How W3 Total Cache Affects Your WordPress Speed

B+

Estimated Speed Score

+4 ms

TTFB Impact

+0 MB

Memory Impact

DB Queries

Low impact

Plugin Overview

Active Installs900K+

Rating4.4/5 (5,413)

Tested Up ToWP 6.9.1

Requires PHP7.2.5+

Last UpdatedJan 15, 2026

Downloads61.8M+

AuthorBoldGrid

WP.orgView on WordPress.org

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Performance Analysis

Performance Impact

W3 Total Cache receives an estimated speed score of B+. Our real benchmark tests measured the following impact when activating this plugin:

TTFB impact: +4 ms
Memory impact: +0.0 MB
Additional DB queries: +1

Overall activation impact: low. This plugin adds minimal overhead to your WordPress site.

Maintenance Status

Last updated: 2026-01-15. Requires PHP 7.2.5+. Trusted by 900K+ active installations.

Benchmark data measured in an isolated Docker environment (WordPress 6.8, PHP 8.3, GeneratePress). See our full methodology.

Alternatives to W3 Total Cache

Plugin	Speed Score	Active Installs
LiteSpeed Cache	A-	7M+
Site Kit by Google – Analytics, Search Console, AdSense, Speed	B-	5M+
Jetpack – WP Security, Backup, Speed, & Growth	B-	3M+

Frequently Asked Questions

Does W3 Total Cache slow down WordPress?

W3 Total Cache has an estimated speed score of B+. It should have minimal impact on your site speed.

Is W3 Total Cache still maintained?

W3 Total Cache was last updated on 2026-01-15. It has 900K+ active installations, indicating it is actively maintained and widely trusted.

What are the best alternatives to W3 Total Cache?

Check our plugin reviews in the Performance category for alternatives. We compare plugins side-by-side on speed, features, and user ratings to help you find the best fit.