Best WP Rocket Alternatives to Switch To in 2026
WP Rocket has been my go-to WordPress cache and performance plugin for years. However, over time, I’ve observed a decline in its effectiveness and overall value. Innovation has stagnated, customer-needs seem to be an afterthought, and most critically, it often fails to deliver on its primary promise: improving performance. Setting up WP Rocket has always been a challenging process, and just when you get everything configured and running smoothly, an update comes along and disrupts your setup.
Needless to say, this has been frustrating and one of the key reasons why, despite all my attempts, my sites were not clearing Core Web Vitals assessments.
What has been even more troubling is the frequent price increases. Over the years, WP Rocket’s pricing has doubled. While enhanced features can sometimes justify price hikes, the value proposition here feels lacking.

On a personal note, these price increments hit hardest in third-world countries where currency exchange rates amplify the cost.
For instance, when I first renewed WP Rocket for a single website at $24.50, the exchange rate was around 60 INR (Indian Rupees) per USD.

Now, with 1 USD at 86 INR, the effective price increase of 200% becomes an actual 286% hike for me—nearly triple. What costs $59 for most users ends up costing $88 per year in India.
Heads up to regular readers: I am working on an article on how plugin prices are not fair to third-world countries and why everyone should switch to a purchasing power parity (PPP) based pricing model like WordPress.com.
It would have been considerate to offer long-term customers grandfathered pricing or additional discounts.
However, as WP Rocket was acquired by a more commercial enterprise called group.ONE, such customer-friendly gestures seem unlikely.
In October 2024, I made the switch to FlyingPress after conducting thorough research on WP Rocket alternatives. If you’re considering making the same move, I’ve compiled this list of alternatives to help you. That said, if you’re looking for the best WordPress cache and performance plugin, FlyingPress is the clear winner in my book. Its single-site pricing is slightly lower than WP Rocket’s ($49 vs. $59), and it offers an unlimited site license for $249—a fantastic deal for agencies. FlyingPress also integrates seamlessly with FlyingCDN, which offers Cloudflare Enterprise features for $10 a month.
For those on a tight budget (like literally ZERO dollars) and using a LiteSpeed server instead of Apache or Nginx, the LiteSpeed Cache plugin is an excellent free alternative. (FlyingPress, by the way, performs well across all server types.)
Best WP Rocket Alternatives

When it comes to enhancing your website’s speed and performance, there are plenty of great alternatives to WP Rocket like FlyingPress & LiteSpeed Cache. Whether you’re looking for budget-friendly options or high-end solutions, these plugins offer impressive features to optimize your WordPress site.
Here’s the list that I recommend, in that order:
FlyingPress
FlyingPress
Pros
- Ranks #1 in Chrome UX Report for Core Web Vitals based on real-user data.
- FlyingCDN at $10/month delivers Cloudflare Enterprise features (edge caching, image optimization, 310+ global locations).
- Remove Unused CSS is file-based, not inlined. Miles ahead of WP Rocket's implementation.
- Live chat support with near real-time responses. Rare for a $49/year plugin.
- No adware or forced upsells in your dashboard. Just the plugin you paid for.
- $249/year for unlimited sites. Best deal for agencies managing multiple WordPress properties.
Cons
- Documentation isn't as thorough as WP Rocket's. Expect some forum searching.
- No regex option for removing unused CSS. Makes CSS tweaking more time-consuming.
- Smaller community than WP Rocket. Fewer third-party tutorials and guides available.
- While optional, FlyingCDN requires separate subscription.
Summary
FlyingPress is why I ditched WP Rocket after 10 years. It handles Core Web Vitals better than any other caching plugin I’ve tested, and leads the Chrome UX Report for real-world performance metrics. The optional FlyingCDN ($10/month) gives you Cloudflare Enterprise features at a fraction of the cost. Live chat support on a $49/year plugin is almost unheard of. Best fit for WordPress users who want measurable speed improvements without the bloat or upsells.
Price: USD 49 /year
Get FlyingPressFree version: Not Available / Pricing starts at $49 per year.
FlyingPress stands out as one of the best alternatives to WP Rocket – and I think it is way better than WP Rocket. Its single-site pricing is slightly lower at $49, and it offers an unlimited site license for $249, making it ideal for agencies. The plugin seamlessly integrates with FlyingCDN, providing Cloudflare Enterprise benefits for $10 month. FlyingPress delivers exceptional performance on all server types and is a reliable choice for users seeking both value and effectiveness.
FlyingPress vs WP Rocket
WP Rocket Features that FlyingPress has:
- Page caching to reduce server load.
- Lazy loading for images and videos.
- Minification and compression of HTML, CSS, and JavaScript files.
WP Rocket Features that are better with FlyingPress:
- Better CDN integration for faster static file delivery. FlyingCDN supported ($10 Cloudflare Enterprise wonder!)
- The removed unused CSS feature is implemented better. The used-CSS is not inlined but is rather placed in .css files. This improves cachability and performance for real users.
- Lazy rendering is better and non-intrusive with FlyingPress.
Unique Features of FlyingPress:
- Cache progress tells how many pages has been cached.
- Advanced image optimization with FlyingCDN.
- Edge caching via FlyingCDN leveraging Cloudflare Enterprise.
- Lazy rendering of specific HTML elements for better performance.
- Self-hosting of Google Fonts for reduced external requests.
The Recent Updates in FlyingPress have brought about many customer-related changes. They made a quick plugin update to fix an issue I was having with cached Admin Bars that showed to logged-out users when on Cloudflare. In addition to this, efficient cache purging, improved perfmatters compatibility and native lazy load improvements have arrived lately to make the experience better.
Get FlyingPressLiteSpeed Cache
LiteSpeed Cache
Pros
- Completely free with all features
- Server-level caching for best performance
- QUIC.cloud CDN and image optimization
- Object caching and database optimization
Cons
- Best performance only on LiteSpeed servers
- Complex settings for beginners
- QUIC.cloud CDN has usage limits
- Less effective on Apache/Nginx servers
Summary
A free, server-level caching plugin that delivers exceptional performance on LiteSpeed servers. Includes image optimization via QUIC.cloud CDN, database optimization, and advanced caching. The best free alternative to WP Rocket.
Free version: 100% Free / CDN Pricing pay-as-you-go.
LiteSpeed Cache (LSCache) is a powerful and free alternative to WP Rocket, especially if your website is hosted on a LiteSpeed server. As it’s deeply integrated with the LiteSpeed server architecture, LSCache can deliver unparalleled performance through server-level caching, which outpaces traditional plugin-based caching.
What makes LSCache even more compelling is its seamless integration with QUIC.cloud CDN. This combination allows for optimized delivery of static and dynamic content while leveraging advanced features like image optimization, critical CSS generation, and DNS prefetching. QUIC.cloud further enhances performance by providing a robust content delivery network tailored specifically for LiteSpeed environments.
For websites running on LiteSpeed servers, LSCache offers unparalleled speed and efficiency, making it a top choice for users seeking high performance without additional costs.
LiteSpeed Cache vs WP Rocket
WP Rocket Features that LiteSpeed Cache has:
- Page caching to reduce server load.
- Lazy loading for images and videos.
- Minification and compression of HTML, CSS, and JavaScript files.
- CDN integration to improve static file delivery.
WP Rocket Features that are better with LiteSpeed Cache:
- Server-level caching: Unlike WP Rocket’s plugin-based caching, LiteSpeed Cache is deeply integrated with LiteSpeed servers, providing faster and more efficient performance.
- QUIC.cloud CDN integration: LiteSpeed Cache seamlessly connects with QUIC.cloud, offering advanced optimization features like image optimization, critical CSS generation, and DNS prefetching. WP Rocket relies on third-party CDNs for similar features.
- Built-in image optimization: LiteSpeed Cache includes robust image compression and WebP conversion without the need for additional plugins.
Unique Features of LiteSpeed Cache:
- Completely Free: Need I say more? This is the best free WordPress caching plugin right now.
- Server-level Optimization: As a native LiteSpeed server tool, LSCache leverages server-side capabilities for unparalleled speed and efficiency.
- Edge Caching: With QUIC.cloud CDN, it provides edge caching to reduce latency for global visitors.
- Dynamic Content Caching: Advanced caching options ensure dynamic pages are optimized without losing functionality.
- Used CSS Generation: Automatically generates and implements critical and used CSS to improve page rendering speed. And what’s better, unlike WP Rocket, it can print the used CSS in a .css file.
- Advanced Configuration Options: Offers granular control over caching rules, image optimization, and more.
Recent updates have enhanced QUIC.cloud integration, including real-time updates for cache statuses and faster critical CSS generation. Improvements in database optimization and compatibility with popular WordPress plugins ensure LiteSpeed Cache remains a reliable and cutting-edge choice for performance optimization.
LiteSpeed Cache’s ability to integrate at the server level, coupled with advanced CDN features, makes it a formidable alternative to WP Rocket, especially for LiteSpeed server users seeking high performance and Core Web Vitals improvements.
Get LiteSpeed CachePerfmatters
Perfmatters
Pros
- Excellent script manager to disable bloat
- Works alongside any caching plugin
- Extremely lightweight — no performance overhead
- Local Google Analytics and font hosting
Cons
- Not a standalone caching solution
- No page caching built in
- Per-site pricing
- Some features overlap with caching plugins
Summary
A lightweight performance plugin that complements any caching solution. Perfmatters focuses on disabling unnecessary scripts, lazy loading, and code optimization. Best used alongside FlyingPress or another caching plugin.
Price: USD 29.95 /year
Try PerfmattersFree version: Not Available / Pricing starts at $29.95 per year.
Perfmatters is not a WordPress cache plugin but rather a lightweight WordPress optimization plugin designed to complement your caching solution. I recommend it running alongside FlyingPress to get the maximum performance and reduce bloat from WordPress.
Comparing with WP Rocket, which focuses heavily on caching, Perfmatters emphasizes reducing unnecessary HTTP requests and disabling unneeded WordPress features. This approach significantly enhances Core Web Vitals.
With Perfmatters, you can manage script loading, remove unused CSS, minify CSS/JS, defer & delay JS, lazy load media & iframe, utilize database optimization tools and more to keep your site lean and fast.
Get PerfmattersHummingbird
Hummingbird
Pros
- Good free version available
- Performance scanning and recommendations
- Asset optimization and minification
- Integrates with Smush for images
Cons
- Best features need WPMU DEV membership
- Not as effective as FlyingPress
- Can conflict with other optimization plugins
- CDN requires paid membership
Summary
A freemium performance plugin from WPMU DEV with page caching, asset optimization, and performance reporting. Hummingbird offers a good free version with Gzip compression and browser caching.
Free version: Available / Pricing starts at $60 per year, includes free CDN quota.
Hummingbird is a feature-rich performance optimization plugin by WPMU DEV. It offers caching, file compression, and lazy loading capabilities comparable to WP Rocket. However, Hummingbird stands out with its performance testing tools, which provide actionable recommendations to improve page speed and Core Web Vitals.
Hummingbird also includes asset optimization features, such as deferring unused JavaScript and CSS, along with GZIP compression for faster file delivery. These tools make it an excellent alternative for users who want both caching and detailed optimization insights.
Get HummingBirdWP Super Cache
WP Super Cache
Pros
- Completely free from Automattic
- Simple setup with minimal configuration
- Reliable and well-maintained
- Good for basic caching needs
Cons
- No CSS/JS optimization
- No image optimization
- Basic compared to modern alternatives
- No unused CSS removal or critical CSS
Summary
A free caching plugin from Automattic that generates static HTML files. WP Super Cache is simple, reliable, and handles basic caching well. Good for small to medium sites that need free, no-frills caching.
Free version: 100% Free
WP Super Cache is a free and widely used caching plugin developed by Automattic. While it lacks some of WP Rocket’s advanced features, it’s highly reliable for generating static HTML files to reduce server load. Its simple interface makes it a solid choice for beginners or websites with moderate traffic.
Although WP Super Cache doesn’t directly enhance Core Web Vitals as much as other plugins, it pairs well with additional optimization tools like Perfmatters for better overall performance.
Get WP Super CacheW3 Total Cache
W3 Total Cache
Pros
- Most configuration options available
- Supports multiple CDN providers
- Object and database caching included
- Free with most features available
Cons
- Very complex configuration
- Can break sites if misconfigured
- Interface is overwhelming
- Better modern alternatives available
Summary
A comprehensive caching plugin with extensive configuration options. W3 Total Cache supports page cache, object cache, database cache, and CDN integration. Powerful but complex — best for advanced users.
Free version: Available / Pricing starts at $99 per year.
W3 Total Cache by BoldGrid is a robust caching plugin that offers extensive customization options. It supports various caching methods, including page, object, and database caching, making it a strong competitor to WP Rocket. Its integration with CDNs is comprehensive, and it provides advanced features like fragment caching for dynamic content.
W3 Total Cache’s granular control over caching and minification settings makes it ideal for advanced users who want maximum control over their site’s optimization. The problem with the plugin is its stagnant development.
Get W3 Total CacheJetpack Boost
Jetpack Boost
Pros
- Extremely simple one-click optimization
- Critical CSS generation
- Image CDN included free
- No configuration needed
Cons
- Limited optimization options
- Not a full caching solution
- Advanced features need paid plan
- Less control than dedicated plugins
Summary
A lightweight performance plugin from Automattic focused on Core Web Vitals. Jetpack Boost offers critical CSS generation, lazy loading, and image optimization with a simple one-click interface.
Free version: Available / Paid features available under Jetpack all-in-one subscription.
Jetpack Boost brings performance optimization tools to the Jetpack ecosystem. It focuses on improving Core Web Vitals by enabling deferred JavaScript loading, generating critical CSS, and lazy loading images. While it’s not as feature-rich as WP Rocket, its integration with other Jetpack tools makes it a convenient choice for existing Jetpack users.
Get Jetpack BoostSwift Performance AI
Swift Performance AI
Pros
- AI-powered automatic configuration
- Combined caching and optimization
- Image optimization included
- Database cleanup tools
Cons
- Development status uncertain
- Performance below top alternatives
- AI features are basic
- Community support is limited
Summary
A caching plugin with AI-powered optimization features. Swift Performance offers page caching, image optimization, and database cleanup. The AI features help with automatic configuration based on your server setup.
Free version: Available / Pricing starts at $49 per year.
Swift Performance is a comprehensive optimization plugin that rivals WP Rocket in both features and pricing. It includes advanced caching, image optimization, and asset management tools designed to boost page speed and Core Web Vitals.
One of its standout features is its “plugin organizer,” which allows you to control which plugins load on specific pages, reducing unnecessary overhead. Swift Performance also offers a robust database optimization feature to keep your site running smoothly.
Get Swift Performance AICache Enabler
Cache Enabler
Pros
- Extremely simple and lightweight
- WebP image serving support
- Minimal configuration needed
- Free and open source
Cons
- Very basic feature set
- No CSS/JS optimization
- No image optimization
- Development has slowed
Summary
A simple and efficient static HTML caching plugin. Cache Enabler creates cached versions of pages with optional WebP support. Best for sites that need basic, reliable caching with minimal overhead.
Free version: 100% Free. Not a complete performance solution.
Cache Enabler is a lightweight caching plugin from KeyCDN that focuses on simplicity and performance. It generates static HTML files and supports WebP image delivery out of the box, which is a significant advantage for improving Core Web Vitals.
Although it doesn’t have as many features as WP Rocket, Cache Enabler’s straightforward setup and efficient performance make it a great option for users who want a minimalist caching solution. It can be used with Perfmatters to get an ideal WordPress caching and performance experience.
Get Cache EnablerComparison of WP Rocket Alternatives
| Feature | WP Rocket | FlyingPress | Perfmatters | Hummingbird | WP Super Cache | W3 Total Cache | Jetpack Boost | Swift Performance | Cache Enabler | LiteSpeed Cache | Breeze |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Caching | Yes | Yes | No | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | Yes | Yes | No | No |
| Lazy Loading | Yes, complete | Yes, complete | Yes, complete | Yes, complete | No | No | Yes, complete | Yes, complete | No | No | No |
| Minification | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | No | No |
| Script Management | Basic | Basic | Advanced | Basic | No | Advanced | No | Advanced | No | No | No |
| Database Optimization | Basic | Yes | Yes | No | No | Yes | No | Yes | No | No | No |
| CDN Integration | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | Yes | No | Yes | No | No | No |
| CDN | RocketCDN powered by Bunny.net (only for assets) | FlyingCDN powered by Cloudflare Enterprise (page, HTML & assets) | WPMU CDN | Photon | No | No | |||||
| Remove Unused CSS Best Value | Yes, inline | Yes, file based | Yes, inline and file based both | No | No | No | No | No | No | No | No |
| WebP Support | No | Yes | No | No | No | No | No | Yes | Yes | No | No |
| Critical CSS Generation | Yes | Yes | No | No | No | No | Yes | Yes | No | No | No |
| Unique Features | Easy setup, all-in-one optimization | Easy setup, all-in-one optimization, advanced preloading | Disable unused WP features, advanced preloading | GZIP compression, Smush integration, performance testing | Simple modes for setup, compatibility with object caching | Granular control, fragment caching, database support | Generates critical CSS, defers non-essential JavaScript | Plugin organizer, advanced caching, WebP optimization | Lightweight design, automatic WebP delivery | No | No |
| Pricing | $59/year | $49/year | $29/year | $60/year | Free | Free | Free | $49/year | Free | No | No |
| Object Cache Support | No | No | No | Yes, with Redis/Memcached | No | Yes | No | Yes | No | Yes, built-in | No |
| Image Optimization | No | Yes, built-in lazy load + WebP | No | Yes, via Smush integration | No | No | No | Yes, WebP + lazy load | Basic WebP | Yes, built-in with QUIC.cloud | Yes, via Cloudways integration |
| Ease of Use | Beginner friendly | Beginner friendly | Intermediate | Intermediate | Easy | Advanced, steep learning curve | One-click | Intermediate | Very easy | Intermediate | Easy |
| Overall Rating | 9/10 | 9.5/10 | 9/10 | 7.5/10 | 7/10 | 8/10 | 7/10 | 8.5/10 | 7.5/10 | 9/10 | 7.5/10 |
FAQs about WP Rocket Alternatives
What is the best WP Rocket alternative in 2026?
FlyingPress is the best WP Rocket alternative. It costs $49/year (vs WP Rocket’s $59), offers an unlimited site license for $249, and integrates with FlyingCDN which provides Cloudflare Enterprise features for just $5/month. FlyingPress also handles Remove Unused CSS better by generating .css files instead of inlining, which improves cacheability and real-world performance.
Is there a free alternative to WP Rocket?
Yes. LiteSpeed Cache is the best free WP Rocket alternative if you’re on a LiteSpeed server. It’s completely free, integrates with QUIC.cloud CDN, and includes image optimization, critical CSS generation, and server-level caching. For Apache or Nginx servers, WP Super Cache is a reliable free option for basic caching needs.
Why should I switch from WP Rocket?
WP Rocket’s pricing has doubled over the years (now $59/year), innovation has stagnated, and updates frequently break existing configurations. The Remove Unused CSS feature inlines CSS which increases server load. After being acquired by group.ONE, customer-friendly gestures like grandfathered pricing are unlikely. Alternatives like FlyingPress offer better performance at lower cost.
Can I use Perfmatters instead of WP Rocket?
Not as a direct replacement. Perfmatters is not a caching plugin. It’s a lightweight optimization plugin that disables unnecessary WordPress features, manages script loading, and removes unused CSS. Use Perfmatters alongside a caching plugin like FlyingPress or LiteSpeed Cache for maximum performance. The combination handles both caching and bloat reduction.
What’s the difference between FlyingPress and WP Rocket?
FlyingPress generates used CSS as .css files instead of inlining, which improves cacheability. It offers better CDN integration through FlyingCDN (Cloudflare Enterprise for $5/month), edge caching, advanced image optimization, and lazy rendering of HTML elements. FlyingPress also provides live chat support and shows cache progress. WP Rocket lacks these features and relies on RocketCDN which only caches assets, not HTML pages.
Is LiteSpeed Cache better than WP Rocket?
On LiteSpeed servers, yes. LiteSpeed Cache uses server-level caching which outperforms plugin-based caching. It’s free, includes built-in image optimization, QUIC.cloud CDN integration, object caching, and can output used CSS to .css files instead of inlining. On Apache or Nginx servers, LiteSpeed Cache won’t perform as well since it can’t leverage server-level optimizations.
What is FlyingCDN and is it worth $10/month?
FlyingCDN is a CDN powered by Cloudflare Enterprise that integrates with FlyingPress. For $10/month per site (100GB bandwidth), you get edge page caching across 310+ global locations, image optimization with WebP conversion, and enterprise-grade DDoS protection. Unlike RocketCDN which only caches assets, FlyingCDN caches HTML pages at the edge for significantly faster delivery.
Which caching plugin is best for Core Web Vitals?
FlyingPress ranks #1 in the Chrome UX Report for Core Web Vitals based on real-user data. It optimizes LCP, CLS, and FID through critical CSS generation, lazy loading, JavaScript deferral, and preloading critical images. LiteSpeed Cache is the best free option for Core Web Vitals on LiteSpeed servers. Both outperform WP Rocket in real-world performance metrics.
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