If you want your site to perform well on search results pages, you need to take your SEO seriously. The easiest way to manage that is with one of the best SEO plugins for WordPress.
These tools help you optimize your content, manage metadata, and address technical SEO issues, all without needing advanced coding skills. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced site owner, choosing the right plugin can make a big difference in your site’s performance.
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The Top WordPress SEO Plugins
Let’s explore the best SEO plugins for WordPress. I’ve personally used all of these tools on various websites. I determine these are the best based on feature set, functionality, ease of use, and overall search performance.
1. Rank Math SEO
Rating: 4.9 out of 5 stars.
Installations: 3 million+
This is the first entry in our list of the SEO plugins for WordPress because it’s our favorite. In fact, it’s the one we use on our own site!
Rank Math is a powerful WordPress SEO plugin that helps you optimize your website for search engines. It’s great for beginners and advanced users because it offers both simple setup options and advanced features.
The optimizer sits in the sidebar of the WordPress editor so you can access it easily.
It offers a real-time content analysis and suggestions to improve your content.
Rank Math is often seen as an alternative to Yoast SEO, but with extra features baked in. For instance, it supports all scheme markup (for rich snippets), helps you do keyword research, and includes an AI writing feature.
The dashboard includes 21 different modules you can toggle on or off depending on your needs.
The settings offer tons of tools to take total control over your site’s SEO.
I’m also a fan of Rank Math’s integration with page builders like Divi and Elementor. I think these tools will become more popular than ever in the future, so having a WordPress SEO plugin that works with them will help you in the long run.
Rank Math Pros
- Easy setup wizard to guide you through the initial configuration.
- Supports unlimited focus keywords (even in the free version).
- Built-in 404 monitor and redirection tools.
- Offers schema markup, helping search engines understand your content better.
- Integration with tools like Google Search Console.
- Lightweight and optimized for performance (won’t slow down your site).
Rank Math Cons
- The number of features can feel overwhelming to beginners.
- Some advanced settings require extra learning.
- Free users complain of limited support.
Rank Math Pricing
The free version packed with features that rival other plugins. For advanced tools, they offer Pro ($6.99/month for unlimited personal website), Business ($20.99/month for up to 100 client websites), and Agency ($49.99/month for up to 500 client websites).
Our Verdict
Like I said, Rank Math is our favorite by far. The free version is generous enough for most users starting with SEO. If you’re just starting a website or just starting to take SEO seriously, go with Rank Math.
2. Yoast SEO
Rating: 4.8 out of 5 stars
Installations: 10 million+
Yoast SEO is one of the most popular SEO plugins for WordPress and has been a go-to solution for years. It’s designed to help you optimize your website’s content and technical SEO, whether you’re a blogger, business owner, or running an ecommerce site.
The optimizer sits right in the WordPress editor so you get real-time suggestions for readability, keyword use, and overall SEO improvements. The easy-to-use traffic light system—green for good, yellow for okay, and red for issues—shows you how well your content is optimized.
Additionally, the optimizer helps you improve your content by making smart suggestions.
Yoast SEO is beginner-friendly but still provides advanced features for users who want more control over their site’s SEO. For instance, in the settings you can control how your site appears in search and on social media. Check out our guide to learn more about using Yoast.
The plugin supports schema.org integration, automatically generates XML sitemaps, and has excellent support for WooCommerce stores.
You can even integrate Yoast SEO with popular tools like SEMRush, Elementor, Seriously Simple Podcasting, WP Recipe Maker, Jetpack, and more.
Yoast SEO Pros
- User-friendly interface with the traffic light system.
- Built-in readability checker to improve user experience.
- Automatic XML sitemaps.
- Advanced tools for breadcrumbs, meta tags, and canonical URLs.
- Extensive online documentation and tutorials.
- Supports multiple focus keywords (in the premium version).
Yoast SEO Cons
- Free version supports only one focus keyword per page.
- The interface can feel cluttered for new users.
- Premium version is expensive compared to alternatives.
- Some needed features, like advanced redirects, require the premium upgrade.
Yoast SEO Pricing
The free version is perfect for basic SEO needs and smaller sites. The premium version costs $99/year per site and includes features like multiple focus keywords, internal linking suggestions, and social previews.
Yoast also offers premium add-ons for local SEO, video SEO, and WooCommerce SEO, each for $79/year.
Our Verdict
If you’re looking for a reliable, beginner-friendly SEO plugin that’s stood the test of time, Yoast SEO is a solid choice. Keep in mind, however, that if you need all of its features, the cost can add up.
3. All-in-One SEO
Rating: 4.7 out of 5 stars
Installations: 3 million+
All-in-One SEO (AIOSEO) is one of the original SEO plugins for WordPress. It’s a comprehensive plugin that simplifies the process of optimizing your WordPress site.
AIOSEO is designed for everyone—from bloggers to business owners and ecommerce sites—who want to optimize their website without diving too deep into technical details. The interface is beginner-friendly, but it’s still packed with features for advanced users.
The plugin features an SEO setup wizard that configures the basics of your site’s SEO.
Like other plugins, AIOSEO provides tools for on-page optimization right in the WordPress editor.
The page analysis tool gives you suggestions to make your site more search and social friendly.
I particularly like the site score that gives you a comprehensive view of your site’s attractiveness to search engines.
The settings panel gives you complete control over your site’s search appearance, including schema markup, sitemaps, taxonomies, image SEO, and more.
All-in-One SEO Pros
- Easy setup wizard for quick configuration.
- Smart meta tag generation for titles and descriptions.
- Advanced WooCommerce SEO tools.
- Local SEO features to optimize for location-based searches.
- Rich snippet schema support.
- Built-in social media integration for optimized sharing.
- Extensive documentation and tutorials for users at all levels.
All-in-One SEO Cons
- Some advanced features are locked behind the Pro version.
- Interface feels less polished compared to alternatives.
- Can be resource-heavy on larger sites.
All-in-One SEO Pricing
Like some of the other SEO plugins for WordPress, AIOSEO offers a free version with plenty of tools to get started, including basic SEO features and XML sitemaps. The Basic version starts at $49.60/year for one site and includes advanced features like WooCommerce SEO, more content analysis tools, and social media integrations.
Other tiers include Plus ($99.60/year for 3 sites), Pro ($174.65/year for up to 10 sites), and Elite ($224.70 for up to 100 sites). Each tier unlocks better features.
Our Verdict
AIOSEO is a solid choice if you’re looking for a plugin that balances ease of use with advanced features. It’s especially helpful for ecommerce sites and local businesses.
4. SEOPress
Rating: 4.6 out of 5 stars
Installations: 250,000+
SEOPress is an all-in-one WordPress SEO plugin that’s clean, fast, and beginner-friendly. It’s a lightweight SEO plugins for WordPress users who want a straightforward tool to improve their site’s search engine rankings.
SEOPress offers all the basics, like meta tag optimization, XML and HTML sitemaps, analytics, search appearance, and more.
The in-content optimizer is where you’ll create SEO-friendly titles and meta descriptions.
The content analyzer gives recommendations about how to improve your content.
Like most SEO plugins for WordPress, SEOPress starts with a wizard that runs you through the setup process.
The settings give you plenty of tools to optimize your search appearance. You can adjust your titles and metas, sitemaps, social appearance, and integrations with analytics tools.
Advanced users will appreciate features like schema markup, custom breadcrumbs, and integrations with Google Analytics and Google Search Console.
SEOPress Pros
- Clean and minimalist interface that’s easy to use.
- Supports unlimited keywords (even in the free version).
- White-label feature for agencies.
- Built-in schema markup to improve rich snippets.
- Affordable premium pricing compared to competitors.
- Integration with Google Analytics and Matomo for tracking.
SEOPress Cons
- Fewer installations and smaller community compared to Yoast or Rank Math.
- Fewer advanced features in the free version.
- No 24/7 support for free users.
SEOPress Pricing
SEOPress offers a free version with essential SEO tools like sitemaps, meta tags, and basic content analysis. The Pro version costs $49/year and includes features like WooCommerce SEO, local SEO, and redirects.
There’s also an Unlimited plan for $149/year that supports unlimited websites. This makes it one of the most affordable SEO tools for people who have lots of websites.
Our Verdict
SEOPress is a great option if you’re looking for an affordable, easy-to-use SEO plugin with enough power for most websites. It’s especially valuable for agencies that need white-label tools or WordPress users who prefer a cleaner interface.
5. Squirrly SEO
Rating: 4.7 out of 5 stars
Installations: 100,000+
Squirrly SEO is a WordPress SEO plugin designed for non-SEO experts. Its standout feature is the assistant that gives SEO recommendations as you create content.
The setup wizard is particularly useful for beginners. It walks you through the entire process of setting up your site and creating your first optimized page.
The plugin is full of great features. You can activate as few or as many as you need.
The content optimizer in the WordPress editor lets you adjust titles, meta descriptions, rich snippets, and social appearance.
The live assistant offers recommendations as you write so your page is as optimized as possible.
If you decide not to use the wizard, make sure to go through each of the SEO settings.
You should also check out the AI research tool. It will help you identify keywords that match your brand and tell you where to place them.
Squirrly SEO Pros
- Real-time SEO assistant provides step-by-step guidance while writing.
- Built-in keyword research tools.
- Competitor analysis to improve your SEO strategy.
- Tracks over 500 SEO factors with detailed site audits.
- Helps optimize older content with “Focus Pages.”
- Simple and user-friendly interface.
Squirrly SEO Cons
- Advanced features require a steep learning curve for new users.
- Heavy reliance on the Squirrly dashboard, which feels clunky.
- Higher pricing compared to other plugins.
Squirrly SEO Pricing
Squirrly offers a free version with basic SEO tools with five keyword researches per month.
The Pro plan costs $9.99/month for up to 5 websites and 50 keyword researches/month. The Web Dev Kit Plan costs $51.20 per month and works on 10 sites with 300 keyword researches/month.
The Business plan is $71.99/month and only works on seven websites, but it comes with advanced analytics, rank tracking, deep keyword research, and more.
Our Verdict
Squirrly SEO is ideal for beginners or those who want more guidance while optimizing their content. Its real-time assistant and strategy builder make it stand out, but the price point may be a drawback for budget-conscious users.
6. The SEO Framework
Rating: 4.8 out of 5 stars
Installations: 100,000+
The SEO Framework is one of the most lightweight SEO plugins for WordPress. It focuses on speed and efficiency. Unlike other plugins with flashy features, this one takes a minimalist approach, so it’s ideal for users who want a no-frills solution that won’t bog down their website.
This plugin is a great choice for those who want an SEO tool that just works, without constant notifications or upsells. It’s also preconfigured to work right out of the box, which saves time during setup.
The settings page is quite simple compared to other plugins. It’s just a single page of settings in an easy-to-follow column. I recommend going through it all once. (Note that some sections have tabs for additional options.)
The content optimizer is equally simple. You can adjust the meta title and description, social appearance, and visibility settings at the bottom of the post editor.
The SEO Framework Pros
- Lightweight and optimized for performance (great for fast-loading sites).
- Preconfigured settings make it beginner-friendly.
- No ads, upsells, or branding—clean and distraction-free interface.
- AI-generated titles and descriptions.
- Supports schema markup for rich snippets.
- Completely free, with optional extensions for advanced features.
The SEO Framework Cons
- Fewer advanced features compared to plugins like Rank Math or Yoast.
- Limited customization options for power users.
- Smaller community and fewer resources or tutorials.
The SEO Framework Pricing
Like some of the other SEO plugins for WordPress on this list, the base plugin offers all critical SEO features and is completely free. For more features, you can add the Pro plan for $7/month that comes with an additional site and 500 API requests/month.
The Business plan is $17/month and unlocks 20 sites and 5,000 API requests/month. Finally, the Agency plan is $27/month and makes the plugin available on 200 sites and offers 50,000 API requests/month.
Our Verdict
If you’re looking for a fast, clean, and distraction-free SEO plugin, The SEO Framework is an excellent choice. It’s perfect for users who prefer simplicity and efficiency over bells and whistles.
Comparison of the Best SEO Plugins for WordPress
| Feature | Rank Math | Yoast SEO | AIOSEO | SEOPress | Squirrly SEO | The SEO Framework |
| On-Page SEO Optimization | ||||||
| Meta Title & Description Editing | ||||||
| Keyword Optimization | ||||||
| Focus Keyword Analysis | ||||||
| Content Readability Analysis | ||||||
| Internal Linking Suggestions | ||||||
| Advanced SEO Features | ||||||
| Image Optimization | ||||||
| Schema Generator | ||||||
| Breadcrumb Navigation | ||||||
| Canonical URL Management | ||||||
| Indexing Control | ||||||
| Redirect Manager | ||||||
| Technical SEO | ||||||
| XML Sitemap Generation | ||||||
| HTML Sitemap Generation | ||||||
| Robots.txt File Editor | ||||||
| .htaccess File Editor | ||||||
| URL Slug Optimization | ||||||
| Analytics and Reporting | ||||||
| SEO Performance Tracking | ||||||
| Google Analytics & Search Console Integration | ||||||
| Keyword Ranking Reports | ||||||
| SEO Audit and Recommendations | ||||||
| Keyword Research | ||||||
| Keyword Suggestion Tools | ||||||
| Keyword Trend Insights | ||||||
| SERP Analysis | ||||||
| Content Optimization | ||||||
| Real-Time Content Analysis | ||||||
| Content Scoring | ||||||
| User Experience Enhancements | ||||||
| Mobile-Friendliness Check | ||||||
| Page Speed Insights | ||||||
| Core Web Vitals Integration | ||||||
| Integration and Compatibility | ||||||
| Integration with Ecommerce Platforms | ||||||
| Compatibility with Page Builders | ||||||
| Multisite Support | ||||||
| Multilingual SEO and Translation Support | ||||||
| Automation and AI Features | ||||||
| Automatic Meta Generation | ||||||
| AI-Generated Content Suggestions | ||||||
| Automated Internal Linking | ||||||
| Automatic Redirections for Broken Links | ||||||
| Social Media SEO | ||||||
| Open Graph Meta Tags | ||||||
| Twitter Card Integration | ||||||
| Social Sharing Previews | ||||||
| User Roles and Permissions | ||||||
| Role Manager for SEO Editing | ||||||
| Access Controls for SEO Settings | ||||||
| Specialized Features | ||||||
| SEO for Video Content | ||||||
| WooCommerce SEO Tools | ||||||
| Local Business Schema | ||||||
| Google Knowledge Graph Support | ||||||
| News and Publisher Schema | ||||||
| Security and Updates | ||||||
| Regular Plugin Updates | ||||||
| User Documentation | ||||||
| Active Customer Support | ||||||
| Tutorials and Video Guides |
Why You Need an SEO Plugin for WordPress
WordPress is SEO-friendly out of the box, but it doesn’t cover everything. If you want your site to rank well on search engines like Google, one of these SEO plugins for WordPress is basically essential.
Yes, it’s possible to optimize your site for search manually, but it requires a lot of tedious work, especially if you produce a lot of content. SEO plugins streamline all that.
Here’s why you need one:
Optimize Your Content: SEO plugins help you structure your content with focus keywords, meta descriptions, and title tags so your pages are attractive to search engines. They can even suggest internal links to help you build better site architecture.
Save Time with Automation: Features like auto-generating XML sitemaps and schema markup save you hours of manual work. These tools are especially powerful if you produce a lot of content and need to work quickly.
Improve Rankings: By following the plugin’s suggestions, you can make small tweaks that lead to big improvements in rankings. For instance, it will prompt you to interlink the article you’re working on with other pages.
Track Performance: Many plugins offer analytics and integrations with tools like Google Search Console, so you can monitor what’s working and what isn’t.
Fix Technical SEO Issues: An SEO plugin can point out problems like broken links, slow-loading pages, or missing metadata that could hurt your rankings.
The SEO plugins for WordPress for Your Needs
A WordPress SEO plugin simplifies what can feel like a complex process. It’s the easiest way to ensure your WordPress site is search-engine ready and boost your performance.
With so many SEO tools available, there’s an option for every user and website type. Do you use any of these SEO plugins for WordPress? If so, which is your favorite? Let us know in the comments.
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