Borlabs Cache, from Borlabs, is the German-built caching and optimization plugin that treats caching as a full optimization pipeline: HTML minification, CSS and JavaScript optimization with combining and deferring, lazy loading for images and iframes, and a cache system that works out of the box on shared hosting. The plugin’s pitch is one install for the whole page-weight problem – where competitors split caching, minification, and lazy loading across separate tools, Borlabs Cache handles the pipeline in one plugin. Related reading: our Redis object cache overview covers the database-query layer, and our turnkey page cache overview covers the incumbent comparison.
The plugin’s identity is set-and-forget optimization for shared hosting. Caching activates on activation with safe defaults; HTML, CSS, and JavaScript minify and combine automatically; lazy loading defers below-the-fold images and iframes; and excluded-lists control what stays untouched – WooCommerce carts, membership pages, dynamic content. For sites on shared hosting without server-level tools, this is the one-install optimization option.
Competitive Features
Full pipeline in one plugin. Caching, HTML minification, CSS and JavaScript optimization, and lazy loading – the whole page-weight problem in one install.
Shared-hosting friendly. Caching activates with safe defaults on shared hosting, without server-level requirements.
Lazy loading for images and iframes. Below-the-fold images and iframes defer automatically – the render-time win most caches bolt on late.
Exclusion lists. WooCommerce carts, membership pages, and dynamic content stay untouched – the precision page caches need.
CSS and JavaScript optimization. Minification, combining, and deferring with per-file controls.
Cache priming. Cache warms before visitors arrive – the first-load speed most caches leave to chance.
Key Features
- Page caching with safe defaults – activates on activation, shared-hosting friendly.
- HTML, CSS, and JavaScript optimization – minification, combining, and deferring.
- Lazy loading – below-the-fold images and iframes defer automatically.
- Exclusion lists – WooCommerce carts, membership pages, and dynamic content stay untouched.
- Cache priming – the cache warms before visitors arrive.
- Multisite support – per-site configuration.
- Import and export – settings portability between sites.
Comparison with Competitors
Borlabs Cache vs W3 Total Cache Pro
Consolidated pipeline versus modular powerhouse: one bundles the pipeline, the other exposes every knob.
| Borlabs Cache | W3 Total Cache Pro | |
|---|---|---|
| Philosophy | One install, whole pipeline | Modular, every knob exposed |
| Setup | Safe defaults on activation | Deeper configuration |
| Lazy loading | Built in | Via configuration |
| Best for | Shared-hosting set-and-forget | Granular cache tuning |
Shared-hosting set-and-forget favors this plugin; granular tuning favors W3 Total Cache Pro.
Borlabs Cache vs Object Cache Pro
Page pipeline versus object layer: one optimizes the page weight, the other accelerates database queries.
| Borlabs Cache | Object Cache Pro | |
|---|---|---|
| Domain | Page weight (HTML/CSS/JS) | Database queries |
| Requirements | None | Redis server |
| Best for | Shared-hosting pipelines | Logged-in, dynamic traffic |
Page-weight pipelines favor this plugin; database-query acceleration favors Object Cache Pro.
Recommended Stack: the cache pipeline pairs naturally with W3 Total Cache Pro as the modular alternative, and with WP Rocket as the turnkey incumbent comparison.
Official Changelog
Version 1.6.3
Release Date: October 2026
- Improved: lazy loading for images and iframes with per-file controls
- Fixed: exclusion lists not saving for grouped pages
Version 1.6.2
Release Date: September 2026
- Added: cache priming schedules with per-page options
- Fixed: minification not saving for grouped files
Version 1.6.1
Release Date: September 2026
- Fixed: caching for grouped dynamic content
- Improved: exclusion lists for grouped pages
Frequently Asked Questions
How fast is the initial setup?
Caching activates with safe defaults on activation – HTML minification, CSS and JavaScript optimization, and lazy loading engage automatically. Exclusion lists refine from there – most sites go live the same day.
Does it work on shared hosting?
Yes – caching activates with safe defaults on shared hosting, without server-level requirements. This is the one-install optimization option for hosts without server-level tools.
Will it break my WooCommerce cart?
No – exclusion lists keep WooCommerce carts, membership pages, and dynamic content untouched. This is the precision page caches need for dynamic content.
Can I exclude specific pages from caching?
Yes – exclusion lists control what stays untouched, per page and per URL pattern. This is the precision that keeps dynamic content working.
Does it lazy load images?
Yes – below-the-fold images and iframes defer automatically, which is the render-time win most caches bolt on late.
How to Install
Install the GPL version of Borlabs Cache like any premium WordPress plugin:
- Download the plugin archive from the download section on this page.
- In WordPress admin, go to Plugins – Add New – Upload Plugin and select the archive.
- Activate the plugin – caching activates with safe defaults immediately.
- Review the exclusion lists for dynamic content, then tune CSS and JavaScript optimization as needed.
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