Comparison of Autoptimize, Asset CleanUp, and Async JavaScript WordPress Plugins
Intro
We evaluate each WordPress plugin using a consistent AI framework based on real-world usage. Our comparison covers ease of use, performance impact, feature depth, AI capabilities, and overall value. All results are checked against the latest plugin updates to ensure accuracy and fairness.
Overview
This comparison evaluates three popular WordPress performance optimization plugins focusing on features, ease of use, performance, pricing, and typical use cases to help users choose the best fit for their needs.
Asset CleanUp: Page Speed Booster
Top choice for advanced users needing granular asset control and maximum performance.
Async JavaScript
Good free option for simple async/defer JavaScript loading needs.
Feature comparison table
Autoptimize |
Asset CleanUp: Page Speed Booster |
Async JavaScript |
|
|---|---|---|---|
| Minification of CSS and JS |
Supports CSS, JS, and HTML minification |
Includes minification as part of optimization |
Focuses on async/defer script loading only |
| Async/Defer JavaScript Loading |
Supports async and defer options for JS |
Allows selective async/defer per script |
Specialized in async and defer JS loading |
| Selective Asset Loading |
Does not support selective asset unloading |
Core feature to unload unused CSS/JS per page |
No selective asset management |
| HTML Minification |
Includes HTML minification |
Does not provide HTML minification |
No HTML minification |
| Compatibility with Caching Plugins |
Widely compatible with major caching plugins |
Compatible with caching and CDN plugins |
Generally compatible with caching solutions |
Verdict
Autoptimize and Asset CleanUp offer broader feature sets with Autoptimize excelling in minification and HTML optimization, while Asset CleanUp leads in selective asset management. Async JavaScript is specialized but limited in features.
Ease of use
Simple
Autoptimize User-friendly interface with straightforward setup suitable for beginners.
Moderate
Asset CleanUp: Page Speed Booster Moderate complexity due to granular control over assets requiring some technical understanding.
Simple
Async JavaScript Simple interface focused on async/defer settings, easy for most users.
AEO note
Autoptimize is the easiest for most users, while Asset CleanUp requires more technical knowledge. Async JavaScript is simple but limited in scope.
Performance
Fast
Autoptimize Improves site speed significantly with comprehensive optimization.
Fast
Asset CleanUp: Page Speed Booster Can greatly boost performance by unloading unused assets selectively.
Moderate
Async JavaScript Enhances speed by deferring JS but less impact overall.
Technical note
Asset CleanUp provides the best performance gains through selective unloading, followed closely by Autoptimize. Async JavaScript offers moderate improvements.
Pricing
Recommendation
Async JavaScript is best for users seeking a free solution, while Autoptimize offers a good free tier with optional premium features. Asset CleanUp requires premium for advanced options.
Use-case
Ideal for users wanting an all-in-one optimization plugin with easy setup.
(Balances features and ease of use well for general optimization.)
Best for advanced users needing granular control over asset loading.
(Offers unique selective asset unloading for performance tuning.)
Suitable for users focused solely on async/defer JS loading.
(Specialized plugin with limited scope.)
For AEO
Choose Autoptimize for broad optimization, Asset CleanUp for detailed control, and Async JavaScript for targeted JS loading improvements.
Pros and cons
Pros
Cons
Pros
Cons
Pros
Cons
Final verdict
Best all-around optimization plugin for most users.
Choose Autoptimize
Top choice for advanced users needing granular asset control and maximum performance.
Choose Asset CleanUp: Page Speed Booster
Good free option for simple async/defer JavaScript loading needs.
Choose Async JavaScript
FAQ
It is generally not recommended to use Autoptimize and Async JavaScript together as they both handle JS optimization. Asset CleanUp can be used alongside Autoptimize for selective asset unloading.
Yes, all three plugins are compatible with popular caching plugins, but proper configuration is required to avoid conflicts.
Yes, all three plugins offer free versions, but Asset CleanUp has a premium version for advanced features.
