WordPress powers a huge part of the web, but getting results depends on using the right tools. SEO plugins help websites perform better in search results and reach a wider audience. With so many options out there, knowing what people actually use makes a real difference.
At WPoptic, we track plugin data across 13.5 million websites. Around 59 percent of these WordPress sites use at least one SEO plugin. Every day, our database grows thanks to data collected by our free browser extension and ongoing research. This gives us a real-world view of which SEO plugins are leading the pack. In this post, you’ll find up-to-date stats and insights based on the actual usage we see across live WordPress sites.
“With AI content on the rise, Generative Engine Optimization is the new challenge and the new opportunity for WordPress sites.”
Remco – WPoptic
Why SEO Plugins Matter for WordPress
Running a WordPress website without solid SEO is like opening a shop with no sign outside. SEO plugins simplify the technical side of search engine optimization, making it easier for anyone to get found online. These tools handle everything from meta tags and sitemaps to redirects and structured data. Without an SEO plugin, even great content can stay hidden from search engines.
For businesses and professionals, the right SEO plugin saves time and helps avoid common mistakes. Many plugins guide users through best practices as they create or edit content. Others automate technical updates in the background, keeping websites in line with changing search algorithms.
Choosing the right plugin matters because each one brings a different set of features and a different approach to SEO. Some focus on simplicity, others go deep into technical options. The plugin a site owner picks can shape not just how a site appears in search but how easy it is to manage over time.
WPoptic’s SEO Plugin Usage Data
SEO plugin choice can tell a lot about how site owners approach optimization. At WPoptic, our research covers data from 13.5 million live WordPress websites. This gives us a reliable snapshot of real usage across the web.
Below is a breakdown of the most-used SEO plugins based on active installs and market share. The numbers reflect what’s happening on actual WordPress sites, not just downloads or directory stats.
Some plugins have millions of active installs, while others serve niche needs for a smaller audience. These numbers shift as new tools launch and site owners switch solutions. WPoptic’s database is updated daily, so the stats here reflect recent trends.
Key Trends and Observations
Yoast SEO remains the top choice by a wide margin. Its install count is more than five times higher than the next most-used plugin, showing strong brand recognition and a history of regular updates.
All in One SEO Pack and RankMath both have large user bases, which suggests that more site owners are open to alternatives. RankMath’s growth is especially notable, as it has quickly caught up with All in One SEO Pack despite launching much later.
Premium versions of both Yoast SEO Premium and RankMath Pro attract hundreds of thousands of active users. It stands out that RankMath Pro is almost as widely used as Yoast SEO Premium, even though the free version of Yoast is five times larger. This suggests RankMath is offering something in its pro features that really connects with users and makes the upgrade worthwhile.
Smaller plugins such as Squirrly SEO and SEOPress have a much smaller presence compared to the big names. These plugins appeal to users looking for specific features or a unique workflow. With several active plugins in the market, site owners have real choice, whether they prefer all-in-one solutions or more focused tools.
WordPress SEO VS GEO
Plugin adoption is always evolving as site owners look for better features or switch tools based on changing needs. Each update, new release, or support change can shift which plugins gain ground and which ones fall back.
Now, the rise of AI-generated content is bringing a fresh challenge. More websites are using AI to create articles, product pages, and landing pages. Generative Engine Optimization (GEO) is quickly becoming part of the conversation, as site owners look for ways to help AI-created content get discovered in search results.
Some SEO plugins may adapt faster to GEO by adding new features that support AI content, while others could fall behind. This creates opportunities for both established plugins and newcomers that focus on the unique needs of AI-driven sites. The coming years will likely show which plugins succeed in this new area and whether GEO changes what’s considered best practice for WordPress SEO.
What the Data Means for WordPress Users
Looking at adoption across 13.5 million sites, the big names, Yoast SEO, RankMath, and All in One SEO, still dominate. But the most telling detail is how quickly RankMath Pro has approached Yoast SEO Premium in paid adoption, even though Yoast’s free plugin remains much larger. This shift suggests users are looking for new value in their premium features.
Smaller plugins like Squirrly SEO and SEOPress make up less than 0.1 percent of active installs in our database, showing just how concentrated the market is. These tools mostly find their place on projects with very specific needs.
What’s new this year is the influence of AI-generated content and GEO (Generative Engine Optimization). As more WordPress sites produce AI-written articles, we expect plugins that adapt fastest to GEO requirements to stand out in future data updates.
This ongoing research gives users an up-to-date snapshot of what’s working across the web in the SEO category. High adoption still means more support and compatibility, but the data also points to areas worth exploring as AI changes what SEO plugins need to deliver.
Sources:
WPoptic.com
Reddit
