Question 1

How many WordPress plugins are there?

Accepted Answer

As of April 2026, the WordPress.org plugin repository contains 59,005 plugins. This number changes daily as new plugins are submitted and inactive ones are removed. PluginSift tracks all of them with daily data updates.

Question 2

How do I choose the right WordPress plugin?

Accepted Answer

When choosing a WordPress plugin, consider these key factors: active installations (shows trust), rating (user satisfaction), last updated date (shows active maintenance), support resolution rate (developer responsiveness), and compatibility with your WordPress and PHP version. PluginSift makes it easy to sort and filter by all these criteria.

Question 3

What's the difference between free and premium WordPress plugins?

Accepted Answer

Free plugins are fully functional and available at no cost. Freemium plugins (labeled 'Free + Premium' on PluginSift) offer a free core version with optional paid upgrades for advanced features, priority support, or additional functionality. You can filter plugins by business model to find the type that fits your needs.

Question 4

How often are WordPress plugins updated?

Accepted Answer

Update frequency varies by plugin. Well-maintained plugins typically update every 1-3 months. You can sort by 'Recently Updated' to find actively maintained plugins. PluginSift tracks the last update date for every plugin and refreshes data daily.

Question 5

Are all plugins on PluginSift safe to use?

Accepted Answer

All plugins listed on PluginSift are sourced from the official WordPress.org plugin directory, which has a review process for new submissions. However, we recommend checking the rating, support quality, and update frequency before installing any plugin. Plugins that haven't been updated in over a year may have compatibility or security concerns.

WordPress Plugins

Frequently Asked Questions