At Prominent Web Design, we develop custom WordPress themes. There are many reasons why we prefer the WordPress web publishing platform, but a significant one is the plethora of both free and premium (those you pay for) WordPress plugins. In fact, as of September 2024, it has been reported that there are approximately 70,000+ plugins made specifically for WordPress.
Over the years, we’ve had many clients who have requested their websites exhibit additional functionalities, that were best achieved through the implementation of plugins.
While free plugins can often fulfill the needs of most who operate a WordPress website, there are many instances where some might want to pay for one or more, premium WordPress plugins.
But are premium WordPress plugins worth the cost? That depends on whether you “need”, or “want”, a specific functionality that only a premium plugin can provide.
What Are Premium Plugins?
Premium WordPress plugins are typically those developed by third-party companies or individual developers and require a purchase, before you can download and use them. Pricing can vary, with costs ranging from as little as $10 and up to several hundred dollars per year (most are annual, subscription based), depending on the plugin’s complexity, functionality and the support offered for it.
Advantages of Premium Plugins
Enhanced Features and Functionality
One of the most significant benefits of premium plugins is the advanced features they offer. So, often times a plugin developer will offer a “free” or “lite” version of a plugin. These free versions usually have limited features and functionalities. That is where the “premium” versions come in. Premium plugins require that you pay for this upgraded plugin, but in return your usually get much more capability and customization options.
Dedicated Support
One of the biggest drawbacks of free plugins is the lack of support. When you run into issues or need assistance, you can often must rely on support forums or online communities for help. In contrast, premium plugins typically include customer support as part of your purchase, which is usually on a year-to-year basis. This means you can access help from the plugin developers themselves, who understand the plugin inside and out, making it easier to resolve any issues you might encounter.
Disadvantages of Premium Plugins
Cost
The obvious drawback of premium plugins is cost. As noted earlier, most premium WordPress plugins require payment of an ongoing, annual subscription fee, in order to get access to future updates and dedicated support. Thus, there is no one-and-done, when it comes to payment of most premium, WordPress plugins.
Website Performance and Conflicts
All plugins, both free and premium, have the potential to slow down the performance of your website and to conflict with other plugins and/or your WordPress theme. Therefore, it is crucial to analyze your requirements carefully and only invest in plugins that you genuinely need. With premium plugins, there is likely more code (necessary to create enhanced features) that may pose a greater risk of code bloat and/or conflicts.
Risk of Abandonment
With all plugins, free and premium, there is always a risk that the developer may abandon the plugin, discontinuing updates or support. This can leave your website vulnerable to security breaches or plugin compatibility issues. It is therefore, important to invest in plugins from reputable developers with a good track record of support and maintenance.
Weighing the Pros and Cons
So, are premium WordPress plugins worth it? In the end, that really depends on your specific needs and goals. If you require advanced features, professional support and ongoing updates, then investing in premium plugins can be a wise decision. However, if you are just starting or have limited funds, free plugins can provide the basic functionalities you need, without the upfront costs.
Before purchasing a premium plugin, take the time to thoroughly research your options, read user reviews, and consider your long-term needs. By making informed decisions, you can enhance your WordPress experience and build a powerful, efficient website that meets your objectives.
EMAIL US