Free vs. Paid WooCommerce Reviews Plugin: Which One to Use?

Review plugins make your WooCommerce work easier and WordPress gives you numerous options in the market.

Some of them are free and some cost you.                

• Free plugins save your pocket whereas paid (premium you may call) plugins claim a charge for their premium features and services.
• Else, premium plugins support at its best whereas free plugins respond like a slow bird.

Question is, which one should you choose?

Do you stick with a zero-cost solution that covers the basics, or invest in a feature-packed premium plugin to elevate your store’s performance?

To answer all of your queries, we have compared both free vs. paid WooCommerce reviews plugins.

You’ll get the pros-cons and reasons for using both free and premium review plugins from this comparison. 

Let’s help you decide the best option with your business and budget needs.

Key Differences of Free vs. Paid WooCommerce Reviews Plugin

These are the key differences between the two to easily decide which one you should take.

Importance of Review Plugins in eCommerce Business

Let’s take a look at what global stats reveal about the power of reviews:-

• 49% of consumers trust online reviews as much as personal recommendations from family and friends.
• 93% of shoppers say reviews influence their purchasing decisions.
• Nearly 90% of customers read reviews before making a purchase.
• 58% of buyers are willing to pay more for products from a brand with positive reviews.

These numbers prove just how important reviews are in the eCommerce industry.  

But simply collecting reviews isn’t enough- you need to make them visible and impactful. 

This is where a WooCommerce reviews plugin comes in. 

Whether you choose the default free option or invest in a premium plugin, the right plugin can help showcase reviews effectively and boost customer trust.

 Now, let’s know the details of how the review plugin helps you:

• Build trust and credibility: Authentic customer reviews instill trust in potential buyers and show that other customers have had positive experiences with your products or services.
• Streamline the review process: Automate review requests, reminders, and moderation, saving your time and effort.
• Improve search engine rankings: Search engines often favor websites with high-quality, user-generated content. Reviews with rich keywords and customer insights can significantly boost your search engine rankings.   
• Increase conversions: Positive reviews can influence potential customers and encourage them to make a purchase.
• Gain valuable insights: Analyze customer feedback to identify areas for improvement, refine products, and enhance customer service.   

Free WooCommerce Reviews Plugins: Pros & Cons

Free plugins are the life’s savior. It’s the most popular choice among website owners due to its cost savings. 

But using free WordPress review plugins has positives and negatives too.

The pros are-

• As you know, it’s free. If you are starting on business or trying yourself out, these free plugins are great to use. 
• Easy to set up and has simple operational functions.
• Provides core review features like basic review forms, star ratings, review requests, and more to make your store work initially.

And the negatives are-

• The minimal design and functionality may not meet the needs of your business if you’re looking for a more polished and customizable solution.
• It has limited features. Being a free one, developers don’t show interest or get enough kickback to add plugin features further. 
• Sometimes it leads to bugs or performance issues.
• Typically comes with limited customer support and infrequent updates, which can be a challenge if you want it in the long run.

Premium WooCommerce Reviews Plugins: Worth to Buy?

Customer reviews are the lifeblood of e-commerce success, but not all review plugins are created equal. 

While free plugins offer basic functionality, premium WooCommerce review plugins unlock advanced features that can transform customer feedback into a growth engine.

Let’s know better why we should consider buying a paid review plugin. Here are the points-

A Complete Dashboard

Paid review plugins simplified things. In most cases, it will serve you a dashboard where you can manage all your reviews things.

• You’ll get a graphical summary of your reviews,  
• See your weekly, monthly, and yearly review data, 
• Get an overview of your review request emails,
• the number of emails opened, the total clicks, and more 

Advanced Features for Enhanced Engagement

Premium review plugins go beyond basic star ratings and text reviews. 

They offer advanced features that significantly enhance customer engagement such as:

• Multi-criteria ratings
• Image and video upload
• Review reminders
• Schema markup
• Brand customization, and more. 

SEO that Boosts Visibility

Premium review plugins often integrate with structured data markup (rich snippets) that help you display star ratings directly in Google search results, which can improve click-through rates. 

Extra Trust-Building Widgets

Building trust is essential in eCommerce, and premium review plugins deliver features designed for credibility. 

You will get widgets like- 

• verified buyer badges, 
• social proof integration, 
• like-dislike options, 
• review recommendations, 
• sharing options, and more to reassure potential customers and give a trustworthy shopping environment.

Automation and Scalability

Automation includes features such as  

• automated review reminders, 

• bulk import-export, 

• Google business profile, 
• schema markup, and more– making these plugins ideal for growing stores that need to scale their operations efficiently.

However, you will get all these standard premium features with the ReviewX plugin. 

And the best part? 

It’s a freemium plugin (free + premium), meaning you can enjoy many benefits even with its version without facing all the usual limitations.

How to Choose the Right WooCommerce Reviews Plugin for your Website

Choosing the right review plugin for your website can feel overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be. Here are some simple steps to help you make the best choice:

1. Identify Your Needs: Start by figuring out what features are most important for your website. Do you need a plugin that allows users to leave star ratings, written reviews, or both? 
2. Research Your Options: Once you know what you’re looking for, explore different plugins that offer those features. Don’t just settle for the first one you find. Compare a few to see which one fits your needs best.

Pro tips: You can read our blogs on the best WooCommerce Reviews Plugins in 2025 to make your decision better.

1. Read User Reviews: Check what other people are saying about the plugins you’re considering. Look for feedback on how easy the plugin is to use, whether it works well, and if there are any common issues. 

Note: You can find reviews on platforms like Trustpilot, G2, and Capterra, as well as in the WordPress plugin directory.

1. Check Compatibility: Make sure the plugin works well with your WordPress theme and any other plugins you’re already using. A plugin might look great on paper, but if it causes conflicts or slows down your site, it’s not worth it.
2. Consider Your Budget: Some plugins are free, while others come with a cost. Decide how much you’re willing to spend and stick to your budget. 

But keep in mind that more expensive doesn’t always mean better, free plugins may have limited features or lack support.

1. Look for Support: If something goes wrong or you need help setting up the plugin, having access to good customer support can save you a lot of headaches. Check if the plugin offers dedicated support through email, live chat, or a help center.
2. Check for Updates and Maintenance: A good plugin should be regularly updated by its developers to ensure it stays compatible with the latest WordPress versions and security standards. 
3. Test before Committing: Many plugins offer a free trial or a demo version. Use this opportunity to test the plugin on your site before making a final decision. This way, you can see firsthand how it works and if it meets your expectations.

Pro tips: Avoid plugins that haven’t been updated in a long time, as they may pose a risk to your site.

So, by following these steps, you’ll be able to choose a review plugin that not only meets your needs but also helps improve your website’s user experience.

If you want to get know out of the box, check our blog on “WooCommerce Review Plugins: What to Look for & Why It Matters!”

Which One You Should Use: Paid or Free Review Plugin?

At first glance, premium plugins may seem like the superior choice, but the reality isn’t so black and white. The right option depends entirely on your website’s needs and budget.

If you’re just starting out or working with limited resources, free plugins can be a great way to get basic review features without extra costs. 

Or if you require advanced functionality, automation, and dedicated support, a premium plugin might be the smarter investment for long-term growth.

But the best approach is to do your homework. Take the time to research, compare, and test different plugins to ensure they align with your goals.

So, which will you choose: free or paid? Let us know in the comments! 

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