Introduction
We are spoiled for choice when it comes to choosing a WordPress plugin for any need. In some cases it could take a whole day to just compare and test plugins before deciding.
This list can be used as a cheat sheet – to go straight to great plugins as your starting point.
There is list assumes that you are already using Elementor Pro!
These are essentially the Snug Site “Go To” plugins.
Usually, plugins that are designed to perform the same function will differ significantly, and we can’t guarantee that the plugins listed below are perfect for a particular use-case – but it will certainly be a good place to start.
If a solution is missing from the list below, it’s probably because we haven’t road-tested enough plugins in that category to yet confirm that there is a “best option”.
Note: The ‘Paid’ option is only shown if better than the ‘Free’ option.
The List below is in three sections:
Frontend Plugins: Are plugins that a visitor will see and interactive with.
Backend Plugins: Are plugins that a visitor doesn’t need to know is running.
WooCommerce Plugins: Are also collected below.
Frontend Plugins
Custom Taxonomy and Post Ordering
Comments
Free: wpDiscuz
Custom User Avatars
Free: One User Avatar
Events Calendar
Free: The Events Calendar
Galleries
Paid: Elementor Pro
Google reCAPTCHA
LMS
Free: LearnDash
Memberships – No Payment System
Free: Ultimate Member
Memberships – Payment System
Paid: Memberpress
Popups
Paid: Jetpopup
Slider
(Sliders are evil and should be banished from the internet)
Translation
Free: TranslatePress
Backend Plugins
Backups
Free: UpdraftPlus
301 Redirection
Free: Redirection
Duplicate Posts
Free: Duplicate Page
Exclude Posts from Search
Free: Search Exclude
Header and Footer Code
Image Optimisation
Free: EWWW Image Optimizer
Mail Logging
Free: WP Mail Logging
Preload Pages
Free: Flying Pages
Schedule Content Changes
Free: PublishPress Revisions
SEO
Free: Rank Math
Security
Free: Wordfence
SMTP Mailer
Free: Easy WP SMTP
User Switching
Free: User Switching
WooCommerce Plugins
Ajax Search
Free: WP Extended Search
Auto Complete Addresses
Back in Stock Notifier
Cart & Checkout Messages
Paid: WooCommerce Cart Notices