My list of the 8 best automation plugins that save Time

best wordpress automation plugins that actually save time

I used to wear my manual WordPress work like a badge of honor.

Client needs a contact form? I’d code it by hand. New user registrations? I’d manually assign roles and send welcome emails.

SEO optimization? I’d go through each post one by one, updating the SEO Headline, tweaking meta descriptions, and checking keyword density.

Then I realized something important. Working harder doesn’t make you a better WordPress expert. Working smarter does.

After spending way too many late nights on repetitive tasks that could run themselves, I decided to test every automation plugin I could find.

Twenty-three plugins later, I discovered something game-changing. The right tools don’t just save time, they completely free up my time for more important things.

Now my sites handle SEO optimization automatically!

On top of that, forms route inquiries to the right team members without my input. While eCommerce orders process and deliver files while I sleep.

The best part is client communication happens on autopilot through smart workflows.

In this article, I will share the 8 best automation plugins that transformed how I work with WordPress.

Instead of spending hours on repetitive tasks like email marketing setup, site building, and eCommerce management, I focus on what actually grows businesses.

In a nutshell, I let the tools handle the boring stuff while I handle the strategy.

Key takeaways:

Best overall automation: Uncanny Automator connects any WordPress plugins instantly
My recommendation for tight budgets: AutomatorWP offers powerful open-source automation
Best for beginners: WPForms automates form workflows with zero setup complexity

How I Test WordPress Automation Plugins

When testing automation plugins, I don’t care about fancy features that sound impressive in marketing copy. I care about whether they actually eliminate the repetitive work that eats up my day.

Here’s exactly what I look for:

Setup Time – Can you get it working in under 30 minutes? If I need to read a manual or watch tutorials just to create my first automation, it fails this test.
Learning Curve – Does it make sense without needing a computer science degree? The interface should feel natural, not like operating a spaceship control panel.
Time Savings – Does it actually eliminate repetitive tasks or just move them around? I track how much time each plugin saves me per week on real client projects.
Reliability – Does it work consistently without babysitting? Automation that breaks or needs constant tweaking isn’t automation at all.
Integration Ease – Does it play well with other WordPress tools you’re already using? The best plugins work seamlessly with your existing setup.

Each automation plugin on this list passed these tests on actual client sites. No theoretical benefits or marketing promises. Just real-world results from someone who’s been building WordPress sites for years.

Why Trust IsItWP?

At IsItWP, we’ve been the WordPress community’s go-to resource since 2009, helping over 2 million users choose better plugins and tools.

Unlike many review sites that never actually use the products, we maintain active accounts, run real client websites, and provide ongoing WordPress consultation.

Apart from that, we test every plugin on this list with real workflows, actual client data, and genuine business scenarios.

When I say a plugin saves me hours, I mean I’ve tracked the time savings across multiple projects and can show you exactly where those hours went.

The 8 Plugins That Save Me Hours

Now that you understand my testing process and how these plugins for WordPress landed on my list, check out the comparison table for a quick glimpse to expect from the tools.

You can also click on the name of the plugin to skip to that section of the article.