If you’re starting a WordPress website in 2025, one question comes first:

“Which free plugins should I install?”

Because choosing the wrong plugins can slow down your site, cause security issues, and break your pages.

This guide lists the most essential and trusted free WordPress plugins every beginner should use in 2025.

⭐ 1. LiteSpeed Cache

Best for: Website speed & performance
✓ Page caching
✓ Image optimization
✓ CSS/JS minify
✓ CDN support

If your hosting uses LiteSpeed, this is the fastest free performance plugin.

⭐ 2. Rank Math SEO

Best for: Optimizing your website for Google
✓ SEO scoring
✓ Sitemap
✓ Schema markup
✓ Keyword suggestions

Free version is enough for beginners.

⭐ 3. VPSUForm – Free Form Builder

Best for: Contact forms, surveys, lead forms
✓ Drag & drop form builder
✓ Email notifications
✓ File uploads
✓ Anti-spam & reCAPTCHA
✓ Works without slowing your site

Ideal for business, bloggers, agencies, and beginners.

⭐ 4. WPCode

Best for: Adding custom code without touching theme files
✓ Insert header scripts
✓ Add tracking codes
✓ Custom snippets
✓ Safe mode

Better than editing functions.php.

⭐ 5. Site Kit by Google

Best for: Analytics & tracking
✓ Google Analytics
✓ Search Console
✓ AdSense
✓ PageSpeed Insights

Completely free and created by Google.

⭐ 6. WooCommerce

Best for: Online store
✓ Sell digital or physical products
✓ Payment gateway setup
✓ Shipping modules
✓ Reports & analytics

The best solution for beginners starting an eCommerce site.

⭐ 7. UpdraftPlus

Best for: Website backups
✓ Automatic backup
✓ One-click restore
✓ Cloud storage (Google Drive, Dropbox, etc.)

Free version works well for small sites.

⭐ 8. Wordfence Security

Best for: Protecting your website
✓ Firewall
✓ Malware scanner
✓ Login security
✓ Country blocking (premium)

A must-have plugin to keep your site safe.

⭐ 9. Smush

Best for: Image optimization
✓ Compress images
✓ Lazy load
✓ Resize large files

Improves speed for image-heavy websites.

⭐ 10. Elementor Free

Best for: Building pages visually
✓ Drag & drop
✓ 30+ free widgets
✓ Responsive editing

Great for beginners who want creative control.

📌 Final Thoughts

These plugins cover everything a modern WordPress site needs:
✔ Speed
✔ Security
✔ SEO
✔ Forms
✔ Backups
✔ Analytics
✔ Page building

Start with essential ones and install more only when required.