Top 10 Free WordPress Caching/Speed Plugins for 2026

Discover the Top 10 Free WordPress Caching/Speed Optimisation Plugins for 2026

We’ve ranked and created a concise review of the top 10 WordPress caching/speed optimisation plugins, focusing on free version features for page speed improvement (including expires headers, gzip, file/script combining, etc.). The ranking prioritises real-world speed gains and the breadth of free tools each plugin provides.

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Discover the Top 10 Free WordPress Caching/Speed Optimisation Plugins for 2026
1. LiteSpeed Cache
2. W3 Total Cache
3. WP Super Cache
4. Hummingbird
5. Autoptimize
6. Cache Enabler
7. Comet Cache
8. Breeze
9. WP Fastest Cache
10. Swift Performance Lite
LiteSpeed Cache Settings Tutorial

1. LiteSpeed Cache

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Review: Offers the most extensive free features: advanced caching, image optimisation, database cleanup, browser cache, gzip, CSS/JS minify & combine, CDN support, and automatic cache purging. Expires headers and ESI (Edge Side Includes) supported. Works best on LiteSpeed servers but functions well on others.
LiteSpeed Cache

2. W3 Total Cache

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Review: Highly configurable: page, browser, object, and database cache, minify/combine CSS & JS, gzip, CDN integration, and expires headers. Free version is powerful, but some advanced features are gated.
W3 Total Cache

3. WP Super Cache

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆
Review: Simple yet effective: static caching, gzip, CDN support, cache preloading, and basic browser cache. Lacks built-in minification/combining, but pairs well with other plugins.
WP Super Cache

4. Hummingbird

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆
Review: Free version includes page cache, gzip, minify/combine CSS & JS, browser caching, and performance reports. Some advanced features (like asset optimisation) require upgrade.
Hummingbird

5. Autoptimize

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆
Review: Focuses on minifying and combining CSS/JS/HTML, lazy loading, and optimizing Google Fonts. No full-page cache, but pairs well with caching plugins.
Autoptimize

6. Cache Enabler

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆
Review: Simple disk caching, WebP support, minification, and expires headers. No combine scripts, but lightweight and easy to use.
Cache Enabler

7. Comet Cache

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆
Review: Automatic caching, browser cache, gzip, and cache expiration. Minification and advanced controls require premium.
Comet Cache

8. Breeze

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆
Review: Page cache, browser cache, minification, gzip, and database cleanup. File combining and CDN support included. Some features are basic compared to top plugins.
Breeze

9. WP Fastest Cache

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐☆☆
Review: Page cache, browser cache, gzip, and basic minification. Combining files and advanced options need premium. Free version is easy but limited.
WP Fastest Cache

10. Swift Performance Lite

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐☆☆
Review: Free version offers page cache, minify/combine scripts, and image optimization. Some vital features are paid-only, but still good for basic needs.
Swift Performance Lite

Summary Table

Rank	Plugin	Free Features Highlights
1	LiteSpeed Cache	All major features, image optimisation, ESI, CDN
2	W3 Total Cache	Full cache types, minify/combine, CDN, browser cache
3	WP Super Cache	Static cache, gzip, CDN, cache preloading
4	Hummingbird	Page cache, minify/combine, gzip, browser cache
5	Autoptimize	Minify/combine CSS/JS/HTML, lazy load
6	Cache Enabler	Disk cache, minify, expires headers, WebP
7	Comet Cache	Automatic cache, browser cache, gzip
8	Breeze	Page/browser cache, minify, gzip, CDN
9	WP Fastest Cache	Page/browser cache, gzip, minify
10	Swift Performance Lite	Page cache, minify/combine, image optimisation

Recommendation:
For the most complete free solution, LiteSpeed Cache is the best choice if your hosting supports it. Otherwise, W3 Total Cache or a combo of WP Super Cache + Autoptimize delivers excellent free optimisation. Always test compatibility with your theme and plugins.

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