WordPress allows users to rate plugins on a scale from 1 to 5 stars.

Generally, you’ll want to avoid plugins that have a rating of less than 3. If you encounter an amazing plugin with a low star rating, don’t despair. There are over 15,000 WordPress plugins out there. Keep looking, you’ll find one with similar functionality and a higher rating.

Next, you’ll want to take a look at how many times the plugin has been downloaded. This will help determine if you’re looking at legitimate star reviews.

There isn’t a magic number that you’ll need to cross. But the more downloads, the more accurate reviews will be. You don’t want a plugin that has only been downloaded by the developer’s mom and cousin.

This will help you to figure out if you’re diving head first into a stagnant snake infested plugin, or a well maintained, crystal clear one with a lifeguard on duty.

Wait, what?

There are all types of plugin developers out there. 100% devoted professionals, semi-freelancers, dabblers, and everything else in-between.

By looking at the last update, you can see how devoted the developer behind it is. Numerous updates indicate the developer is a professional who has made a quality product with almost no bugs based on user feedback. Few or no updates may mean the developer built the plugin as a fun side project, and doesn’t have the time to maintain it.