TL;DR
- Page cache gives the biggest speed boost on most WordPress sites.
- Object cache helps database-heavy workloads and WooCommerce.
- Set cache headers to improve browser and CDN reuse.
The Three Cache Layers
- Page cache serves full HTML without PHP.
- Object cache stores database query results.
- Browser cache stores static assets like CSS and images.
Page Cache First
Most sites should start with page caching. It offloads PHP and database work, especially for anonymous traffic.
Use the WP Cache Config tool to generate safe caching rules.
Object Cache for Heavy Sites
If you run WooCommerce or membership sites, add Redis or Memcached. Use the Redis/Memcached Configurator to generate config values.
Browser Cache Headers
Long cache headers speed up repeat visits. Pair this with security headers for full coverage.
Generate a safe set using the Security Headers Generator.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will caching break dynamic pages?
Not if you exclude logged-in and cart/checkout pages. Most caches allow these rules.
Is object cache required?
No. Use it when your site has heavy database usage or high traffic.
How do I test cache effectiveness?
Check response headers and confirm cache hits in your server logs.
Key Takeaways
- Start with page cache, then add object cache if needed.
- Set browser cache headers for static assets.
- Exclude dynamic pages from caching rules.
Tags:
Caching
Performance
WordPress
Generate safe cache rules
Use the WP Cache Config tool to build a clean caching config for your stack.