What plugins can’t you live without for WordPress?

Help
1

What are the top plugins you can’t build a WordPress site without? Here are mine:

  1. Updraft Backup
  2. EWWW Image Optimization
  3. WordFence Security
  4. Autoptimize
  5. Code Snippet

Other favorites:

  • Oxygen Builder
  • ACF Pro
  • Gravity Forms
  • WP Rocket
  • All in One Migration

What are yours? Let’s share ideas.

2

For me, ACF Pro is all I really need. Depending on the hosting, I sometimes add a mail logger just in case.

3

My go-to list:

  • ACF Pro
  • Classic Editor
  • Duplicator
4

Derry said:
My go-to list:

  • ACF Pro
  • Classic Editor
  • Duplicator

This person knows their stuff. Somebody hire them already!

5

Here’s what I use by default:

  • ACF Pro
  • WordFence
  • Gravity Forms
  • Classic Editor
  • WP Mail SMTP

I also like Updraft Plus, Yoast SEO, and WP Bakery PageBuilder when needed.

6

Payton said:
Here’s what I use by default:

  • ACF Pro
  • WordFence
  • Gravity Forms
  • Classic Editor
  • WP Mail SMTP

I also like Updraft Plus, Yoast SEO, and WP Bakery PageBuilder when needed.

I used WP Mail SMTP with SendGrid, but then I found that Gravity Forms has an add-on for that.

7

@Chen
Really? What’s it called? Does it only handle Gravity Forms notifications, or other emails like WordFence alerts too?

8

Payton said:
@Chen
Really? What’s it called? Does it only handle Gravity Forms notifications, or other emails like WordFence alerts too?

It’s the SendGrid add-on. I still use the SendGrid plugin for other notifications.

9

Payton said:
Here’s what I use by default:

  • ACF Pro
  • WordFence
  • Gravity Forms
  • Classic Editor
  • WP Mail SMTP

I also like Updraft Plus, Yoast SEO, and WP Bakery PageBuilder when needed.

This comment got deleted, but what was the original thought here? Was it plugin-related?

10

@Tamsin
Maybe it was about Classic Editor? It’s always a topic people feel strongly about!

11

Payton said:
Here’s what I use by default:

  • ACF Pro
  • WordFence
  • Gravity Forms
  • Classic Editor
  • WP Mail SMTP

I also like Updraft Plus, Yoast SEO, and WP Bakery PageBuilder when needed.

Why are you still using Classic Editor? Time to embrace blocks!

12

@Lennox
Lol, I just can’t stand Gutenberg!

13

Payton said:
@Lennox
Lol, I just can’t stand Gutenberg!

Same here. The interface gives me a headache. The design is just awful.

14

Kadence Blocks is a must-have for me.

15

Here’s my top 5 plugins:

  1. A2 Optimized WP
  2. The SEO Framework
  3. WordFence
  4. Ninja Forms
  5. Updraft Backup
16

Terry said:
Here’s my top 5 plugins:

  1. A2 Optimized WP
  2. The SEO Framework
  3. WordFence
  4. Ninja Forms
  5. Updraft Backup

I looked into A2. Brotli seems better than gzip—it compresses more and streams content faster.

17

Query Monitor is a lifesaver if you’re working on your own plugins.

18

My essentials:

  • WordFence
  • ACF Pro
  • CPT UI
  • Contact Form 7
  • Oxygen Builder
19

My favorites:

  1. SEOPress
  2. Perfmatters
  3. OOPSpam Anti-Spam
  4. Gravity Forms
  5. Backup with hosting or Updraft Backup
20

Some underrated plugins I use:

  1. MalCare Security: Scans everything off-site, keeping your site fast.
  2. SureCart: Great WooCommerce alternative, especially for subscriptions.
  3. LiteSpeed Cache: Works wonders on LiteSpeed servers.
  4. ManageWP: Amazing for managing multiple sites.
  5. The SEO Framework: Can’t believe how much it offers for free.