Can FastPixel still help if I’m using LiteSpeed Cache?

LiteSpeed Cache is a popular performance plugin for WordPress with an extensive feature set. If you’re running it, especially on LiteSpeed server infrastructure, you have access to caching, optional image optimization, CSS/JS minification, and more.

Can both work together? Not simultaneously, they handle similar optimization tasks and will conflict if run together. However, FastPixel’s specialized approach to page optimizations and caching, image optimization, Critical CSS and CDN, will most likely deliver better results for your website. In fact, FastPixel has been classified as the caching plugin with the best Core Web Vitals based on HTTP Archive’s report.

What LiteSpeed Cache Does Well

LiteSpeed Cache is a comprehensive performance plugin with an impressive feature set:

• Server-level caching: Powerful on LiteSpeed servers
• Optional image optimization: Built-in optional compression and WebP conversion via QUIC.cloud
• CSS/JS minification and combination: Standard optimization features
• Chargement différé (Lazy loading): For images and iframes
• Database optimization: Cleaning up revisions, transients, and spam
• CDN integration: Optional built-in CDN powered by QUIC.cloud
• Object caching: Support for Redis and Memcached
• CSS Critique: Automatic generation (though with limitations)

While LiteSpeed Cache comes with numerous features, it’s also the most complex caching plugin available, with 110 configurable options. This makes it challenging for beginners or non-technical users.

For sites on LiteSpeed servers, LSC offers a very good integration. The plugin is free for end users(though hosting providers bear the server costs), feature-packed, and actively maintained.

So why consider FastPixel?

What LiteSpeed Cache Doesn’t Cover

While LiteSpeed Cache is comprehensive, there are a few areas where its approach differs from FastPixel’s:

Critical CSS Implementation

LiteSpeed Cache offers automatic Critical CSS generation as part of its feature set. However, Critical CSS generation is technically challenging, and results can vary:

• Generation may require multiple attempts to get right
• Some themes or complex layouts may produce inconsistent results
• Users sometimes need to adjust or regenerate Critical CSS manually

Critical CSS is one of the most impactful optimizations for rendering speed, so implementation quality matters significantly.

CSS Optimization Approach

LiteSpeed Cache handles CSS through minification and combination. It reduces file sizes by removing unnecessary characters and can combine multiple CSS files into one.

What it doesn’t do is analyze which CSS rules are actually used on each page. This means stylesheets may still contain CSS for components that don’t appear on specific pages, increasing file sizes and parsing time.

Image Optimization

LiteSpeed comes with basic image optimization as a paid extra. It reduces file sizes but doesn’t have the same advanced image optimization algorithms as other plugins.

JavaScript Optimization Strategy

LiteSpeed Cache provides JavaScript minification, combination, and deferral options. These are standard optimization techniques that work well for many sites.

It doesn’t include JavaScript delay strategies that wait for user interaction before loading non-critical scripts, or page-specific JavaScript management that lets you control which scripts load on which pages without complex configuration.

Configuration Experience

LiteSpeed Cache is feature-rich, with settings for virtually every aspect of performance optimization. This comprehensive approach means:

• Many configuration options across multiple settings tabs
• Learning curve to understand which settings apply to your specific needs
• Time investment required to optimize configuration
• Potential for misconfiguration if settings conflict

For experienced users or those with technical support, this granular control is valuable. For others, it can feel overwhelming and may not provide good enough results.

What FastPixel Focuses On

FastPixel takes a different approach to performance optimization, specializing in specific areas:

Specialized Critical CSS

One of FastPixel’s core strengths is Critical CSS generation:

• Purpose-built algorithms for extracting above-the-fold CSS
• Automatic regeneration when theme or styles change
• Designed to minimize layout shift issues
• Works across different themes and page builders

This focused approach to Critical CSS is one of FastPixel’s primary differentiators.

Image Optimization

FastPixel comes with built-in image optimization and WebP delivery powered by ShortPixel, which has industry-leading image optimization algorithms. This is included with every plan at no additional cost.

CDN

FastPixel comes with a built-in CDN powered by BunnyCDN, one of the top 3 fastest CDNs in the world, at no extra cost.

Unused CSS Removal

FastPixel analyzes each page to identify and remove CSS rules that aren’t actually used:

• Page-by-page analysis for precise optimization
• Can reduce stylesheet sizes significantly
• Improves CSS parsing time
• Maintains all necessary styles for functionality

This goes beyond standard minification to reduce the actual amount of CSS delivered.

Advanced JavaScript Management

FastPixel includes several JavaScript optimization strategies:

• Delay until interaction: Scripts load only when users engage with the page
• Per-page script control for granular optimization
• Built-in handling for common third-party scripts
• Dependency management to maintain functionality

These strategies can improve Time to Interactive and reduce Total Blocking Time.

Simplified Configuration

FastPixel prioritizes ease of use:

• Smart defaults and presets that work for all websites immediately
• Streamlined interface with essential options
• 30 seconds initial setup
• Automatic optimization without extensive manual configuration

The trade-off is fewer configuration options compared to comprehensive plugins like LiteSpeed Cache, but better performance and Core Web Vitals.

Can You Use Both Together?

While using FastPixel and LiteSpeed Cache together isn’t recommended, FastPixel works perfectly with LiteSpeed Server.

LiteSpeed Cache and FastPixel both handle similar optimization tasks, caching, CSS optimization, JavaScript optimization, and lazy loading. Running both simultaneously creates technical conflicts:

Multiple caching layers:

• Both plugins cache HTML output
• Double caching can cause stale content issues
• Cache invalidation becomes unpredictable
• Debugging cache-related problems becomes difficult

Conflicting CSS/JS modifications:

• Both plugins modify the same CSS and JavaScript files
• One plugin’s modifications can interfere with the other’s
• This can result in broken styles or scripts
• Troubleshooting becomes complex when both are active

Performance overhead:

• Running both means double processing of the same resources
• Server resources are wasted on redundant optimization
• The additional overhead can actually slow your site down

Unclear optimization results:

• It’s impossible to tell which optimization is helping
• If something breaks, you won’t know which plugin caused it
• A/B testing or performance tuning becomes impractical

Since both plugins handle overlapping optimization tasks, you need to choose one or the other based on which approach fits your needs better.

Understanding the Difference

Since you can’t use both plugins together, here’s how they differ in approach:

LiteSpeed Cache Strengths:

• Comprehensive solution with extensive features
• Native integration with LiteSpeed servers for good performance
• Built-in optional CDN (QUIC.cloud), optional image optimization, and database tools
• Free but only works on LiteSpeed Servers
• Granular control over every aspect of optimization
• Excellent for users who want complete control and have technical expertise

FastPixel Strengths:

• Advanced page optimization and caching for the best Core Web Vitals
• All-in-one cloud-based plugin which doesn’t use your resources to optimize the pages
• Works on any server type, unlike LiteSpeed
• Specialized focus on Critical CSS and unused CSS removal
• Simplified configuration with smart defaults and presets
• Unlimited CDN for free
• Unlimited image optimization and WebP delivery powered by ShortPixel
• Advanced JavaScript delay strategies
• Font optimization
• Faster initial setup with less configuration needed
• Built specifically for ease of use
• Good for users who want the best results without extensive configuration

The choice depends on your specific priorities: comprehensive control versus specialized simplicity.

Making a Decision

If you’re currently using LiteSpeed Cache and considering FastPixel, here are questions to ask yourself:

Are you satisfied with your current performance? If LiteSpeed Cache is delivering the results you need, there’s no reason to switch, but most of the times the speed and Core Web Vitals are a lot better when using FastPixel based on HTTP Archive’s report.

Is configuration complexity an issue? If you find LiteSpeed Cache’s extensive settings overwhelming, you will love FastPixel as it does everything without needing to configure anything

How much time do you want to invest? LiteSpeed Cache offers more control but requires more configuration time and not as good results. FastPixel offers less control but faster setup and better optimization.

Testing Before Switching

If you decide to try FastPixel:

1. Use a staging environment: Never test major changes on your live site
2. Document your current performance: Take baseline measurements with your current setup
3. Deactivate LiteSpeed Cache: Remember, both can’t run together
4. Install FastPixel: Start with default settings
5. Test functionality: Ensure all features work correctly
6. Compare metrics: Use Google PageSpeed Insights or Search Console to compare
7. Make an informed decision: Choose based on actual results for your specific site

Every site is different, so what works best depends on your specific setup, theme, plugins, and requirements.

The Key Takeaway 

To answer the original question: Can FastPixel still help if you have LiteSpeed?

FastPixel and LiteSpeed Cache together isn’t recommended but FastPixel works perfectly with LiteSpeed Server. In fact, performance scores and speed are better when using FastPixel + LiteSpeed Server than when using LiteSpeed Cache + LiteSpeed Server.

However, understanding what each does can help you decide which is the better fit:

• LiteSpeed Cache is comprehensive, feature-rich, and offers granular control over every aspect of optimization. It’s especially powerful on LiteSpeed servers and works well for users who have the time and expertise to configure it properly.
• FastPixel specializes in advanced page optimization, with a focus on simplicity and ease of use. It’s designed for users who want the best results without extensive configuration and has better overall results.

The best way to know which works better for your specific site is to test both and compare the actual results.