How Many Plugins Should I Use?
This question has been bugging me a lot and I'm sure that it was the same for many folks here as well.
It appears that when it comes to the number of plugins, the right choice depends on their quality.
“Every new plugin is a block of code that carries with it the potential of adding bloat to your website. But if that block of code is well-written, you have nothing to worry about. Seek out plugins that are created by well-known plugin authors.” – Ryan Sullivan, WP Site Care.
Also, Dan Norris, the co-founder of WP Curve support suggests 20 to be a reasonable number.
That's quite a lot, especially if one looks at the site health details here at WA where the maximum recommended number is five.
Sure enough, the less the better but like already mentioned, you don't have to be scared if you exceed the recommended number here at WA site health details section if you really need that plugin and if it is a good quality plugin.
Moreover, you can always test if a plugin slows down your website loading speed at https://developers.google.com/speed/pagespeed/insi... after installing it.
What are your thoughts about the number of plugins and how many plugins do you use?
Are you afraid of them or are you confronting them with an attitude? :)
Greetings,
Asen
Source: https://premium.wpmudev.org/blog/too-many-plugins/...
Recent Comments
16
Excellent information, Asen. I've wondered how many plug-ins are appropriate and how many are too many. Thank you for posting!
Sue
I am finding it hard to stay with the 5 recommended by WA. Some themes require some plugins to work effectively.
I feel that the number of plugins depends on what you're aiming to achieve with your website; however, there would come a point where it's too much and would just take away from the experience.
Kyle recommends no more than 5 but I have found that I need a little more than this for my site to be effective.
Jerome
The consensus seems to be between 5-6...but it is possible to get by with fewer depending on your niche and theme...
Using five is a recommendation, but each site is different so choose according to your needs.
It is absolutely impossible to have five as WA suggest. I slimmed down once but couldn't stay down. Especially anything ensuring security I think about adding. Can you be too well protected?
Tracy
I agree with you, Tracy. I think that five is a rather limiting number but at the same time, I'm sure that there are folks who can manage that. In the end it all depends on the specific website.
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Thanks Asen for the information!
you are welcome