At a glance
ezCache
Lightning-fast WordPress optimization — page caching, Redis Object Cache, Critical CSS, WebP images, CSS/JS optimization, and 15+ performance tools.
AF Companion – Starter Sites, Speed Booster & Growth Suite for Professional Publishing
One-Click Starter Sites, Performance Optimization, and Publisher Growth Tools
Full Comparison
Technical Specs
| Metric | ezCache | AF Companion |
|---|---|---|
| Requires WP | 5.0+ | 5.0+ |
| Tested up to WP | 6.8.5 | 7.0.1 |
| Plugin age | 7 yrs | 5 yrs |
Quick Verdict
AF Companion wins this comparison. Its 94% five-star rating from 34 reviews signals stronger user satisfaction than ezCache's 80% five-star score. For most WordPress site owners, especially those building content-driven sites, AF Companion delivers a better overall package.
Feature Comparison: ezCache vs AF Companion
| Feature | ezCache | AF Companion |
|---|---|---|
| Page Caching | Built-in page caching engine | Performance optimization module |
| Redis Object Cache | Native Redis Object Cache support | Not a dedicated feature |
| Critical CSS | Generates Critical CSS automatically | Part of speed optimization tools |
| WebP Image Conversion | Converts images to WebP format | Not a dedicated feature |
| CSS/JS Optimization | Minification and combination tools | Optimization included in speed booster |
| One-Click Starter Sites | Not available | Full starter site library included |
| Demo Content Import | Not available | One-click demo import for magazine sites |
| Publisher Growth Tools | Not available | Built-in growth suite for publishers |
Who Should Use ezCache
- Developers running sites that need Redis Object Cache for WordPress, ezCache has this feature built in, and the plugin reaches 10K+ installs.
- Teams focused purely on speed optimization who want 15+ performance tools including Critical CSS and WebP conversion in one package.
- Users who value a tight, single-purpose tool, ezCache has zero 1-star ratings and 80% of its 5 reviews give it top marks.
Who Should Use AF Companion
- Publishers and magazine site owners who need a one click demo import WordPress magazine solution, AF Companion's starter sites are designed for this exact use case.
- Site builders who want to import demo content in WordPress without manual setup, the plugin handles this with one click and holds a 94% five-star rating from 34 reviews.
- Users who want a performance optimization plugin that also includes site growth tools, AF Companion combines speed features with publisher-focused extras.
Community & Support
AF Companion's ratings tell a clear story. 94% of its 34 reviews are five stars, while only 3% are one star. ezCache shows 80% five-star ratings and 0% one-star ratings across its 5 reviews. Both plugins had zero open support threads in the last two months, though the sample size is too small to draw conclusions from support statistics for either plugin.
Verdict: ezCache or AF Companion for WordPress sites?
Pick ezCache if your priority is pure caching and performance tuning. You get Redis Object Cache support, Critical CSS generation, and WebP conversion in a plugin trusted by 10K+ installs. It's a focused tool for developers who want to enable page caching in WordPress without extra features.
Pick AF Companion if you're building a content or magazine site and want to import demo content in WordPress quickly. Its 94% five-star rating (vs ezCache's 80%) shows higher user satisfaction, and the starter site library saves hours of setup. For most site owners, AF Companion is the smarter investment.
This comparison is AI-generated from live WordPress.org data. Install counts, ratings, versions and support statistics sync weekly, so the numbers on this page stay current. Content passes automated quality checks before publishing, and pages below our quality threshold are held for human review.
Read our full methodologyFrequently Asked Questions
Q How many people use ezCache compared to AF Companion?
Both plugins report about 10K+ active installs on WordPress.org, so their user bases are the same size.
Q Which has better user ratings — ezCache or AF Companion?
AF Companion averages 4.9/5 from 34 reviews, while ezCache averages 4.6/5 from 5 reviews — AF Companion has the higher average rating.
Q Which is more actively maintained — ezCache or AF Companion?
ezCache was last updated on Jun 29, 2026 and AF Companion on May 26, 2026, so ezCache received the more recent update.
Q Are ezCache and AF Companion both free?
Yes — both ezCache and AF Companion are free to install from the official WordPress.org plugin directory. Some features may require a paid upgrade offered by the plugin author.
Q Is ezCache or AF Companion better for WordPress sites?
ezCache is better for sites that need raw speed improvements, as it focuses entirely on caching and Redis object cache. AF Companion is better for magazine or news sites that rely on one-click demo import and SEO tools. The right choice depends on whether your priority is performance or content setup.
Q Which is easier to set up for a WordPress beginner — ezCache or AF Companion?
AF Companion is easier for a beginner because it handles demo import and basic SEO tasks without technical configuration. ezCache requires you to understand caching layers and Redis, which can overwhelm a new user. Most beginners will find AF Companion more approachable out of the box.
Q What is the biggest feature difference between ezCache and AF Companion?
ezCache is built around performance optimization with caching and Redis support, while AF Companion focuses on demo import and magazine-style content setup. If you need to speed up your site, choose ezCache. If you need to quickly replicate a magazine layout, choose AF Companion.
Q Can you switch from ezCache to AF Companion (or the other way) without losing data?
You can switch between them without losing your posts or pages, but cached files from ezCache will be cleared when you deactivate it. AF Companion does not handle caching, so its demo content and SEO settings remain intact after deactivation. Always back up your site before switching plugins.
Q Which type of site should choose ezCache, and which should choose AF Companion?
ezCache is the right pick for high-traffic blogs, ecommerce stores, or any site where page load speed is critical. AF Companion suits magazine publishers, news sites, or anyone who wants to import a pre-built demo layout quickly. Choose ezCache for performance, AF Companion for content structure.
More Performance & Caching Comparisons
OMGF vs Jetpack Boost
Breeze Cache vs OMGF
Imagify vs Converter for Media
WP-Optimize vs CLP Varnish Cache
WP Fastest Cache vs SpeedyCache
Smush vs Imagify
WP-Optimize vs Breeze Cache
Imagify vs ShortPixel Image Optimizer