Discover the power of WordPress site search plugins and transform the way your clients interact with their website. These plugins offer a seamless, efficient, and user-friendly search experience that will keep users engaged and returning for more.
From AJAX-powered live searches to custom search forms, there’s a plugin designed to meet every agency’s needs. Enhance your site-building services with these must-have tools, and watch as satisfied clients reap the benefits of an optimized and engaging site. Your search for the perfect WordPress site search plugin starts here!
Table of Contents
WordPress Site Search Plugins That Desever a Mention
WordPress site search plugins enhance the default search functionality, offering faster, more accurate results tailored to your users’ needs. Hence, don’t miss out on them and we have the best WordPress site search plugins that are essential for improving user experience and boosting engagement.
SearchWP Live Ajax Search
SearchWP Live Ajax Search is an indispensable tool for every WordPress site owner. It is an AJAX-powered live search plugin that provides fast and efficient search results. The WordPress site search plugin is designed to be a developer’s best friend, offering a high degree of customization while keeping the interface clutter-free.
It seamlessly integrates with any WordPress theme, and its template-based approach allows for easy customization of your live search implementation.
User Tip: If running an eCommerce store, take advantage of the WooCommerce integration to provide product-specific search options.
This WordPress site search plugin is not just about enhanced search functionality; it’s about improving user experience. It works best when used in conjunction with SearchWP, but it doesn’t require it to operate. If SearchWP is installed, you can customize SearchWP Live Ajax Search to use any of your search engines per search form.
Pros
Efficient AJAX-powered live searchHigh degree of customizationTemplate-based approach for easy implementation
Cons
Works best with SearchWP, which might require an additional investmentCould be complex for beginners to utilize to its full potential
Who Should Use
WordPress site owners and web developers looking for customizable search functionalities
Key Features
1. AJAX powered live search
2. Template-based customization
3. Compatibility with any WordPress theme
4. Developer-friendly interface
5. Customizable to use with any search engines
6. Single HTML5 data attribute powered
7. Comes with a Widget for inserting live search forms wherever you like
Price
- Agency $399/year – Premier solution for business owners & agencies, Unlimited Sites, Unlimited Search Queries, Unlimited Search Engines, Administration & Client Management
- Pro $199/year – Use on 3 Sites, Unlimited Search Queries & Search Engines, Advanced Search Features, eCommerce Integrations, Priority Support
- Standard $99/year – Use on 1 Site, Unlimited Search Queries, Search Engine Features, Embeddable Search Forms, Custom Post Types & Fields
Relevanssi Live Ajax Search
Unleash the power of live search with the Relevanssi Live Ajax Search plugin! This WordPress site search plugin works magic by turning your search forms into a live search, delivering results in real-time. It’s simple, user-friendly, and doesn’t require extensive modification. But, if customization is your thing, this WordPress site search plugin lets you modify it to your heart’s content.
Relevanssi Live Ajax Search is not just about functionality, it’s about aesthetics too. You can customize your search results with the templates provided. Want your results to have a unique look? No problem! Override the default templates and style your results the way you want them to be.
User Tip: Choose which custom post types, taxonomies, and content to index to make your search results more relevant.
Pros
Easy to use and customize.Compatible with Relevanssi and the default WP search.Gives live search results.
Cons
Does not have built-in SearchWP support.
Who Should Use
Bloggers, eCommerce store owners, and any WordPress site owners who aim to enhance the user experience by providing live search results.
Key Features
1. Live Ajax Search
2. Customizable settings
3. Compatibility with Relevanssi
4. Use of templates for search results
5. Override default templates
6. Works with default WP search
7. Can take over the Gutenberg core/search form
Price
You can download Relevanssi Live Ajax Search for free.
Ivory Search
The Ivory Search plugin is an advanced search tool tailored for WordPress sites. This revolutionary WordPress site search plugin not only enhances the default WordPress search but also allows you to create new custom search forms. Ivory Search offers the ability to create unlimited search forms and customize each individually to cater to different types of searches on your site content.
The plugin’s flexibility allows you to display custom search forms anywhere on your site, such as headers, footers, sidebars, navigation menus, pages, posts, and even custom post types.
With Ivory Search, you have the power to optimize your site’s search engine, resulting in faster, more efficient searches. The WordPress site search plugin is designed with a unique inverted index-based search engine that enables it to search shortcode contents, images, files, and attachments.
It even can perform AJAX searches and track searches in search analytics. Furthermore, you can integrate it with popular plugins such as WooCommerce, Weglot, Polylang, bbPress, WPML, and more.
Pros
It’s easy to install and use.It offers unlimited custom search forms.It’s compatible with popular plugins.
Cons
The styling of the search form largely depends on your theme style.Some premium features require a paid subscription.
Who Should Use
Ivory Search is ideal for both beginners and professionals who want to enhance the search functionality of their WordPress websites.
Key Features
1. Inverted index-based search engine for faster searches.
2. Ability to index and search shortcode contents.
3. Integration with WooCommerce for product searches.
4. Capability to search images, files, and attachments.
5. Customizer for search form customization.
6. AJAX search functionality.
7. Search analytics for tracking searches.
Price
Ivory Search offers a free version with basic features. For more advanced features, you can opt for their premium plans which start at $19.99 for a single site and go up to $99.99 for unlimited sites.
FiboSearch
Unleash the power of FiboSearch, an Ajax Search for WooCommerce, and revolutionize your eCommerce website. This avant-garde WordPress site search plugin elevates your basic WooCommerce search experience by adding a sleek AJAX search bar with live search suggestions.
Say goodbye to losing customers due to dissatisfaction with slow, inefficient search tools and embrace this smart product search tool that more than 96% of major e-commerce sites use.
With FiboSearch, your customers can easily find products by searching using the product title, long and short descriptions, or SKU. Important information like product image, price, and description are instantly displayed in the live search results, making the shopping experience quicker and more enjoyable.
Plus, with mobile optimization and easy implementation via shortcode, menu item, or widget, FiboSearch is a game-changer for your online store.
Pros
Enhances search experience with live suggestionsEasy to integrate with existing themesMultilingual support for global reach
Cons
The free version may not have all the advanced functionalitiesMay require additional resources for high-volume search traffic
Who Should Use It
FiboSearch is perfect for e-commerce website owners and developers seeking to optimize the shopping experience on their platforms.
Key Features
1. Live search suggestions with product image, price, and description
2. Search by product title, SKU, and descriptions
3. Mobile-optimized for better user experience
4. Easy implementation via shortcode, menu item, or widget
5. Search history for user convenience
6. Smart algorithm for better result ordering
7. Multilingual support
Price
The FiboSearch WordPress site search plugin is available in both free and Pro versions. For more advanced functionalities such as ultra-fast search engine, fuzzy search, search in custom fields and attributes, and professional help with embedding, you can upgrade to the Pro version.
- Personal $49/year – For 1 site, up to 10,000 products
- Entrepreneur $89/year – For 3 sites, up to 50,000 products per site
- Agency $199/year – For 25 sites, up to 150,000 products per site
Ajax Search Lite
Ajax Search Lite is a powerful WordPress site search plugin that transforms your standard WordPress search into an engaging, live search experience. This WordPress site search plugin is designed to enhance the user experience by offering an ajax powered search form that provides instant results.
The search function is responsive, fast, and comes with smooth animations that are compatible with mobile devices. It’s not just a search tool, it’s a tool that enhances visitor engagement and interaction on your site.
Furthermore, Ajax Search Lite supports custom post types, custom fields, and even Google autocomplete and keyword suggestions. This live search engine is tailored to refine user experience by offering advanced search capabilities.
With it, you can replace the default WordPress search with a more attractive and efficient search engine. Plus, it offers regular updates, ensuring your website always delivers top-notch performance.
Pros
Fast and efficient live search.Supports custom post types and custom fields.Regular updates for optimal performance.
Cons
May require some technical knowledge to fully utilize. Might not be compatible with all themes.
Who Should Use
Website owners who want to enhance their site’s search functionality and improve user experience.
Key Features
1. Live search in posts, pages, and custom post types.
2. Search in title, description, excerpt, and custom fields.
3. Automatic search replacement with widget and shortcode available.
4. Custom filter boxes for categories and post types.
5. WPML, Polylang, and QtranslateX compatible.
6. Frontend search settings boxes.
7. Google analytics integration.
Price
Ajax Search Lite and Ajax Search Pro do not require a monthly subscription. The cost is incurred only once for the plugin.
ACF: Better Search
ACF Better Search is a unique plugin designed to augment the default WordPress search engine, enabling it to search by content from selected fields of the Advanced Custom Fields plugin. This WordPress site search plugin works like magic, no need for any additional code. ACF enhances your search engine by modifying the SQL database query, ensuring a faster and more efficient search experience.
Moreover, ACF Better Search allows for more precise searching. It enables you to search for whole phrases rather than single words, making your search more accurate and focused. This WordPress site search plugin doesn’t just create a search results page, it revolutionizes your search engine!
Pros
It enhances the default WordPress search engine.It allows for more precise searching with whole phrases. It doesn’t need any additional code.
Cons
It doesn’t create a search results page.The plugin’s efficiency might depend on the complexity of the searched phrase.
Who Should Use
Web developers, bloggers, content creators, and any WordPress user wanting to enhance their site’s search capabilities.
Key Features
1. Enhances the default WordPress search engine.
2. Searches by content from selected fields of the Advanced Custom Fields plugin.
3. Modifies the SQL database query for better search results.
4. Enables search for whole phrases.
5. Does not require any additional code.
6. Increases the speed of the content search by about 75%.
7. Provides technical support for plugin development.
Price
ACF Better Search offers its WordPress site search plugin free of charge. However, they do appreciate donations to support the continued development and maintenance of the plugin.
Better Search
Better Search is an exceptional WordPress site search plugin that takes your WordPress site to another level by enhancing the search experience. It replaces the default WordPress search engine with a more powerful and relevant one, making it easy for your visitors to find exactly what they’re looking for.
With Better Search, you can customize the output, fine-tune the relevance, search within different fields and post types, and track the popular searches.
Its unique features allow you to create a “search heatmap” of the most popular searches on your site, customize the search results’ appearance, and ensure peak performance with its own caching system and compatibility with other caching plugins. It also includes a profanity filter for clean search queries and is translation-ready, making it a global solution.
Pros
Enhances user experience with relevant and refined search results.Seamless integration with your WordPress site without the need for code editing.Comes with a caching system and compatibility with other caching plugins for optimal performance.
Cons
Might require some time to understand and utilize all its features effectively.There is no free version available for trial.
Who Should Use It
The Better Search plugin is ideal for website owners and developers who want to enhance the search experience on their WordPress sites.
Key Features
1. Automatic activation for better search results.
2. Seamless integration without code editing.
3. Relevance sorting and control over search results.
4. Popular searches heatmap.
5. AJAX Live Search for real-time results.
6. Customizable templates and CSS styles for search results.
7. Profanity filter for clean search queries.
Prices
Better Search comes with free and paid plans.
- Pro $49/year – Perfect for individuals and bloggers!
- Pro Multi $99–$199/year – Ideal for small businesses!
- Agency $299/year – Deploy on all your client sites!
WP Search with Algolia
Unleash the power of Algolia, the search tool mogul, right into your WordPress website with WP Search with Algolia. This WordPress site search plugin is a game-changer, allowing you to index your website’s content swiftly and deliver fast, accurate search results.
Crafted by WebDevStudios, the brains behind Custom Post Type UI, WP Search with Algolia transforms your website’s search functionality, leaving your users in awe.
With this WordPress site search plugin, you can offer your visitors an enhanced search experience with instant Autocomplete and instant search features. Plus, you get to customize the appearance and relevance of your user’s search experience, giving you full control over your website’s search functionality.
Pros
Quick one-click indexing of all contentDelivers relevant, faceted search results swiftlyProvides super granular control on search content relevancy
Cons
Requires API keys from Algolia which might not be free for commercial useMight require technical knowledge for customization using WordPress hooks and filters
Who Should Use
WP Search with Algolia is perfect for website owners, bloggers, and businesses who want to enhance their WordPress site’s search functionality and provide a better user experience.
Key Features
1. One-click indexing of all WordPress content
2. Fast, relevant, faceted search results with native typo-tolerance
3. Super granular control on search content relevancy and positioning
4. Language-agnostic
5. WordPress hooks and filters for easy customization
6. Multisite Network-wide support
7. Advanced SEO support with popular SEO tools
Price
WP Search with Algolia offers a free version.
Final Word
In conclusion, enhancing your WordPress site’s search functionality doesn’t have to be rocket science. With the right plugins, you can deliver a seamless, user-friendly search experience that not only keeps your visitors engaged but also improves your site’s overall performance.
Remember, the best WordPress site search plugin is the one that meets your specific needs and fits seamlessly into your site’s design and functionality.
So, why wait? Start exploring these top-rated WordPress site search plugins today. Boost your site’s user experience and watch your online engagement soar. You owe it to your site’s visitors – and your business. So, go ahead, and make the smart move today!
FAQs
What is a WordPress site search plugin?
A WordPress site search plugin is a tool that enhances the default search functionality on WordPress sites. It allows visitors to search content, products, posts, pages, and other data more efficiently and accurately.
Why should I use a WordPress site search plugin?
Using a site search plugin improves the accuracy and speed of search results on your website. It also offers advanced features like fuzzy search, filtering, and the ability to search custom post types, improving user experience and engagement.
How do WordPress search plugins improve user experience?
These plugins provide faster, more relevant search results, which help users find what they are looking for quickly. They may also allow for advanced features like auto-suggestions, instant search, and filtering, which are not available with the default search.
Can a WordPress site search plugin boost my site’s SEO?
Yes, by improving the site’s search functionality and user engagement, search plugins can indirectly help with SEO. A better user experience often leads to lower bounce rates and higher page views, which search engines like Google consider when ranking sites.
Are WordPress site search plugins free?
Many WordPress site search plugins offer both free and premium versions. Free versions typically come with essential features, while the paid versions provide advanced features, premium support, and more customization options.
What are the best WordPress site search plugins for developers?
Some of the top WordPress site search plugins for developers include SearchWP, Relevanssi, and Ajax Search Pro. These plugins offer powerful customization options, flexible indexing, and compatibility with custom post types and fields.
Can a WordPress site search plugin integrate with WooCommerce?
Yes, many WordPress search plugins are compatible with WooCommerce, allowing you to create a more efficient search experience for your eCommerce store, including product search with filtering options.
Will using a site search plugin slow down my website?
While most WordPress search plugins are optimized for speed, adding a search plugin with many features can have an impact on your website’s performance. It’s essential to choose lightweight plugins or use caching to prevent performance issues.
Can I customize the search results with a plugin?
Yes, many WordPress site search plugins allow you to customize search results based on specific criteria, such as custom post types, categories, and tags. Some plugins also allow you to rearrange the order of results and show relevant content, such as related posts.
How do I install a WordPress site search plugin?
To install a WordPress site search plugin, go to your WordPress dashboard, click on Plugins > Add New, search for the desired plugin, and click Install Now. Once installed, activate the plugin and configure the settings as needed.