Head-to-head · September 2026
Async JavaScript vs Smartslider
Async JavaScript comes out ahead, winning 6 of 7 head-to-head checks against Smartslider.
Async JavaScript
Eliminate Render-blocking Javascript in above-the-fold content with Async Javascript.
| Metric | Async JavaScript | Smartslider |
|---|---|---|
| Active installs | 70K+ | 600+ |
| Downloads (30 days) | 2K | 226 |
| Download trend | 0% | +5.1% |
| Rating | 4.7/5 | 5/5 |
| Reviews | 102 | 2 |
| Health score | 47/100 | 34/100 |
| Last updated | 3 years ago | 18 years ago |
| Tested up to | WP 6.2.13 | WP 2.6 |
| Support resolved | — | — |
| Requires PHP | Any | Any |
| First released | Dec 2014 | Aug 2008 |
Daily downloads, last 90 days
Async JavaScriptSmartslider
Choose Async JavaScript if…
You care most about active installs, downloads (30 days) and reviews.
- Proven at scale on 70K+ active sites
- Loved by users — 4.7/5 from 102 reviews
- No update in 3 years
- Only tested up to WordPress 6.2 (latest is 7.1)
Choose Smartslider if…
You care most about download trend.
- Small user base (600+ active installs)
- Very few reviews so far
- No update in 18 years
- Only tested up to WordPress 2.6 (latest is 7.1)
Both compete in: javascript
FAQ
Async JavaScript vs Smartslider: quick answers
Straight answers, pulled from live WordPress.org data.
Live data from WordPress.org · checked Sep 28, 2026
Which is better, Async JavaScript or Smartslider?
Async JavaScript comes out ahead, winning 6 of 7 head-to-head checks against Smartslider. Choose Async JavaScript if you care most about active installs, downloads (30 days) and reviews. Choose Smartslider if you care most about download trend.
Is Async JavaScript more popular than Smartslider?
Async JavaScript is the more popular of the two with 70K+ active installs, compared with 600+ for Smartslider.
Can I use Async JavaScript and Smartslider together?
Both plugins cover javascript, so most sites only need one. Running two plugins that do the same job can cause conflicts and slow your site down — pick the one that fits best and remove the other.
Are Async JavaScript and Smartslider free?
Yes. Both are free to download from the official WordPress.org plugin directory. Either may also offer paid upgrades from its developer.
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