PluginSift

Autoptimize vs Async JavaScript (2026)

Detailed side-by-side comparison of two WordPress plugins, based on real-time data from WordPress.org.

Autoptimize

Autoptimize

4.7(1,424)

900K+ active installs

Free

Updated 3 weeks ago
View Autoptimize
VS
Async JavaScript

Async JavaScript

4.7(102)

80K+ active installs

Free

Updated 2 years ago
View Async JavaScript

Quick Verdict

As of April 2026, Autoptimize has a higher user rating (4.7/5 from 1,424 reviews) and leads in active installations (900K+ vs 80K+). Both are free WordPress plugins. Autoptimize has accumulated 43M+ total downloads while Async JavaScript has 2.0M+.

Detailed Comparison

Rating
4.7/5Autoptimize
Async JavaScript4.7/5
Total Reviews
1,424Autoptimize
◄
Async JavaScript102
Active Installs
900K+Autoptimize
◄
Async JavaScript80K+
Total Downloads
43M+Autoptimize
◄
Async JavaScript2.0M+
Support Resolution
40%Autoptimize
Async JavaScriptN/A
Last Updated
3 weeks agoAutoptimize
◄
Async JavaScript2 years ago
First Released
2009Autoptimize
Async JavaScript2014
Age
17 yearsAutoptimize
Async JavaScript12 years
WP Requires
5.3+Autoptimize
Async JavaScript4.6+
PHP Requires
7.1+Autoptimize
Async JavaScriptfalse+
Business Model
FreeAutoptimize
Async JavaScriptFree
Latest Version
3.1.15Autoptimize
Async JavaScript2.21.08.31

Rating Breakdown

Autoptimize

4.7/5(1,424 reviews)
5
90%
4
2%
3
1%
2
1%
1
5%

Async JavaScript

4.7/5(102 reviews)
5
88%
4
4%
3
1%
2
2%
1
5%

Recent Reviews

Autoptimize Reviews

by uniqf0x

avoid

causes critical error, also no way to deactivate or remove without it crippling my wp site. don’t use it.

by kkrajk

Injects Malware.

Not one but this happened twice in about 6 months across 2 sites. This topic was modified 1 week, 6 days ago by kkrajk.

by davo342

Mala idea adquirir la versión PRO

Pague la versión PRO, y realmente fue un desastre, mi web tuvo constantes caídas, excesiva cantidad de cache, problemas con el CSS, realmente fue una perdida de dinero en el Plugin

Async JavaScript Reviews

by lockbench

Great plugin

A truly great plugin, does exactly what is describing. No extra stuff, great implementation and great support! Thank you!

by gaiusjaugustus

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

by W★

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Autoptimize or Async JavaScript more popular?
Autoptimize has 900K+ active installations while Async JavaScript has 80K+. Autoptimize is the more widely-used plugin as of April 2026.
Which has better ratings — Autoptimize or Async JavaScript?
Autoptimize has a 4.7/5 rating from 1,424 reviews, while Async JavaScript has a 4.7/5 rating from 102 reviews.
Are Autoptimize and Async JavaScript free?
Autoptimize is free and Async JavaScript is free. Both can be downloaded from the WordPress.org plugin directory.
Which plugin has better support — Autoptimize or Async JavaScript?
Support resolution data is not available for all plugins. Check each plugin's WordPress.org support forum for current response quality.
Which plugin is updated more frequently?
Autoptimize was last updated 3 weeks ago and Async JavaScript was last updated 2 years ago.

Plugin data sourced from WordPress.org. Comparison and analysis by PluginSift.