By Dan Davies 
WordPress is the world’s most popular content management system (CMS), powering millions of websites globally. A huge part of its success comes from its extensive library of plugins, tools that let users customise, optimise, and secure their sites with just a few clicks.
So, how many WordPress plugins are there in 2025? Let’s take a look at the numbers, explore the different types, and help you understand how to choose the best plugins for your site.
How Many WordPress Plugins Are There?
As of 2025, there are over 60,000 free plugins available in the official WordPress Plugin Repository. On top of that, there are an estimated 30,000 premium plugins across various marketplaces and independent developers.
Here’s a breakdown of where these plugins come from:
- WordPress Plugin Repository: 60,000+ free plugins
- CodeCanyon: ~5,200 paid plugins
- WooCommerce Store: ~800 paid plugins
- CodeGrape: ~300 paid plugins
- Codester: ~260 paid plugins
- YITH Themes: ~100 paid plugins
- Standalone plugins from developers & agencies: Thousands more!
This means there are at least 90,000+ WordPress plugins available today, giving users endless possibilities to enhance their websites. You need a plugin to do something specific, the chances are, there is one out there to do the job.
How Many Types of Plugins Are in WordPress?
WordPress plugins serve different purposes, helping users with everything from SEO to security. Here are the main different types of plugins:
1. SEO Plugins
Improve search engine rankings with tools like Yoast SEO or Rank Math.
2. Performance Plugins
Speed up your site with caching tools like LiteSpeed Cache or WP Rocket.
3. Security Plugins
Protect your site with plugins like Wordfence Security or Defender Pro.
4. Page Builder Plugins
Create custom pages easily using Elementor or Beaver Builder.
5. E-commerce Plugins
Turn your site into an online store with WooCommerce.
6. Backup & Migration Plugins
Secure your data with plugins like All-in-One WP Migration, Updraft Plus or Duplicator.
7. Contact Form Plugins
Collect leads and engage visitors using WPForms or Contact Form 7.
What Are the Most Popular WordPress Plugins?
Some plugins have millions of active installations and are widely trusted by website owners. Here are some of the most downloaded plugins:
| Plugin | Active Installations |
|---|---|
| Elementor | 10+ million |
| Contact Form 7 | 10+ million |
| Yoast SEO | 10+ million |
| Classic Editor | 9+ million |
| WooCommerce | 7+ million |
| LiteSpeed Cache | 6+ million |
| Akismet | 6+ million |
| WPForms | 6+ million |
| All-in-One WP Migration | 5+ million |
| Wordfence Security | 4+ million |
These plugins are widely used because they offer powerful features, regular updates, and strong support.
Can You Have Too Many WordPress Plugins?
While plugins are great for adding functionality, having too many can slow down your site and create security risks.
How Many Plugins Are Too Many?
- For small sites: 10-15 plugins are ideal.
- For business sites: 15-25 plugins can be fine if well-optimised.
- For large sites: 25+ plugins may be necessary, but performance should be monitored.
💡 Tip: Only install plugins that you actually need, keep them updated, and regularly review their impact on performance. It is also worth highlighting that it isn’t always the number of plugins you have installed that can be the issue but the quality of the plugins. Ensure you are using plugins that have good reviews, are updated regularly and are compatible with the latest version of WordPress and other popular plugins.
Is WordPress Still Growing?
Absolutely! WordPress continues to dominate the web, powering over 40% of all websites. With regular updates, new features, and an active developer community, WordPress remains the go-to choice for bloggers, businesses, and e-commerce stores.
What Is the Most Sold WordPress Plugin?
Many premium plugins sell thousands of copies, but some of the top-selling ones include:
- WPBakery Page Builder (CodeCanyon’s best-seller)
- Slider Revolution (popular for animations and sliders)
- Rank Math Pro (SEO-focused plugin)
- WP Rocket (performance booster)
FAQs About WordPress Plugins
How many WordPress plugins are there?
There are over 90,000 plugins when counting both free and paid options.
How many types of plugins are in WordPress?
WordPress plugins cover various categories, including SEO, security, performance, e-commerce, and page builders.
How many WordPress sites are there?
As of 2025, over 800 million websites run on WordPress, making it the most widely used CMS.
Can you have too many WordPress plugins?
Yes! Installing too many plugins can slow down your site. It’s best to only use well-optimised, essential plugins.
Is WordPress still growing?
Yes, WordPress remains the most popular CMS, with continuous growth and updates.
What is the most sold WordPress plugin?
Plugins like WPBakery Page Builder, Slider Revolution, and WP Rocket are among the best-selling premium plugins.
Want to Learn More About WordPress?
WordPress can feel overwhelming, especially with so many plugins to choose from. If you want step-by-step guidance on building, managing, and optimising your website, join WP Odyssey, our free learning platform and community for WordPress enthusiasts.
👉 Join WP Odyssey today and master WordPress the right way!