GitHub|Since 2007
Wptr Lab

USNearlyFreeSpeech.netvsSonicUS

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

Test Date: 2/23/2026

NearlyFreeSpeech.net

NearlyFreeSpeech.net

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WPTR ScoreWinner2611 ms
Rank#721
TTFB874ms
Time to 1MB884ms
Score2611
LCP1274ms
FCP1074ms
Sonic
WPTR Score20411 ms
Rank#893
TTFB1505ms
Time to 1MB7768ms
Score20411
LCP1905ms
FCP1705ms

Our Verdict

NearlyFreeSpeech.net wins with 874ms TTFB (vs Sonic's 1505ms)

TTFB Breakdown (Connection Phases)

PhaseNearlyFreeSpeech.netSonicWinner
DNS Lookup115ms669msNearlyFreeSpeech.net
TCP Connection120ms696msNearlyFreeSpeech.net
TLS Handshake125ms201msNearlyFreeSpeech.net
Server Processing129ms202msNearlyFreeSpeech.net
Total TTFB489ms1768msNearlyFreeSpeech.net

Technology & Security Features

NearlyFreeSpeech.net

Server/CDNApache
HSTS Enabled
Brotli Compression Disabled
HTTP/3 (QUIC) Disabled
Page Size4.9 KB

Sonic

Server/CDNnginx
HSTS Enabled
Brotli Compression Disabled
HTTP/3 (QUIC) Disabled
Page Size53.0 KB
1/3
NearlyFreeSpeech.net Security Features
1/3
Sonic 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.