Swift Performance AI
vs
Other Cache Plugins
Is Swift Performance AI the best performance plugin?
YES!
See whyConfiguration
Swift Performance AI offers over 200 options, but it has the ability to automatically configure itself. Although you do have the option to adjust the settings, in most cases, you don't need to touch them.In contrast, WP Rocket and WP Fastest Cache has only 30+ options, LiteSpeed Cache has 170+ options, but they require manual configuration. Typically, some level of expertise is required to achieve optimal results. Additionally, both LiteSpeed Cache and WP Rocket has an extensive documentation library which can be too complex for average users.
Configuration
Page Caching
Page Caching
Other cache plugins use sitemaps to find URLs, provide basic preload feature that has a minimal set of options, and cache preload is usually not enabled by default. Cache lifespan must be set manually, and different lifespans can't be used for different pages (except WP Fastest Cache, where users need to manually enable and configure the cache lifespan by setting up complex rules. LSCache is not supported by WP Rocket nor WP Fastest Cache. Additionally, a separate plugin is required to use Cloudflare APO.On the other hand, Swift Performance AI employs more advanced algorithms to identify URLs and assign priorities to them. Cache lifespan is managed automatically, and it utilizes multi-level optimization for faster cache preloading. Swift Performance AI includes built-in support for LSCache and Cloudflare, and it offers Proxy caching, which provides the same functionality as Cloudflare APO at no cost.
By using Swift Performance fragments, it's possible to load dynamic content (such as Gutenberg blocks, Elementor widgets, shortcodes, etc.) on cached pages. This allows you to utilize caching for logged-in visitors while still displaying the admin bar, loading the appropriate prices for multi-currency shops, and more. LiteSpeed provides ESI, which is similar to fragments, but it is more difficult for the average user to use.
CSS Optimization
Only WP Rocket and LiteSpeed offer Critical CSS or the ability to remove unused CSS, but in many cases, both of these features require manual configuration and some expertise to avoid breaking the layout.Swift Performance places a strong emphasis on creating reliable Critical CSS. It generates Critical CSS separately for each URL, as each page is likely to be unique, eliminating the need for manual tweaking and ensuring failsafe operation.
To provide optimized page performance for logged-in users, Swift Performance can utilize the generated Critical CSS even if logged-in caching is not enabled. This ensures that logged-in users receive the same benefits of optimized CSS as non-logged-in users.
CSS Optimization
JavaScript Optimization
The script optimization offered by other cache plugins is considered outdated and requires manual tweaking, and can't provide real optimization for JavaScripts. They may only move scripts to the footer and/or delay all scripts until the first user interaction, which can cause cumulative layout shift (CLS) issues.
Configuring these plugins can also be quite complicated. According to WP Rocket's documentation, there may be up to 300 exceptions that need to be added manually, which can make the setup process more challenging.
Image Optimization
An unoptimized image can be larger than all of your CSS files combined, which is why Swift Performance includes an unlimited, free image optimizer that can even optimize third-party and background images.It also uses a modern WebP-first approach and can resize images to provide the appropriate size for each device without requiring a CDN or JavaScript.
WP Rocket only lazyloads images without optimizing them. This may conceal the fact from testing tools that images are not optimized, but actual visitors will receive large, oversized, and unoptimized images in outdated formats. WP Fastest Cache and LiteSpeed both provide built-in image optimization, but both of these features need to be manually configured and have some limitations.
Image Optimization
Video & Iframe Optimization
Video & Iframe Optimization
WP Fastest Cache doesn't provide iframe optimization at all. WP Rocket and LiteSpeed Cache has the ability to lazyload iframes and videos, but it can't manage dynamically added iframes.Swift Performance offers more advanced optimization features. It can optimize dynamically added iframes and optimize embedded Google Maps, Youtube, and Vimeo content.
Swift Performance can also use placeholders for any iframe and has modern optimization techniques to prevent double click issues that can occur when iframes are replaced with placeholders.
Pricing
LiteSpeed Cache is free, so if you have the required expertise and don't count your hourly rate, it can be the cheapest option. WP Fastest Cache offers lifetime plans, but they don't offer an unlimited lifetime plan. Additionally, there are limitations if you would like to move your license to another site. So, if you manage multiple sites, it may end up being more expensive in the long run.Compared to Swift Performance subscriptions, WP Rocket subscriptions are approximately 17% more expensive. There are a few differences between the two products, for instance, Swift Performance's Multi license is valid for up to 5 sites, whereas WP Rocket's Plus license is only valid for up to 3 sites.
WP Rocket's Infinite license allows for unlimited site usage, whereas Swift Performance's Developer license is limited to 100 sites. However, Swift Performance also offers an unlimited lifetime license option.
Pricing
It configurates itself automatically, my site went from C to A after I installed it.
Absolutely recommended!
This is indeed the best caching and speed plugin for wordpress sites! Try it and see if I am right!
10/10 – Will buy again
However, neither of these come close to Swift’s Pro plugin’s all-in-one uniqueness, innovations and overall speeding up sites in so short period of time after you install it on the site.