PluginSift

Autoptimize vs Lazy Load (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
Lazy Load

Lazy Load

4(53)

20K+ active installs

Free

Updated 7 years ago
View Lazy Load

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 20K+). Both are free WordPress plugins. Autoptimize has accumulated 43M+ total downloads while Lazy Load has 516K+.

Detailed Comparison

Rating
4.7/5Autoptimize
◄
Lazy Load4/5
Total Reviews
1,424Autoptimize
◄
Lazy Load53
Active Installs
900K+Autoptimize
◄
Lazy Load20K+
Total Downloads
43M+Autoptimize
◄
Lazy Load516K+
Support Resolution
40%Autoptimize
Lazy LoadN/A
Last Updated
3 weeks agoAutoptimize
◄
Lazy Load7 years ago
First Released
2009Autoptimize
Lazy Load2011
Age
17 yearsAutoptimize
Lazy Load15 years
WP Requires
5.3+Autoptimize
Lazy Load3.2+
PHP Requires
7.1+Autoptimize
Lazy Loadfalse+
Business Model
FreeAutoptimize
Lazy LoadFree
Latest Version
3.1.15Autoptimize
Lazy Load0.6.1

Rating Breakdown

Autoptimize

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

Lazy Load

4/5(53 reviews)
5
66%
4
6%
3
4%
2
8%
1
17%

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

Lazy Load Reviews

by radioparanormalium

Remove it ASAP

Having this plugin installed on my WordPress pages for some time resulted in having them all malware-infected which happened literally yesterday. The plugin had its name changed to some ‘WordPress CMS

by gunterqb

Conflict with Jupiter theme

It produces random grayed out pictures within Jupiter theme image galleries. The galleries work like charm after disabling this bundled plugin.

by Tom

Did not work

For me, this plug does not work

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Autoptimize or Lazy Load more popular?
Autoptimize has 900K+ active installations while Lazy Load has 20K+. Autoptimize is the more widely-used plugin as of April 2026.
Which has better ratings — Autoptimize or Lazy Load?
Autoptimize has a 4.7/5 rating from 1,424 reviews, while Lazy Load has a 4/5 rating from 53 reviews.
Are Autoptimize and Lazy Load free?
Autoptimize is free and Lazy Load is free. Both can be downloaded from the WordPress.org plugin directory.
Which plugin has better support — Autoptimize or Lazy Load?
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 Lazy Load was last updated 7 years ago.

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