Introduction
Popups—often seen as an annoying disruption—are one of the most powerful tools to boost conversions, capture leads, and drive sales. But only if they are designed well, deployed at the right time, and, most importantly, optimized for your audience.
A poorly designed popup can lead to a terrible user experience (UX), slow down your site, and even drive users away. In contrast, an optimized popup can grow your email list, increase product sales, and recover abandoned carts with minimal effort.
In 2025, popup plugins have advanced far beyond their basic forms, offering AI-powered targeting, more intelligent triggers, and seamless integrations with other tools. These features allow you to tailor your messaging in a way that resonates with the user, delivering the right content at the right time.
So, which WordPress popup plugin is the best? We’ve tested the top contenders, based on ease of use, conversion features, pricing, and overall performance, and here’s what we found.
Quick Comparison of Our Top Picks:
| Plugin | Best For | Pricing | Standout Feature |
| OptinMonster | High conversions | Starts at $29/month | AI-powered targeting |
| Thrive Leads | Sales funnels | $99/quarter (included in Thrive Suite) | A/B testing & smart triggers |
| Elementor Popup Builder | Design flexibility | Free (Pro starts at $59/year) | Drag-and-drop editing |
| Popup Maker | Beginners & budget | Free (Pro starts at $87/year) | Lightweight & GDPR-compliant |
| Beaver Builder Popups | Developers & advanced customization | $99/year (Part of Beaver Themer) | Dynamic content & conditional logic |
| Poptin | E-commerce & AI | Free (Premium starts at $19/month) | AI-generated popups |
| Ninja Popups | Viral giveaways | $25 (one-time payment) | Gamified engagement tools |
Let’s dive into the details of each plugin to find out what makes them the best in 2025!
What to Look for in a WordPress Popup Plugin (2025 Edition)
Before diving into the plugins, it’s important to understand what features you should look for when choosing a WordPress popup plugin. Here are the must-have features in 2025:
1. Mobile Responsiveness
With over 60% of web traffic coming from mobile devices, it’s essential that your popups look great on all screen sizes. Mobile-first popups can help retain visitors and drive conversions.
2. Drag-and-Drop Builder
You don’t need to be a coding expert to design an effective popup. Look for plugins that offer intuitive, drag-and-drop editors, like Elementor or Thrive Architect.
3. A/B Testing
A/B testing allows you to test multiple designs, calls-to-action (CTAs), and triggers to see which versions convert the most. This is key to optimizing your conversion rates.
4. Exit-Intent Technology
This technology detects when users are about to leave your site and prompts them with a last-chance offer, keeping them engaged and potentially preventing them from bouncing.
5. Integrations
Your popup plugin should seamlessly integrate with email marketing platforms (like Mailchimp and ActiveCampaign), CRMs, and even payment gateways. This ensures smooth data flow across your tools.
6. Speed & Performance
Some popup plugins can slow down your site, which negatively impacts user experience and SEO. Look for lightweight options that don’t sacrifice performance for functionality.
Bonus Features:
- AI-powered personalization
- GDPR compliance (essential for EU-based visitors)
- Advanced analytics for tracking performance and ROI
1. OptinMonster – Best for Lead Generation & High Conversions
OptinMonster is the undisputed leader in conversion optimization, trusted by over 1 million websites. Known for its AI-powered targeting and sophisticated analytics, OptinMonster delivers personalized experiences to users, driving higher engagement and conversions.
Key Features:
- AI-powered targeting: Show personalized popups based on user behavior and data.
- Exit-intent technology: Reduce bounce rates by displaying relevant offers when users are about to leave.
- MonsterLinks™: Turn any text link into a popup trigger, increasing visibility and interaction.
- Advanced analytics: Measure campaign performance and get actionable insights to refine strategies.
Pros:
- Highest conversion rates in the industry
- Seamless integration with WooCommerce, HubSpot, and more
- Countdown timers and gamified wheels to create urgency
Cons:
- No free plan (but offers a 14-day money-back guarantee)
- Pricing may be too steep for small businesses
Pricing:
Starts at $29/month, billed annually.
Best For:
Marketers looking to maximize conversions with minimal effort. Perfect for both small businesses and large enterprises seeking robust lead-generation tools.
2. Thrive Leads – Best for Sales Funnels & A/B Testing
Thrive Leads is ideal for marketers running high-converting sales funnels, especially those who want to optimize their campaigns through constant testing and tweaking. It’s part of the Thrive Suite, a popular suite of WordPress tools for marketers.
Key Features:
- SmartLinks: Display different popups based on user behavior, increasing relevance.
- A/B testing: Optimize your popups by testing different designs and CTAs for higher conversions.
- Two-step opt-ins: Increase sign-ups with a multi-step process that minimizes friction.
- Seamless integration with Thrive Themes: Perfect for those already using Thrive Themes.
Pros:
- Tailored for marketers, not just developers
- Excellent pre-made templates for quick campaign setup
- One-time payment option (no recurring fees)
Cons:
- Requires Thrive Suite subscription ($99/quarter)
- No AI-powered features (unlike OptinMonster)
Pricing:
Included in the Thrive Suite ($99/quarter).
Best For:
Online course creators, coaches, and sales funnel builders looking for a robust popup solution that works seamlessly with their funnel.
3. Elementor Popup Builder – Best for Design Flexibility
If you’re already using Elementor, then this built-in popup builder is a no-brainer. It gives you full control over your designs, allowing you to create popups that seamlessly match your website’s aesthetic.
Key Features:
- Drag-and-drop editor: Create popups with the same ease as building pages with Elementor.
- Dynamic content: Personalize popups based on user data and browsing behavior.
- WooCommerce integrations: Use cart abandonment popups and increase your sales.
Pros:
- No extra plugin required (if you already use Elementor Pro)
- Fully mobile-responsive designs
- Free version available for basic features
Cons:
- Basic analytics features compared to OptinMonster
- Limited triggers in the free version
Pricing:
Free (Pro version starts at $59/year).
Best For:
Website owners who are already using Elementor and want full control over their popup designs.
4. Popup Maker – Best for Beginners & Budget-Friendly
Popup Maker is an excellent choice for those just starting with popups or businesses on a tight budget. It’s lightweight, GDPR-compliant, and easy to use, making it a great option for anyone who wants to start using popups without a steep learning curve.
Key Features:
- GDPR compliance: Ensures your popups adhere to privacy regulations.
- Custom triggers: Display popups based on user behavior, page visits, and more.
- Lightweight: Does not slow down your site’s performance.
Pros:
- Completely free version available
- Easy to use with a straightforward setup
- Compatible with all themes and page builders
Cons:
- Limited advanced features compared to premium plugins
- A/B testing is not included in the free plan
Pricing:
Free (Pro version starts at $87/year).
Best For:
Beginners or small businesses that need a simple, cost-effective solution for basic popup needs.
5. Beaver Builder Popups – Best for Developers & Advanced Customization
Beaver Builder Popups is designed for developers and advanced users who need granular control over their popup displays. This plugin integrates seamlessly with Beaver Builder, allowing you to create dynamic, conditionally displayed popups based on advanced logic.
Key Features:
- Dynamic content: Show different content to users based on their behavior and interaction.
- Conditional logic: Display popups only under specific conditions, such as after a certain number of page visits.
- Advanced targeting options: Allows developers to set precise targeting parameters.
Pros:
- Ideal for developers who need control over popup behavior
- Highly customizable with conditional logic
- Seamless integration with Beaver Builder
Cons:
- Best suited for developers, beginners may find it overwhelming
- No free plan available
Pricing:
Starts at $99/year (Part of Beaver Themer).
Best For:
Developers who need advanced targeting and dynamic content capabilities.
6. Poptin – Best for E-commerce & AI-Driven Popups
Poptin is a great solution for e-commerce businesses looking to leverage AI for smarter targeting. With tools like cart abandonment popups and Facebook/Google Ads integration, Poptin can help you recover lost sales and grow your email list with minimal effort.
Key Features:
- AI-generated popups: Uses AI to create more personalized popups based on user behavior.
- Cart abandonment tools: Target users who are about to leave their cart with special offers or reminders.
- Facebook/Google Ads integration: Retarget users with custom ads based on their interactions with your popups.
Pros:
- Free plan available
- Smart targeting using AI to increase relevance
- Integration with e-commerce platforms like WooCommerce
Cons:
- Limited design flexibility compared to other plugins
- Premium features require a paid plan
Pricing:
Free (Premium starts at $19/month).
Best For:
E-commerce stores looking for AI-driven popups and cart recovery tools.
7. Ninja Popups – Best for Viral Giveaways & Gamified Engagement
Ninja Popups stands out for its unique gamified engagement features, making it a great choice for businesses looking to drive viral interactions and boost user engagement through fun, interactive popups.
Key Features:
- Gamified popups: Incorporate spin-to-win wheels, scratch cards, and other engaging elements to drive conversions.
- Social sharing: Encourage users to share your popups on social media to increase reach and engagement.
- Exit-intent triggers: Display popups when users attempt to leave, offering them incentives to stay or convert.
Pros:
- Highly engaging, fun elements that boost user interaction
- Works well for viral campaigns and giveaways
- Easy to set up with multiple pre-built templates
Cons:
- Limited advanced targeting options compared to other plugins
- Some features may not appeal to more serious, business-focused websites
Pricing:
Starts at $25 (one-time payment).
Best For:
Brands looking to run viral giveaways, contests, or gamified campaigns to boost engagement and increase conversions.
Final Verdict: Which WordPress Popup Plugin Should You Choose?
To help you make your decision, here’s a quick recap based on your needs:
- Highest conversions? → OptinMonster
- E-commerce popups? → Poptin
- Design flexibility? → Elementor Popup Builder
- Developer-friendly? → Beaver Builder Popups
- Budget option? → Popup Maker (Free)
Pro Tip:
Most popup plugins offer free trials or money-back guarantees, so test a few options before committing!
Conclusion
Choosing the best WordPress popup plugin depends entirely on your business goals and website needs. Whether you prioritize high-conversions with AI targeting (OptinMonster), design flexibility (Elementor), or budget-friendly solutions (Popup Maker), there’s a plugin here that will meet your requirements.
Which popup plugin are you excited to try? Let us know in the comments!
FAQs About WordPress Popup Plugins
1. Are popups bad for SEO?
No, Google doesn’t penalize websites for using popups as long as they don’t block content. Use delayed popups or exit-intent technology to avoid disrupting user experience.
2. What’s the best free popup plugin?
Popup Maker (lightweight) and Elementor (Free) are both excellent choices for basic popup functionality.
3. How do I make my popups convert better?
- Use clear, benefit-driven CTAs (e.g., “Get My Free Guide”)
- Limit form fields to 1 or 2 fields maximum
- Test different designs, colors, triggers, and timing to find the best combination
