Choosing WordPress plugins from among the thousands of extensions available on the official directory (or on other platforms) can quickly turn into a next-level headache…
Just imagine, on the Repository alone, there are no less than 60,000 free plugins to date! If you add to these official plugins, all the paid plugins known as “premium plugins”, watch out for the headache…
On the bright side, you’ll find a plugin to meet most of your needs and desires, and that’s what makes WordPress so magical and unique on the web.
And your creativity knows no bounds when it comes to customizing your website, even with a very limited knowledge of code.
But how can you be sure you’re making the right choice? And what’s the difference between a free and a paid plugin?
Here are a few practical tips to help you make the right choice.
The differences between free, paid and freemium plugins
In the WordPress ecosystem, there are three main types of extension:
- free plugins, which are available in the official directory.
- Freemium plugins, free plugins with limited functionality compared to the premium versions.
- Paid or premium plugins found on certain platforms or on developers’ websites.
Free plugins from the Repository
Free plugins are available on the official WordPress platform, but you can also find and install them via your site’s dashboard by following our step-by-step plugin installation tutorial.
In many cases, a free plugin is just what you need. You may want to express your appreciation by leaving a positive review for the developer, or even better, making a donation once in a while…
This can be your way of thanking the contributors for their time and effort. Leaving a review or comment can also help other users make a choice.
If you have a question for the developer(s) of a free extension, bear in mind that you won’t always get a quick answer to your question (or no answer at all). You can also try your luck on the official community sites: wpfr.net for France.
Freemium plugins
These are initially free and are also available on the official directory, but they provide only a limited number of functions. If you’ve already installed a free plugin and want to take advantage of all its features, you’ll need to purchase a license to access it. This is the business model of Yoast SEO and Elementor, two of the most widely downloaded plugins. In many cases, however, the free version is more than sufficient for most needs.
Paid or premium plugins
These offer incredible functionalities that can meet more specific needs. Teams of developers work full-time to improve these extensions and offer fast, efficient support. On the other hand, the code quality of paid extensions is often better, as the teams possess solid technical knowledge. There are different types of license, so it’s worth taking into account prices and conditions before you buy. In general, a license gives you 1 year of updates and priority support. Don’t forget to renew your license every year to avoid security breaches on your website.
The choice between these three types of extension will depend above all on your site’s specific needs, your budget and your technical knowledge. If you need full support and advanced functionality, a paid plugin may be a better choice. What’s more, if it’s a freemium plugin, you’ll already have had a chance to test some of its features in the free version.
All that doesn’t give you much of an idea of the criteria you need to take into account when choosing your plugin. Patience, we’re getting there 😁
Tip 1: Identify your needs
Plugins are like candy in a candy store: there’s something for everyone, and it’s awfully tempting! You can find plugins to create an e-commerce site, improve security, optimize SEO, customize your website… With so much to choose from, it’s easy to succumb to temptation and install a new one every time. But before you dive in headlong, ask yourself, “Do I really need this?”
It’s crucial to clearly define your needs and objectives before making a choice. If using a contact form plugin is obvious, what about the other features you want to add to your site? Are they essential or optional? What results do you expect?
Once you’ve clarified your needs, you can start the hunt for the right plugin, by following the advice below.
Tip 2: Check compatibility with the latest version of WordPress
The first selection criterion is the plugin’s compatibility with the latest version of WordPress. If the plugin is not compatible, we advise you not to install it. Bear in mind, however, that there may be a slight time lag between the latest WordPress update and that of a plugin. Make sure the plugin is compatible with your WordPress theme. This is the most important criterion for optimizing the stability of your website.
Tip No. 3: Check the last update date
You’ll find this information in the official WordPress directory, or on your site’s dashboard, as we explained at this stage in our plugin installation tutorial. A plugin that hasn’t been maintained for a long time may be obsolete and present security risks, or it may no longer be compatible with your version of WordPress, which could lead to malfunctions. . It may also be a sign that the plugin’s author has abandoned its development.
Tip 4: Check update frequency and version number
It’s important to take into account the frequency of plugin updates in order to judge its quality and security. If a plugin is regularly updated, this indicates that its developer is keeping up with WordPress and correcting any vulnerabilities. Updates can also add new features and enhancements.
Second clue: the version number. A high version number indicates the number of improvements made to the plugin and its progress. It’s worth noting that not all plugins require regular upgrades, but this is just one indication of their development, and compatibility remains an essential selection criterion.
Tip 5: Check the number of downloads and active installations
Popularity is often a good indicator of quality and reliability, although there are also little-known gems that can just as easily meet your needs. Indeed, the most widely downloaded and used plugins are generally tried and tested by many users.
You can see the number of downloads and active installations by going to “Advanced View” on the right-hand side panel, just above the reviews.
Tip 6: Check the quality of support
Make sure the plugin you’ve chosen has good support and listens to users. Comprehensive documentation and quality support make it easier to use the plugin and answer any questions you may have. Ease of use is also an important consideration, especially if you’re a beginner. A plugin that’s easy to install, configure and use can save you a lot of hassle.
The number of requests resolved will give you an idea of the quality of support. To take things a step further, check out the forum for user questions. If the most recent questions have all been unanswered for a long time, or if they are very old, you risk not getting any answers in the event of a problem.
Tip 7: Look at the number of votes and ratings
You can also look at the average 5-star rating given to the plugin. The higher the rating, the more the plugin is appreciated; a highly rated extension is often a guarantee of quality.
You can also check a plugin’s reputation by reading reviews on specialized blogs, on WordPress forums or in discussions on social networks*.
Tip 8: Read user reviews
If users take the time to write a positive review, that’s a good sign!
Take the time to read a few comments, both positive and negative, to find out what they say. Sometimes a simple change of interface can lead to disgruntled users who are upset about their habits, without the quality of the plugin really being in question. Don’t forget to look at the dates and also at the answers given by the plugin’s author, if any. A bad review from several years ago is likely to be out of date, so take a look at the most recent reviews to form your own opinion.
Tip No. 9: Look at screenshots or demo videos
A quick look at the “Screenshots” section of the plugin’s page, or the demo videos, will give you an idea of the plugin’s interface and functionality. This is not, of course, an essential selection criterion, but if you feel lost in all the settings and if ease of use is important to you, it will enable you to choose between several plugins with equivalent uses.
Tip 10: Test the plugin before installing it permanently
This last tip is only for those who can install the plugin locally on their PC, or who have a test environment. If this is your case, you can then install, activate and configure your new plugin to check that it meets your expectations. This will enable you to check that everything is working properly. All that’s left to do is install it on your production site.
And before you go…
Now you know everything you need to know before choosing your plugins. All that’s left is to find your favorites among all the available plugins. For our part, we’ll continue to accompany you as you discover the exciting world of WordPress. So get to work 😉
