up for this in its ease of use and technical support options. The pricing for WP Rocket depends on how many sites you want to install it on. The price ranges from $39 for one site to $199 for unlimited use. The price also comes with 1 year of updates and support along with a 30 day money-back guarantee. This plugin is extremely easy to configure and it is the fastest option out there right now for caching plugins. Some of its features include lazy loading images, CDN integration, eCommerce friendly, and it is multisite compatible, among over 15 other features. WP Rocket is a good investment for your caching needs and requires minimal work with great results. If you want a simple, fast, and efficient caching plugin and don’t mind the price, the WP Rocket plugin is a great option.
If you need help installing any of the top 3 WordPress caching plugins or other support for WordPress, we have instructors that are ready to help you. Call 512-593-1621 or email rick@wp-learningcenter.com to schedule a consultation today.
