Plugins are a familiar sight to WordPress developers and users. Plugins supply key and/or useful features to websites, including enhancing the overall design and functionality. For WordPress users, the alternative to using plugins would be coding the desired features which is a time-consuming task and may not be feasible for the project. Plugins save time and provide additional benefits and options for websites. However, many of the bells and whistles that plugins offer are through subscription plans or purchases.
Free versus paid plugins
Websites built on WordPress have a few default plugins already installed. These include Akismet, WP Forms, and probably Jetpack to name a few. The default plugins have been installed for free and many more are available at no cost. Plugins such as Elementor and Yoast SEO can be installed and used for free and are very popular.
While many plugins are free to install and use, they probably will also offer extra features that are available for purchase via a subscription plan. These offers will show up when installing the plugin and occasionally after that. Some plugins are only available to use after being purchased, but there are several that offer a free base plugin.
Are the plugin’s premium features worth it?
Many plugins offer premium plans with additional features that could be useful to your website and business. These may include custom reporting, additional fields for contact forms, additional special effects for on-page website design, and so on. These features may benefit some people based on the needs of their business.
If your business needs to be able to have in-depth tracking beyond Google Analytics or other free options, then it would make sense to purchase advanced reporting options. Conditional logic in contact forms can help businesses categorize customers for different services or packages. Several service businesses offer booking options to their customers from their website, which may require purchasing a plugin’s premium plan. Not all businesses will need to purchase plugins, but if they can help your business or automate workflows, it is worth considering the cost and the work saved.
Which plugins should be considered first?
After browsing the plugin library but not finding a free plugin that meets your needs, you will probably need to look at the features available in the purchasable plugins. How do you decide which plugin would be the best option?
1. Number of installations
WordPress will list the number of installations a plugin has had and the average star rating based on reviews. A higher number of installations is generally better. More installations mean more people have used this plugin and the reviews will provide information on any recurring problems or usability.
2. Cost
When comparing plugins, compare their purchase or subscription price. If the plugins that you are comparing offer similar features, then price will be a significant factor. Cost is listed after the number of installations in this list because reliability is important in software. If a plugin is less expensive but has fewer installations than a more popular one, it is worth considering the reliability factor first.
3. WordPress version
The last thing to check before making a decision is the WordPress version that the plugin is compatible with. WordPress does update regularly and plugins that stay current with the latest version have a lower chance of breaking your website. If the plugin is being tested but has not been confirmed as compatible, it will display as being tested.
The value of paid plugins is based on the needs of your website and business. If paying a subscription for a plugin can save time or work, it may be worth checking into it and experimenting with it.
Talk to a developer
Talk to a WordPress developer if you have any questions about plugins or if your website may be crashing because of a plugin. Many resources and people are available to help your website work and work with you.