Dear WordPress Aficionado,

Let’s finally spill the beans…

I’ve discussed web page caching and WordPress plugins in several articles, but not once I’ve mentioned specific brands.

I approached the topic that way on purpose…

You see, it’s the easiest thing to flood your mind with plugin names and then tell you to do what you want. Some authors approach the topic that way, assuming you already know what you’re doing.

On the other hand, I like first to discuss WHY are we doing something and then give you objective criteria so you can make the best choice for yourself.

While reviewing the caching plugins in the list, bear in mind the criteria we talked about in the previous article. I used them to compile the list, but which one plugin will suit your needs is something you must decide on your own.

Without further ado:

1. WP Fastest Cache

This is one of my favorites. I like simplicity, especially when I deal with an early-stage project. WP Fastest Cache offers a simple interface, which means you can start to experience the benefits of caching in a matter of minutes.

If you like simplicity like me, you will like this plugin.

2. WP Rocket

It’s something like a middle ground. It has many features, and at the same time, it’s very easy to use. What’s the bad news? It doesn’t offer a free version, so you must subscribe right away for a paid yearly plan.

If you start paying for every plugin you install, your monthly and yearly expenses will grow very fast and stay high, but you will get many premium stuff like support and features that the free versions of the other plugins don’t offer.

3. WP Super Cache

The main selling point of this plugin is the reputation of its authors. It’s made by Automatic, the company behind WordPress, Gravatar, and more.

Also, it offers a “simple mode,” so you can just turn the caching on and call it a day.

4. W3 Total Cache

This is one of the most popular and feature-rich caching plugins at WordPress.org. It has so much depth of functionality that it’s also the most complicated to configure.

And it does way more than caching your pages.

If steep learning curves don’t scare you and you like fine-grained control, then this cool plugin is definitely for you.

5. Hosting Cache

Some hosting companies like Bluehost, SiteGround, and WPEngine offer their own caching solutions optimized for websites hosted with them. And they are not bad at all.

For example, SiteGround Optimizer has over 1 million active installations and a high rating of 4.7 stars. If you host your website there, maybe you already have installed the best solution for you.

By reading this list, you can easily deduce that I like free plugins that offer simple user interfaces. I can handle more complex stuff, but I prefer to leave that for later when my site actually needs that complexity…

Why make an effort if it doesn’t matter so much?

Next time, we’re gonna talk about just that: The Eternal Battle Between Simplicity & Complexity and how you can benefit from it.

Cheers,

Sashe Vuchkov
The Code & Marketing Combinator