Lighthouse runs in a controlled environment, but server response time, network conditions, outside services, and the timing of page features can still vary. Use a repeatable process:
- Test the same page, device type, location, and general conditions.
- Run a small set of tests and compare the middle result instead of choosing the best or worst score.
- Look for repeated findings, then check real-user performance data in the Chrome User Experience Report or Search Console before making a major decision.
A changing score is not automatically a problem. Consistent patterns and real-user results are more useful than one isolated run.
