Async JavaScript vs Speculative Loading (2026)
Detailed side-by-side comparison of two WordPress plugins, based on real-time data from WordPress.org.
Quick Verdict
As of April 2026, Speculative Loading has a higher user rating (5/5 from 18 reviews) while Async JavaScript leads in active installations (80K+ vs 70K+). Both are free WordPress plugins. Async JavaScript has accumulated 2.0M+ total downloads while Speculative Loading has 407K+.
Detailed Comparison
| Metric | Async JavaScript | Speculative Loading | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rating | 4.7/5 | ► | 5/5 |
| Total Reviews | 102 | ◄ | 18 |
| Active Installs | 80K+ | ◄ | 70K+ |
| Total Downloads | 2.0M+ | ◄ | 407K+ |
| Support Resolution | N/A | 100% | |
| Last Updated | 2 years ago | ► | 4 months ago |
| First Released | 2014 | 2024 | |
| Age | 12 years | 2 years | |
| WP Requires | 4.6+ | 6.6+ | |
| PHP Requires | false+ | 7.2+ | |
| Business Model | Free | Free | |
| Latest Version | 2.21.08.31 | 1.6.0 |
Rating Breakdown
Async JavaScript
Speculative Loading
Download Trends
Over the past 30 days, Async JavaScript averaged approximately 92 daily downloads while Speculative Loading averaged 304.
Recent Reviews
Async JavaScript Reviews
Great plugin
A truly great plugin, does exactly what is describing. No extra stuff, great implementation and great support! Thank you!
Great plugin and support
I’ve been using this plugin for several months after it was suggested to me by a colleague. The setup was simple, but also gives advanced options that I needed, such as excluding certain scripts. I ha
Performance promise delivered
Exemplary support, and the plugin does exactly what it promises. This is unfortunately not a given in a time when many other plugins try to cover more and more tasks and end up in dangerous waters. As
Speculative Loading Reviews
Very promising and impressive plugin!
Although I have not tried the plugin on live sites, my testing on 3-4 dev boxes leaves me impressed. I can see and feel the speed increase I have a couple of heavy sites and can see this plugin fit
Does what it needs to do.
This works. That’s good.
Very fast and functional – Thanks for this.
We have done a lot of testing on WordPress sites and WooCommerce stores. Everything works beautifully and fast. Thank you very much for this amazing plugin.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Async JavaScript or Speculative Loading more popular?
Which has better ratings — Async JavaScript or Speculative Loading?
Are Async JavaScript and Speculative Loading free?
Which plugin has better support — Async JavaScript or Speculative Loading?
Which plugin is updated more frequently?
Plugin data sourced from WordPress.org. Comparison and analysis by PluginSift.