What is FlyingPress plugin?
FlyingPress is a premium WordPress performance plugin developed by Gijo Varghese, a solo developer with a focus on Core Web Vitals optimization. It covers page caching, image optimization, JavaScript management, CSS optimization, and database cleanup in a single plugin. FlyingPress is particularly noted among performance enthusiasts for producing strong Core Web Vitals scores — especially Largest Contentful Paint (LCP) — through features like preload LCP images and above-the-fold image optimization.
Compared to WP Rocket, FlyingPress has a more focused set of optimization controls and is regularly updated specifically to address emerging Core Web Vitals metrics as Google’s scoring evolves. The plugin supports Cloudflare, BunnyCDN, and other CDN providers, Redis and Memcached object caching, and AVIF image format alongside WebP. It is a paid-only plugin with no free version, starting at $59/year for a single site.
FlyingPress is maintained by a solo developer, which is both a strength (responsive to real user feedback, frequent updates) and a consideration (no dedicated support team for complex enterprise issues). The plugin has built a loyal following in the performance-focused WordPress community and is frequently recommended as a WP Rocket alternative with better LCP handling.
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Get FlyingPress Expert HelpKey Features
- Page caching with cache preloading
- Image optimization with WebP and AVIF conversion
- Preload LCP image for faster perceived loading
- JavaScript delay and defer with URL-based exclusions
- Remove Unused CSS with per-page critical CSS
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Strong Core Web Vitals performance, especially LCP
- Frequent updates targeted at emerging performance standards
- AVIF image support alongside WebP
Cons
- Paid-only — no free version for testing
- Solo developer — less enterprise-grade support infrastructure than larger teams
Free vs Premium
FlyingPress is paid-only. Pricing starts at $59/year for a single site. Higher tiers cover more sites. A 7-day money-back guarantee is offered.
Common Problems & Fixes
Why is FlyingPress Remove Unused CSS breaking my site's styling?
FlyingPress generates per-page critical CSS by analyzing the above-the-fold content. CSS used only by JavaScript-triggered elements or content below the fold may be excluded. If a specific page has broken styles, add that page URL to the FlyingPress → CSS → Exclude Pages list to disable RUCSS on that page specifically. For globally used CSS files that should never be pruned, add them to the CSS Safelist.
Why are delayed JavaScript features not working after FlyingPress JS delay is enabled?
FlyingPress delays JavaScript until user interaction to improve initial load time. Scripts that need to run immediately (like chat widgets, analytics, or specific page builder functionality) may not work correctly when delayed. Add those script URLs or keywords from their source URLs to the FlyingPress → JavaScript → Don’t Delay list. Common exclusions include intercom, drift, and page builder-specific scripts.
Why is FlyingPress image optimization not converting images to WebP or AVIF?
FlyingPress image optimization processes images in background batches. If conversion is not happening, check that FlyingPress → Images → Status shows optimization as active. Conversion requires server-side support for the target format — GD or Imagick must be installed on your server for WebP, and Imagick is required for AVIF. Check your server PHP info for these extensions. Also ensure that WP-Cron is functioning for background job processing.
Customization & Developer Notes
How do I configure FlyingPress to preload the LCP image?
FlyingPress → LCP → Preload LCP Image lets you specify the URL of your above-the-fold hero image so the browser prioritizes loading it. Enter the image URL in the field. If the LCP image varies per page type, you can set different preload images for the homepage, posts, and archives.
How do I integrate FlyingPress with Cloudflare?
In FlyingPress → CDN → Cloudflare, enter your Cloudflare zone ID and API token. FlyingPress will purge the Cloudflare cache automatically when WP content updates. This ensures Cloudflare always serves fresh cached content without manual purging after each post update.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is FlyingPress better than WP Rocket?
FlyingPress often produces superior LCP scores due to its preload LCP image feature and AVIF support. WP Rocket has a larger support team, more widely documented compatibility, and more templates for non-standard configurations. For performance-focused sites where Core Web Vitals scores are critical, FlyingPress is worth evaluating seriously. For users who want a more established ecosystem, WP Rocket is the safer choice.
Does FlyingPress support WooCommerce?
Yes. FlyingPress detects WooCommerce and automatically excludes cart, checkout, and account pages from page caching. WooCommerce-specific session cookies trigger cache bypass for active shopping sessions.
Is FlyingPress maintained reliably as a solo developer product?
FlyingPress has a track record of frequent updates and responsive support from Gijo Varghese. The solo developer model means faster issue resolution in some cases (direct developer access) and potential gaps in enterprise-level support infrastructure in others. For most WordPress sites, the update cadence and responsiveness are sufficient.
Does FlyingPress have a free trial?
There is no free version. FlyingPress offers a 7-day money-back guarantee on all plans if the plugin does not meet expectations on your site.