Core Web Vitals12 min
What is LCP? Complete Guide to Largest Contentful Paint
Master Largest Contentful Paint (LCP) - Google's key Core Web Vital for measuring loading performance. Learn what LCP is, why it matters for SEO, and how to optimize it.
GTmetrix vs PageSpeed Insights vs MakeWebsite.fast: Which Is Best?
Detailed comparison of GTmetrix vs PageSpeed Insights vs MakeWebsite.fast. Understand the differences in metrics, features, and use cases to choose the right tool.
Published January 13, 202510 min read
Key Takeaways
- 1PageSpeed Insights is essential for SEO - it's the only tool with official Google field data
- 2GTmetrix excels at debugging with its detailed waterfall charts and video playback
- 3MakeWebsite.fast is best for quick checks and competitor comparisons
The Three Tools at a Glance
GTmetrix, PageSpeed Insights, and MakeWebsite.fast are three of the most popular website speed testing tools. Each has different strengths and serves different purposes.
All three use Lighthouse as their performance testing engine, so core metrics are similar. The differences lie in additional features, data presentation, and unique capabilities.
Understanding these differences helps you choose the right tool for your needs and use each tool most effectively.
- GTmetrix: Detailed waterfall charts, video playback, historical tracking
- PageSpeed Insights: Official Google tool, includes field data from CrUX
- MakeWebsite.fast: Fast results, clean UI, competitor comparison, Core Web Vitals focus
Metrics and Data: What Each Tool Provides
PageSpeed Insights is unique in providing field data from Chrome User Experience Report (CrUX). This shows how real Chrome users experience your site, which is what Google uses for ranking signals.
GTmetrix and MakeWebsite.fast provide lab data - synthetic tests under controlled conditions. Lab data is consistent and helps identify issues, but may not reflect real-world performance.
For SEO purposes, field data from PageSpeed Insights is most important. But lab data from any tool helps you iterate quickly during development.
- PageSpeed Insights: Lab data + field data (only tool with CrUX integration)
- GTmetrix: Lab data only, but with detailed waterfall visualization
- MakeWebsite.fast: Lab data with emphasis on actionable Core Web Vitals
User Interface and Ease of Use
MakeWebsite.fast offers the cleanest, most focused interface. Results are presented simply with clear pass/fail indicators for Core Web Vitals.
PageSpeed Insights provides comprehensive information but can feel overwhelming with its detailed Lighthouse reports. The dual lab/field view adds complexity.
GTmetrix falls in the middle - more features than MakeWebsite.fast but more accessible than PageSpeed Insights. The waterfall chart is particularly well-designed.
Pro tip: For quick checks and non-technical users, MakeWebsite.fast is most accessible. For detailed debugging, GTmetrix's waterfall view excels.
Testing Features Compared
GTmetrix offers the most testing features: multiple locations, video playback, filmstrip view, and detailed resource analysis. The free tier limits locations, but paid plans unlock everything.
PageSpeed Insights is limited to single-URL testing with no historical tracking or comparison features. However, it's the only source of official Google field data.
MakeWebsite.fast focuses on what matters most: Core Web Vitals and comparative analysis. The comparison tool lets you benchmark against competitors.
- Test locations: GTmetrix (many), PSI (limited), MakeWebsite.fast (global edge)
- Historical tracking: GTmetrix (yes), PSI (no), MakeWebsite.fast (coming soon)
- Comparison feature: GTmetrix (limited), PSI (no), MakeWebsite.fast (yes)
- Video playback: GTmetrix (yes), PSI (no), MakeWebsite.fast (no)
- Field data: GTmetrix (no), PSI (yes), MakeWebsite.fast (no)
Which Tool for Which Purpose?
Use PageSpeed Insights when you need to verify your Core Web Vitals status for SEO. The field data section shows exactly what Google sees for your site.
Use GTmetrix when debugging specific performance issues. The waterfall chart shows exactly which resources are slow and why.
Use MakeWebsite.fast for quick checks during development and for comparing your performance against competitors. The clean interface makes it easy to share results with stakeholders.
- SEO verification: PageSpeed Insights (authoritative field data)
- Debugging: GTmetrix (detailed waterfall and video)
- Quick checks: MakeWebsite.fast (fast, focused results)
- Competitor analysis: MakeWebsite.fast (built-in comparison)
- Historical monitoring: GTmetrix (tracking over time)
Our Recommendation
The best approach is using multiple tools for different purposes. Start with MakeWebsite.fast for quick daily checks, use PageSpeed Insights for SEO verification, and turn to GTmetrix when you need detailed debugging.
Don't obsess over score differences between tools. All three use Lighthouse, but testing conditions vary. Focus on trends and Core Web Vitals thresholds rather than specific numbers.
Whichever tool you choose, consistency is key. Pick one primary tool for tracking progress and use it consistently over time.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Which tool's score matters most for Google rankings?+
Google uses field data from Chrome User Experience Report (CrUX), which only PageSpeed Insights displays. Lab scores from any tool don't directly affect rankings - they're useful for identifying issues but field performance is what counts.
Why do I get different scores on different tools?+
While all three use Lighthouse, they differ in test location, network throttling settings, and device simulation. Focus on whether you pass Core Web Vitals thresholds rather than specific scores.
Can I use all three tools together?+
Yes, using multiple tools gives you a complete picture. Use MakeWebsite.fast for quick checks, PageSpeed Insights for field data and SEO verification, and GTmetrix for detailed debugging when needed.
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