W3 Total Cache vs Async JavaScript (2026)
Detailed side-by-side comparison of two WordPress plugins, based on real-time data from WordPress.org.
Quick Verdict
As of April 2026, Async JavaScript has a higher user rating (4.7/5 from 102 reviews) while W3 Total Cache leads in active installations (900K+ vs 80K+). Both are free WordPress plugins. W3 Total Cache has accumulated 63M+ total downloads while Async JavaScript has 2.0M+.
Detailed Comparison
| Metric | W3 Total Cache | Async JavaScript | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rating | 4.4/5 | ► | 4.7/5 |
| Total Reviews | 5,416 | ◄ | 102 |
| Active Installs | 900K+ | ◄ | 80K+ |
| Total Downloads | 63M+ | ◄ | 2.0M+ |
| Support Resolution | 65% | N/A | |
| Last Updated | 3 days ago | ◄ | 2 years ago |
| First Released | 2009 | 2014 | |
| Age | 17 years | 12 years | |
| WP Requires | 5.3+ | 4.6+ | |
| PHP Requires | 7.2.5+ | false+ | |
| Business Model | Free | Free | |
| Latest Version | 2.9.4 | 2.21.08.31 |
Rating Breakdown
W3 Total Cache
Async JavaScript
Download Trends
Over the past 30 days, W3 Total Cache averaged approximately 39,671 daily downloads while Async JavaScript averaged 92.
Recent Reviews
W3 Total Cache Reviews
Reliability Concerns After Plugin Update
I’ve been a long-time user of W3 Total Cache and have generally appreciated its performance benefits over the years. However, my recent experience with version 2.9.3 was quite concerning. After upd
They delete comments
A serious security issue was discovered in the plugin two weeks ago, leaving it vulnerable. No updated version has been released yet. Worst of all, they’re deleting comments requesting updates on this
Excellent!
It’s powerful on it’s own, and almost mandatory. This topic was modified 1 month, 2 weeks ago by Lenni. This topic was modified 1 month, 2 weeks ago by Lenni.
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
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is W3 Total Cache or Async JavaScript more popular?
Which has better ratings — W3 Total Cache or Async JavaScript?
Are W3 Total Cache and Async JavaScript free?
Which plugin has better support — W3 Total Cache or Async JavaScript?
Which plugin is updated more frequently?
Plugin data sourced from WordPress.org. Comparison and analysis by PluginSift.