Top 10 Best Joomla Plugins and Extension

Web Development
Updated on: 22 Oct, 2024 23:12 PM

Your new online project can have a strong foundation, thanks to Joomla Development. Without writing a single line of code, you can create an interactive website using its architecture, and with the right approach, the built-in features can support organic project growth. A collection of some of the most well-liked Joomla add-ons has been compiled by us.

While some of them may be appropriate for your specific project, others may concentrate on more broad topics that are loosely relevant to your company.

Whatever the case, top Joomla plugins, including JCE, Akeeba, Cache Cleaner, Advanced Module Manager, and JCH Optimize, will demonstrate how simple it is to change an entire Joomla website.

What is Joomla?

Joomla, which is written in PHP, can assist you in building a variety of websites, including personal blogs, business, corporate, government, news, and online stores.

The setup is comparatively simple, and a simple backend interface is used to manage the content. Additional Joomla assistance is available through thorough support documentation and a large global development and user community that can assist you if you run into problems.

The CMS is frequently lauded for its default setup that is SEO-friendly, security measures, and support for multilingual content. Additional Joomla assistance is available through thorough support documentation and a large global development and user community that can assist you if you run into problems.

Top 10 Best Joomla Plugins

The success of your project may depend heavily on extensions, but how can you determine which ones you'll need? Let's try to assist you with the best Joomla plugins.

1. JCE

JCE, which stands for Joomla Content Editor, is one of the top extensions in its field. It replaces the standard content editor in Joomla with a new, much more user-friendly tool that has a lot more features. You can build and edit pages and articles using its WYSIWYG editor, which is comparable to WordPress's, without understanding the first thing about programming languages.

Key features:

• Includes a WYSIWYG editor
• During upload, text formatting
• Offers a free and paid option

Pros

• JCE provides you with all the resources required to do this assignment as quickly as feasible.
• It's also simple to add multimedia to your article.
• An advanced media manager, an IFrame editor, and the ability to resize, crop, and rotate images when uploading are all included in the commercial edition.

Cons

• On the screen, the File browser is only discernible as a tiny window.
• All icons are shown in a single column rather than rows in the Current Editor Layout.
• Unable to use the tabs for Typography, Filesystem, and Advanced in the Editor Parameters screen.

Pricing

On this website, some functions are for a fee, but some functions in the editor are not. A one-year subscription to a plugin suite that will power up JCE with image resizing and editing, advanced media management, source code editing, Markdown support, and more costs $35.

2. Akeeba Backup

The Joomla-specific Akeeba Backup plugin is a piece of software. You can generate backups with only one click thanks to its integration into the core of the CMS. If you constantly update your website, this is extremely helpful. The extension will save the files and databases along with a restore script as well, allowing you to swiftly return everything to its working condition if something goes wrong.

Key features:

• One-click backup-generating software
• Saves a recovery script
• Allows for fully automatic backups

Pros

• You can restore the site backup that Akeeba Backup makes on any Joomla-compatible host.
• It functions using an AJAX-driven restoration procedure. Consequently, you can prevent server timeout.
• It may exclude a certain database table or its data.

Cons

• Support comes with a price.
• Their new price structure is noticeably higher than the old one.
• If Akeeba is supporting a huge website, it can crash.

Pricing

The free version of the extension offers limited features. Additional features are available in the Professional edition, which is priced at around $60 for Akeeba Backup Professional.

3. RSForm!PRO

One of the top Joomla extensions for creating forms is RSForm!PRO. With this extension, you can design anything from a basic contact us page to a complex, multi-step application form. You have the flexibility to select from various templates and enjoy nearly endless customization options. Additionally, an integrated wizard streamlines the form creation process, making it quick and straightforward.

Key features:

• The procedure is made much simpler by the drag-and-drop editor.
• Forms that have been created are highly useful and infinitely adjustable.
• Fantastic add-on features like time selection and a pop-up calendar.

Pros

• Non-technical clients who have always found it easy to create forms with RSForm.
• It's incredibly simple to make sure that all submissions are stored in the database and then exported, unlike other form extensions.
• A lot of RSForm questions and Mihaela and Alex were always helpful.

Cons

• The standard layouts aren't very attractive. You'll need to alter the HTML code to create a nice-looking design.
• When you make modifications, forms won't update themselves immediately.
• RSForm Pro still receives a substantial amount of spam, even with the captcha switched on. They'll probably need to look into integrating with a spam-blocking system, in my opinion.

Pricing

Prices for the premium extension RSForm!PRO begins at just about $24. You will then have a 12-month license to use the extension on a single website. Renewals are discounted by 30%.

4. Shack Forms

The simplest and most effective Joomla plugin for adding forms to your Joomla site is Shack Forms. It enables you to customize forms and then display them wherever you want, including inside pop-up windows, modules, and articles. Shack Forms' layout, on the other hand, offers a wide variety of themes, styles, and effects. Shack Forms can be made to look fantastic on your website without any coding.

Key features:

• Detailed instructions and YouTube video tutorials are provided.
• Display your form in response to user actions like page loading, page scrolling, or the intention to leave a page.
• You can present your form in a stylish lightbox popup with a variety of effects.

Pros

• Without using any code, Shack Forms enables you to quickly and simply specify the colors, styles, backgrounds, effects, and other design components of your form.
• Save screen space by positioning the button for your form to the left, right, top, or bottom of your website pages.
• By integrating your form with Acymailing, Mailchimp, or Freshmail email providers, you can increase your email audience.

Cons    

You must install the Joomla language pack to show labels for the fields on your forms on the front end of your Joomla website in any language other than English.

Pricing

Starter - $160/month for small businesses and agencies with a few tasks (billed annually). Professional - $280/month for mid-sized agencies and businesses with several projects (billed annually).

5. JoomSEF

A Joomla addon called JoomSEF creates SEO-friendly URLs to boost SEO. It can easily manage 301 redirects and can generate information. SEF URLs, on the other hand, are options that users can comprehend more readily. Additionally, they aid in improving search engine rankings. JoomSEF does, however, support a large number of additional Joomla components, including AdsManager, AlphaContent, Contacts XTD, etc.

Key features:

• JoomSEF is in charge of managing advanced SEF URLs.
• Produces, modifies, and manages metadata with ease.
• Helps with managing duplicate content and keywords.

Pros

• Supports UTF-8 URLs and offers URL caching.
• Additionally, it does URL source tracing to assist with allocating problematic code.
• Oversees the customization of 404 Page Not Found and 301 Redirects.

Cons

• The previous two years have gone by without an update.
• Functioning and installation problems
• Following installation, an error 404

Pricing

An open-source program is JoomSEF. There is a free version and a paid version available. Both are GNU GPL-licensed, but the paid version offers more features and support.

6. ECC+ (EasyCalcCheck Plus)

The most effective method of spambot defense is ECC+. Inserting an arithmetic task primarily secures the registration and contact form. Additionally, it enables you to activate a time limit and a hidden field. Only a spambot attempts to fill in every field, too. Regular users won't do that, though.

Key features:

• Embeds hidden input forms that are only visible to spambots.
• Places a timer and a question that they have created.
• Puts the Bot-Traps in.

Pros

• You may use hCaptcha and reCaptcha with ECC+.
• To get individualized data from your users, you may include self-defined questions in your forms.
• A concealed input field is also an option.

Cons

• By default, only English and German are offered.
• If the spam check kept failing
• Limited access

Pricing

It is a free spambot website.

7. JCH Optimize

Your Joomla website can be accelerated with JCH Optimize. This extension reduces HTTP requests by consolidating CSS and JavaScript files into a single file, thereby minimizing bandwidth usage and optimizing download time. Implementing JCH Optimize offers several benefits, including improved user experience, increased traffic, and higher search engine rankings. Overall, it is considered one of the most effective Joomla extensions for optimizing website speed, potentially boosting your site's performance by 6 to 10 points.

Key features:

• Merges many CSS/Javascript files into one.
• Creates a sprite using many backdrop pictures.
• Aggregated files are gzipped and minified.

Pros

• Javascript can be delayed or put at the bottom of the page for faster download.
• It enables sluggish loading of photos.
• Additionally, you receive full CDN support.

Cons

• Avoid image optimization
• Limited features with the free version
• Asynchronous JavaScript Only

Pricing

Pro version with enhanced picture optimization features and premium support. The cost of a six-month subscription is $29.

8. Acy Mailing

Acy Mailing is an extension available for both Joomla and WordPress. It boasts over 50,000 active installations and handles more than 10 million emails each month. While the free version enables users to compose and manually send newsletters, the premium plans offer additional features and capabilities.

Key features:

• More than 10 million emails are sent each month
• 50,000+ active installations.
• sending emails according to a set schedule

Pros

• Transmit customized newsletters
• Scheduled newsletters
• Powerful newsletter editor

Cons

• You must purchase a premium subscription to get crucial features.
• There are just 3 templates accessible.
• You must buy a bundle if you need more.

Pricing

The Multi-site option costs slightly under $390 per year if you want to utilize the Enterprise plan on up to twenty websites.

9. Advance Module Manager

When there are many widgets installed on the website, some users often find module management a little more difficult than it needs to be. These users were considered when developing the Advanced Module Manager. It gives website owners more control over the site modules and replaces the standard module manager tool in Joomla's admin area.

Key features:

• Fixes problem where color settings in the module edit view weren't being preserved.
• Dispute with the error "service key is already registered" when editing a category is resolved.
• Fixes the problem with the list view's broken pagination

Pros

• The plugin has a user-friendly interface and comprehensive instructions for best use.
• Advanced Module Manager allows you to attach various modules to user groups,
• components, templates, browsers, and URLs in addition to more basic controls.

Cons

• The search for and upkeep of extra Joomla! modules to modify your website might be challenging.
• Without serious work on the PHP code, some functionalities are impossible to obtain.

Pricing

When the product is installed, the default Joomla module manager is so greatly improved that I forget it is not a component of the Joomla system. Very well done! Advanced Module Manager Pro costs around $47.

10. Cache Cleaner

The Cache Cleaner extension simplifies the process of clearing your Joomla cache quickly and efficiently. You won't have to constantly switch to Joomla Cache Manager anymore. With this extension, along with the Status bar, you'll have easy access. Additionally, it utilizes Ajax, eliminating the need to reload the page. It can also clear the temporary folder and provides various helpful tools for maintaining an error-free Joomla site.

Key features:

• The cache may be cleared with only one click when using Cache Cleaner.
• It gives you access to a link in the control panel that allows you to erase the cache.
• To clear the cache in the background, it uses Ajax.

Pros

• There is no need to reload the page while using Cache Cleaner.
• The Joomla plugin also makes it easy to clear the server cache.
• The files don't need to be manually deleted.

Cons

• If you clear the cache, a previously cached website will have to be downloaded the next time you access it. This new download will result in the creation of a new cache. Pricing.
• Over $23 may be spent on Cache Cleaner Pro. User-defined folders, server cleanup, and CDN caching are all included.

Conclusion:

The Joomla core can't reasonably meet every need because various projects have different requirements. Fortunately, its sizable developer community frequently produces new extensions that increase the capabilities of your website. You may perfectly tailor your website with their assistance.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What Do Joomla Extensions Do?

Extensions are add-ons that increase Joomla's capabilities. Extensions are used to give Joomla features that are missing from the base package. For Joomla, there are hundreds of Extensions already available, and new ones are constantly being created. All Joomla extensions are housed in a single location known as the Joomla! JED, also known as the Extensions Directory, is a repository for all things Joomla that functions somewhat like an app store.

2. How do extensions affect website performance?

They transform Joomla into a very adaptable platform and a fantastic starting point for a variety of projects. The official Joomla extension directory has approximately 6,000 extensions, and many more are accessible through unofficial methods. Users of Joomla may access extension capabilities, and if they ever need to expand their Joomla installation, they can do so with the aid of extensions. In essence, Joomla extensions are just software bundles that enable us to enhance Joomla.

3. Is it difficult to install Joomla extensions?

No, the installation of Joomla is simple. Configuring Joomla extensions is not that difficult. You can install an extension straight from the Joomla admin area if it's listed in the Extensions Directory for Joomla. Joomla will automatically perform the necessary modifications and move the essential files to the appropriate location.

You can install the extension from an archive, a folder, or a remote URL if the developer only makes it available through their website. However it is best to get advice from a specialist if you are unsure of how to manually install Joomla extensions. Without the necessary information, installing an extension might harm your Joomla installation and cause data loss.

4. How do I find Joomla plugins?

Go to "Extensions" in the Joomla backend menu to access the plugin management. Next, select "Plugin Manager." A list of all the plugins on your site is now visible to you. The official Joomla extension directory has approximately 6,000 extensions, and many more are accessible through unofficial methods. There are a few core plugin events that Joomla offers, but any extension can fire (custom) events. All plugin functions of the event's type are executed sequentially when a specific event occurs.