How Can I Tell if a Plugin Is Safe or Reputable?

Estimated reading time: 3 minutes

If you’ve ever searched “Should I install this plugin?” or “Is plugin X secure?”, you’re not alone.
Plugins are one of the best things about platforms like WordPress—they can add powerful features to your site with just a few clicks. But not all plugins are created equal, and installing the wrong one can slow down your site, cause errors, or even open the door to hackers.

So how do you know if a plugin is safe and worth installing? Let’s break it down.

Check the Plugin’s Update History

One of the first signs of a reputable plugin is regular updates. A plugin that hasn’t been updated in years could be incompatible with the latest version of WordPress—or worse, it could have unpatched security flaws.

What to Look For:

• Last Updated Date – Look for plugins updated within the last 6–12 months (preferably sooner).
• Compatible Version – Make sure it works with the latest version of WordPress.
• Changelog – Check if the developer actively fixes bugs and improves features.

Tip: On the official WordPress Plugin Directory, you can find the “Last Updated” date right in the plugin sidebar.

Read User Ratings and Reviews

Ratings and reviews are a great way to spot red flags. While no plugin has a perfect score, a reputable one should have a high overall rating and plenty of positive feedback.

What to Check:

• Overall Rating – Aim for 4+ stars.
• Number of Reviews – More reviews = more reliable feedback.
• Recent Feedback – Look for reviews from the last few months.

Warning: A few bad reviews are normal, but if you see repeated complaints about security problems, poor support, or crashes, steer clear.

Look at the Number of Active Installations

Popularity isn’t everything, but it’s often a good sign. A plugin with tens of thousands (or millions) of active installs is usually well‑tested and trusted by the community.

Why It Matters:

• More installs generally mean more testing in different environments.
• Popular plugins are more likely to have strong community support.

Research the Developer’s Reputation

Who created the plugin matters. Reputable developers and companies often have multiple well‑maintained plugins and a track record of providing timely updates.

How to Check:

• Click on the developer’s name in the plugin listing.
• See if they maintain other popular plugins.
• Look for an official website with support documentation.

Check Support and Responsiveness

ven the best plugins sometimes run into issues. A responsive developer who answers support requests quickly is a big plus.

Where to Look:

• Support Forum Activity – On WordPress.org, you can see if the developer responds to questions.
• Resolution Rate – Are most support threads marked as resolved?

Scan for Known Vulnerabilities

Before installing, it’s smart to check if a plugin has any known security issues.

Free Tools to Use:

• WPScan Vulnerability Database
• Patchstack
• A WordPress security plugin like Wordfence can also alert you to insecure plugins.

Avoid “Nulled” or Pirated Plugins

Never download paid plugins from unofficial free sources. These “nulled” versions often contain hidden malware that can compromise your entire website.

Why This Is Dangerous:

• Hidden backdoors let hackers access your site.
• No security updates or official support.
• Possible legal issues if you’re violating licensing terms.

Final Thoughts

Choosing a plugin isn’t just about adding features—it’s about protecting your website’s speed, stability, and security.
Before you click “Install,” take a few minutes to:

• Check update history
• Read reviews
• Verify developer reputation
• Scan for vulnerabilities

By following these steps, you can enjoy the benefits of plugins without putting your site at risk.

Click here to learn what a plugin developer does, when to hire one, and how they can create custom features, improve site performance, and keep your website secure. To chat to a plugin developer, visit Poodle Plugins.