Page speed is still an important ranking factor for Google in 2026, but it works more as a quality signal than a standalone ranking booster.
Google continues to prioritize user experience, and fast-loading pages help reduce bounce rates and keep users engaged. Metrics like Core Web Vitals (loading speed, interactivity, and visual stability) are used to evaluate how users experience your site. If your pages are slow, especially on mobile, it can negatively affect rankings—particularly when competing with similar content that loads faster.
However, page speed alone won’t rank a low-quality page above better content. Relevant, helpful content still matters most, but page speed can be the deciding factor when multiple pages are equal in quality. In short, improving speed won’t guarantee top rankings, but slow pages can hold you back in Google search results.