LiteSpeed hosting
LiteSpeed web hosting for faster UK websites
Our web hosting uses the LiteSpeed web server, which is built to serve many requests quickly and works with server-level page caching. For WordPress, the LiteSpeed Cache plugin connects your site to that cache, so repeat visitors get pages that are generated once and served many times. It comes with every plan from 84p a month (£10.03 billed yearly).
The basics
What a web server does
Every time someone opens your site, a web server takes the request, finds the right files or runs the right code, and sends back the page. The speed of that step depends on the software and how well it caches.
LiteSpeed is a web server designed for high request volumes, with a built-in cache that sits close to the visitor. It works with common software, including WordPress, so you do not have to rebuild your site to benefit.
What it helps with
- Faster page delivery for repeat requests
- Lower load during busy periods
- Full-page caching for WordPress
- Good support for modern web protocols
Caching
How a cached page reaches a visitor
- RequestA visitor asks for a page
- Cache checkLiteSpeed looks for a saved copy
- Cache hitThe saved page is sent straight away
- Or buildIf missing, WordPress builds and saves it
Cached pages skip most of the work, which is why caching is often the biggest single speed gain for a WordPress site.
Get the most from it
Practical ways to use LiteSpeed
Install LiteSpeed Cache
On WordPress, the free LiteSpeed Cache plugin connects your site to the server cache.
Add object caching
Pair it with Redis object caching to speed up database-heavy pages.
Compress images
Smaller images load faster than any server tweak can make up for.
Test on a phone
Most visitors are on mobile, so measure speed there.
Keep plugins lean
Every plugin adds work. Remove the ones you do not use.
Stay close to visitors
UK servers shorten the trip for UK visitors. See our server location tests.
Be clear
What the server can and cannot do
The server helps with
- Serving pages and files quickly
- Caching repeat requests
- Handling many visitors at once
You still need to manage
- Large images and heavy page builders
- Too many plugins
- Slow third-party scripts such as chat and ad tags
- A theme that does too much
Setting up
A simple LiteSpeed Cache setup for WordPress
Install the free LiteSpeed Cache plugin from the WordPress dashboard and activate it. The defaults already turn on page caching, which is the biggest single gain for most sites.
Next, look at image optimisation, CSS and JavaScript minification and browser caching. Turn on one setting at a time and check the site after each, because aggressive combining of scripts can break a theme or a plugin.
If you run a shop or a membership site, exclude the basket, checkout and account pages from the page cache. The plugin does this for WooCommerce by default, and you should confirm it after any change.
- Start with the defaults and measure before you change anything
- Change one setting at a time so you know what broke
- Purge the cache after updates to the theme or plugins
- Exclude private pages such as baskets and accounts
Measuring
How to tell whether it is working
Look at the response headers of your page. A cached page from LiteSpeed carries a header that says so, and browser tools show it in the network panel.
Test your page with a speed test tool on a mobile connection, and compare a first visit with a repeat visit. A big gap usually means the cache is doing its job. Run the test a few times, because a single result can be noisy.
Feel the difference on a LiteSpeed server
Test it for 15 days with the money-back guarantee.
FAQ
Common questions
Do I need to change my site to use LiteSpeed?
No. Your site runs on it without changes. For WordPress, installing the LiteSpeed Cache plugin unlocks full-page caching.
Is LiteSpeed better than Apache?
It is built for speed under load and supports server-level caching. The best choice depends on your site, but for most WordPress sites LiteSpeed is a strong fit.
Does it cost extra?
No. LiteSpeed is part of every plan.
Will my .htaccess rules still work?
Most Apache-style rules work. If a rule behaves oddly, ask our live chat.
Keep reading
Related pages
Put your site on a faster web server
LiteSpeed on every plan, from 84p a month (£10.03 billed yearly).