GitHub|Since 2007
Wptr Lab

USLaughing SquidvsWP EngineUS

Head-to-head hosting performance comparison based on real test data

Test Date: 2/23/2026

Laughing Squid

Laughing Squid

View Details →
WPTR Score1590 ms
Rank#488
TTFB270ms
Time to 1MB557ms
Score1590
LCP670ms
FCP470ms
WP Engine
WPTR ScoreWinner561 ms
Rank#111
TTFB285ms
Time to 1MB107ms
Score561
LCP685ms
FCP485ms

Our Verdict

Laughing Squid wins with 270ms TTFB (vs WP Engine's 285ms)

TTFB Breakdown (Connection Phases)

PhaseLaughing SquidWP EngineWinner
DNS Lookup53ms5msWP Engine
TCP Connection71ms9msWP Engine
TLS Handshake67ms9msWP Engine
Server Processing62ms281msLaughing Squid
Total TTFB253ms304msLaughing Squid

Technology & Security Features

Laughing Squid

Server/CDNnginx
HSTS Enabled
Brotli Compression Enabled
HTTP/3 (QUIC) Enabled
Page Size46.2 KB

WP Engine

Server/CDNcloudflare
HSTS Enabled
Brotli Compression Enabled
HTTP/3 (QUIC) Disabled
Page Size532.5 KB
3/3
Laughing Squid Security Features
2/3
WP Engine Security Features

TTFB Comparison Over Time

Understanding the Metrics

WPTR Score: Wptr Lab Real-Load Score: (Time to 1MB x 2.4) + TTFB. Raw server & network performance (Lower is better).
TTFB: Time to First Byte - How fast the server responds
Time to 1MB: Time to 1MB - Time taken to download 1MB of data (lower is better)
LCP: Largest Contentful Paint - When main content loads
FCP: First Contentful Paint - When first content appears
Score: Overall performance score (0-100)

A Note on Hosting Selection

While TTFB and performance metrics are important indicators, choosing the right hosting provider involves many other factors: security measures, customer support quality, uptime guarantees, scalability options, and pricing structure. Academic research emphasizes that a balanced approach considering all these aspects leads to better long-term outcomes.

Chizhov, A., & Fesenko, A. (2025). Web hosting companies' client solutions: A study of a strategic standpoint. Corporate & Business Strategy Review. doi.org/10.22495/cbsrv6i1art14

Data in this comparison is obtained through independent tests using our TTFB Checker tool.