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Async JavaScript

By David Clough

Performance & Optimization / Caching Solutions

Reviewed by Omar Dabbas

Trusted WordPress expert with 20+ years of experience evaluating plugins for the WP ecosystem.

Async JavaScript Review - In-Depth Analysis

Async Javascript helps improve your site's performance by adding 'async' or 'defer' attributes to scripts. This reduces render-blocking issues, enhancing user experience and SEO.

Performance Overview

WPS Score

6.95/10

User Rating

4.7/5 (based on 102+ reviews)

Active Installations

70,000+

Update Frequency

Average It is calculated using the weighted average of same category plugins.

Security Score

5 / 10 (Medium Risk) It is calculated using the weighted average of all versions.

What It Does

Eliminate render-blocking Javascript in above-the-fold content with Async Javascript.

Render-blocking Javascript prevents above-the-fold content on your page from being rendered until the javascript has finished loading. This can impact on your page speed and ultimately your ranking within search engines. It can also impact your user's experience.

Async JavaScript gives you full control of which scripts to add an 'async' or 'defer' attribute to or to exclude to help increase the performance of your WordPress website.

Comparing to Alternatives

Async JavaScript is a popular plugin for optimizing script loading, with several alternative plugins available that offer similar functionality.

Top alternatives

Strengths

Highly effective at improving Google Page Speed scores.
Simple and easy to use with helpful video tutorials.
Responsive and helpful developer support.
Lightweight with no unnecessary features.
Allows advanced options like script exclusions.

Weaknesses

Known past security vulnerabilities, though fixed in recent versions.
May conflict with certain plugins like WpForo, causing functionality issues.
No pro version available for additional features.
Limited to JavaScript async/defer optimization only.

User Sentiment Analysis

With a high average rating of 4.7 out of 5 from over 100 users, the plugin is well-regarded for its performance and support. The majority of users praise its effectiveness and ease of use.

Positive highlights

"Improved our Google Page Speed significantly." - tomraab90
"Great plugin & support with fast feedback." - tomraab90
"Essential and works great!" - maportugal
"Exemplary support, and the plugin does exactly what it promises." - W★
"Simple setup with advanced options and fast helpful support." - gaiusjaugustus

Common complaints

Weaknesses

Past security vulnerabilities requiring updates.
Potential conflicts with other plugins like WpForo.
No premium version for extended features.
Limited scope focused solely on JavaScript optimization.

Who Should Use This?

Best for

Website owners and developers looking for a straightforward, effective plugin to improve page speed by asynchronously loading JavaScript without extra bloat.

Not ideal for

Users needing a comprehensive optimization suite or those who require guaranteed compatibility with all plugins, especially forums like WpForo, or those concerned about past security issues.

Pricing & Value

Free version includes

The free version offers robust asynchronous JavaScript loading with advanced options such as script exclusions, providing significant performance improvements.

Final Verdict

Async JavaScript is a highly effective and user-friendly plugin that delivers on its promise to improve website performance by optimizing JavaScript loading. Its strong user ratings and positive feedback highlight its reliability and excellent support.

However, users should be aware of past security vulnerabilities that have been addressed and potential compatibility issues with certain plugins. While it lacks a pro version, its free offering remains a valuable tool for those seeking focused JavaScript optimization.