W3 Total Cache vs Flying Images: Optimize and Lazy Load… (2026)
Detailed side-by-side comparison of two WordPress plugins, based on real-time data from WordPress.org.
Flying Images: Optimize and Lazy Load…
3.0K+ active installs
Free
Quick Verdict
As of April 2026, Flying Images: Optimize and Lazy Load… has a higher user rating (4.8/5 from 26 reviews) while W3 Total Cache leads in active installations (900K+ vs 3.0K+). Both are free WordPress plugins. W3 Total Cache has accumulated 63M+ total downloads while Flying Images: Optimize and Lazy Load… has 125K+.
Detailed Comparison
| Metric | W3 Total Cache | Flying Images: Optimize and Lazy Load… | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rating | 4.4/5 | ► | 4.8/5 |
| Total Reviews | 5,416 | ◄ | 26 |
| Active Installs | 900K+ | ◄ | 3.0K+ |
| Total Downloads | 63M+ | ◄ | 125K+ |
| Support Resolution | 67% | N/A | |
| Last Updated | 4 days ago | ◄ | 4 months ago |
| First Released | 2009 | 2019 | |
| Age | 17 years | 7 years | |
| WP Requires | 5.3+ | 4.5+ | |
| PHP Requires | 7.2.5+ | 5.6+ | |
| Business Model | Free | Free | |
| Latest Version | 2.9.4 | 2.4.15 |
Rating Breakdown
W3 Total Cache
Flying Images: Optimize and Lazy Load…
Download Trends
Over the past 30 days, W3 Total Cache averaged approximately 39,317 daily downloads while Flying Images: Optimize and Lazy Load… averaged 19.
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.
Flying Images: Optimize and Lazy Load… Reviews
It is perfect
Thanks for giving me a free alternative to focus on my content so I can unleash my creativity. perfect plugin
Great Plugin
Thank you for creating this plugin. I have been trying to figure out how to fix the “Properly size images” PageSpeed Insights warning and your plugin did it. I appreciate it.
Saved. My. Life. Best yet most underrated image optimization plugin!
This plugin just performed better than both WP Compress and Optimole when it comes to website speed and Google Light House/Pagespeed Insights scores. It’s astonishingly good for a free plugin! Perfor
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is W3 Total Cache or Flying Images: Optimize and Lazy Load… more popular?
Which has better ratings — W3 Total Cache or Flying Images: Optimize and Lazy Load…?
Are W3 Total Cache and Flying Images: Optimize and Lazy Load… free?
Which plugin has better support — W3 Total Cache or Flying Images: Optimize and Lazy Load…?
Which plugin is updated more frequently?
Plugin data sourced from WordPress.org. Comparison and analysis by PluginSift.