Optimator VS Asset CleanUp – A Head to Head Comparison

Optimator and Asset CleanUp are two popular WordPress plugins for improving site speed. Optimator is free and user-friendly, optimizing performance by removing unnecessary features. Asset CleanUp focuses on managing CSS and JavaScript files for faster load times. This guide helps you choose the right plugin.

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Optimator VS Asset CleanUp

Many WordPress plugins are available to improve site speed. Optimator and Asset CleanUp are the most popular plugins. However, the pattern of work for the plugins is different.

For example, Asset CleanUp focuses on minifying CSS and JS. On the other hand, Optimator focuses on removing unnecessary scripts from your site and database to speed up your site.

It is expected to be confused about which one is better for you, Optimator or Asset CleanUp. Here, we explained everything you should know about the plugins, and at the end of the article, you will understand which one is suitable for you.

We hope you are excited, so let’s get started.

Overview of Optimator and Asset CleanUp

Optimator and Perfmatters share the same goal of helping websites by increasing speed and reducing server load, which is why most of their features are the same. However, only some things are identical, and some have significant differences.

Here is a quick overview of both plugins to get a general idea.

Optimator

accesswise welcome page

Optimator is an all-in-one WordPress plugin that can increase your site speed by fifty percent if used properly. It has more than 30+ features, and all of them perform nicely. The plugin provides all the necessary tools, from ‘Disable Emojis’ to ‘Limit Post Revisions.’

Optimator is a very easy-to-use WordPress plugin. With a quick toggle, you can access and enjoy all the features. It is compatible with WordPress, Elementor, WooCommerce, and other websites, So It does not affect website functions and operation.

Asset CleanUp

Optimator alternative

Asset CleanUp is a WordPress plugin designed to speed up your website by unloading unnecessary CSS and JavaScript files. Often, themes and plugins load their assets on every page, even when unwarranted. Asset CleanUp scans each page, detects these assets, and lets you disable the ones you don’t need.

Doing so reduces the number of HTTP requests, minimizes page size, and improves loading times. However, it has many other features, such as “Preload Assets,” “Google Fonts Handling,” “Unload Plugins,” “Manage Hardcoded Assets,” and many more. 

User interface and usability

Optimator’s interfaces are more user-friendly than Asset CleanUp’s. Where Optimator has only two sections, Asset CleanUp has many sections of features, and its UI/UX is not up to mark and is confusing. 

Regarding Optimator, a new icon will appear in the WordPress dashboard’s left toolbar after installation. There are two pages: The welcome page and the Quick toggle page. All necessary social links, such as the Facebook page, website, rating, and community links, are available on the welcome page.

There is a video tutorial on how to use the plugin properly. On the other hand, all the tools are presented side by side on the quick toggle page. We will discuss all the tools in the next section. 

After installation, the Asset CleanUp plugin icon will be visible. The settings and features are divided into many sections, but from a neutral perspective, the settings are not clear. Too many text explanations for every setting make the interface more confusing.

Feature comparison

As mentioned, Optimator and Asset CleanUp work differently, but their output is similar. For example, to save storage, the Optimator limits post-revision and boosts site speed. For that, Asset CleanUp removes useless HTML elements. 

This is the main part of the article because here, you will get an idea about the plugin’s features and understand the common features of both plugins.

Here is the complete comparison table of the plugins. 

FeaturesOptimatorAsset CleanUp
Performance Optimization
Remove Unnecessary ScriptsYESYES
Disable Heartbeat APIYESNo
Autosave ControlYESNo
Limit Post RevisionsYESNo
Disable jQuery MigrateYESYES
Remove Dashicons for Non-AdminsYESNo
Security & Privacy
Disable XML-RPCYESNo
Hide WordPress VersionYESNo
Remove REST API LinksYESNo
Disable Self-PingbacksYESNo
Disable Comment URLsYESNo
Media & Embeds
Disable EmbedsYESNo
Disable Google Maps EmbedsYESNo
Disable Image Sizes (e.g., 2048×2048)YESNo
Prevent Thumbnail GenerationYESNo
Additional Features
Disable RSS FeedsYESNo
Add Blank FaviconYESNo
Disable Global StylesYESNo
Script Management for Specific PagesNoYES
Load CSS/JS only on Specific PagesNoYES
Unload Plugins Per PageNoYES
Minify CSS & JavaScriptNoYES
Inline CSS/JS (defer loading)NoYES
File Size & Storage Efficiency
Lightweight and FastYESYES
Reduces Database SizeYESYES
Saves Storage by Reducing File SizesYESYES
CostFree (for now)Free (basic), Pro version available

Detailed about Optimator

optimator features

Optimator works in three main ways. First, it improves your website performance by disabling Dashicons, removing jQuery Migrate, enabling heartbeat, autosaving intervals, and limiting post revisions.

Secondly, it increases your site’s Security and Privacy. You can Disable XML-RPC, Hide the WP Version, Remove the wlwmanifest Link, Remove the RSD Link, Disable REST API, and Disable Comments URL with the help of Optimator. 

Optimator features

Lastly, you can control your media and embeds through Optimator. In general, WordPress saves a single image in six different sizes. As a result, it requires more space, ruins your storage, and slows your site. You can control this default setting with a single click.

I hope you understand how a single plugin improves your site’s performance, security, media, and embeds.

Here is the tutorial for Optimator

Detailed about Asset CleanUp

Optimator alternative

Asset CleanUp is a WordPress optimization plugin designed to enhance website performance by managing and minimizing unnecessary assets. Many WordPress themes and plugins often load CSS and JavaScript files on every page, regardless of whether they’re needed. This can slow down page loading times, leading to a suboptimal user experience. 

Asset CleanUp provides various advanced features tailored to optimizing website speed. For instance, it allows users to inline critical CSS and defer non-essential JavaScript so that only necessary assets load immediately while others load asynchronously. The plugin also includes minification options, which combine and compress CSS and JavaScript files, further reducing page load times.

Optimator vs Asset CleanUp – pros and cons 

It is important to inform you of the strengths and weaknesses of Optimator and Asset CleanUp. This will help you understand the offerings of both plugins properly.

Optimator pros and cons

Optimator offers several pros that make it a valuable tool for WordPress users. It enhances site performance by eliminating unnecessary scripts, reduces server load, and improves page speed with its optimization features. 

Its security enhancements, like disabling XML-RPC and hiding WordPress version details, also help safeguard your site from common vulnerabilities. Media management features also allow for better storage control, preventing excessive image bloat. 

Here is a quick look at the pros and cons,

ProsCons
Simple, user-friendly interfaceLacks lazy loading
Broad compatibility with various WordPress themes and plugins
Free

Asset CleanUp pros and cons

Asset CleanUp offers significant benefits for WordPress sites, such as reduced HTML code, preload options, etc. However, its main strength is that it can minify CSS and JS files, which makes the site fast.

But it has some downsides also. Many essential features, like Limit Post Revisions, remove unused APIs, disable self pingback, and many more. 

Here is a table of some pros and cons of Asset CleanUp.

ProsCons
Offers advanced featuresThe free version lacks some advanced features
Provides control over scripts and styles load on each pageThe interface is so confusing
Provides control over other pluginPaid 

Pricing and value for money

Optimator is free to use, and Asset CleanUp is a freemium plugin. Although it has a free plan, the most important and notable tools are only available for the pro version. On the other hand, you can use all available features for free in Optimator.

Regarding the value of money, an Optimator is the best choice. It has all the tools, and you can try it free of cost. But if your budget is high and you want to explore some new plugins, then Asset CleanUp can be a choice.

Which plugin is right for you?

After this long discussion, it is time to choose one plugin over another. We mentioned all the features, pros, and cons of both plugins, but it can be confusing to select one. Here, we say which ones are good for which type of website.

Choose Optimator if:

  • You’re looking for a free plugin that covers essential performance enhancements.
  • You have a WordPress website and don’t know much about technical optimization.
  • You want to save your hosting space.

Choose Asset CleanUp if:

  • You want to optimize CSS and JS files (Paid)
  • You want to preload Google fonts.

Why Optimator is the better choice

There are many main reasons why we suggest you use Optimator over Asset CleanUp. First, it is adjustable for any website, such as a blog, eCommerce site, or portfolio. Second, it is free to use.

Where others charge for those features, Optimator provides them for free. So, if your budget is tight, Optimator is your best choice.

Conclusion

We hope the above discussion gave you a brief idea about Optimator and Asser CleanUp. Now, you have to point out your requirements and make a list of them. Then, figure out which plugin meets your conditions.

Consider Optimator to boost your site speed and performance without cost using simple, quick toggles. If Asset CleanUp meets your requirements, then you can go with that.

We hope this article helps you to make a decision. Thank you for staying till the end.

Written By

Mazharul Islam Avatar

Content writter

Comments

2 responses to “Optimator VS Asset CleanUp – A Head to Head Comparison”

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    slot gacor

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    1. shams Avatar
      shams

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