WordPress Tutorials, Tools, and Tips to Boost Your Conversions https://optinmonster.com Mon, 15 Dec 2025 12:53:50 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.8.1 https://optinmonster.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/cropped-archie-1-32x32.png WordPress Tutorials, Tools, and Tips to Boost Your Conversions https://optinmonster.com 32 32 7 Best WordPress Page Builders for 2026 (Expert Tested & Ranked) https://optinmonster.com/drag-and-drop-page-builders/ https://optinmonster.com/drag-and-drop-page-builders/#comments Mon, 08 Dec 2025 13:00:00 +0000 https://optinmonster.com/?p=133926 We’ve broken more WordPress pages than we care to admit. But after testing just about all the drag-and-drop WordPress page builders out there, we know exactly which ones are worth your time and which ones will leave you staring at a blank screen wondering what went wrong. Whether you’re after total design freedom, blazing speed, …

The post 7 Best WordPress Page Builders for 2026 (Expert Tested & Ranked) appeared first on OptinMonster.]]>

TL;DR:

The best WordPress page builders include SeedProd, Elementor, Thrive Architect, Divi Builder, Beaver Builder, Breakdance, and 10Web AI Builder, each offering unique strengths from landing page speed and conversion tools to design flexibility and AI-powered site creation.

SeedProd is ideal for high-converting landing pages, Elementor offers the most design options and templates, and Thrive Architect is built for funnels and lead generation. Divi stands out with its pre-designed layouts, Beaver Builder is praised for simplicity and clean code, Breakdance is a lightweight modern builder focused on performance, and 10Web AI Builder uses AI to generate full sites quickly.

The right choice depends on your project’s needs, budget, and technical skill, so it’s best to try free versions to see which fits your workflow.

We’ve broken more WordPress pages than we care to admit.

But after testing just about all the drag-and-drop WordPress page builders out there, we know exactly which ones are worth your time and which ones will leave you staring at a blank screen wondering what went wrong.

Whether you’re after total design freedom, blazing speed, AI-powered layouts, or a dead-simple builder for your first site, we’ve got the right pick for you below.

Ready to skip the guesswork? Let’s dive into the best WordPress page builders for 2026.

How We Test and Review WordPress Page Builders

We don’t just list popular tools, we actually use them.

Every page builder on this list was tested by our content and product teams across scenarios like building lead capture landing pages, custom homepages, product showcase pages, and even full site redesigns.

Here’s what we looked for:

CriteriaWhat We Looked For
Ease of UseHow intuitive is the interface for beginners and marketers — not just developers?
Design FlexibilityCan we easily create custom layouts, animations, and responsive designs without code?
Speed & PerformanceDo pages built with this tool load fast and score well in Core Web Vitals?
Built-in FeaturesAre there built-in elements like contact forms, popups, or A/B testing tools?
SEO FriendlinessDoes the builder output clean code, support schema, and offer SEO controls?
Lead Gen CompatibilityDoes it play well with OptinMonster and other conversion tools?
Pricing & ValueAre the features worth the cost — especially for small businesses or solopreneurs?

We also used each tool for at least 2+ builds or test pages, and evaluated any new features released in 2024–2025 including AI-powered layouts, faster onboarding flows, and mobile-first editing improvements.

Quick Comparison: Best WordPress Page Builders at a Glance

RankPage BuilderBest ForKey FeaturesStarting PriceFree Version?
🥇SeedProdMarketers & landing pages300+ templates, built-in conversion tools, build complete site in 60 seconds with AI$39.50/yearYes
🥈ElementorDesign flexibilityLive editor, theme builder, huge addon library$59/yearYes
🥉Thrive ArchitectMarketers & funnelsBuilt-in conversion elements, advanced triggers$99/yearNo
4DiviVisual effects & templatesAdvanced design controls, 2000+ layouts, A/B testing$89/yearNo
5BreakdanceModern, developer-friendlyFast UI, clean code output, dynamic data support$99/yearYes
610Web AI BuilderAI-powered speedImport any site, AI content/layout generation$10/monthYes (limited)
7Beaver BuilderAgencies & client sitesReliable, fast, robust front-end editing$99/yearLimited

Best WordPress Page Builders

1. SeedProd— Best AI Website Builder for WordPress

SeedProd WordPress page builder

We’ve used SeedProd to launch everything from lead magnets to webinar pages and we keep coming back to it for one reason: it just works.

If your main goal is building landing pages that convert, SeedProd is hands-down the easiest builder to start with. It’s built for marketers, not developers and it shows.

What We Like:

  • The drag-and-drop UI is so clean, it actually makes building pages fun
  • Built-in countdown timers, optin forms, and integrations with OptinMonster
  • 300+ templates so you’re never starting from scratch

What Could Be Better:

  • Not ideal for building full multi-page websites (it’s laser-focused on single-page conversions)
  • Some templates feel a bit “template-y” unless you customize them

Why We Chose SeedProd:
When we needed a high-converting, mobile-friendly page to promote our Black Friday campaign, SeedProd got it done in less than an hour. If you’re focused on leads, not layouts — this is the one.

For more details on SeedProd, checkout our detailed SeedProd review.

2. Elementor— Best for Creative Control and Custom Layouts

Elementor WordPress page builder

When we need pixel-perfect control or a super custom layout, Elementor’s the tool we reach for. It gives you designer-level flexibility — without needing to write a single line of code.

Elementor is like having a design agency in your WordPress dashboard. You can drag, drop, animate, layer, and tweak just about everything. If SeedProd is your go-to for speed, Elementor’s your toolkit for total creative freedom.

What We Like:

  • Visual editor is ultra-smooth and intuitive — what you see is truly what you get
  • Huge ecosystem: 300+ templates, widgets, and 3rd-party extensions galore
  • Dynamic content & theme builder = big win for custom sites or advanced users

What Could Be Better:

  • Can feel bloated if you go overboard with widgets or animations
  • Free version is limited for real marketing use (Pro is where the magic is)

Why We Chose Elementor
We used Elementor to redesign one of our most visited blog category pages, adding animations, CTA blocks, and a custom optin section and saw a noticeable boost in time on page and clicks. If you love tinkering with design details and want full layout control, Elementor gives you the playground to do it.

3. Thrive Architect— Best for Marketers and Conversion-Focused Pages

Thrive Architect's drag-and-drop WordPress page builder

Thrive Architect isn’t trying to be the flashiest builder but if your goal is leads, sales, and funnels that convert, this thing is stacked.

Thrive Architect is laser-focused on helping you build high-converting pages; think sales funnels, webinar opt-ins, lead magnets, and product pages. It’s built by marketers, for marketers, and it shows in every template and feature.

What We Like:

  • Dozens of proven, conversion-optimized templates ready to go
  • Smart element triggers (like showing content after a timer or scroll depth)
  • Integrates tightly with Thrive Suite tools like Thrive Leads and Thrive Quiz Builder

What Could Be Better:

  • Doesn’t offer much for full-site design — it’s page-level focused

Why We Chose Thrive Architect
We used Thrive Architect to build a lead-gen funnel for a free download and with just a few tweaks, it outperformed our previous setup by 30%. If you want a builder that’s designed to grow your list or drive action, Thrive is your secret weapon.

4. Divi— Best for Visual Effects and Pre-Built Layouts

Divi's WordPress page builder

If SeedProd is for speed and Elementor is for control, Divi is for people who want wow factor — stunning visuals, slick animations, and beautiful templates baked right in.

Divi comes with one of the most polished design experiences out there. With 2,000+ layout packs, built-in A/B testing, and jaw-dropping visual effects, it’s the page builder you reach for when you want to impress.

What We Like:

  • Gorgeous pre-designed layouts that look premium out of the box
  • Powerful built-in effects: transitions, hover states, parallax, animations
  • Lifetime pricing option makes it a deal for long-term users or agencies

What Could Be Better:

  • Can feel heavy — not the fastest-loading builder on this list
  • Slight learning curve if you’ve never used a visual builder before

Why We Chose Divi
We used Divi to build a mini-site for a product launch with bold visuals and multiple layout sections. It looked like a custom design agency job and took a fraction of the time. If you want your pages to look designer-level without hiring one, Divi’s got you covered.

5. Breakdance — Best for Modern Builders and Developers Who Hate Bloat

We didn’t expect to love Breakdance… but after building a full funnel page in under an hour with fast load times and zero plugin conflicts, we were sold.

Breakdance is the new kid on the block, but it’s already turning heads. It’s lightweight, lightning-fast, and built with modern WordPress standards in mind. If you want the power of something like Elementor without the bloat, Breakdance hits that sweet spot.

What We Like:

  • Super fast UI — seriously, one of the snappiest editors we’ve tested
  • Clean code output that devs will actually appreciate
  • Dynamic data support and WooCommerce integration built right in

What Could Be Better:

  • Still a newer builder, so the third-party ecosystem is smaller (for now)
  • Some advanced features may feel overkill for casual users

Why We Chose Breakdance
We used Breakdance to rebuild a product comparison page and it loaded 20% faster than the Elementor version, with the same design. If you want a builder that feels fresh, fast, and future-proof, Breakdance is worth your attention.

6. 10Web AI Builder — Best for Cloning Sites and AI-Powered Launches

We used 10Web AI to clone an existing site in minutes, not hours. It didn’t just copy the layout; it recreated it with editable sections and clean styling. Wild.

10Web AI Builder isn’t your typical drag-and-drop editor. It uses artificial intelligence to recreate existing websites or generate brand-new layouts based on a few simple prompts. If you’re short on time or starting from scratch, this builder is your fast lane.

What We Like:

  • AI can generate full page structures, not just content blurbs
  • One-click site cloning is insanely useful for migrating or redesigning
  • Built-in hosting (via Google Cloud) = faster performance out of the box

What Could Be Better:

  • Not ideal for heavy customization — better for quick-start builds
  • Works best with its own ecosystem (you can’t just install it on any host)

Why We Chose 10Web
We tested 10Web on a client’s legacy site, and in under 10 minutes we had a working, editable version ready to tweak and launch. If you’re rebuilding a site fast or experimenting with designs before going live, this AI builder is a total time-saver.

7. Beaver Builder— Best for Agencies and Client Sites

Beaver Builder page builder for WordPress

When we’re building something that needs to just work, no glitches, no plugin drama, Beaver Builder is our go-to. It’s not flashy, but it’s rock-solid.

Beaver Builder is the builder your web developer friend secretly respects. It’s stable, clean, and built for long-term site management which makes it perfect for agencies, freelancers, or anyone building sites for clients.

What We Like:

  • Fast, reliable front-end editor — no lag, no weird bugs
  • Outputs clean code (devs love this) and plays nice with almost any theme
  • White labeling and multisite support = great for client work

What Could Be Better:

  • The UI feels a bit dated compared to flashier builders like Breakdance
  • Doesn’t include as many built-in marketing elements (you’ll want to pair it with OptinMonster or similar)

Why We Chose Beaver Builder
We built a client’s entire 10-page coaching site on Beaver Builder and barely had to touch support. It’s not the most exciting tool but it’s one of the most dependable. If you value stability over sizzle, Beaver Builder is a smart bet.

Which is the Best WordPress Page Builder?

It depends on what you’re building but after testing all of these firsthand, here’s our take:

  • Best Overall: SeedProd — Perfect if you want fast, high-converting pages with zero fluff. Great for marketers, product launches, and list-building.
  • Best for Design Freedom: Elementor — Ideal if you love full control over layout, styling, and animations.
  • Best for Funnels & Lead Gen: Thrive Architect — Built with conversion in mind, and packed with smart triggers and lead tools.
  • Best AI Option: 10Web AI Builder — Wildly efficient for cloning sites or generating layouts on the fly.
  • Best for Agencies: Beaver Builder — Reliable, stable, and built for long-term, client-friendly performance.

At the end of the day, the best builder is the one that matches your workflow, goals, and tech comfort level. Whether you’re starting your first blog or managing dozens of client sites, there’s a builder on this list that’ll help you move faster and convert better.

FAQs About WordPress Page Builders

1. What is the easiest WordPress page builder for beginners?

SeedProd is one of the most beginner-friendly builders we’ve tested. Its clean drag-and-drop interface, pre-designed templates, and focus on single-page designs make it perfect for non-techy users who want results fast.

Related: How to Create a Landing Page in WordPress Without Code

2. Are WordPress page builders bad for SEO?

Not if you choose the right one. Tools like Elementor, Thrive Architect, and SeedProd output clean code and allow for SEO-friendly setups. Just avoid bloated templates, keep image sizes optimized, and use an SEO plugin like AIOSEO.

3. Which WordPress page builder is the fastest?

In our testing, Breakdance and SeedProd delivered the fastest load times. Both prioritize performance and don’t overload your site with extra scripts or styling.

4. Can I switch page builders later?

Technically yes, but it’s not always smooth. Most page builders use shortcodes or proprietary layouts, which can break if you uninstall them. If you plan to switch later, choose a builder with clean code output (like Beaver Builder) or start with native WordPress blocks.

5. Do I still need a theme if I use a page builder?

Not always. Many builders (like SeedProd, Elementor Pro, and Divi) now include full theme building capabilities. But lightweight themes like Astra or GeneratePress can still improve performance and flexibility.

Once you’ve decided on your WordPress page builder, check out these posts about site creation:

The post 7 Best WordPress Page Builders for 2026 (Expert Tested & Ranked) appeared first on OptinMonster.]]>
https://optinmonster.com/drag-and-drop-page-builders/feed/ 5
Here’s the Best WordPress Form Plugin in 2026 (I Tried Them All) https://optinmonster.com/best-wordpress-form-builder-plugins/ https://optinmonster.com/best-wordpress-form-builder-plugins/#comments Tue, 02 Dec 2025 14:00:00 +0000 https://optinmonster.com/?p=122401 I’ve spent countless hours testing numerous form builders to find the perfect WordPress form plugin for my website. Let me tell you, it wasn’t a walk in the park. To save you the same struggle, I’m sharing my experience to help you choose the right form plugin for your WordPress site. Here are the 6 …

The post Here’s the Best WordPress Form Plugin in 2026 (I Tried Them All) appeared first on OptinMonster.]]>

TL;DR:

The best WordPress form plugin is WPForms, a beginner-friendly tool packed with powerful addons for surveys, payments, and lead forms. If you’re looking for a free option, WPForms Lite is a great choice, it’s a simple drag-and-drop form plugin that covers all your basic contact form needs. For more advanced use cases, Formidable Forms is ideal for developers who need complex calculations, data views, and deep integrations to build web apps or quote forms.

I’ve spent countless hours testing numerous form builders to find the perfect WordPress form plugin for my website. Let me tell you, it wasn’t a walk in the park.

To save you the same struggle, I’m sharing my experience to help you choose the right form plugin for your WordPress site.

Here are the 6 WordPress form plugins I tested for this review. You can click any of the names below to jump directly to that section and see my full breakdown of each tool:

How I Test WordPress Form Plugins

Before recommending any plugin, I put each one through a simple, consistent 3-step process.

  1. Install & Set Up
    I install each plugin on a fresh WordPress test site (latest version + popular themes) to evaluate setup time, UI clarity, and onboarding flow.
  2. Build 3 Real Test Forms
    I create:
    • a simple contact form
    • a survey or lead form with conditional logic
    • a payment form (Stripe/PayPal)
      This helps me see how beginner-friendly each form plugin really is.
  3. Measure Speed & Deliverability
    I test form load time, submission reliability, and email delivery success. Plugins that send confirmations instantly, without spam issues, score higher.

All tests are performed in-house by OptinMonster’s content team, so our recommendations reflect firsthand results, not affiliate bias.

Overview of the Top WordPress Form Plugins

PluginBest ForFree Plan?Key TradeoffFrom (per year)
WPFormsBeginners & marketers✅ Yes (Lite)Advanced features require Pro plan$49.50
Formidable FormsDevelopers & complex apps✅ YesSteeper learning curve$39.50
HubSpot FormsBusinesses using CRM & email marketing✅ YesFree version limited; paid tiers pricey$0 (CRM), Paid Hubs $800+
Gravity FormsAgencies & custom projects❌ NoNo free version; multiple add-ons increase cost$59
Ninja FormsFreelancers needing modular features✅ YesAdd-ons can get expensive quickly$49+
UserFeedbackSite owners collecting visitor insights✅ YesNot a form builder; best as a feedback companion$89

How to drive traffic to your contact form?

OptinMonster is the best way to get more people to fill out your web forms. With the help of OptinMonster’s advanced targeting rules, you can show your contact forms to the right visitors at the right time.

Review: Best WordPress Form Plugins

WPForms – My Go-To WordPress Form Plugin

wpforms is the best of the best wordpress form builder plugins

Out of all the WordPress form plugins I’ve tested, WPForms became my instant favorite. It’s incredibly user-friendly, even for a non-tech person like me. The drag-and-drop builder is a game-changer. I was able to create professional-looking forms in no time.

What I love most is the flexibility. Need a simple contact form? No problem. Want to build a complex survey or job application form? WPForms can handle it. I’ve used it for everything from collecting email subscribers to processing online payments.

The pre-built templates are a fantastic starting point, but the real power comes from customizing them to match my exact needs. I’ve played around with conditional logic, multi-page forms, and even geolocation features. It’s amazing how much you can do without writing a single line of code.

Plus, the integration options are top-notch. I’ve connected WPForms to my email marketing service, CRM, and payment processors with ease. It’s saved me countless hours of setup time.

While the free version is great for basic forms, I opted for the premium plan to unlock its full potential. It’s been worth every penny.

Is WPForms Free? There is a free version, called WPForms Lite.
Premium Pricing: Starts at $39/year

Resource: How To Create a Contact Form with WPForms

Formidable Forms – Power Under the Hood

Formidable Forms is a different beast altogether. While WPForms is great for most users, I found myself needing something more robust for a complex project, so I turned to Formidable Forms.

Don’t get me wrong, it’s not as user-friendly out of the box as WPForms. There’s a steeper learning curve, but the payoff is immense. If you’re comfortable with a little technical tinkering, Formidable Forms opens up a world of possibilities.

I was blown away by its flexibility. Creating complex forms with conditional logic, calculations, and user-specific views was a breeze. I even built a custom directory using Formidable Forms! The possibilities truly feel endless.

However, it’s not for everyone. If you just need a simple contact form, WPForms is probably a better fit. But if you’re looking to build something truly custom, Formidable Forms is worth the investment of time to learn.

Is Formidable Forms Free? There is a free version, called Formidable Lite.
Premium Pricing: Starts at $39.50/year

HubSpot – All-in-One Marketing Solution

HubSpot was a pleasant surprise. I was initially skeptical about using an all-in-one platform, but their form builder is actually pretty solid. It’s definitely geared towards a slightly different audience.

If you’re a small business owner looking to grow your email list and nurture leads, HubSpot is worth considering. The form builder is easy to use, and the integration with their CRM and email marketing tools is seamless.

I found the drag-and-drop interface intuitive, and the pre-designed templates were a good starting point. While it might not offer the same level of customization as Formidable Forms, it’s perfect for most businesses.

The real value of HubSpot lies in its overall marketing platform. Being able to manage your contacts, send emails, and track your website performance all in one place is a huge time-saver. However, if you’re only looking for a WordPress form builder, WPForms is a specialized option out there.

Is HubSpot Free? Yes, there is a free version of the HubSpot WordPress plugin.
Premium Pricing: Starts at $800/month

Gravity Forms – A Developer’s Dream

Gravity Forms is targeted towards developers and those who crave maximum customization. I wouldn’t call it user-friendly in the same sense as WPForms, but the power it offers is undeniable.

I spent a good amount of time exploring its features, and I was impressed by the depth of customization available. Once I got the hang of it, building complex forms with conditional logic, multi-step flows, and even creating user-generated content was a breeze.

It’s clear that Gravity Forms is designed for those who want to build highly customized solutions. If you’re comfortable with a little coding or have a developer on your team, it’s a fantastic option. However, for simple forms, it might be overkill.

The lack of a free version is a drawback, but considering its capabilities, it’s understandable.

Is Gravity Forms Free? No, there isn’t a free version.
Premium Pricing: Starts at $59/month

Ninja Forms – The Swiss Army Knife of Form Plugins

Ninja Forms surprised me. It’s like the underdog that packs a punch. The free version offers a solid foundation, and the add-on system lets you customize it to your heart’s content.

I started with the basic form builder, and it was straightforward enough. The interface isn’t as polished as WPForms, but it gets the job done. Where Ninja Forms really shines is in its flexibility. Need more advanced features? Just grab an add-on.

I experimented with a few add-ons, and I was impressed by the range of options. From payment processing to user management, there’s probably an add-on for it. The pricing model is a bit different, too, allowing you to pick and choose the features you need.

While it might not be the most glamorous option, Ninja Forms is a practical choice for many users. If you’re looking for a good balance of features and cost, it’s definitely worth considering.

Is Ninja Forms free? Yes, there’s a free version.
Premium Pricing: Starts at $99/year

UserFeedback – A Focused Solution

UserFeedback is a niche player in the WordPress form plugin world, but it does one thing exceptionally well: collecting user feedback.

I was impressed by its simplicity. Setting up feedback forms is straightforward, and the customization options are sufficient for most use cases. The ability to embed feedback forms anywhere on your website is a huge plus.

While it lacks the breadth of features offered by the other form plugins, such as WPForms, it’s perfect for its intended purpose. If you’re primarily interested in gathering user feedback, UserFeedback is definitely worth considering.

It’s a great option for gathering insights from your audience and improving your website based on their input.

Is UserFeedback free? There is a free plugin, UserFeedback Lite.
Premium Pricing: Starts at $49.5/year

There you have it! My picks for the top WordPress form plugin.

Wrapping Up: Which Is The Best WordPress Form Plugin?

After putting these form plugins through their paces, it’s clear that there’s no one-size-fits-all solution. The best WordPress form plugin depends on your specific needs, technical expertise, and budget.

For most users, I recommend WPForms because it offers a great balance of features, ease of use, and affordability. If you need more advanced features or are a developer, consider Formidable Forms owing to its unparalleled customization and power.

If you’re focused on collecting user feedback, UserFeedback is a specialized tool that does the job well. And if you’re looking for a broader marketing solution, HubSpot offers a solid form builder integrated with other marketing tools.

Remember, the best way to choose is to experiment with different options. Many of these plugins offer free trials or lite versions, so you can test them out before committing.

Discover the Missing Piece to Your Forms Success

Whenever you add a form to your WordPress website, you still have a big problem: how do you drive traffic to that form?

But by adding them to your OptinMonster campaigns, you can bring your forms directly to your site’s visitors (rather than the other way around).

You’d do this using OptinMonster’s advanced targeting rules. These rules allow you to show your forms to the right people, in the right places, and at the right time in their customer journey.

Some popular targeting rules include:

These are just a few examples, though there are many others.

You can use any targeting rules to present your web forms and get more users to engage with your forms.

And OptinMonster integrates with all popular email marketing services so you can automate adding subscribers to your email list.

Get More Engagement From Your Forms Today with OptinMonster!

BONUS: Done-For-You Campaign Setup ($297 value) Our conversion experts will design 1 free campaign for you to get maximum results – absolutely FREE! Click here to get started →

Frequently Asked Questions About WordPress Form Plugins

What is the best free WordPress form plugin?

The best free option is WPForms Lite, which lets you build simple contact forms quickly. If you need advanced features like surveys, payments, or conditional logic, you can upgrade to WPForms Pro.

Which WordPress form plugin works best with WooCommerce?

Formidable Forms and Gravity Forms both have excellent WooCommerce integrations, making them ideal for order forms, product customization, and advanced eCommerce workflows.

Can I create surveys or polls with a WordPress form plugin?

Yes. WPForms and Formidable Forms include survey and poll add-ons that let you collect feedback and display results with charts and reports.

What is the easiest form plugin for beginners?

WPForms is the most beginner-friendly option thanks to its drag-and-drop builder and 900+ templates. Even non-technical users can set up professional forms in minutes.

Which WordPress form plugin is best for developers?

Formidable Forms and Gravity Forms are developer favorites. They offer advanced customization, calculations, and add-ons that make it possible to build complex applications like directories and calculators.

Can I connect WordPress form plugins with email marketing services?

Yes. Most leading form plugins integrate with tools like Mailchimp, Constant Contact, and HubSpot. WPForms and HubSpot Forms are especially strong for marketing automation.

The post Here’s the Best WordPress Form Plugin in 2026 (I Tried Them All) appeared first on OptinMonster.]]>
https://optinmonster.com/best-wordpress-form-builder-plugins/feed/ 4
I Reviewed All 15 Best WordPress Lightbox Plugins https://optinmonster.com/wordpress-lightbox-plugins/ https://optinmonster.com/wordpress-lightbox-plugins/#respond Mon, 20 Oct 2025 12:00:00 +0000 https://optinmonster.com/?p=155993 TL;DR: If you want a WordPress lightbox plugin that actually grows your list, go with OptinMonster (best overall) for forms, videos, precise triggers, and built-in A/B testing. Need a simple, free image overlay? Simple Lightbox is the quickest win. Running photo-heavy sites? Envira Gallery delivers polished galleries with a pro lightbox. Selling with WooCommerce? Responsive …

The post I Reviewed All 15 Best WordPress Lightbox Plugins appeared first on OptinMonster.]]>
TL;DR: If you want a WordPress lightbox plugin that actually grows your list, go with OptinMonster (best overall) for forms, videos, precise triggers, and built-in A/B testing. Need a simple, free image overlay? Simple Lightbox is the quickest win. Running photo-heavy sites? Envira Gallery delivers polished galleries with a pro lightbox. Selling with WooCommerce? Responsive Lightbox & Gallery handles product image zooms and galleries well.

Are you looking for the best WordPress lightbox plugin for your site?

In this article, I’ve compared some of the best WordPress lightbox plugins so you can choose the right one for your site.

What is a WordPress Lightbox Plugin?

A WordPress lightbox plugin is a tool that allows you to display images, videos, galleries, and other media in an overlay, creating an immersive experience for your website visitors. It prevents users from being redirected to a separate page or losing their place on the website, thereby improving engagement and usability.

yes/no popup

ightbox plugins can be helpful in the following situations:

  1. Image galleries and portfolios: Showcasing a collection of images in a visually appealing manner.
  2. Product presentations: Highlighting product images, enabling users to view them in detail.
  3. Video content: Offering a convenient way to play videos directly on the website without interruption.
  4. Interactive media: Displaying maps, charts, and infographics that users can explore within the lightbox.

Now that you know what a lightbox plugin is and what it can be used for, let’s look at the best WordPress lightbox plugins on the market that let you add this cool effect to your site in different ways.

Best WordPress Lightbox Plugins at a Glance (Top 8)

ToolBest forTypesTriggersA/BPrice (from)
OptinMonsterLead capture & promosImage • Video • HTML • FormScroll • Exit • InactivityYes$7/mo* (annual promo)
Thrive LeadsList building within Thrive ecosystemImage • HTML • FormClick • Time • Scroll • ExitYes$99/yr* (solo) or in Thrive Suite*
Envira GalleryPhotographers & galleriesImage • Video*Click onlyNoPlan tiers*/yr
NextGEN GalleryLarge media libraries & albumsImage • Gallery • Video*Click onlyNoPlan tiers*/yr
Elementor LightboxElementor-built pagesImage • VideoClick onlyNoIncluded (Elementor)
Jetpack CarouselFree gallery lightboxImage • GalleryClick onlyNoFree
WP Video LightboxSimple video popupsVideoClick onlyNoFree
FooBoxStylish, shareable image lightboxImage • GalleryClick onlyNo$29/yr* (Pro) / Free

How I Test (Quick Checklist)

I install each plugin on a fresh WordPress site (latest core + a popular theme) and verify:

  • Mobile gestures: tap/drag to close, scroll lock, pinch-zoom.
  • Keyboard & accessibility: focus trap, Esc closes, arrow keys, labels/aria.
  • Core Web Vitals: CLS/LCP before vs. after enabling the lightbox.
  • Gutenberg/FSE: native blocks, block styles, editor UI compatibility.
  • Triggers & content: click / scroll / exit / inactivity; forms & video embeds.
  • WooCommerce (if relevant): product image zoom/quick-view behavior.
  • Performance: script payload, lazy/defer strategy, iframe loading.
  • Pricing verification: confirmed on vendor sites (last checked: Oct, 2025).

Best WordPress Lightbox Plugins

1. OptinMonster

optinmonster homepage

OptinMonster is the most powerful lead generation tool on the market that you can use to increase subscribers, leads, and sales. It lets you create beautiful lightbox popups for just about anything.

You can create lightboxes to display signup prompts, contact forms, videos, images, and other messages.

Plus, it has 700+ readymade templates that you can use to create well-designed responsive lightboxes so you don’t have to start from scratch.

Highlights

  • Beginner-friendly and user-friendly drag and drop builder functionality to create visually stunning lightboxes in under 5 minutes
  • Test and adjust the design of your lightbox in real-time with a visual builder
  • Advanced lightbox options like popups, gamified wheels, scroll boxes, banners, and floating bars
  • Grow your subscribers list with ‘yes/no’ optin popups
  • Reduce bounce rates and cart abandonment with Exit-Intent® Technology that detects when users are leaving your site and triggers a popup
  • Gives you complete control over when and where the lightbox is displayed with InactivitySensor™, scroll trigger, and timed display options
  • Find what works best for your campaigns using A/B testing and data analytics
  • Optimize your results with targeted campaigns for specific users and locations
  • Lock on-demand content and give subscribers an irresistible incentive to sign up

Cost
Plans start at $7 a month (billed annually).

Create a Lightbox Popup Now!

2. Thrive Leads

Thrive Leads - WordPress Lightbox Plugin

Thrive Leads, a widely used lightbox plugin for WordPress, offers the ability to create attractive lightbox popups within the WordPress environment.

Developed by the team behind Thrive Themes, known for their expertise in conversion-focused WordPress themes, this plugin streamlines the lead generation process by eliminating the necessity for multiple plugins.

It prides itself on being an all-in-one solution and integrates smoothly with other Thrive products, such as Thrive Architect and Thrive Apprentice, allowing for a cohesive and efficient user experience.

Highlights

  • Multiple opt-in form types
  • Advanced A/B testing
  • Beautifully pre-designed template
  • Drag and drop design
  • Content locking
  • Yes/No optins
  • Advanced analytics tracking

Cost

$99 per year for the standalone plugin. Or, you can purchase Thrive Suite, which includes all Thrive Themes plugins, for $299 per year.

Envira Gallery

Envira Gallery is the best drag and drop photo gallery plugin that lets you create beautiful lightbox galleries in WordPress.

It’s easy to use and comes with multiple gallery templates and layouts to set up your WordPress gallery in a few clicks.

With the supersize lightbox feature, you can beautifully display your images at full scale on any viewing device.

It also offers powerful features like video galleries, photo albums, social media integration, deeplinking, eCommerce support, and more.

Highlights

  • Works with Gutenberg blocks
  • Beautiful responsive templates
  • Share and sell photos easily with watermarking, image proofing, social sharing, and WooCommerce integration
  • Supports supersized images, password protection, image and tags
  • Plenty of video tutorials and documentation to learn from
  • Import photos from Instagram, NextGEN, Dropbox, and .zip files

Cost
Plans start at $39.50 per year. There’s also a free version available.

NextGEN Gallery

NextGEN Gallery is another popular gallery plugin that allows you to display images in a full-scale lightbox when opened.

The pro lightbox is completely customizable. You can edit the theme, colors, padding, crop image display, transition effects, and more.

This plugin is great for photographers and anyone who wants to showcase their work in stunning views.

It’s loaded with professional features like image proofing, watermarking, automatic print fulfillment, and built-in eCommerce capabilities.

Highlights

  • Highly customizable lightboxes for images and galleries
  • Add social share and comment options
  • Turn your gallery into a lightbox slideshow
  • Create your own auto-play and slideshow speed settings

Cost
Starts at $69.50 per year. There’s also a limited free version available.

5. Elementor Lightbox

elementor lightbox

Elementor is a page builder that comes with an in-built lightbox feature that makes it easy to convert images, videos, and galleries into lightbox popups. So if you’re using Elementor on your site, this feature is really handy.

There’s no set up required. You can simply enable the feature for images as you build your page or post. However, if you’re using any other page builder, you’ll need to use a separate plugin to get the lightbox effect.

Highlights

  • Mobile responsive lightbox that works on any device
  • No set up required
  • Supports image, slider, gallery, and video
  • Gives you control over the lightbox background

Cost
There’s a free version. Premium plans start at $59 per year.

lightbox carousel by jetpack

Carousel by Jetpack is a feature of the JetPack plugin that lets you add a lightbox to images and galleries to create a fullscreen visual experience.

It has 6 gallery templates to choose from so that it looks good on your website. Plus, it’s simple to set up and comes with customization options but it limits you to a black or white background.

Highlights

  • Easy to use and can be enabled from JetPack’s settings
  • Preview and adjust the gallery as you build it
  • Add comments and image metadata
  • Different types of galleries to choose from

Cost
Free module in Jetpack; enable Carousel in settings.

7. WP Video Lightbox

wordpress video lightbox

WP Video Lightbox can be used to display images and videos in a lightbox overlay. It lets you customize the lightbox to match your WordPress website but it uses an embed method which makes it slightly technical to use.

On the plus side, it lets you easily load YouTube videos, fetch thumbnails, add iFrames and disable suggested videos. You can also set it to autoplay videos in a lightbox.

Highlights

  • Load Flash, TouTube and Vimeo videos
  • Very easy to install
  • Gives you more control over the opacity of the lightbox and animation speed
  • Uses shortcodes and HTML to embed the lightbox

Cost
Free.

8. Foobox

foobox

Foobox is a responsive WordPress lightbox plugin that lets you add a lightbox effect to images, videos, and HTML. It comes with an in-built social sharing feature for visitors to easily share your lightbox content.

The plugin’s ratings aren’t the best but they have a super-responsive support team.

Highlights

  • No setup or configuration required
  • Add videos from popular hosting sites like YouTube and Vimeo
  • Built-in slideshow for galleries
  • Fomoto integration that lets you sell digital images on your site
  • WooCommerce integration to display lightbox images for products

Cost
It has a free version. The pro plan starts at $29.99 per year.

9. Simple Lightbox

simple lightbox

Simple Lightbox, as the name suggests, is a very simple tool to create lightboxes in WordPress. It lets you display images and slideshows with customized lightbox animations.

It’s popular for being a free plugin that’s so easy to use, however, while setting up the plugin, you may need to check a few technicalities in your WordPress theme to ensure the plugin will work.

Highlights

  • Reponsive lightboxes that are mobile friendly
  • Customization options to match theme and branding
  • No coding knowledge needed
  • Lots of add ons available

Cost
Free.

10. ARI Fancy Lightbox

ari fancy lightbox

ARI Fancy Lightbox plugin is popular for its social share and viral features. It supports all types of content and media files so you can add the lightbox effect to just about anything on your site.

Keep in mind when you buy this plugin, you’ll get support for 6 months after which you’ll need to renew it to receive future support.

Highlights

  • Easy to use without any coding knowledge needed
  • Attaches lightbox to any media item
  • Supports images, videos, webpages, inline content, GoogleMaps, and webpages
  • Compatible with YouTube, Vimeo, and DailyMotion
  • Mobile-friendly and responsive

Cost
Premium available on CodeCanyon (price varies); free core on wp.org.

11. ModuloBox

modulobox

ModuloBox is an incredible lightbox plugin to display slideshows in a popup.

It offers advanced features and supports WooCommerce galleries. And it comes with multi-touch gestures which means you can swipe, drag, and pinch content on your smartphone.

It’s a highly-rated premium plugin but there’s no demo to try it out first.

Highlights

  • Compatibility with images, videos, and HTML content
  • Finetune with extended features and settings
  • Keeps users engaged with infinite scrolling
  • Social share options to grow your following
  • Switch between slideshow and fullscreen mode

Cost
$49 one-time (CodeCanyon); free Lite on WordPress.org.

12. Firelight Lightbox (formerly Easy FancyBox)

Firelight Lightbox is a flexible solution to add lightbox popups to your WordPress website. It works with any media link and you can manage the lightbox options from your WordPress dashboard settings.

Firelight Lightbox has a free version that lets you create and style a lightbox but if you want more advanced features, you’ll need the Pro version.

Highlights

  • Supports all common image formats, HTML, and PDF files
  • Compatible with YouTube, Dailymotion, and Vimeo
  • Works with external web pages
  • Add effects like fade or elastic spring
  • Tons of styling options for color, opacity, and border

Cost
There’s a free version. Pro plans start at $19.

13. Image Hover Ultimate

image hover ultimate

Image Hover Ultimate is another lightbox WordPress great plugin that adds hover effects and animations to your images. It comes with 500+ elegant effects like lightbox and magnifier that work with all modern page builders.

It’s a lightweight plugin that can bring your images to life and make your site more attractive.

Highlights

  • Creates mobile responsive lightbox
  • Supports popular page builders like Divi, Elementor and WPBakery
  • Clone image settings to apply to other images
  • User friendly and developer friendly composer
  • Auto-resize and customization options for fonts

Cost
There is a free version but most features are in the pro version which starts at $19.99.

photonic gallery and lightbox

Photonic Gallery and Lightbox gives you the power to makes your WordPress site more interesting with different types of lightbox effects. By far, it has the most number of lightbox types that you can choose from.

The plugin works great with images and videos. Plus, it lets you showcase photos from popular sites like Flickr, Google Photos, Zenfolio, SmugMug, and Instagram.

Highlights

  • Supports widgets, shortcodes and Gutenberg blocks
  • Highest number of built-in lightbox scripts
  • Customize the look and feel of your lightbox
  • Set up password-protection and authentication

Cost
Free.

responsive lightbox and gallery

Responsive Lightbox and Gallery lets you create beautiful lightboxes that are responsive so your lightbox will look good on any device.

You can customize the lightbox to suit your website’s theme and branding. Plus, you can trigger the lightbox on custom events and triggers.

Overall, this plugin has great reviews from its users but if you run into issues, it might take a while to get help from the support staff.

Highlights

  • Easy drag and drop builder
  • Lightweight and performs well making it SEO-friendly
  • Loaded with customization options to change style and format
  • Responsive so you don’t have to redesign it for different devices

Cost
Free with paid extension options.

There you have it! That’s our top 15 picks for the best WordPress lightbox plugins.

Create a Lightbox Popup Now!

To sum up, lightbox is a great way to add a professional look to your site and improve user experience.

When combined with lead generation forms, it can grow your subscriber list, increase engagement, and improve conversions.

If you’d like to know more about growing your business, check out our list of the Best Lead Generation Tools and Best WordPress Plugins for your site.

If you want to get started right away, get OptinMonster to grow your leads now!

FAQ

What’s a lightbox in WordPress?

A lightbox is an on-page overlay (modal) that opens images, video, or content without a page reload, keeping visitors in place and focused. Most plugins add it automatically when a user clicks a thumbnail or link.

Do lightboxes hurt Core Web Vitals?

Done right, they shouldn’t. Load scripts only on pages that need them, lazy-load media, avoid huge images, and use smooth CSS transitions to prevent CLS. Test LCP/CLS/INP with PageSpeed Insights after enabling your lightbox.

Can I add forms/videos inside a lightbox?

Yes. Many plugins support HTML blocks, shortcodes/blocks for forms, and embedded video. For best UX, keep forms short, defer non-critical scripts, and use muted/controls for video; lazy-load the iframe until opened.

How do I trigger on exit intent or scroll?

  • Exit intent (desktop): Enable the plugin’s “exit” rule; it detects fast mouse movement toward the tab/close bar.
  • Mobile alternative: Use inactivity or scroll-depth (e.g., 50–70%).
  • Scroll trigger: Set a percentage (e.g., 60%) or target specific elements/sections.

Tip: Cap frequency (e.g., show once per session) and exclude already-converted users.

Written by Farjad Taheer
Farjad is a Senior Content Strategist at OptinMonster with over 10 years of experience in lead generation and conversion optimization. He helps marketers turn website visitors into loyal customers using proven CRO techniques.
LinkedIn

The post I Reviewed All 15 Best WordPress Lightbox Plugins appeared first on OptinMonster.]]>
https://optinmonster.com/wordpress-lightbox-plugins/feed/ 0
Here’s the Best WordPress Membership Plugin in 2025 (I Tried Them All) https://optinmonster.com/wordpress-membership-site-plugins/ https://optinmonster.com/wordpress-membership-site-plugins/#comments Tue, 07 Oct 2025 12:00:00 +0000 https://optinmonster.com/?p=129815 A WordPress membership plugin is a fantastic tool to monetize your website. These plugins convert your website into a membership platform and unlock huge potential for increasing revenue and subscribers. I’ve had the opportunity to work with a variety of membership plugins. Each has its strengths and weaknesses, and I’ve learned to match the right …

The post Here’s the Best WordPress Membership Plugin in 2025 (I Tried Them All) appeared first on OptinMonster.]]>

Quick Answer: What is the Best WordPress Membership Plugin?

I recommend MemberPress as the best all-around WordPress membership plugin for most creators. It’s beginner-friendly, works with any theme, supports paid subscriptions, courses, and content gating, and integrates seamlessly with tools like Stripe, PayPal, and email marketing platforms.

A WordPress membership plugin is a fantastic tool to monetize your website.

These plugins convert your website into a membership platform and unlock huge potential for increasing revenue and subscribers.

I’ve had the opportunity to work with a variety of membership plugins. Each has its strengths and weaknesses, and I’ve learned to match the right plugin to my client’s specific needs.

In this article, I share 5 of the best WordPress membership plugins based on my experiences with some of the most popular options.

If you are looking for the best membership plugin for WordPress, read on and pick the one that best suits your goals. 

How I Test WordPress Membership Plugins

Before recommending any membership plugin, I run each one through a consistent, three-step evaluation process.

1. Install & Onboard

I start with a clean WordPress setup (latest version + popular themes) to test plugin installation, setup time, onboarding clarity, and how intuitive the dashboard feels for first-time users. Clear guidance and minimal friction score higher.

2. Build 3 Real Membership Scenarios

To assess flexibility and ease of use, I create:

  • A simple members-only page (for gated content or downloads)
  • A tiered membership setup (with recurring payments and role-based access)
  • A course or community-style site (to test integrations with LMS or forums)

This helps reveal how well each plugin handles access control, checkout flow, and member management for real use cases.

3. Measure Speed, Reliability & Experience

Finally, I test:

  • Page load speed and impact on Core Web Vitals
  • Payment reliability using Stripe and PayPal test modes
  • Member access consistency (no caching or login bugs)
  • Email deliverability for welcome and renewal messages

Plugins that deliver a seamless member experience without slowing down your site score best.

Here are the 5 WordPress membership plugins I tested for this review. You can click any of the names below to jump directly to that section and see my full breakdown of each tool:

Summary of WordPress Membership Plugins

PluginBest ForKey FeaturesProsCons
👑MemberPressComplex membership sites, online courses, digital product storesMultiple membership tiers, drip content, digital downloads, strong integrationsComprehensive feature set, easy to use, excellent supportCan be overkill for simple sites, pricing can escalate
2Paid Memberships ProCustomizable membership sites, budget-conscious usersFlexibility, open-source, strong communityHighly customizable, cost-effectiveSteeper learning curve, core features might be limited
3WooCommerce MembershipsOnline stores with product-based membershipsIntegration with WooCommerce, product-based membershipsSeamless integration, leverages WooCommerce infrastructureLimited to product-based memberships
4LearnDashOnline courses, educational contentDrip content, quizzes, certificates, strong LMS featuresExcellent for online courses, robust featuresCan be overkill for simple membership sites, pricing can be steep
5Restrict Content ProSmall to medium-sized membership sites, content protectionEasy to use, affordable, focuses on core featuresSimple setup, cost-effectiveLimited features, not suitable for complex membership structures

Why Trust OptinMonster?

At OptinMonster, our team has over 15 years of experience with WordPress, lead generation, and online marketing. We actively use and test membership plugins on live websites to understand what truly works for real site owners, not just in theory.

Every plugin in this list has been installed, configured, and tested by our in-house experts to ensure accurate, unbiased recommendations for all types of membership sites.

Here are our favorite WordPress plugins to manage memberships on your website.

1. MemberPress

Home page for MemberPress. "The 'All-In-One' Membership Plugin for WordPress. Join thousands of creators who have together earned over $1,000,000,000 in revenue"

I first encountered MemberPress on a client project that required a robust membership solution with a focus on digital product delivery. The client was launching an online course platform and needed a plugin that could handle multiple membership tiers, drip content, and digital downloads seamlessly.

MemberPress impressed me right away with its intuitive interface and comprehensive feature set. Setting up membership levels, creating drip schedules, and integrating payment gateways was a breeze. The plugin’s ability to restrict content based on membership level is excellent, and the digital downloads feature is a real standout.

However, while MemberPress is undoubtedly powerful, its extensive feature set can sometimes feel overwhelming for simpler membership sites. For smaller projects or those with very specific needs, it might be overkill.

Features

Pros

  • Comprehensive feature set
  • Easy to use interface
  • Strong support
  • Excellent for digital product delivery
  • Flexible membership tiers

Cons

  • Can be overkill for simpler membership sites
  • Pricing can escalate with add-ons

MemberPress Pricing

  • Basic: $179.50 per year
  • Plus: $299.50 per year
  • Pro: $399.50 per year (includes 3 free months of OptinMonster and TrustPulse)

Best for: Online course platforms, digital product stores, and complex membership sites with multiple tiers and features.

Get started with MemberPress today!

Paid Memberships Pro: Start, Manage, and Grow Your Membership Site

I’ve used Paid Memberships Pro (PMPro) on several personal projects and for clients who needed a highly customizable membership solution. It’s open-source nature and extensive add-on ecosystem make it a versatile choice.

I appreciate PMPro’s flexibility. It allows you to tailor the membership experience to your exact needs. Whether you’re building a simple members-only area or a complex subscription-based platform, PMPro can adapt.

That said, the initial setup can be more involved than with some other plugins, and the core functionality is less extensive out-of-the-box. You might need to invest time in configuring settings or purchasing add-ons to achieve your desired results.

Features

  • Can show “sneak peeks” of content
  • Pay per post or view
  • Personalized member homepages
  • Thorough admin dashboard
  • Many payment methods and gateways

Pros

  • Highly customizable
  • Open-source
  • Strong community and support
  • Cost-effective
  • Suitable for a wide range of membership sites

Cons

  • Steeper learning curve
  • Core features might be limited compared to some competitors

Pricing

  • Free: $0
  • Standard: $174 per year
  • Plus: $299 per year
  • Enterprise: $5,000+ per year

Best for: Developers, those with advanced customization needs, and budget-conscious users who don’t require a full-featured membership plugin.

Click here to get started with Paid Memberships Pro.

3. WooCommerce Memberships

WooCommerce wordpress membership plugin cover image

As a WooCommerce expert, I naturally gravitated towards WooCommerce Memberships for clients who already had an online store. It’s a logical extension of the popular ecommerce platform.

The plugin works seamlessly with WooCommerce, allowing you to offer product-based memberships. This is ideal for businesses that sell physical or digital products and want to create additional revenue streams through exclusive member content.

However, if you don’t already use WooCommerce, the learning curve might be steeper, and the plugin’s focus on product-based memberships could limit its usefulness for other types of membership sites.

Features

  • Integration with Constant Contact
  • Member areas requiring invitations
  • Content dripping
  • Membership levels
  • Easy communication with members

Pros

  • Seamless integration with WooCommerce
  • Ideal for product-based memberships
  • Leveraging existing WooCommerce infrastructure
  • Familiar interface for WooCommerce users

Cons

  • Limited to product-based memberships
  • Might not be suitable for non-ecommerce membership sites

Pricing

  • $199 per year

Best for: Online stores looking to create membership tiers based on product purchases.

Click here to get started with WooCommerce Memberships.

4. LearnDash

learndash homepage for WP login plugin for members and LMS

I first came across LearnDash when a client approached me about building an online course platform with membership functionality. Initially, I was skeptical about using an LMS for membership, but I decided to give it a shot.

LearnDash blew me away with its focus on creating structured learning experiences. While it’s primarily an LMS, its membership features are solid. The ability to drip-feed content, create quizzes, and offer certificates within a membership framework is a unique selling point.

For complex membership sites with a strong educational component, LearnDash is a fantastic choice. However, if you’re primarily focused on content restriction and don’t need the full LMS functionality, there might be more streamlined options.

Pros

  • Excellent for online courses and educational content
  • Robust drip content and quiz features
  • Strong community and support
  • Versatile platform

Cons

  • Can be overkill for simple membership sites
  • Pricing can be steep for basic membership features

Features

  • One-time payment or subscription courses
  • Integration with popular payment gateways and marketing apps
  • Course and group management
  • Detailed reporting on enrollment, performance, and progress
  • Robust LMS capacity

Pricing

  • 1 Site: $199 per year
  • 10 Sites: $399 per year
  • Unlimited: $799 per year

Best for: Online course platforms, membership sites with a strong educational focus, and those who need advanced learning management tools.

Click here to get started with LearnDash.

5. Restrict Content Pro

restrict content pro WP login plugin homepage

Restrict Content Pro (RCP) is a plugin I’ve used on several small to medium-sized membership sites. Its simplicity is its greatest strength. If you need a straightforward way to protect content and manage subscriptions, RCP is a solid choice.

The plugin is easy to set up, and the interface is clean and intuitive. While it lacks some of the advanced features of other plugins, it excels at the core functionality of content restriction.

However, for complex membership sites with multiple tiers, drip content, or advanced features, RCP might fall short. It’s best suited for simpler membership models.

Features

  • Unlimited number of membership levels
  • Customer dashboard
  • Stripe integration for free level, more payment options at paid levels
  • Membership emails
  • Autogenerated member pages

Pros

  • Easy to use and set up
  • Focuses on core membership features
  • Affordable
  • Good for smaller membership sites

Cons

  • Limited features compared to other plugins
  • Might not be suitable for complex membership structures

Pricing

  • Basic: Free
  • 1 Site: $99 per year
  • 5 Sites: $149 per year
  • Unlimited: $249 per year

Best for: Small to medium-sized membership sites with basic requirements, bloggers, and those on a tight budget.

Get started with Restrict Content Pro right here.

Through our testing and research, I determined that MemberPress is the best membership plugin for WordPress .

MemberPress is the most comprehensive option, and it’s the easiest to use. It has tons of features and excellent documentation and support.

That said, our favorite may not be the right one for you. That’s okay! The best membership plugin for you depends on your specific needs. Consider factors like the type of content you’ll be offering, the complexity of your membership structure, your budget, and your technical expertise when making your decision.

Do you want to learn more ways to increase revenue on your member website?

Take a look at our list of 30 Ways to Make Money With OptinMonster! In that article, you’ll learn how our powerful popup software can help you make the right offers to the right visitors.

If you want to start with OptinMonster today, check out our affordable pricing plans.

FAQ

Q1. What is the best WordPress membership plugin overall?

A: MemberPress is our top recommendation for 2025. It’s beginner-friendly, integrates with major payment gateways like Stripe and PayPal, and supports subscriptions, content restriction, and online courses.

Q2. Are there any free WordPress membership plugins?

A: Yes. Paid Memberships Pro and Restrict Content Pro both offer free versions with core features, making them great starting options for smaller sites or creators on a budget.

Q3. Which plugin is best for online course websites?

A: LearnDash is ideal for educational membership sites, offering powerful LMS features such as quizzes, certificates, and drip-fed course content.

Q4. What’s the easiest membership plugin for beginners?

A: MemberPress and Restrict Content Pro are both simple to set up with clear interfaces and minimal configuration.

Q5. Can I sell physical or digital products through a membership plugin?

A: Yes. WooCommerce Memberships integrates directly with WooCommerce, letting you offer product-based memberships for both physical and digital goods.

Q6. What should I consider when choosing a membership plugin?

A: Focus on three factors — features, compatibility, and ease of use. Choose a plugin that fits your content goals, works with your current WordPress setup, and is intuitive for both you and your users.

The post Here’s the Best WordPress Membership Plugin in 2025 (I Tried Them All) appeared first on OptinMonster.]]>
https://optinmonster.com/wordpress-membership-site-plugins/feed/ 3
What Is the Best Website Builder for Small Business in 2025 https://optinmonster.com/best-website-builders-for-small-business-compared-pros-and-cons/ https://optinmonster.com/best-website-builders-for-small-business-compared-pros-and-cons/#comments Mon, 15 Sep 2025 14:00:00 +0000 https://optinmonster.com/?p=111399 TL;DR: The best website builder for small businesses in 2025 is WordPress.org thanks to its flexibility, scalability, and SEO advantages. If you want speed, Hostinger’s AI Website Builder makes setup effortless, while Shopify remains the top choice for ecommerce. For design-focused brands, Squarespace delivers stunning templates, and HubSpot’s Website Builder is ideal if you want …

The post What Is the Best Website Builder for Small Business in 2025 appeared first on OptinMonster.]]>

TL;DR: The best website builder for small businesses in 2025 is WordPress.org thanks to its flexibility, scalability, and SEO advantages. If you want speed, Hostinger’s AI Website Builder makes setup effortless, while Shopify remains the top choice for ecommerce. For design-focused brands, Squarespace delivers stunning templates, and HubSpot’s Website Builder is ideal if you want built-in marketing and CRM tools. Each option serves a different need, but all help small businesses get online, look professional, and grow without unnecessary headaches.

Over the years, working as a professional SEO, I have had the opportunity to create websites from the ground up for several clients and small businesses. 

Thanks to website builders, I could create and run a website without requiring professional help or knowledge of coding.

In this article, I share my expert opinion on the best website builders for small businesses I have worked with.

If you’re interested in a specific builder, click the links below to go straight to it:

How We Do Reviews at OptinMonster

OptinMonster reviews are based on in-depth testing and unbiased analysis. Our experts thoroughly evaluate plugins for features, usability, and performance. We value transparency and trust, so our recommendations are impartial and reflect the author’s experience.

Overview of the Top 5 Website Builders for Small Business

Website BuilderBest ForProsConsPricing
1WordPress.org (Self-Hosted)Best OverallFlexible, scalable, SEO-friendly, large communityRequires manual backups and updatesFree (requires domain name and hosting)
2Hostinger Website BuilderBest for AI-Powered CreationQuickly create website with AI, drag-and-drop editorLimited customization compared to WordPress.org, fewer integrationsStarts at $2.99/month
3HubSpot Website BuilderBest for Marketing AutomationMarketing automation tools, CRM integrationSimpler than WordPress.org, might not be ideal for complex websitesFree plan with limited features, premium plans available
4WixBest for Quick & Easy CreationDrag-and-drop builder, many templates, SEO toolsAbsolute positioning (not ideal for all screen sizes), difficult to move site away from WixFree plan, premium plans start at $16/month
5GoDaddy Website BuilderBest for Creating Simple SitesEasy to use, drag-and-drop editor, built-in marketing toolsFewer features than some builders, not ideal for content-rich websitesStarts at $10.99/month

The best website builders for small businesses are discussed in detail below.

1. Self-Hosted WordPress: Best Website Builder for Small Business Overall

I’d be remiss not to mention WordPress. While not technically a website builder in the same vein as the others, it’s an incredibly popular platform for a reason. With WordPress, you have near-infinite customization options and a vast ecosystem of plugins and themes. However, it requires more technical know-how compared to other options.

There are two versions of WordPress: WordPress.org and WordPress.com. WordPress.org is self-hosted and free, while WordPress.com has a variety of pricing levels.

Tons of brands use WordPress. Some big names include TechCrunch, The New York Times Company, and Microsoft News.

I’ve seen WordPress work wonders for clients with complex websites or those who need a high degree of control over their online presence. But for those who just want a simple, hassle-free site, it might be overkill.

Pros:

Cons:

  • Requires manual site back up, updating WordPress and plugins. One way to solve this is with managed WordPress hosting. This option lets someone else look after the technical aspects of running your site.

Pricing:

Self-hosted WordPress is free.

That said, registering your own domain name and using shared hosting come with fees, and this is the way most truly professional websites go.

I recommend Bluehost, where you can get started for $1.99 per month with a free domain for the first year. It also comes with professional email, free SSL certificate, and more.

Get started with WordPress today!

2. Hostinger Website Builder: Best for Automatically Creating a Website

Hostinger Website Builder has impressed me with its affordability and ease of use. If budget is a primary concern for your small business, this is definitely a contender. The drag-and-drop interface is intuitive, and the selection of templates is decent for basic websites.

The AI-powered website builder will automatically build you a website, including SEO-friendly content and relevant images, based on your answers to a few simple questions.

It’s a great option for startups or businesses just getting started online.

If you need to make customizations, you can easily do so with the drag-and-drop editor. Hostinger is also one of the top web hosting providers with affordable pricing.

Pros:

  • AI-powered website builder and an easy drag-and-drop editor to make customizations.
  • Built-in library of ready-made website templates designed by professionals.
  • Powerful ecommerce tools to manage an online store and sell up to 500 products.
  • The cheapest plan includes web hosting, a free domain name, free business email address, and more.

Cons:

  • It’s difficult to switch to a different website template after you’ve chosen one.
  • Compared to website builders like WordPress.org, it lacks 3rd-party integrations and addons.

Pricing:

  • Premium: $2.99 per month ($7.99 per month upon renewal)
  • Business: $3.99 per month ($8.99 per month upon renewal)
  • Cloud Startup: $8.99 per month ($19.99 per month upon renewal)

Get started with Hostinger Website Builder today!

3. HubSpot Website Builder: Best for Marketing Automation

HubSpot Website Builder is more than just a website builder; it’s a comprehensive marketing platform. If you’re looking to grow your business beyond a simple website, HubSpot could be a good fit. The platform offers robust features for SEO, email marketing, and CRM.

A unique feature of the HubSpot website builder is its adaptive testing. This lets you choose up to 5 different versions of a web page. HubSpot monitors and determines the best website for your small business.

I’ve implemented HubSpot for clients in the B2B space and seen positive results. However, the learning curve can be steeper compared to other options, and the pricing can be higher.

Pros:

  • Integration with its CRM. This lets you use customer data to create a personalized experience for each visitor.
  • All content is on one platform. So, you don’t need to jump around to different places to make everything work.
  • Though HubSpot is simple, it’s also comprehensive. It has features like email marketing, live chat, and adaptive testing, which many don’t.

Cons:

  • If you want an online store or a complex business website, a platform like WordPress.org could be better. HubSpot is a bit simpler.
  • Beginners might find the extra features a bit intimidating. Decide if you need marketing automation features before buying.

Pricing:

Begin your journey with the free website builder from HubSpot! They provide a range of packages, including free options with limited features and premium plans offering advanced capabilities and dedicated support.

For pricing plans, feel free to contact their sales experts.

Get started with HubSpot Website Builder today!

4. Wix: Best Quick Business Website Creator With Simple Templates

Wix is probably the most well-known website builder on the market and arguably the best free website builder for small business. It offers a wide range of templates, a flexible drag-and-drop interface, and a decent app market. I’ve used Wix for numerous clients, from restaurants to online stores.

While Wix is user-friendly, I’ve found that the design customization can sometimes be limited. Additionally, switching templates after building a site can be challenging.

Wix made my list of the top website builders because of its Artificial Design Intelligence (ADI). ADI digs through the web for information on your business.

Pros:

  • Offers over 800 templates, clip art, icons, and an app market in the free version. You can add access to more apps, videos, and more at higher levels.
  • This platform also has SEO, email capture and marketing, social posting, and Facebook ad tools.
  • Hundreds of customizable templates available. These templates let you create your own website in minutes.
  • Some versions of Wix also allow you to translate your site into different languages.

Cons:

  • Wix uses absolute positioning (as opposed to responsive design). This means elements don’t always adjust to different screens. So, it isn’t the best for different sizes of screens or SEO.
  • If you move your site away from Wix, it can be pretty complicated to make it happen.

Pricing:

Wix offers a free plan and 5 different premium plans:

  • Lite: $17 per month
  • Core: $29 per month
  • Business: $36 per month
  • Business Elite: $159 per month
  • Enterprise Plans: Customized to your needs

Get started with Wix today!

5. GoDaddy Website Builder: Best for Creating Simple Sites

GoDaddy has made significant improvements to its website builder in recent years. It’s a solid choice for small businesses looking for a straightforward solution. The interface is user-friendly, and the pricing is competitive.

I’ve used GoDaddy for several clients in the local service industry. While it’s a good option for basic websites, I’ve found that the design flexibility is somewhat limited compared to other builders.

Pros:

  • No technical knowledge needed, pick one of their ready-to-use templates, fonts, and graphics and use the drag-and-drop editor to customize it.
  • You can add contact forms, videos, and social media links.
  • Also includes built-in marketing tools, including SEO and email marketing functions.
  • This business website creator works on any screen, including your phone or tablet.
  • The GoDaddy InSight tool gets insights and recommendations based on data from millions of users. You get an Insight Score to help you make your small business website even better.

Cons:

  • Compared to some business website builders, GoDaddy Website Builder offers fewer features.
  • It’s also not the best for content-rich websites. It’s better for building a simple site with a few pages.
  • If you want to move your site from GoDaddy to a different platform in the future, it’s not easy to do.

Pricing:

  • Basic: $10.99 per month ($12.99 per month upon renewal)
  • Premium: $14.99 per month ($22.99 per month upon renewal)
  • Commerce: $20.99 per month ($26.99 per month upon renewal)

Get started with GoDaddy Website Builder today!

6. Gator Website Builder: Best Affordable Website Builder

As a HostGator product, Gator Website Builder offers a similar level of affordability and ease of use. It’s a good option for small businesses that need a basic website without breaking the bank.

While I haven’t used Gator extensively, I’ve seen positive reviews from users. It seems like a solid choice for those who prioritize simplicity and cost-effectiveness.

Pros:

  • Gator Website Builder boasts no learning curve, with a library of themes and layouts to choose from. The drag-and-drop software makes it easy to add images, videos, Google Maps, and more.
  • This platform includes free hosting, a domain name, analytics, and an SSL certificate. Those certificates keep your site secure and more SEO-friendly.
  • If you already have a website, Gator Website Builder doesn’t make you start from scratch. They make transferring your site as easy as possible.

Cons:

  • Gator Website Builder doesn’t have a ton of advanced features. If you want to open an ecommerce site or have lots of bells and whistles, this wouldn’t be the best choice for you.
  • Additionally, you sign a 3-year contract up front. You can cancel before renewal, but there may be a fee. (That said, it’s still cheaper than many hosts when you add up the yearly prices.)

Pricing:

  • Starter Plan: Starts at $3.46 per month
  • Premium Plan: Starts at $5.39 per month
  • Ecommerce Plan: Starts at $8.30 per month

Get started with the Gator Website Builder today!

7. Weebly: Best Freemium Website Platform for Small Business

Weebly is another popular website builder with a strong reputation. It offers a clean interface and a good selection of templates. While it’s not as feature-rich as some other options, it’s a reliable choice for small businesses.

I’ve used Weebly for a few eCommerce clients, and it handled the process well. However, I found the customization options to be somewhat limited compared to other platforms.

Pros:

  • Allows you to use SEO and lead generation features. But, you may have to upgrade to a paid plan to gain full access.
  • This platform allows your small business website to be mobile-friendly with responsive templates.
  • Upgrading lets you use Weebly with your domain. Otherwise, you’ll have a domain including Weebly in the URL.
  • You get site search, HD audio and video, and membership options with different plans.

Cons:

  • The basic, free level has some rudimentary ecommerce functions. Still, the paid versions are likely to make customers far happier.
  • Not everyone finds Weebly’s drag-and-drop builder easy to use.
  • If you want to change website platforms later, you may have to re-create your site from scratch.
  • It has an excellent app store.

Pricing:

  • Personal: $10 per month
  • Professional: $12 per month
  • Performance: $26 per month billed

Get started with the Weebly Website Builder today!

8. Squarespace: Best Business Website Creator for Modern Designs

Squarespace is known for its stylish templates and high-quality designs. If visual appeal is a top priority for your business, this could be the perfect platform. While it’s more expensive than some other options, the investment often pays off in terms of website aesthetics.

I’ve used Squarespace for clients in the creative industries, such as photographers and designers. The platform excels at creating beautiful portfolios and online stores.

Pros:

  • Squarespace aims to be manageable if you’re creating a website for your business for the first time.
  • Its basic plan lets you set up a 20-page website.
  • You can use Squarespace with a custom domain for free for the first year. Plus, it’s hosted, so Squarespace keeps your site updated.
  • You also get free SSL certificate, analytics, and ecommerce features with that package.
  • It also lets you sell unlimited products and accept donations.
  • Other plans offer inventory management, accounting, checkout functions, cart recovery, and ecommerce reporting.

Cons:

  • Some people find a learning curve, though Squarespace’s support can help solve issues.
  • If ecommerce is essential to your business, you need one of the more expensive plans.

Pricing:

  • Personal: $16 per month
  • Business: $23 per month
  • Basic Commerce: $28 per month
  • Advanced Commerce: $52 per month

Get started with Squarespace today!

Note: There are many web builders not included in the list, such as Square, WordPress.com, Shopify, and others because I did not want to put our readers into decision paralysis. Rest assured, the tools mentioned are the best website builders for small businesses.

Key Features To Consider in a Website Builder

When selecting a website builder for your small business, several key features should be on your radar, but I highly suggest prioritizing the following four as the most important:

  1. User-friendly interface ensures fast and smooth navigation
  2. Customization options let you tailor your site to your brand
  3. Ecommerce capabilities are essential for online sales
  4. Responsiveness ensures your site looks great on mobile devices

Don’t forget the search engine optimization tools that boost your visibility on search engines.

What Comes After Picking a Website Builder?

Even if you’re still working on your business website, I recommend building your email marketing list and audience before launching your site.

The sooner you start building your list, the more leads and conversions you can see.

OptinMonster, a premium WordPress plugin, has advanced targeting features for effective marketing. Regardless of which website builder you choose, I want to help your business grow.

OptinMonster’s targeting features include:

OptinMonster also integrates with major ecommerce platforms and industry-leading email marketing services.

With its range of templates and themes, you can create a unique website for your business. OptinMonster lets you build high-converting marketing campaigns matching your company’s design.

Start Your OptinMonster Account Today!

30 days money back guarantee

BONUS: Done-For-You Campaign Setup ($297 value) Our conversion experts will design 1 free campaign for you to get maximum results – absolutely FREE! Click here to get started →

FAQs

Q1. What Is the Best Website Builder for Small Business?

WordPress is my pick for the best website builder for small businesses. It’s flexible, scalable, and easy to use.

With four out of ten websites running on WordPress, there’s a huge community with resources and tutorials to provide help.

Q2. Can I create a business website for free?

Free business website creators often have limitations and don’t look professional.

Plus, many “free” website creators aren’t free when you look deeper. Using a free website platform for small businesses usually means:

  • You can’t use your domain
  • Your website has ads you can’t control
  • You may have to pay for templates and add-ons
  • You don’t have complete control over your site
  • Having to pay for things you weren’t expecting

That said, I did include a few free options in my list of business website builders because “free” doesn’t always mean “bad.” Pay attention to what’s on offer and make sure your chosen business website creator fits your needs.

Q3: How much does it cost to build a website for a small business? 

The cost of building a website for a small business owner can vary widely depending on factors like complexity, features, website design, bandwidth and the platform you choose. Using a DIY website building tool can start as low as $5 to $20 per month, while hiring a professional web developer might range from $1,000 to $10,000 or more. Remember, investing in a quality website is an investment in your business’s online presence.

Q4: What is the best free website builder for small business?

Wix is generally considered the best free website builder for small businesses. It offers a great balance of user-friendliness, design flexibility, and features.

Resources for Your Small Business Website

The post What Is the Best Website Builder for Small Business in 2025 appeared first on OptinMonster.]]>
https://optinmonster.com/best-website-builders-for-small-business-compared-pros-and-cons/feed/ 4
6 Best Managed WordPress Hosting Services Compared (2025) https://optinmonster.com/best-managed-wordpress-hosting/ https://optinmonster.com/best-managed-wordpress-hosting/#comments Wed, 03 Sep 2025 12:00:00 +0000 https://optinmonster.com/?p=134829 If you’ve ever had your WordPress site crash during a traffic spike, load at a snail’s pace for visitors overseas, or fail just when you’re about to launch a campaign, you know how much hosting matters. Cheap shared hosting might work in the beginning, but as your site grows, performance bottlenecks, downtime, and lack of …

The post 6 Best Managed WordPress Hosting Services Compared (2025) appeared first on OptinMonster.]]>
If you’ve ever had your WordPress site crash during a traffic spike, load at a snail’s pace for visitors overseas, or fail just when you’re about to launch a campaign, you know how much hosting matters.

Cheap shared hosting might work in the beginning, but as your site grows, performance bottlenecks, downtime, and lack of support can hold your business back. That’s why managed WordPress hosting has become the go-to choice for serious site owners. It handles speed, security, backups, and updates for you, so you can focus on running your business instead of your server.

At OptinMonster, we’ve spent over a decade building and scaling WordPress sites. We’ve tested dozens of hosting providers firsthand and not just on paper, but by actually migrating sites, running load tests, measuring uptime, and working with their support teams. We know what it’s like to hit a 500 error in the middle of a launch and what it takes to prevent it from happening again.

This guide is built on that experience. We compared the top managed WordPress hosting providers of 2025 on speed, reliability, ease of use, support quality, and pricing — so you can skip the trial-and-error and choose the right host the first time.

Let’s dive in.

Quick Comparison: Best Managed WordPress Hosting at a Glance

RankHosting
Provider
Best ForStarting PriceRenewal PriceFree Trial /
Money-Back
🥇SiteGroundSmall businesses & growing sites$2.99/mo$17.99/mo30-day money-back
🥈Bluehost CloudBeginners & small businesses$29.99/mo$79.99/mo30-day money-back
🥉HostingerBudget-conscious users & developers$2.99/mo$7.99/mo30-day money-back
4Rapyd CloudHigh-traffic, logged-in sites (WooCommerce, membership)$29/moVariesContact sales
5WP EngineBusy businesses & online stores$20/mo$30/mo60-day money-back
6DreamPress (DreamHost)Users needing strong support$16.95/mo$19.99/mo30-day money-back

How We Do Reviews at OptinMonster

OptinMonster reviews are based on in-depth testing and unbiased analysis. Our experts thoroughly evaluate plugins for features, usability, and performance. We value transparency and trust, so our recommendations are impartial and reflect the author’s experience.

What Is Managed WordPress Hosting?

Managed WordPress hosting handles all the technical aspects of running a WordPress site, allowing website owners to focus on content creation and business operations.

It provides optimized server configurations for running WordPress and offers a range of services that streamline the website management process.

Key features often include:

  1. Automatic Updates: The hosting provider ensures that your WordPress core, themes, and plugins are always up-to-date.
  2. Enhanced Security: They provide WordPress secure hosting, offering advanced security measures, including regular malware scans, firewalls, and intrusion detection.
  3. Daily Backups: Your website is regularly backed up and stored automatically, allowing for quick restoration if needed.
  4. Performance Optimization: Servers are fine-tuned for WordPress to ensure faster loading times and overall improved site performance.
  5. Expert Support: Access to WordPress-knowledgeable support teams to assist with any issues or queries.
  6. Staging Environments: Some WordPress hosting providers offer staging sites to test changes before pushing them live.

In short, managed WordPress hosting removes a lot of the hassle of website management, as you outsource those tasks to your hosting company.

Pros and Cons of Managed WordPress Hosting

Managed WordPress hosting isn’t for everyone. Let’s look at some pros and cons of managed WordPress web hosting to see if it’s right for you.

Pros of Managed WordPress Hosting

  • Lightning Fast and No Downtime: Hosts can handle high traffic without downtime.
  • Security and Backups: WordPress hosting providers have robust security and daily backups in place.
  • Expert Support: WordPress hosting providers can help you solve problems faster because they’re WordPress experts.
  • Automatic Updates: Your site, theme, and plugin are updated to the latest versions.
  • Daily Backups: Work on your site with confidence. WordPress hosts back up your site daily to always have recent restore points.

All those advantages sound pretty nice. However, even the best managed WordPress hosting services have downsides.

Cons of Managed WordPress Hosting

  • Cost: Managed WordPress hosting can be pricey due to all the perks.
  • Less Control: The host handles technical aspects, so making changes can be challenging.
  • App and Builder Limits: You can only host WordPress websites on a managed WordPress host. That limits what builders and apps you can have on your site.

Now, I’ll go over what I look for when comparing WordPress managed hosts.

What to Look for in a Managed WordPress Host

When looking for the best managed WordPress hosting, ask yourself:

  • Does the hosting provider offer speed, reliability, and security?
  • Does the provider perform daily backups?
  • Do they provide a free SSL and CDN (Content Delivery Network)?
  • Does the provider have an outstanding customer support team?

The answer to all questions should be “yes.” If they’re not, move on to the next possible WordPress host.

Now, I’ll jump into our list of the best managed WP hosting options.

Best WordPress Managed Hosting Comparison

1. SiteGround

Homepage for SiteGround Managed WordPress Hosting

SiteGround is a popular and highly-rated hosting cloud platform for small businesses. Over 3 million domains currently use SiteGround for WordPress hosting.

They offer shared and managed WordPress hosting and provide access to the technology to keep your site fast and secure. They also offer 1-click staging, automatic updates, free SSL certificates, Cloudflare CDN, and more.

SiteGround Speed Test

My colleagues over at WPBeginner recently ran a speed test for SiteGround using the Bitcatcha tool. Here is what they found.

SiteGround server response times across various locations: US (W) 44 ms, US (E) 35 ms, London 106 ms, Singapore 203 ms, Sao Paulo 142 ms, Mumbai 246 ms, Sydney 177 ms, Japan 135 ms, Canada 44 ms, Germany 120 ms.

The server response time in the U.S. was under 1/20th of a second. Even its slowest time in Mumbai came in at under 1/4 of a second.

SiteGround Features

  • Ultra-fast, free migration for your site
  • 10+ GB of space
  • eCommerce ready
  • Collaboration tools
  • High-performing security
  • Multiple data centers (USA, Europe, Asia, and Australia)
  • Ultrafast PHP
  • 30-day money-back guarantee.

Features may vary by plan.

Why We Like SiteGround

SiteGround is my top recommendation for managed WordPress hosting. I found the site migration to be lightning-fast, the dashboard to be easy to use, and the customer support to be quick, helpful, and thorough.

Downside: The pricing tiers are based partly on the number of monthly visitors. After the introductory pricing has expired, plans can get pricey as your website grows.

SiteGround Pricing

All quoted prices are billed annually:

  • StartUp Plan (1 website, 10GB web space, ~10,000 monthly visits): $2.99 per month for the first year. Renews at $17.99 per month.
  • GrowBig Plan (Unlimited websites, 20GB web space, ~100,000 monthly visitors): $4.99 per month for the first year. Renews at $29.99 per month.
  • GoGeek Plan (Unlimited websites, 40GB web space, ~400,000 monthly visitors): $7.99 per month for the first year. Renews at $44.99 per month.

If you’d like to upgrade to one of SiteGround’s cloud hosting plans, the cost ranges from $100-$400 per month.

Sign up for SiteGround today!

2. Bluehost Cloud Hosting

Homepage for Bluehost's Cloud Hosting for Managed WordPress Hosting

Bluehost has retired its traditional managed WordPress hosting service. Now, the functions of managed hosting are only available with one of their brand new Cloud Hosting plans.

Already have a WordPress site? Bluehost offers free site migration to their platform.

Bluehost includes free SSL encryption, daily backups, and malware detection and removal services.

Bluehost Speed Test

Bluehost server response times across various locations: US (W) 25 ms, US (E) 58 ms, London 155 ms, Singapore 191 ms, Sao Paulo 194 ms, Mumbai 251 ms, Sydney 169 ms, Japan 122 ms, Canada 80 ms, Germany 164 ms.

As you can see, Bluehost servers perform especially fast in the United States, and the speed is still just a fraction of a second even in its slowest geographic regions.

Bluehost Managed WordPress Hosting Features

  • 10+ GB storage
  • Automatic daily backups
  • Staging – see your site before publishing
  • SSL certificate
  • Jetpack site analytics
  • Malware detection and removal
  • Yoast SEO tools to help you improve search rankings
  • 24/7 priority support through voice or chat

Why We Like Bluehost

Bluehost is an excellent choice for beginners. I like its clean dashboard and have had great experiences with its customer support. Its server response time is also among the fastest available. Plus, because it’s cloud-based, Bluehost’s managed WordPress hosting provides faster speeds without the cost of dedicated hosting.

Downside: Cost. Bluehost’s managed WordPress services are only available on its Cloud plans, so it’s much pricier than alternatives like SiteGround.

Bluehost Pricing

Bluehost’s pricing for shared hosting starts at $2.75 per month (billed annually). However, here are their pricing tiers for their cloud-based managed WordPress hosting:

  • Cloud 1 (1 website & 10GB storage): $29.99 per month for the first year. Renews at $79.99 per month.
  • Cloud 10 (10 websites & 125GB storage): $49.99 per month for the first year. Renews at $109.99.
  • Cloud 25 (25 websites & 175GB storage): $89.99 per month for the first year. Renews at $169.99.
  • Cloud 50 (50 websites & 225GB storage): $109.99 per month for the first year. Renews at $249.99.

All prices are for a 12-month term.

Sign up for Bluehost today!

3. Hostinger

Homepage for Hostinger managed WordPress hosting

Hostinger is another popular managed WordPress web hosting provider, used by over 1,278,620 site owners, that offers reliable managed WordPress hosting.

Its fully managed WordPress hosting comes with 1-click WordPress installation, a user-friendly control panel, pre-installed WordPress performance plugins, and automatic WordPress updates.

This hosting service also uses LiteSpeed servers to ensure your page load time is super fast.

Hostinger Speed Test

Hostinger server response times across various locations: US (W) 146 ms, US (E) 22 ms, London 9 ms, Singapore 228 ms, Sao Paulo 2 ms, Mumbai 71 ms, Sydney 109 ms, Japan 93 ms, Canada 35 ms, Germany 9 ms.

The fastest server response times were in London and Germany. Those clock in at under 1/100 of a second! This makes sense as Hostinger is based in Europe. Even the slowest time, Singapore, remains under 1/4 of a second.

Hostinger Features

  • Automated backups
  • Great SSD storage
  • eCommerce optimization
  • Anti-DDoS protection
  • WordPress staging tool
  • 24/7 expert support
  • Free SSL certificates
  • Unlimited bandwidth
  • Multiple data centers (USA, Europe, Asia, and South America)

Features may vary by plan.

Why We Like Hostinger

Hostinger offers excellent value for its reasonable pricing and is significantly less expensive than SiteGround after the first year. I love its intuitive dashboard, and it’s been so easy to use that I haven’t needed to use its customer support. It’s also an especially good choice for developers and agencies because even the cheapest plan allows for up to 100 websites and 100GB of storage.

Downside: The site migration process is a little clunkier than SiteGround’s. I had some hiccups because of the size of some of the files I was migrating. However, that didn’t prevent me from successfully migrating my site.

Hostinger Managed WordPress Hosting Pricing

Hostinger offers extremely discounted prices for customers willing to pay for the first 48 months in advance:

  • Hostinger Premium (100 websites, 100GB storage, ~25K monthly visits): $2.99 per month for 48 months. Renews at $7.99 per month.
  • Hostinger Business (100 websites, 200GB storage, ~100K monthly visits): $3.99 per month for 48 months. Renews at $8.99 per month.
  • Hostinger Cloud Startup (300 websites, 200GB storage, ~200K monthly visits): $8.99 per month for 48 months. Renews at $19.99 per month.

Sign up for Hostinger today!

4. Rapyd Cloud

Rapyd Cloud Managed Hosting

Rapyd Cloud is a powerful managed WordPress host for websites that need consistent speed under heavy use, like eCommerce stores, membership sites, online courses, and forums.

It’s built to handle many active users at once, using a high-concurrency server setup combined with auto-scaling and advanced caching.

Everything from backups to performance optimization and security updates is handled by the platform, so site owners can focus on growth instead of server management.

Rapyd Cloud Speed Test

These speed test results appear slightly higher than other hosts because Rapyd Cloud is optimized for dynamic traffic that can’t be cached, like WooCommerce carts or membership site feeds.

Rapyd Cloud server response time

Even so, response times are well within expectations, with Canada and the US performing the fastest.

Rapyd Cloud Features

  • Real-time auto-scaling and advanced caching with Object Cache Pro
  • Built-in CDN for faster global content delivery
  • Automated cloud backups
  • Enterprise-grade security
  • 1-click site staging
  • Live cart technology for WooCommerce
  • 24/7 live chat support

Features may vary by plan.

Why We Like Rapyd Cloud

Rapyd Cloud excels at keeping high-traffic, logged-in WordPress sites running smoothly. Its custom dashboard makes staging, backups, and plugin management straightforward, while security is proactive with multi-layered threat protection.

Plus, support is available 24/7 via live chat, and higher-tier plans include a private Slack channel for fast, direct assistance.

Downsides: Rapyd Cloud is a bit expensive, but I think it’s worth the cost if you need a reliable platform that can handle high-concurrency, dynamic traffic without slowdowns. Email hosting is also not included.

Rapyd Cloud Pricing

  • Starter (1 site, 10GB storage, 25K monthly visits): $29 per month for the first year. Renewal pricing varies.
  • Business (3 sites, 25GB storage, 75K monthly visits): $99 per month for the first year. Renewal pricing varies.
  • Performance (20 sites, 75GB storage, 500K monthly visits): $299 per month for the first year. Renewal pricing varies.

Sign up for Rapyd Cloud today!

5. WP Engine

Homepage for WP Engine managed WordPress hosting

WP Engine is fast, reliable, and hassle-free. As a result, it’s one of the best managed WordPress hosts.

This premium WordPress hosting solution has daily backups, SSL certificates, updates, security features, and more.

With WP Engine, you also get the Genesis Framework, which provides a suite of site-building tools for building custom Gutenberg blocks, as well as 10 premium StudioPress themes. That makes it an excellent option for busy business owners running an online store.

WP Engine Speed Test

WPBeginner’s speed tests show that WP Engine boasts strong server response times, especially in the US and Canada:

WP Engine server response times across various locations: US (W) 39 ms, US (E) 29 ms, London 97 ms, Singapore 208 ms, Sao Paulo 140 ms, Mumbai 223 ms, Sydney 186 ms, Japan 148 ms, Canada 29 ms, Germany 112 ms.

WP Engine Features

  • Development, staging, production, and hosting environments
  • Real-time, page-level reporting, and analytics
  • Site-building tools with Genesis
  • StudioPress themes
  • GeoTargeting add-on available
  • Caching
  • Woocommerce hosting available

Features may vary by plan.

Why We Like WP Engine

I’ve found that WP Engine offers more advanced security features than most other hosting options. The included site-building tools and themes increase the value of the product, as well.

Downside: The cost is higher than other non-cloud managed WordPress hosting options, especially in the first year.

WP Engine Managed WordPress Hosting Pricing

  • Startup (1 site, 10GB storage, 25K monthly visits): $20 per month for the first year. Renews at $30 per month.
  • Professional (3 sites, 15GB storage, 75K monthly visits): $40 per month for the first year. Renews at $60 per month.
  • Growth (10 sites, 20GB storage, 100K monthly visits): $77 per month for the first year. Renews at $115 per month.
  • Scale (30 sites, 50GB storage, 400K monthly visits): $194 per month for the first year. Renews at $290 per month.

Sign up for WP Engine today!

6. DreamPress by DreamHost

Homepage for DreamPress, the managed WordPress hosting service from DreamHost

DreamPress is the managed WordPress hosting service from web host giant DreamHost.

This host provides 1-click WordPress installation, automatic updates, a custom dashboard, and SSDs.

DreamPress Speed Test

DreamHost server response times across various locations: US (W) 16 ms, US (E) 78 ms, London 136 ms, Singapore 202 ms, Sao Paulo 233 ms, Mumbai 276 ms, Sydney 264 ms, Japan 129 ms, Canada 83 ms, Germany 147 ms.

The western US is the fastest, as that’s where this company is located. Response time increases to just over 1/4 second in Mumbai and Sydney.

DreamPress Features

  • 30+ GB storage
  • SSL certificate
  • Daily backups
  • Automated migrations
  • CDN
  • Built-in caching system

Features may vary by plan.

What We Like About DreamPress

In my research, I’ve seen time and time again that customers boast about DreamPress’s top-notch customer support team. If you have a problem, you can expect to get a response and solution quickly.

Downsides: DreamPress only offers a small introductory discount, so you won’t get as fantastic of a deal as you can with some of the other hosting options. Also, none of their base pricing includes multiple websites, so you’ll also need to factor that into your decision.

DreamPress Pricing

  • DreamPress (1 site, 30GB storage, ~100k monthly visitors): $16.95 per month for the first year. Renews at $19.99 per month.
  • DreamPress Plus (1 Site, 60GB storage, ~300K monthly visitors): $24.95 per month for the first year. Renews at $28.99 per month.
  • DreamPress Pro (1 site, 120GB storage, ~1M monthly visitors): $71.95 per month for the first year. Renews at $74.99 per month.

All prices billed annually.

Sign up for DreamPress today!

What Is the Best Managed WordPress Hosting Plan?

I’ve evaluated numerous prominent managed WP hosting services, including but not limited to: Flywheel, Kinsta, Cloudways, Pagely, GoDaddy, InMotion Hosting, Pantheon, NameCheap, Pressable, HostGator, Amazon (AWS), and others.

Our selected list highlights the hosting companies offering the most valuable features at competitive prices.

After comparing the features of the best WordPress hosting plans, we recommend SiteGround. It has everything you need for a hassle-free fully managed WordPress hosting solution. If SiteGround is too pricey, you also can’t go wrong with Hostinger, which offers phenomenal prices when you pay upfront.

Managed WordPress Hosting FAQs

1) Do I have to have WordPress hosting to start my website?

No, you don’t need a managed WordPress hosting plan to start a site. If you are getting started, check out your host’s options for shared hosting. If you later need managed hosting, you can upgrade.

2) How much does managed WordPress hosting cost?

Managed WordPress hosting costs vary by company and plan. We’ve created a guide about how much it costs to start a website. It includes advice about cost control.

3) What if I have a domain but need a managed WordPress host?

You can use your domain with any hosting company. All you have to do is change your domain settings and point your site’s DNS to your chosen host. The best managed WordPress hosts offer migration services, too.

4) Can I change my managed WordPress host?

Yes, you can change managed WordPress hosts. Most hosting companies offer migration services to help you make the switch.

After Choosing a WordPress Host

Now that you have your managed hosting plan all figured out, you’re ready to run a successful website.

OptinMonster, a premium WordPress plugin, helps ensure your site runs even more smoothly. After you’ve chosen the best managed WordPress
host for you, we can help you with customer conversion.

For instance, if you want to get started on building your email list, sign up for OptinMonster now!

We also offer a ton of free resources, like the ones below.

If we’ve piqued your interest, contact us at OptinMonster today.

Get Started With OptinMonster Today!

The post 6 Best Managed WordPress Hosting Services Compared (2025) appeared first on OptinMonster.]]>
https://optinmonster.com/best-managed-wordpress-hosting/feed/ 1
7 Best WordPress Security Plugins for 2025 (Tested and Ranked) https://optinmonster.com/wordpress-security-plugins/ https://optinmonster.com/wordpress-security-plugins/#comments Wed, 03 Sep 2025 12:00:00 +0000 https://optinmonster.com/?p=130785 We’ve cleaned up hacked WordPress sites more times than we’d like to admit. From brute force attacks that locked out business owners to sneaky malware that quietly drained SEO rankings, we’ve seen firsthand how vulnerable WordPress can be if you don’t take security seriously. And nothing kills trust faster than a compromised website; customers bounce, …

The post 7 Best WordPress Security Plugins for 2025 (Tested and Ranked) appeared first on OptinMonster.]]>
We’ve cleaned up hacked WordPress sites more times than we’d like to admit.

From brute force attacks that locked out business owners to sneaky malware that quietly drained SEO rankings, we’ve seen firsthand how vulnerable WordPress can be if you don’t take security seriously. And nothing kills trust faster than a compromised website; customers bounce, Google flags your site, and recovery can cost thousands.

At OptinMonster, we take WordPress security seriously. Our team runs high-traffic sites, manages client installs, and tests plugins in real-world conditions to see which ones actually keep bad actors out without slowing your site down.

This isn’t just another roundup of “popular” WordPress security plugins. We’ve actually used these plugins in real projects, tested malware scans, stress-tested firewalls, and triggered brute force lockouts to see how each one performs under pressure. You’ll see what worked, what didn’t, and which plugin is really best for your situation.

Whether you’re a solo blogger, an online store owner, or running multiple client sites, the goal is the same: keep your site safe, fast, and stress-free. Below, you’ll find the plugins that passed our tests and the ones we trust to protect our own sites.

Ready to skip the trial-and-error? Let’s dive into the best WordPress security plugins for 2025.

Quick Comparison: Best WordPress Security Plugins at a Glance

RankPluginBest ForKey FeaturesStarting Price
🥇 SucuriOverall security & malware cleanupCloud WAF, malware removal, CDN for performance, uptime monitoring$199.99/yearNo
🥈 WordfenceFirewall + malware scan in oneEndpoint firewall, malware scanner, 2FA, login security$119/yearYes
🥉 MalCareFast malware removalOne-click malware cleanup, offsite scanning, firewall$149/yearNo
4. All-In-One Security (AIOS)Free site hardeningLogin protection, file change detection, firewall rulesFreeYes
5. Solid Security (formerly iThemes)Beginners & SMBsBrute force protection, 2FA, activity logs, easy setup wizard$99/yearYes (lite)
6. Jetpack SecurityAll-in-one + backupsDaily backups, malware scanning, downtime alerts$9.95/monthLimited
7. Defender SecuritySimplicity & UIMalware scans, firewall, login protection, IP blocking$89/yearYes

How We Test and Review WordPress Security Plugins

We don’t just list security plugins, we actually test them in real-world scenarios.

Every plugin in this roundup was installed and run on live WordPress sites, including small blogs, high-traffic marketing sites, and WooCommerce stores. We also recreated common attack situations to see how each tool performed when it mattered most.

Here’s what we looked for:

CriteriaWhat We Tested
Firewall ProtectionDoes the firewall block attacks before they reach WordPress? Is it cloud-based (like Sucuri) or endpoint-based (like Wordfence)?
Malware Detection & CleanupHow accurate is the malware scanner? Can the plugin remove infections in one click, or is cleanup a manual, paid process?
Brute Force ProtectionWe simulated repeated login attempts to see how quickly plugins blocked them and what lockout options they offered.
Performance ImpactDoes the plugin slow down the site? We compared on-site scanning vs. offsite scanning (MalCare runs scans off-server, for example).
Ease of UseIs the dashboard beginner-friendly? Can a non-technical user set up strong protection in under 15 minutes?
Pricing & ValueAre essential features included in free plans? Does the paid upgrade justify the cost for small businesses?

We also tracked false positives, update frequency, and support quality, since security tools are only as good as their latest updates.

By combining lab-style testing with real-world installs, we can confidently recommend the plugins below knowing they’ll hold up under pressure.

Why Trust OptinMonster?

At OptinMonster, we’ve been a part of the WordPress community for over a decade, working hands-on with countless WordPress security plugins across our own sites and a wide variety of client projects. This deep experience gives us a unique perspective on what works, what doesn’t, and how different security tools perform in real-world scenarios.
Our insights come from years of testing, troubleshooting, and practical application, from cleaning hacked sites to configuring firewalls and brute force protection, which allows us to confidently recommend the best WordPress security plugins for your specific needs.

Best WordPress Security Plugins

1. Sucuri — Best Overall WordPress Security Plugin

Sucuri WordPress security plugin

Sucuri has been our go-to solution when we need enterprise-grade protection in a lightweight package. It’s not just a plugin, it’s backed by Sucuri’s global cloud firewall, malware cleanup team, and performance CDN.

If your site gets hacked, Sucuri doesn’t just alert you, it removes the malware and secures the site moving forward. That’s a huge differentiator compared to plugins that only detect issues.

What We Like

  • Cloud-based Web Application Firewall (WAF) that blocks threats before they hit your server
  • One-click malware removal included in all paid plans
  • Performance boost with built-in CDN
  • Uptime monitoring and security notifications

What Could Be Better

  • No true free version — the free WordPress plugin is limited to basic monitoring
  • Some features (like SSL support) require higher-tier plans
  • Annual pricing may feel steep for very small sites

Why We Chose Sucuri

When one of our client sites was hit with a hidden SEO spam hack, Sucuri’s malware removal team had it cleaned and back online in hours, without extra fees. Between the proactive firewall and hands-on malware cleanup, it’s the best overall pick for keeping WordPress safe and stress-free.

Pricing

There is a free plugin that offers limited features. Sucuri’s Security Platform Plans start at $229/year. Their Firewall with CDN Plans start at $9.99/month.

2. Wordfence — Best for Firewall + Malware Scan in One

Wordfence security plugin for WordPress

Wordfence is the most widely used WordPress security plugin, and for good reason. It combines a powerful endpoint firewall with a malware scanner that runs directly on your server, giving you layered protection without extra setup.

It’s also one of the most feature-rich free options, which makes it a strong starting point for site owners who want solid security without upfront costs.

What We Like

  • Comprehensive free version with firewall, malware scan, and login protection
  • Endpoint firewall integrated directly with WordPress for precise rule enforcement
  • Two-factor authentication (2FA) and strong login security tools
  • Huge threat intelligence network with frequent rule updates

What Could Be Better

  • Scanning happens on your server, which can add load on shared hosting plans
  • Malware cleanup isn’t included in the base plan — it’s a paid service
  • Some users may find the dashboard crowded with advanced settings

Why We Chose Wordfence

We’ve used Wordfence to protect everything from small blogs to busy membership sites. In one stress test, it successfully blocked a brute force attack after just a handful of failed attempts. If you want a free all-in-one option with the option to upgrade later, Wordfence is the best place to start.

Pricing

Wordfence offers a free WordPress plugin. Paid plans start at $119/year

3. MalCare — Best for Fast Malware Removal

MalCare WordPress security plugin

MalCare is built around one promise: quick malware cleanup. Unlike other plugins that run scans on your server, MalCare scans your site from their own servers. This means zero performance hit and faster detection of hidden malware.

It also shines when you’re in crisis mode. If your site gets hacked, MalCare lets you clean it up instantly with a one-click malware removal tool — no waiting for support tickets or extra payments.

What We Like

  • Offsite scanning that doesn’t slow down your WordPress server
  • One-click malware removal included in all paid plans
  • Built-in firewall and brute force protection
  • Dashboard that’s clean and beginner-friendly

What Could Be Better

  • Free plan is limited to scanning only — cleanup requires a paid upgrade
  • Doesn’t offer the same CDN/performance boost as Sucuri
  • Firewall rules aren’t as customizable as Wordfence

Why We Chose MalCare

When we tested MalCare on a demo site infected with a fake pharma hack, the one-click cleanup tool wiped it clean in under five minutes. For site owners who want peace of mind without learning complex settings, MalCare delivers quick and reliable protection.

Pricing

MalCare offers a free plugin. Paid plans start at $149/year

4. All-In-One Security (AIOS) — Best Free Site Hardening

All-In-One Security WP plugin

All-In-One Security (often called AIOS) is the most popular free security plugin for WordPress. It doesn’t try to do everything, but it gives you a strong set of hardening tools that can protect your site right out of the box — no upgrade required.

From blocking brute force logins to detecting file changes, AIOS is ideal for small sites or bloggers who want to lock down WordPress without adding cost.

What We Like

  • 100% free with no upsell wall for basic protection
  • Easy setup wizard with recommended security levels (Basic, Intermediate, Advanced)
  • Login lockdown and 2FA to stop brute force attacks
  • File change detection to alert you to suspicious modifications

What Could Be Better

  • Malware scanner only checks for file changes — it won’t detect deep infections
  • No firewall protection at the cloud level (like Sucuri or MalCare)
  • Interface feels a bit dated compared to premium plugins

Why We Chose AIOS

We recommend AIOS as the go-to free option for hardening WordPress. In our tests, it quickly blocked repeated login attempts and flagged unauthorized file edits. While it won’t replace a dedicated firewall or malware cleanup service, it’s the best free safety net for most site owners.

Pricing

All-in-One Security’s basic WordPress plugin is free, and the premium plugin starts at $70/year.

5. Solid Security (formerly iThemes Security) — Best for Beginners & SMBs

Solid Security by SolidWP

Solid Security has been around for years under the iThemes brand, and it remains one of the easiest ways to secure a WordPress site. The plugin walks you through setup with a step-by-step wizard, so even non-technical users can get strong protection in minutes.

It focuses on practical features like brute force protection, two-factor authentication, and activity logs — all the essentials most small businesses need to stay safe.

What We Like

  • Simple setup wizard makes it beginner-friendly
  • Strong brute force protection with lockout rules
  • Built-in two-factor authentication (2FA)
  • Activity logs for tracking suspicious user behavior

What Could Be Better

  • Some advanced features are locked behind the Pro plan
  • Doesn’t include malware cleanup or a full WAF like Sucuri or MalCare
  • Interface can feel overwhelming once you dive into advanced options

Why We Chose Solid Security

When setting up security for a local business site with multiple users, Solid Security gave us quick protection without needing a security expert. It’s a great pick for small businesses or site owners who want a balance of simplicity and strength.

Pricing

Solid Security Pro starts at $99/year. The full 3-tool suite starts at $199/year.

6. Jetpack Security — Best All-in-One with Backups

Jetpack Security WordPress plugin

Jetpack Security is a great option if you want more than just security. It bundles malware scanning with daily backups, downtime monitoring, and easy restore options. That makes it especially popular with WooCommerce store owners and bloggers who want peace of mind with a single plugin.

Since it’s developed by Automattic (the team behind WordPress.com), Jetpack is deeply integrated with WordPress and tends to “just work” without a lot of tinkering.

What We Like

  • Automatic daily backups with one-click restore
  • Malware scanning and downtime monitoring built in
  • Simple dashboard integrated directly into WordPress
  • Affordable monthly pricing for smaller sites

What Could Be Better

  • Backup storage is limited unless you upgrade to higher plans
  • Some features require a separate Jetpack subscription (can get pricey if you add modules)
  • Doesn’t include a dedicated firewall like Sucuri or Wordfence

Why We Chose Jetpack Security

When testing Jetpack on a WooCommerce site, we loved how easy it was to restore a site after intentionally breaking it. For site owners who want backups and security in one plugin without juggling multiple tools, Jetpack Security is the simplest all-in-one option.

Pricing

Jetpack Security starts at $9.95/month. The complete Jetpack suite starts at $25.95/month.

7. Defender Security — Best for Simplicity & User-Friendly UI

Defender Security by WPMU DEV is a well-rounded plugin that focuses on making WordPress security easy to understand. It comes with malware scans, firewall rules, login protection, and IP blocking, all wrapped in a clean interface that’s great for beginners.

It doesn’t try to overload you with advanced configurations, which makes it a solid choice for site owners who want quick setup and ongoing peace of mind.

What We Like

  • Intuitive interface that’s easy for non-technical users
  • Malware scans, firewall rules, and brute force protection built in
  • IP blocking and 2FA support for stronger login security
  • Generous free version with upgrade path

What Could Be Better

  • Malware cleanup requires upgrading to a Pro subscription
  • Lacks the global WAF protection offered by Sucuri
  • Fewer advanced configuration options than Wordfence

Why We Chose Defender Security

During testing, we found Defender to be one of the fastest to set up — we had login protection and scans running in under 10 minutes. For bloggers, small sites, or agencies managing multiple installs, Defender is a reliable, user-friendly way to secure WordPress without extra complexity.

Pricing

Jetpack Security starts at $7.50/month.

Best WordPress Security Plugins — Quick Picks

Not sure which one to choose? Here’s a quick breakdown of the best WordPress security plugins based on our testing:

  • Best Overall: Sucuri — Complete protection with firewall + malware cleanup
  • Best Free Plugin: All-In-One Security (AIOS) — Strong site hardening at no cost
  • Best for Beginners: Solid Security — Easy setup wizard + user-friendly dashboard
  • Best for Fast Malware Cleanup: MalCare — One-click malware removal, offsite scans
  • Best Free + Paid Hybrid: Wordfence — Feature-rich free version, powerful Pro upgrade
  • Best All-in-One Security + Backups: Jetpack Security — Security bundled with daily backups
  • Best for Simplicity: Defender Security — Beginner-friendly, clean interface, solid basics

WordPress Security Plugins FAQs

1. Do I really need a WordPress security plugin if my host already provides protection?

Yes. While many hosting providers include some security features, they often focus on the server level (like firewalls or malware monitoring). A dedicated plugin adds site-level protection such as brute force prevention, file change monitoring, and login security — giving you a second line of defense.

2. Can I use more than one security plugin at the same time?

It’s not recommended. Running multiple security plugins can cause conflicts, duplicate features, and unnecessary server load. Instead, choose one comprehensive plugin (like Sucuri or Wordfence) and supplement with a backup plugin if needed.

3. What’s the difference between a cloud firewall and an endpoint firewall?

A cloud firewall (like Sucuri) filters traffic before it ever reaches your hosting server, reducing server load and blocking threats earlier. An endpoint firewall (like Wordfence) runs on your WordPress site itself, which offers more granular control but can use more server resources.

4. Which is the best free WordPress security plugin?

All-In-One Security (AIOS) is our top free pick because it includes essential hardening tools, login protection, and file monitoring with no upsell barrier. If you want a free option with scanning and firewall features, Wordfence also offers a robust free version.

5. What should I do if my WordPress site is already hacked?

If you’re already hacked, choose a plugin that includes cleanup — like Sucuri or MalCare. Both offer one-click malware removal in paid plans. You’ll also want to change all admin passwords, update plugins and themes, and restore from a clean backup if possible.

We hope you found this article helpful in choosing the best security plugin for WordPress. If so, you may also want to check out the following resources:

These resources will have more information on how you can safely grow as an eCommerce business no matter what stage you’re in.

Ready to grow your list, boost conversions, and get more sales from your WordPress site? Get started with OptinMonster today!

The post 7 Best WordPress Security Plugins for 2025 (Tested and Ranked) appeared first on OptinMonster.]]>
https://optinmonster.com/wordpress-security-plugins/feed/ 1
Here Are the 6 Best Survey Apps in 2025 https://optinmonster.com/best-online-survey-software-for-small-businesses/ https://optinmonster.com/best-online-survey-software-for-small-businesses/#respond Fri, 29 Aug 2025 12:00:00 +0000 https://optinmonster.com/?p=133664 6 Best Survey Apps: If you’re running a business today, you know feedback isn’t optional. It’s the lifeline that helps you understand what customers love, what frustrates them, and what keeps them coming back. But here’s the catch: choosing the wrong survey tool can waste hours of your time, frustrate respondents, and give you data …

The post Here Are the 6 Best Survey Apps in 2025 appeared first on OptinMonster.]]>

6 Best Survey Apps:

  1. WPForms – Best for WordPress Sites with Flexible Needs
  2. UserFeedback – Best for On-Site Feedback Surveys
  3. SurveyMonkey – Best for Buying Responses & Market Research
  4. TypeForm – Best for Beginners & Conversational Surveys
  5. Google Forms – Best Free Survey Tool
  6. Jotform – Best Visual Survey Builder
  • Bonus App: OptinMonster – Best for Targeted On-Site Surveys

If you’re running a business today, you know feedback isn’t optional. It’s the lifeline that helps you understand what customers love, what frustrates them, and what keeps them coming back.

But here’s the catch: choosing the wrong survey tool can waste hours of your time, frustrate respondents, and give you data that’s either incomplete or unreliable.

That’s why we rolled up our sleeves and tested more than 20 survey apps—so you don’t have to. From setup to analytics, we looked at how each tool performs in real-world scenarios. The result? A shortlist of the best survey apps that can actually help you capture insights and turn them into action.

How We Test Survey Apps

Each tool is judged on:

Setup speed: how quickly we could publish a live survey
Survey creation: variety of question types and logic options
User experience: ease of use, customization, and mobile friendliness
Distribution & integrations: how well the app shares surveys and connects with other tools
Analytics: depth of reporting and export options
Pricing & scalability: value for money and ability to grow with your business

Survey App Comparison Table

AppsBest forFree
Plan?
Premium Pricing
WPFormsWordPress sites with a wide variety of survey and form needs✅Starts at $49.50/year
UserFeedbackWordPress sites that need a dedicated survey plugin✅Starts at $49.50/year
SurveyMonkeyBusinesses that only need occasional basic surveys✅Starts at $25/month
TypeFormBusinesses that need advanced surveys and extensive integrations✅Starts at $25/month
Google FormsUsers who want surveys that seamlessly integrate with other Google tools✅Starts at $6/month
(Google Workspace)
JotformFeature-rich surveys with a top-notch visual builder✅Starts at $34/month
BONUS
OptinMonster
Precisely targeting your surveys to the right website users❌Starts at $9.97/month

6 Best Survey Apps

1. WPForms – Best for WordPress Sites with Flexible Needs

WPForms is hands down the best WordPress form-building plugin available. The Pro plan includes a powerful and easy-to-use Survey and Polls addon that makes it the #1 survey app on our list today.

You can combine the Survey and Polls tools with other features like multi-page forms, email integration, and conditional logic to create highly engaging and detailed questionnaires.

We use WPForms regularly here at OptinMonster. I also installed WPForms on my own WordPress site and was able to create a form in minutes. You can build your survey from scratch or get a head start by using a premade template. The easy builder lets you drag and drop survey fields into place, including:

  • Drop-down menus
  • Multiple choice questions
  • Single-line and paragraph text answers
  • Name and email fields
  • Advanced fields like file uploads, Likert scale, and more

Once you’ve placed the field, simply click on it to customize the Field Options in the left menu settings:

WPforms field options menu for its online survey tool

One of the things I love most about WPForms is its robust survey reporting features. Once you’ve published your survey, it’s easy to track the results. Here’s an example of the results from a survey that OptinMonster used for some of our customers:

I chose a horizontal bar graph to display the results, but you can also view the results as a pie, line, or vertical bar chart.

With WPForms, you get useful, real-time reports and graphs based on survey responses. This helps you collect and analyze your survey data to make smarter, data-driven decisions about your business.

You can also download these reports in an Excel spreadsheet or CSV file to import to 3rd-party marketing tools, such as a CRM platform like Salesforce or Hubspot.

And with their addons for offline surveys and form abandonment, WPForms ensures that you collect user data no matter what. It’s this type of functionality that makes WPForms the best survey app for WordPress.

You can also use a shortcode to display the survey results on any page of your site. You can even embed your WPForms survey inside an OptinMonster popup. Check out our instruction video:

Best for: WordPress sites with a wide variety of survey and form needs.

Is WForms Free? There is a free plugin that you can use for basic surveys and forms.

Premium Pricing: Starts at $49.50/year. For full survey functionality, choose the Pro plan at $199.50/year or higher.

2. UserFeedback – Best for On-Site Feedback Surveys

UserFeedback is a WordPress plugin dedicated to helping you collect feedback from your website visitors.

This software lets you easily build surveys, display them anywhere on your website, and monitor the results.

In my testing, I decided to create a website feedback survey. It was incredibly easy to get started with the Website Feedback template. It’s 1 of the 20+ templates available in the Additional Templates Add-on, which is included with the Pro plan or higher.

I added a question to the template, and I could choose between checkboxes, radio buttons, email capture, single text field, long answer, star rating, and Net Promoter Score.

Conditional logic is available for each question in your survey. I just turned on the Enable Conditional Logic toggle and chose my Display Logic settings:

UserFeedback provides 2 easy ways to display the survey form on your website: You can either embed it using a shortcode, or you can use the Targeting rules to determine when and where your survey will pop up for your website visitors.

The Targeting rules include:

  • Which page or pages you want your survey to display on
  • When the survey displays, such as immediately, after a certain number of second, after the user scrolls halfway down the page, or when a visitor leaves your site
  • How many times each user will see your survey
  • How long you want to run your survey
  • Whether you want to start your survey minimized on the page

Best of all, UserFeedback even integrates with Google Analytics, providing you with further insights into your survey’s completion rate and audience.

Best for: WordPress sites that need a dedicated survey plugin.

Is UserFeedback Free? Yes, there is a free version with limited features.

Premium Pricing: Starts at $49.50/year

3. SurveyMonkey – Best for Buying Responses & Market Research

No list of survey makers would be complete without mentioning SurveyMonkey. This free online survey tool lets you create and distribute unlimited surveys. I’ve used SurveyMonkey multiple times over the years, and it has continued to be an easy way to gather feedback.

It’s an easy-to-use, comprehensive, and all-around excellent survey app. SurveyMonkey’s dashboard is attractive and intuitive. You simply select the type of question you want to add and then edit it in the builder:

Screeenshot of editing a multiple choice question in SurveyMonkey's online survey software.

I logged in and was given 3 options to create a survey:

  1. Start from scratch: Start with a blank slate and add the questions you want.
  2. Use a quick template: Get a head start by customizing a premade survey.
  3. Build with AI: Enter a prompt, and SurveyMonkey will use AI to build your survey for you.

These features are all free, but you’ll need to upgrade to a premium plan to use advanced options like conditional logic and accepting payments. You also must have a paid plan if you want to embed SurveyMonkey surveys as popups on your website. If you use their free tool, you’ll have to share the survey link with your audience.

Best for: Businesses that only need occasional basic surveys.

Is SurveyMonkey Free? Yes, it’s free to create basic surveys without conditional logic or website embedding.

Premium Pricing: Start at $25/month

4. TypeForm – Best for Beginners & Conversational Surveys

TypeForm is a robust survey app that lets you create in-depth surveys. You can create interactive surveys to get more responses, turning boring surveys into friendly conversations.

In my testing, I was impressed by just how powerful TypeForm’s survey features are. For example, I was able to add videos, images, and GIFs to a survey in just a few clicks. I also created a survey using their Qualify Leads option. TrueForm’s AI technology used information from OptinMonster’s website to create an Ideal Customer Profile, which I could add to and edit. Then, it built a lead-qualifying survey for me:

A lead-qualifying survey created by AI in TrueForm's online survey software

The survey was far from perfect, as the AI didn’t fully understand OptinMonster’s features. However, it gave a great starting point and included some useful questions I hadn’t thought of. For instance, TrueForm suggested asking new leads whether they prefer webinars, tutorials, or case studies when learning about software. With this survey data, our email marketing and sales teams can send more targeted and helpful information to each potential customer.

What else sets TypeForm apart from tools like SurveyMonkey? Its extensive integrations. You can connect Typeform to:

Integrations list for TrueForm's online survey tool.

Keep in mind that this advanced functionality comes at a higher price. At first glance, the pricing looks in line with SurveyMonkey’s paid plans. However, TypeForm severely limits the number of monthly responses allowed on its lower-tiered plans. For instance, the $25/month Basic plan only includes 100 responses per month, and you have you pay extra to increase that number.

Best for: Businesses that need advanced surveys and extensive integrations.

Is TypeForm Free? There’s a free plan, but you only get 10 responses per month.

Premium Pricing: Starts at $25/month

5. Google Forms – Best Free Survey Tool

Google Forms is an excellent online survey tool like SurveyMonkey, and it’s completely free.

I’ve used Google Forms to create surveys, registration forms, applications, and more. It even includes basic conditional logic.

It’s an especially great choice for Google Workspace users, as it connects to Google Drive and Sheets. For instance, I’ve created forms that included a file upload field and was able to access those files in Drive.

I can view the results under Responses, or I can click Link to Sheets to sync the survey with a spreadsheet that will automatically update as new results come in:

The "Link to Sheets" button in Google Forms

You can build simple surveys, require users to enter an email address (to grow your email list), and gather the results quickly.

You can also use the embed code to add your form anywhere on your website or within an OptinMonster popup campaign:

Custom HTML Popup with Google Forms

Best for: Google Workspace users who want surveys that seamlessly integrate with other Google tools

Is Google Forms Free? Yes.

Premium Pricing: Starts at $6/month per user for full Google Workspace

6. Jotform – Best Visual Survey Builder

Jotform is a comprehensive form builder that you can use to create online surveys. It has an extremely easy drag-and-drop builder and high-quality templates to help you get started.

I was impressed by Jotform’s exceptionally clean and attractive user interface (UI). In fact, it may be the smoothest, least clunky experience of all the online survey tools on this list. That’s because you can edit your questions and options right in its visual builder:

Jotform's visual builder for its online survey tools

Similar to TypeForm, Jotform offers a wide variety of integrations and advanced conditional logic. Jotform has the additional feature of letting you build fillable PDFs or convert your survey into one.

Best for: Feature-rich surveys with a top-notch visual builder

Is Jotform Free? The free version includes all features, but limites you to 5 forms and 100 montly submissions.

Premium Pricing: Starts at $34/month

Bonus App: OptinMonster – Best for Targeted On-Site Surveys

OptinMonster is the best lead generation software on the market. Our popups, floating bars, and other onsite campaigns make it SUPER EASY for you to encourage your visitors to fill in surveys. This means OptinMonster is a great online survey app that can be used in many different contexts.

This popup screen has 3 questions/fields: 1. "How likely are you to recommend our brand to a friend?" with a dropdown field. 2. "How can we improve?" with a text field. 2. Email address field. Then there's a submit button.

Let’s take a look at 4 ways OptinMonster can help you create, collect, and promote surveys on your site:

  • Embed forms within a campaign: Easily embed survey forms in your popups, floating bars, slide-in scroll boxes, and more. Then distribute and promote the survey across your site to a targeted audience.
  • Create short surveys directly in OptinMonster: If you only need to ask a few basic questions, you don’t even need a dedicated survey app. You can add fields like dropdowns, radio buttons, checkboxes, and text fields right in our drag-and-drop builder.
  • Redirect traffic for longer surveys: Create exit popups, fullscreen welcome mats, or other optin campaigns with a button that redirects users to your long-form survey. This lets you get more responses from your organic traffic.
  • Target your audience: Create a unique user experience by personalizing your messages and targeting them to the right people. This gets more people engaged with your survey form.

OptinMonster’s Page-Level Targeting and Exit-Intent® Technology can detect when a visitor has completed their purchase and is leaving your site. You can then trigger a popup to ask them to take a short feedback survey to tell you about their experience before they leave.

exit detection rules for optinmonster campaign

Check out how Kennedy Blue increases sales by 50% using OptinMonster’s Exit-Intent® popups to promote their customer surveys and get valuable feedback.

kennedyblue_optinmonster_exitsurvey

At the end of the day, OptinMonster is a great survey app because it encourages the right people to take your survey.

And since you can integrate OptinMonster with your email marketing service, you can use your survey data to segment your email list and send more targeted email campaigns.

Want to try it out? Click below to start using the best survey app to get more survey responses.

What Is the Best Survey App?

WPForms is the best survey app for WordPress websites.

WPForms is flexible, easy to use, and loaded with features. It makes survey design a breeze. You can embed it with OptinMonster to create powerful survey popups on your website.

Plus, it does more than just create surveys. That means you can use WPForms to make any form on your website, such as:

  • Newsletter signups
  • Event registrations
  • Payment collection
  • And much more.

If you don’t use WordPress, then your specific needs will determine which tool is best for you. If you need to create robust online surveys with lots of integrations, then I suggest TypeForm.

I hope this list helps you choose the best survey app for your business, so you can start collecting important data right away.

FAQs About the Best Survey Apps

What is the best free survey tool?

Google Forms is the best free option for simple surveys because it integrates directly with Google Sheets and has no response limits. For WordPress users, WPForms Lite offers basic survey functionality at no cost.

What survey app has the best analytics?

MakeForms is built for analytics, offering BI-style dashboards and advanced filtering. SurveyMonkey also provides robust reporting, especially if you need to purchase responses for market research.

Which survey app is best for WordPress users?

WPForms is the top choice for WordPress because it combines surveys, forms, and polls in one plugin. UserFeedback is another excellent WordPress-only tool for running targeted website surveys.

Which survey app is best for privacy?

BlockSurvey stands out for privacy because it uses Web3 technology to provide end-to-end encryption and anonymous surveys.

What’s the best survey app overall?

SurveyMonkey is best for market research, Typeform is best for conversational surveys, and WPForms is best for WordPress users. If you need enterprise-level power, Responsly is a strong option.

Want to learn more about online surveys? Check out these resources:

These posts will have everything you need to increase survey response rates, learn about your audience, and increase profits.

Want to target your surveys to the right people at just the right time?

Get started with OptinMonster today!

BONUS: Done-For-You Campaign Setup ($297 value)

Our conversion experts will design 1 free campaign for you to get maximum results – absolutely FREE!

The post Here Are the 6 Best Survey Apps in 2025 appeared first on OptinMonster.]]>
https://optinmonster.com/best-online-survey-software-for-small-businesses/feed/ 0
Best Google Analytics Plugin for WordPress: Top 7 for 2025 https://optinmonster.com/best-google-analytics-plugins/ https://optinmonster.com/best-google-analytics-plugins/#respond Wed, 27 Aug 2025 13:00:00 +0000 https://optinmonster.com/?p=133433 Quick Answer: MonsterInsights is the best Google Analytics plugin for WordPress. Only MonsterInsights offers an incredible selection of features at an affordable price. Plus, it’s backed by an awesome team that works hard to keep the plugin updated, and the software behind it constantly improving. Plus, it lets you do everything you need to do …

The post Best Google Analytics Plugin for WordPress: Top 7 for 2025 appeared first on OptinMonster.]]>

Quick Answer: MonsterInsights is the best Google Analytics plugin for WordPress. Only MonsterInsights offers an incredible selection of features at an affordable price. Plus, it’s backed by an awesome team that works hard to keep the plugin updated, and the software behind it constantly improving. Plus, it lets you do everything you need to do from the comfort of your WordPress dashboard.

Google Analytics is one of the most powerful tools for understanding your website traffic, but let’s be honest — it overwhelms most beginners.

I still remember the first time I tried to configure GA4. What should have been a simple setup turned into hours of digging through menus, pasting snippets of code, and second-guessing whether my data was tracking correctly. It felt like I needed a developer just to get the basics running.

That all changed when I discovered WordPress plugins that handled the heavy lifting for me. With just a few clicks, I could set up advanced tracking, view my reports inside the WordPress dashboard, and finally use my data to make better marketing decisions.

In this guide, we’re going beyond a simple list. This is a tested, expert-reviewed breakdown of the best Google Analytics plugins for WordPress in 2025 — including real pros and cons, use cases, and which tools make the most sense for your site.

Why Trust OptinMonster’s Recommendations?

When you’re looking for the right analytics plugin, you don’t need another generic roundup that rehashes what’s already on plugin pages. You need honest insights you can act on.

Here’s why you can rely on this guide:

  • Hands-On Testing – Our team actually installed and configured each plugin on a live WordPress site. We tested setup time, reporting accuracy, and how well each tool integrates with ecommerce and forms.
  • Expert Review – Every recommendation is reviewed by the OptinMonster editorial team, with years of experience helping businesses grow traffic and conversions.
  • Real Use Cases – We don’t just list features. We share where each plugin shines (and where it falls short), so you can make the best choice for your site.
  • Conversion-First Lens – At OptinMonster, we don’t just care about tracking numbers — we care about helping you turn those numbers into results. That means focusing on plugins that give you clear insights you can actually use to grow.

We’ve done the work so you don’t waste hours testing plugins that don’t deliver. This is the guide we wish we had when we were starting out.

Quick Comparison: Best Google Analytics Plugins for WordPress (2025)

Before we dive into the full reviews, here’s a snapshot of the top plugins — what they’re best for, their standout features, and starting prices.

PluginBest ForKey FeaturesStarting Price
MonsterInsightsAll-in-one analytics from your WP dashboardGA4 + UA support, ecommerce tracking, form tracking, GDPR tools, dual tracking$99.50/year
ExactMetricsBeginners who want free + pro optionsPageview & traffic reports, GA4 support, custom dimensions, event trackingFree / $99.50/year
AnalytifyMarketers who want post-level insightsPost/page analytics, UTM tracking, real-time stats, email reports (addon)Free / $75/year
ConversiosWooCommerce store ownersEcommerce behavior & sales reports, product performance trackingFree
GA Google AnalyticsLightweight tracking without extrasQuick setup, GDPR ready, no dashboard reportingFree / $15/year
WP Statistics Privacy-focused site ownersIP/location data, search engine reports, CSV/XML exportFree / $119+ addons
WP Google Analytics EventsNo-code event trackingScroll depth, CTA clicks, video interactionsFree / $79/year

Best Google Analytics Plugins for WordPress

1. MonsterInsights ⭐ Best All-in-One Analytics Plugin

MonsterInsights - best google analytics plugin for wordpress

If you only try one Google Analytics plugin, make it MonsterInsights. It’s the most popular WordPress analytics plugin for a reason — it takes something that usually feels complicated (GA4 setup) and makes it ridiculously simple.

I remember helping a friend set up ecommerce tracking directly in GA4. It took us hours of tinkering with Google Tag Manager, custom events, and endless testing. With MonsterInsights, all of that was handled in a few clicks. The difference was night and day.

MonsterInsights brings your most important Google Analytics reports right into your WordPress dashboard. That means you don’t have to log into GA4 every time you want to check traffic, see your top-performing content, or track conversions.

Key Features

  • One-click GA4 setup — no coding or developers required.
  • Ecommerce tracking for WooCommerce, Easy Digital Downloads, and MemberPress.
  • Form tracking (works with WPForms, Gravity Forms, Ninja Forms, and more).
  • EU Compliance addon for GDPR and privacy laws.
  • Dual tracking for GA4 + Universal Analytics (for sites still transitioning).
  • Site Notes — annotate reports with marketing campaigns, site changes, or algorithm updates (a replacement for GA annotations).

Pros ✅

  • Beginner-friendly setup, no coding needed
  • Rich dashboard reports inside WordPress
  • Advanced tracking options (forms, ecommerce, downloads)
  • Active development + strong support

Cons ❌

  • Premium features start at $99.50/year
  • Some reports are only available in higher plans

Best For

Small businesses, bloggers, and ecommerce stores that want powerful analytics without touching code.

👉 Verdict: If you want the easiest way to set up and actually use Google Analytics on WordPress, MonsterInsights is the clear winner.

MonsterInsights Review: Is This Analytics Plugin Worth It?

2. ExactMetrics 🚀 Best for Beginners Who Want Free + Pro Options

ExactMetrics - best google analytics plugin for wordpress

If you’re just starting with Google Analytics and want something simple to get you going, ExactMetrics is a solid choice. It used to be called Google Analytics Dashboard for WordPress (GADWP) — so if that name sounds familiar, you’re in the right place.

What makes ExactMetrics great is that you can get started with their free version, which covers the basics like traffic reports, pageviews, and real-time stats. As your site grows, you can upgrade to unlock advanced features like event tracking, custom dimensions, and ecommerce reports.

I like to think of ExactMetrics as a “step-up” plugin. It’s perfect if you want the essentials now, but also need room to scale into deeper analytics without switching tools.

Key Features

  • Easy Google Analytics setup with no coding.
  • Real-time stats (visitors, traffic sources, device breakdowns).
  • Page/post-level reports inside WordPress.
  • Event tracking for downloads, links, and more.
  • GA4 support + customizable tracking ID.

Pros ✅

  • Free version available — great for hobby sites and beginners.
  • Simple setup and easy-to-read reports.
  • Covers the “must-have” analytics data without overwhelming you.
  • Upgrade path available as your site grows.

Cons ❌

  • Advanced features (custom dimensions, ecommerce) require Pro.
  • Lighter on features compared to MonsterInsights.

Best For

Beginners, bloggers, and small websites that want a free plugin to start with, but the option to upgrade when they need more insights.

👉 Verdict: ExactMetrics is the best balance of free + pro options. If you’re not ready to invest in a premium plugin yet, this is the safest place to start.

3. Analytify 📊 Best for Post-Level Insights

Analytify - best google analytics plugin for wordpress

If you’re the kind of marketer who wants to zoom in on how each post or page is performing, Analytify might be your new favorite tool.

Unlike some plugins that only give you sitewide reports, Analytify makes it easy to see post-level and page-level analytics right inside your WordPress dashboard. That means you can quickly tell which blog posts are bringing in the most traffic, where visitors are dropping off, and how campaigns are performing.

When I tested Analytify, what stood out was how clean the reports looked. It doesn’t overwhelm you with every possible metric — it highlights the ones you actually need to make content and campaign decisions.

Key Features

  • Page and post-level analytics inside WordPress.
  • Real-time visitor stats.
  • UTM campaign tracking for custom marketing campaigns.
  • Ecommerce tracking (WooCommerce + Easy Digital Downloads).
  • Automated email reports for site stats.

Pros ✅

  • Simple, intuitive dashboard (not bloated with unnecessary data).
  • Perfect for content marketers who want post-by-post performance.
  • Free version available with core features.
  • Addons extend functionality (campaign tracking, email reports).

Cons ❌

  • Some essential features (like email reporting) require paid addons.
  • Reports in the free version can feel limited compared to Pro.
  • Occasional complaints of too many upsells in the free plugin.

Best For

Content creators, bloggers, and marketers who want deep insights into individual posts and campaigns, without switching back and forth between GA4 and WordPress.

👉 Verdict: Analytify is ideal if you’re serious about content marketing and want to see exactly how each blog post, landing page, or campaign is performing.

4. Conversios 🛒 Best for WooCommerce Store Owners

Conversios - best google analytics plugin for wordpress

Running a WooCommerce store means you need more than traffic numbers — you need to know what products people are clicking, when they abandon carts, and what drives actual sales. That’s where Conversios shines.

This free plugin taps into Google Analytics’ ecommerce tracking features and makes them usable for WooCommerce site owners. Instead of drowning in custom event setup, Conversios helps you track shopping behavior, checkout steps, product impressions, and sales performance right out of the box.

When I tested it, I loved that you could actually see which products were getting clicks versus which ones were being added to carts. That level of insight helps store owners optimize product pages and boost conversions.

Key Features

  • Ecommerce tracking for WooCommerce stores.
  • Reports for shopping behavior, checkout behavior, product performance, and sales.
  • Tracks clicks, impressions, and add-to-cart events.
  • Free plugin with premium upgrades.

Pros ✅

  • Tailored for WooCommerce store owners.
  • Focused on ecommerce reports that matter most.
  • Free to use.

Cons ❌

  • Limited to simple products (not as flexible for advanced/custom setups).
  • May conflict with certain themes or heavily customized stores.
  • Occasional reports of settings being reset after updates.

Best For

WooCommerce store owners who want a free way to unlock ecommerce analytics without dealing with Google Tag Manager.

👉 Verdict: Conversios is a solid choice if you run a straightforward WooCommerce shop and need to track shopping behavior and sales performance.

5. GA Google Analytics ⚡ Best for Lightweight Tracking

GA Google Analytics - google analytics plugins for WordPress

Sometimes, you don’t need an all-in-one dashboard — you just want to add the Google Analytics tracking code to your site and call it a day. That’s where GA Google Analytics comes in.

This plugin is incredibly lightweight. It doesn’t try to be a reporting dashboard; instead, it ensures your GA tracking code is installed properly so you can see accurate data in Google Analytics itself.

I recommend this for developers or site owners who already know their way around GA4 and don’t need another interface.

Key Features

  • Simple, lightweight setup for GA tracking.
  • GDPR compliance support.
  • Option to add tracking code to header or footer.
  • No bloat or extra dashboards.

Pros ✅

  • Extremely fast and lightweight.
  • Perfect for developers or advanced users.
  • Low cost (or free).

Cons ❌

  • No reports inside WordPress.
  • Limited features compared to other plugins.

Best For

Developers, advanced users, or minimalists who want a simple, no-frills GA plugin.

👉 Verdict: GA Google Analytics is perfect if you want GA tracking without the extra dashboards or features.

6. WP Statistics 🔒 Best for Privacy-Focused Site Owners

WP Statistics - google analytics plugins for WordPress

In an age where privacy matters more than ever, WP Statistics takes a different approach. Instead of sending all your site data to Google, it stores analytics locally in your WordPress database.

This makes it a great option for site owners who want more control over their data and who serve audiences that care about privacy compliance.

The tradeoff? You won’t get the same depth of reporting as GA4, but you’ll have a privacy-friendly solution that covers the essentials.

Key Features

  • Stores analytics data locally on your WordPress site.
  • Reports on IP addresses, locations, referrers, and search engines.
  • CSV/XML export for offline analysis.
  • Addons available for extended reporting.

Pros ✅

  • Privacy-first approach (data stored locally).
  • No reliance on third-party services.
  • One-time cost for addons.

Cons ❌

  • Heavier on server resources since data is stored locally.
  • Lacks the depth of Google Analytics’ advanced reporting.

Best For

Websites that need privacy-first analytics (e.g., EU-based sites, organizations with strict compliance needs).

👉 Verdict: WP Statistics is a great alternative if privacy matters more to you than deep GA4 insights.

7. WP Google Analytics Events 🎥 Best for No-Code Event Tracking

WP Google Analytics Events - google analytics plugins for WordPress

Tracking events like scroll depth, button clicks, or video plays usually requires custom code in GA4. WP Google Analytics Events solves that by letting you set up event tracking directly from your WordPress dashboard — no coding needed.

For content-heavy sites or publishers who want to measure engagement, this plugin makes it easy to track the interactions that matter most.

Key Features

  • No-code event tracking for GA.
  • Track scroll depth, CTA clicks, and video plays.
  • Customize events without touching Google Tag Manager.

Pros ✅

  • Great for engagement tracking.
  • Beginner-friendly, no coding required.
  • Helps identify where readers drop off or engage.

Cons ❌

  • Not as full-featured as MonsterInsights or ExactMetrics.
  • Requires GA knowledge to get the most value.

Best For

Bloggers, publishers, and content creators who want to measure reader engagement without coding.

👉 Verdict: WP Google Analytics Events is the best choice if you care about tracking how visitors interact with your content — scrolls, clicks, and videos — without writing a line of code.

Bonus: Site Kit by Google

No list of Google Analytics plugins would be complete without mentioning Site Kit. It’s free and open-source, plus it’s made by Google itself.

However, it’s not our top recommendation for a few reasons.

Site Kit doesn’t give particularly detailed reports in WordPress. You have to go into Google Analytics to see the most useful information.

It’s also hard to stay compliant with GDPR when using Site Kit. You have to manually anonymize IP addresses and disable tracking, which is a pain.

FAQs About Google Analytics Plugins for WordPress

1. What is the best Google Analytics plugin for WordPress?

The best all-in-one plugin is MonsterInsights. It makes GA4 setup simple, adds ecommerce and form tracking, and brings reports into your WordPress dashboard.

2. Can I use Google Analytics on WordPress without a plugin?

Yes — you can manually add the GA tracking code to your site. But for most people, using a plugin is much easier and avoids setup mistakes.

3. Which Google Analytics plugin is best for WooCommerce?

Conversios is a free option built for WooCommerce stores. If you want deeper ecommerce reporting, MonsterInsights Pro also integrates with WooCommerce, Easy Digital Downloads, and MemberPress.

4. Is there a free Google Analytics plugin for WordPress?

Yes. ExactMetrics and Analytify both offer free versions that cover basic traffic reports. For lightweight tracking only, GA Google Analytics has a free plan too.

5. Do Google Analytics plugins slow down WordPress?

Most plugins are optimized for speed. If performance is your top concern, stick with lighter plugins like GA Google Analytics or ExactMetrics Free.

6. Are Google Analytics plugins GDPR compliant?

Yes, many plugins (like MonsterInsights and GA Google Analytics) include GDPR compliance features. Always check the plugin’s documentation and configure cookie consent if you serve EU users.

Final Thoughts: Which Google Analytics Plugin Should You Choose?

Google Analytics is one of the most valuable tools for growing your website — but only if you can actually use it. That’s why choosing the right WordPress plugin matters.

Here’s the quick recap:

  • MonsterInsights is the best all-in-one plugin if you want advanced features with beginner-friendly setup.
  • ExactMetrics is perfect for beginners who need a free option with the ability to upgrade.
  • Analytify is great for marketers who want post-level insights.
  • Conversios is a solid choice for WooCommerce stores.
  • GA Google Analytics works best if you just want lightweight tracking.
  • WP Statistics is the go-to for privacy-focused sites.
  • WP Google Analytics Events is best if you care about tracking engagement without code.

No matter which plugin you choose, remember: analytics only matter if you act on them. That’s where OptinMonster comes in. Our tools help you take the data you collect — like where visitors come from, what they click, and when they drop off — and turn those insights into higher conversions, more subscribers, and more sales.

👉 Ready to put your analytics to work? Get started with OptinMonster today!

We hope this article about the best analytics plugin for WordPress was exactly what you were looking for! If you enjoyed this article, you might find these resources helpful:

The post Best Google Analytics Plugin for WordPress: Top 7 for 2025 appeared first on OptinMonster.]]>
https://optinmonster.com/best-google-analytics-plugins/feed/ 0
How to Create a NPS Survey in WordPress https://optinmonster.com/how-to-create-a-nps-survey-in-wordpress/ https://optinmonster.com/how-to-create-a-nps-survey-in-wordpress/#respond Sun, 10 Aug 2025 15:00:00 +0000 https://optinmonster.com/?p=173212 Want to know how to create an NPS survey in WordPress? 03156181888 mas A net promoter score (NPS) survey helps you understand how loyal your customers are to your company. It’s an important metric for keeping your customers happy and your business healthy. In this article, we’ll show you how to create an NPS survey …

The post How to Create a NPS Survey in WordPress appeared first on OptinMonster.]]>
Want to know how to create an NPS survey in WordPress? 03156181888 mas

A net promoter score (NPS) survey helps you understand how loyal your customers are to your company. It’s an important metric for keeping your customers happy and your business healthy.

In this article, we’ll show you how to create an NPS survey on your WordPress site.

What Is An NPS Survey?

NPS stands for Net Promoter Score. It’s widely considered the gold standard metric of customer feedback, and asks one simple question:

“How likely are you to recommend this company/product/service to a friend or colleague?”

Customers pick an answer from a 10-point Likert scale, with 0 being the least likely and 10 being the most likely.

NPS scores are categorized like this:

  • 9-10: Promoters who will likely keep buying and referring others to your business
  • 7-8: Passives who are happy enough but unlikely to share and possibly vulnerable to competitors
  • 0-6: Detractors who are unhappy and may speak negatively about your business

To calculate the Net Promoter Score, you subtract the percentage who are Detractors from the percentage who are Promoters. Passives have less effect on your NPS score.

For example, if 50% of your customers are Promoters and 20% are Detractors, your NPS score would be 30. Typical NPS scores vary across industries.

There’s an important difference between liking a product enough to buy and use it, and liking it enough to share it with others. In some ways, Net Promoter Score surveys measure what kind of social proof you as the business owner can expect from that particular customer.

Types of NPS Surveys

There are 2 main types of NPS surveys: relational and transactional.

Relational NPS surveys are conducted on a regular basis among your existing or potential customers. This provides long-term data on overall customer loyalty.

Transactional NPS surveys are sent after a customer interacts with your company. That could be making a purchase, talking to customer service staff, or installing your product. Transactional NPS surveys provide detailed feedback about customer satisfaction on each step of the customer journey.

You can conduct NPS surveys about practically anything, such as specific products, different brick and mortar locations, pages on your website, staff members, marketing channels, and more.

NPS Survey Questions

The core question of an NPS survey is simple: “How likely are you to recommend this to a friend or colleague?”

For more detail, you can follow up with a question about why they scored the way they did. You can also use conditional logic to ask specific follow-up questions for each group:

  • Promoters: What do you like most about us?
  • Passives: How can we make your experience better?
  • Detractors: How did we disappoint you and what can we do to make things right?

If you want to gather more customer experience data, you can ask for permission to follow up by phone or email.

Keep your NPS survey as short as possible. Only the core question should be required. All other questions should be optional.

If you’re a visual learner, here’s an NPS survey template showing which questions to ask and when:

Now let’s see how to create an NPS survey in WordPress.

How to Create an NPS Survey on Your WordPress Website (5 Step Guide)

The easiest way to create an NPS survey in WordPress is to use a WordPress survey plugin. We like WPForms.

WPForms is the best drag and drop form builder for WordPress. You can use WPForms to create contact forms, surveys, polls, and so much more.

WPForms is an affordable and beginner-friendly forms plugin for small businesses. It also has plenty of integrations with other tools you’re using in your business.

With WPForms, you’ll have your NPS survey ready in minutes. Here’s how to do it.

Step 1: Create Your Survey

First, you need to purchase a WPForms plan. You’ll need the Surveys & Polls addon, which is available on the WPForms Pro plan or higher.

Once you’ve got your WPForms account, you need to copy your license key and download the plugin file. You can do both of those in the Downloads section of your WPForms account.

Next, go to your WordPress dashboard. Go to Plugins » Add New.

From there, click the Upload Plugin button at the top of the page.

Now, click on the Choose File button and find the WPForms plugin file you downloaded earlier.

Once you do that, click Install Now. WordPress will upload the plugin file and install it for you. Finally you’ll need to click Activate Plugin.

Once you do this, you’ll need to go to WPForms » Settings. Enter your license key under the General tab.

After you enter your license key, go to WPForms » Addons. Find the Surveys and Polls Addon and click Install Addon.

Finally, click Activate.

Now you’re ready to create an NPS survey.

Go to WPforms » Add New to create a new form.

On the setup screen, give your form a name and find the NPS Survey Enhanced Form template. This template will do almost all of the work for you!

The template will start with the following fields:

  • Net Promoter Score core question (Likert scale)
  • Reason for score (paragraph text)
  • Testimonial permission (checkbox)
  • Email address

You can add fields by dragging them from the Fields panel on the left into the form panel on the right. Or you can delete fields you don’t want.

To change the form fields, click on the field and change what you need in the Field Options panel on the left. You can also drag the fields around to rearrange them.

Step 2: Set Up Conditional Logic

Personalization is a highly effective way to increase your conversion rates. It wouldn’t make sense to ask someone who gave a low NPS score what they love most about the product or company. So let’s use conditional logic to display the appropriate followup question based on the NPS score.

The enhanced NPS survey form comes with conditional logic built in.

If someone answers the NPS field as a promoter (8+), they’ll see a text box asking, What do you like most about us?

Passive answers (7-8) will get a text box asking, What could we do to improve?

And detractors (0-6) will get a text box that says, How did we disappoint you and what can we do to make things right?

Feel free to change these questions to what makes most sense for your business and matches your brand voice. To do that, click on the field you want to edit and select Conditionals in the Field Options panel on the left.

Step 3: Configure Form Confirmations

The next thing you need to do is configure the form confirmation. This is an important part of creating a positive user experience. No one wants to take the time to fill out even a short survey and be unsure whether the form has been received. With WPForms, it’s easy to instantly let visitors know that you’ve received their form.

To edit your form notifications, go to Settings » Confirmation from within the form editor.

You can choose from 3 types of confirmations in the dropdown menu:

  1. Message: This displays a simple text message on the page once the form has been submitted successfully. You can also include a preview of their form after the confirmation message.
  2. Show Page: This takes site visitors to a specific page on your WordPress website. You can create a special thank you landing page and use this confirmation to send visitors there.
  3. Go to URL (Redirect): This takes visitors to a different website. Consider letting them know beforehand that this will happen.

Step 4: Configure Form Notifications (Optional)

You’re probably eager to know when someone fills out your NPS survey. Notifications can let you or a team member know when new form submissions come in.

To edit form notifications, select Settings » Notifications.

You can turn notifications on or off. Unless you disable notifications, the admin email for your WordPress site will get the notification.

You can also add another email address to the Send to Email Address field.

If you use smart tags, you can also send an email to your visitor letting them know their form has been received. This is another customer experience detail to pay attention to. But please note that unless you explicitly ask permission to do so, you cannot add them to your email marketing list.

Read more about how to set up form notifications in WordPress.

Step 5: Add Your NPS Survey To WordPress

Now it’s time to add your NPS survey to WordPress.

With WPForms, you can add your survey just about anywhere using a block, shortcode, or widget.

Let’s take a look at the block embed option first.

Create a new post or page in WordPress, or open an existing one.

Then, click the black square with the plus sign to add a block. Search for WPForms and click on the WPForms block.

The WPForms block will appear. Select your NPS survey form from the dropdown.

That’s it! You can add anything else you need to the page or post and then click Publish in the upper right corner.

To use a shortcode, go to WPForms » All Forms. Look for the shortcode for the form you want to add. Simply copy and paste this wherever you want to add the form.

Finally, you can use widgets to add your NPS survey to your sidebar or footer.

Go to Appearance » Widgets. You’ll see the different widget areas available in your theme. Click on the widget area where you’d like to add your NPS survey.

Next, click on the plus symbol to add a block. Find the WPForms widget and click on it. Choose your NPS survey from the dropdown menu.

You can choose whether to display the title or description of the widget. Most of the time it’s probably okay to leave these out.

How to See Your NPS Score

As you get NPS surveys back, WPForms will automatically calculate your NPS score.

To see your NPS score, go to WPForms » All Forms. Next, hover over the form name to see the extra menu items. Click on Survey Results.

You’ll be able to see your overall NPS score, as well as the number of promoters, passives, and detractors.

How and When to Send NPS Surveys

You can send relational NPS surveys periodically to customers through your email marketing service. You can also post the survey link on social media and on popup campaigns on your website.

Transactional NPS surveys should go out after customer interactions, so email is usually a more reliable and targeted way to send those. You can also include links to your NPS survey in help tickets or live chat conversations.

To get more responses, you can add your NPS survey to an OptinMonster popup campaign using a shortcode.

OptinMonster Homepage

OptinMonster is the best popup builder for showing your survey to the right people at the right time.

It’s easy to add your NPS survey shortcode to an OptinMonster campaign. Your survey will retain the style settings from WPForms even in the OptinMonster campaign.

You can then use OptinMonster’s targeting rules to show the survey to past visitors, existing subscribers, new customers, and other precise segments of your audience. With Exit-Intent® Technology and MonsterEffects™, you can attract and convert more visitors to fill out your NPS survey.

Congratulations! Now you know how to create an NPS survey in WordPress.

Bonus tool: You can also use the powerful UserFeedback plugin from MonsterInsights to create user-friendly NPS surveys.

userfeedback homepage

Once you’ve created your survey, you can add it to any page or post on your website using a shortcode or widget. The plugin also provides analytics and reporting features to help you understand your NPS scores and take action based on the feedback you receive.

Did you know you can use NPS scores to segment your email list and send personalized content accordingly? Learn more and check out our list of 50 ways to segment your email list.

You can also learn more about the best WordPress survey plugins available today.

Ready to gather NPS data the easy way? Get started with WPForms today!

The post How to Create a NPS Survey in WordPress appeared first on OptinMonster.]]>
https://optinmonster.com/how-to-create-a-nps-survey-in-wordpress/feed/ 0