WordPress has many caching plugins. On a LiteSpeed server like MdmHost's, the free LiteSpeed Cache plugin has a structural advantage: it controls the cache built into the web server itself. This guide compares it with popular alternatives and explains how to switch.
Before you start
- A WordPress site on LiteSpeed hosting.
- A backup before changing plugins (see WordPress backups).
How they cache
| Plugin | Page cache method | On LiteSpeed servers |
|---|---|---|
| LiteSpeed Cache | Web server cache (LSCache), served before PHP starts | Fastest; smart purging; free |
| WP Rocket | Static HTML files served via rewrite rules | Works, but does not use the server cache |
| W3 Total Cache | Disk, memory or other backends | Works; complex to configure |
| WP Super Cache | Static HTML files | Works; basic features |
Why server-level caching matters
- Cached pages are served by LiteSpeed itself without starting PHP, so they do not count toward CloudLinux entry processes (see 508 errors).
- Private cache and ESI let logged-in users and shoppers get cached pages too (see ESI explained).
- Purging is precise: editing a post purges that post, its categories and the home page.
Feature comparison
- Optimisation: LiteSpeed Cache includes CSS/JS minify, delay, critical CSS, lazy load and image optimisation, similar to WP Rocket (see page optimisation).
- Ease of use: WP Rocket has fewer settings; LiteSpeed Cache has more, but good defaults.
- Cost: LiteSpeed Cache is free; WP Rocket is paid.
Switch to LiteSpeed Cache safely
- Note any important settings in your current plugin, such as excluded pages.
- Deactivate and delete the old cache plugin. Use its own "clear cache" first.
- Check that
wp-content/advanced-cache.phpandwp-content/cacheleft by the old plugin are removed, and thatWP_CACHEinwp-config.phpis handled by the new plugin. - Install and activate LiteSpeed Cache (see configuring LiteSpeed Cache).
- Recreate exclusions and test with the cache header (see checking the cache).
Warning: Never run two page cache plugins at once. They conflict, serve stale pages and make problems very hard to diagnose.
When to keep another plugin
If you depend on a specific feature only another plugin offers, you can keep it for that feature and disable its page cache. Let LiteSpeed Cache handle page caching on LiteSpeed servers.
Frequently asked questions
Does WP Rocket work on MdmHost?
Yes, but you lose the benefits of server-level LSCache. LiteSpeed Cache is recommended.
Can I use WP Rocket only for optimisation?
It is possible but adds overlap and complexity. LiteSpeed Cache covers the same optimisations.
Will switching affect SEO?
No. URLs and content stay the same; faster pages can only help.
What about Cloudflare APO or host caches?
They cache at the edge. On LiteSpeed hosting, LSCache at the server plus an optional CDN covers the same ground.
Is LiteSpeed Cache harder to configure?
It has more options, but the defaults are safe. Most sites only need to enable caching and a few optimisation settings.
Do I lose anything moving from WP Rocket?
Mostly not. Recreate exclusions and optimisation choices; LiteSpeed Cache offers equivalents for nearly every WP Rocket feature.