How to Choose The Best WordPress Plugins Featured Image

While building this website, we went through tons of plugin testing; only then did we find the one that best suits our site. And we know how to choose the best WordPress plugins is the first thing that comes to mind.

In addition, the WordPress.org plugin directory contains over 59,000 plugins, making it even more challenging to choose the best one.

So, in this article, you’ll learn important factors to be considered before installing a WordPress plugin. After reading this, you can get ideas on choosing the best WordPress plugins for your site.

Why Choose the Right Plugins?

Plugins are the backbone of WordPress sites. They help you add cool features to your site, like a contact form or a photo gallery.

But if you pick the wrong plugins, things can go wrong.

Here’s why choosing the right plugins is super important:

  • If you’re not careful, then the plugin could make your website unsafe for visitors. Picking good plugins keeps hackers out and your site safe.
  • If the plugin hasn’t been coded well, then it’ll increase page load time. Using too many plugins also slows your website.
  • Malicious code in plugins can crash your site. Sometimes, plugins conflict with WordPress versions, causing the WordPress site to crash.
  • Un-updated plugins cause different security issues on the website. A WordPress website is hacked because of a security issue with plugins.
  • Also, an out-of-date and poorly coded plugin is the main reason for an unresponsive site

When you pick the right plugin from the start, you don’t have to waste time fixing problems later.

Therefore, to avoid all these problems, it is necessary to select the right plugin.


How to Choose the Best WordPress Plugins for Your Site?

Now, let’s look at how to choose the best WordPress plugins.

1. Examine Your Wishlist

Alright, let’s discuss your wishlist. Before choosing the plugins, ask yourself, ‘Do I need that plugin?’ If yes, list your requirements first.

You might want all the cool features, like fancy slideshows, email pop-ups, or a shopping cart. These will have a huge impact on the plugin you choose, saving you time and money.

Create a checklist with features in the order of importance. It’s because sometimes you won’t find everything in a single plugin. In this case, you need to install 2 plugins that can work well together.

Examining your wishlist before installing a plugin helps make the decision easier. If you’re unsure what to look for in a plugin, check out the different WordPress checker sites. That’ll give an idea of which plugin to look for.


2. Select Quality Plugins

A quality plugin is essential for the smooth flow of the website. But how to find a quality plugin?

When installing a plugin, only download it from a trusted source. Although plugins can be installed on many websites, not all sources are safe.

WordPress Plugin Directory
WordPress Plugin Directory

When searching plugins from the WordPress plugin directory, we’ve noticed that the search results are sorted by relevance, which helps narrow down the options efficiently.

Relevant Search Result
Relevant Search Result

Therefore, we recommend that you install the plugin from the WordPress Plugin Directory or CodeCanyon. These sources offer high-quality plugins.

Avoid illegal free downloads of premium plugins.


3. Read Plugin Description

The plugin description summarizes a particular plugin. By reading through the description, you can match your requirements.

Read Plugin Description
Read Plugin Description

The description takes only a few minutes to read. It contains detailed information about the plugin, what it does, how to use it, and more. This information helps you decide whether the plugin is right for you.

Never install plugins just because they look attractive. Read the plugin description to learn more about each one.


4. Check Plugin Screenshots

Plugin screenshots are images that give an idea of how a plugin will look when installed on a site. You can view the plugin’s frontend and backend design and layout.

Check Plugin Screenshots
Check Plugin Screenshots

Screenshots are more helpful as they show what the plugin does. Reading the description provides information about the plugin, but the screenshot captures what you see on your screen.

It’s necessary to look for a screenshot before installing a plugin. Then, you can quickly decide whether to try it or not.


5. Compare Free vs Paid Plugin

With WordPress, you can choose between a free and premium plugin. The free version can be found in the WordPress.org plugin directory, while the premium version can be obtained from the plugin’s official website or the CodeCanyon.net marketplace.

But which to choose for your site?

Free plugins can be downloaded from the WordPress.org plugin directory. You can also install it directly from your WordPress dashboard and use it without paying anything. Some free plugins can give exactly what you’re looking for. In this case, you can choose a free plugin if you’re satisfied with its features.

Free To Download WordPress Plugins
Free To Download WordPress Plugins

Most free plugins can be upgraded to the premium version to get full excess of the plugin’s functionality. Many premium plugins are available for a cheap price, too. So, if you need additional features and can afford them, then you can switch to the premium plugin.

Plugins Premium Pricing Plans
Plugins Premium Pricing Plans

Before installing a plugin, compare its features with those of a free and premium version. Choosing which to install depends on your website’s needs, budget, and other preferences.


6. Count the User Ratings

Okay, let’s talk about ratings.

When you look at a plugin in the WordPress directory, you’ll see stars or numbers showing how others feel about it. These ratings are super important because they help you determine if the plugin is good.

As they come straight from the real users. And you can trust the rating stars and decide whether to use the plugin. 

Check User Ratings of Plugins
Check User Ratings of Plugins

Here’s what you should look for:

  • If a plugin has a lot of stars or a high rating, that usually means people are happy with it.
  • A plugin with only a few ratings might not give you the full picture. But if there are hundreds or thousands of ratings, you can trust it more.

So, always count the user ratings before you install a plugin. It’s a quick way to see if it’s trusted and works well for others, which helps you make a better choice.


7. View User Review

When you see a plugin you’re interested in, it’s a good idea to read what others have said about it. User reviews are like feedback from people who have already tried the plugin; they can tell you a lot!

Go Through Plugin User Review
Go Through Plugin User Review

This is the best way to know whether a plugin is widely appreciated or not. Read the reviews by real users of the plugin and find out how that respective plugin changed their site. Also, read the problems faced by users with that plugin.

The user reviews include both positive and negative feedback on plugins. If there are more happy responses, then the plugin is better to use. A lot of negative feedback indicates that the plugin is not right for your site.


8. Check Update and Compatibility

Plugin updates usually introduce new features, functionalities, and solutions to issues that were present in previous versions of the plugin. This means updated plugins are good for your website’s security and performance.

So, when choosing plugins, it’s safe to use the regularly updated ones. The WordPress plugin repository shows exactly when the plugin was last updated. Plugins that are not updated regularly are less likely to be secure.

Check Plugin Updates and Compatibility
Check Plugin Updates and Compatibility

When checking the plugin updates, also check whether they’re compatible with the latest version of WordPress. WordPress releases new versions from time to time, and these changes can cause incompatibility with the plugin code, causing errors.

Ensure you install the newly updated plugin to be compatible with your WordPress site.


9. Test Plugins Before Installing

Testing the plugins before implementing them on your WordPress site is a great idea.

Testing helps detect bugs and issues before pushing them to a live site. It also helps you choose only compatible, high-quality plugins.

Here’s how you can test a plugin:

  • Install the plugin on a test site first. This lets you see how it works without affecting your main website.
  • Another option is setting up a local version of your site to test the plugin there.

There may be serious errors if you don’t test the WordPress plugin. Sometimes, a plugin might not work as expected or cause errors. Also, some plugins might not support certain themes or other plugins.

If you install a plugin without testing, you might need to spend hours fixing problems later. Testing helps you skip that extra work.


10. Take a Backup of Your Site

It’s really important to take a backup before you add a new plugin or make any big changes to your website. A backup is like saving your work before you make any changes so you can go back to it if something goes wrong.

Backup Website
Backup Website

Installing some WordPress plugins may cause malfunctions on your website. Therefore, it’s recommended that you back up your site before using the plugins.

Still not sure why to backup your site:

  • A backup helps you restore your site if anything breaks.
  • If something doesn’t work right after installing a plugin, you can use the backup to fix the problem quickly.

Such problems may happen if the code is poorly written or does not follow the WordPress coding standard. If you’ve backed up your site, you can quickly restore it even if it crashes due to a plugin malfunction. 

So, knowing you have a backup helps you feel safe when making changes to your site. You can experiment with new plugins or features without worrying about breaking anything.


11. Support Overview

The support section of plugins gives an overview of issues resolved by that particular plugin. For example, there’s a support forum for every plugin on WordPress.org. Similarly, there are support pages on the respective plugin websites as well. 

Issues Resolved by Plugin
Support Section of Plugin

It’s wise to check the support section of the plugin. This shows the number of support threads open for the last two months. If a plugin has many unresolved issues, then it may also work for you. However, this can raise the problem later.

So, before installing a plugin, make sure you install the one that has solved more threads. This will help your site in the long term.


12. Pay Attention to the Changelog

The changelog indicates a regular update of the plugin. It’s a good tool for understanding what the plugin offers.

Check Plugin Changelog
Check Plugin Changelog

It tells you about the new features added with each updated version. The changelog shows a lot of progress, indicating that developers are working to improve the plugin according to customers’ needs.

Installing a plugin that has not been updated conflicts with the version of WordPress. Hence, it’s better to view the changelog before installing a plugin to gain access to its better features and functionality.


13. Active Installation

When you look at a plugin in the WordPress directory, you can see how many people have it installed on their websites. This number is called “active installations.”

Active Installation of a Plugin
Active Installation of a Plugin

Why is this important?

If many people have installed the plugin, then it’s usually a good sign that it works well and is trusted by others. Also, a plugin with many active installations is likely popular because it’s reliable and helpful.

Moreover, popular plugins are often updated more frequently, so they are less likely to have bugs or problems.

Therefore, before you install a plugin, choose the one with more active installs. If more people are using the plugin, then it’s less likely to have problems.


14. Plugin Recommendation

When searching for plugins, it’s best to look for recommendations from top blogs and market experts. A simple Google search will offer plenty of recommendations.

Look for Plugin Recommendations
Look for Plugin Recommendations

These sites give you several plugins to choose from, either free or premium. This can save you time and money, as you don’t need to go to other sources for help. The recommendations feed displays the most widely used and popular plugins.

So, it’s best to choose the recommended plugin because you’ll likely get the best plugin for your site.


15. Check Plugin Documentation and FAQs

Before you install a plugin, it’s a good idea to check its documentation and FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions). This will help you understand how the plugin works and whether it fits your site correctly.

Check Plugin FAQ
Check Plugin FAQ

The FAQ section answers the most common questions that people have. It can save you time by giving you quick answers without asking anyone. The documentation tells you exactly how to set up and use the plugin. If you get stuck, it’s like a guide that helps you solve problems.

Reading the documentation and FAQs helps you determine whether the plugin has the features you need. If something is unclear, you can avoid a problem later.

For example, if you’re considering a plugin like Jetpack, you can read its documentation to learn about its features, such as security, backups, and performance tools. Likewise, if you have any questions, the FAQ section can help answer them.

Hence, it’ll help you avoid problems and use the plugin the right way!


What Makes a Good Plugin?

A plugin itself is an essential part of the WordPress website. If a plugin works for you, you can call it a good one. One basic point is that it must solve your problems.

But what makes a plugin “good”? Let us break it down for you!

  • A good plugin does what it’s supposed to do without causing problems. For example, if you install a plugin to make your images load faster, it should actually speed up your site.
  • A good plugin should be easy to set up and use, even if you’re not a tech expert. You shouldn’t need to spend hours figuring it out.
  • And, of course, plugins that are updated often are usually better because they stay secure and work well with the latest WordPress version.
  • Don’t forget reviews! Positive reviews mean other people have used it and are happy with how it works.
  • Most importantly, a good plugin doesn’t cause your website to crash or slow down. It should be stable and not mess up your site in any way.

When you’re looking for a plugin, check these things to ensure it’s good. A good plugin should help your website run smoothly and save you time!


Frequently Asked Question on How to Choose the WordPress Plugins

1. How do I know if a plugin is compatible with my WordPress theme?

Look for information in the plugin’s description or documentation. Often, developers mention which themes work well with. Or test the plugin on a staging site before installing it on your live site.

2. What happens if a plugin gets outdated and no longer works?

If a plugin becomes outdated, it can cause security issues or not work with newer versions of WordPress. If the plugin is no longer supported, find an alternative or contact the developer for help.

3. Can I use multiple plugins for the same task?

Yes, but it’s not always a good idea. Having too many plugins can cause conflicts or slow down your site. Choosing one plugin that handles a task well is better than using several plugins.

4. Can plugins affect the security of my website?

Yes, poorly coded or outdated plugins can create security risks. Always install plugins from trusted sources, read user reviews, and ensure they receive regular updates.


Conclusion

And that’s a wrap!

We hope this article has helped you understand how to choose the best WordPress plugins.

Choosing a plugin is not easy. Installing it confidently on your site requires a bit of research. If you want your website to run smoothly, take time to review and test the plugin. Go through the above rules and use the plugin that you desire.

Please comment below if you have any questions or are confused about choosing a WordPress plugin. We’ll be happy to help.

Also, check out our definitive guide on the best WordPress plugins and tools for your site and the best WordPress plugins for marketers and merchants.

Don’t forget to follow us on Facebook and X (formerly Twitter) for more updates.

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