Best WooCommerce product filter plugins: Comparison guide

Finding products in an ecommerce store without proper filters is like searching through an unsorted warehouse. WooCommerce product filter plugins transform this chaos into an organized shopping experience that drives sales.

The best WooCommerce product filter plugins help customers find products quickly and easily. Adding personalized and relevant product filters to your store can significantly increase conversions and sales. It does this by reducing the time customers spend searching for products.

There are WordPress plugins out there that can make adding product filters incredibly straightforward. With so many options available, it can be difficult to choose the best option. In this post, I'll reveal the best WooCommerce filter plugins for your online store.

We'll explore the different options and compare the top plugins to help you find the one best suited to your needs. I find that most store owners need an easy-to-use, feature-rich but no-nonsense product filter.

What are WooCommerce product filter plugins?

WooCommerce product filter plugins are tools that help customers narrow down product searches. These plugins reduce browsing time by filtering catalogs based on specific criteria. WooCommerce filter plugins allow filtering by price, category, attributes, and stock status.

Product filter plugins work by creating dynamic queries that instantly update product listings. When a customer selects a filter option, the plugin queries your database and displays matching products without requiring a full page reload when AJAX is enabled.

The technology behind these plugins involves database indexing and query optimization. Most modern filter plugins use custom indexes to ensure fast performance even with thousands of products. This approach differs from standard page reloads because AJAX filtering provides instant results, improving the overall shopping experience.

Why use product filters?

Product filters can help customers sift through hundreds and thousands of products and zero in on the ones that match their needs and interests.

Think of it this way: if customers have the option to narrow down their search, they'll be able to find the products they're looking for much faster. This means they can add them to the cart and proceed to the checkout page instead of spending hours browsing your product catalog.

In other words, filtering can improve the user experience, increase product views, and ultimately, boost conversions in your store. Proper filtering systems can make a significant difference in how quickly customers find and purchase products.

Not a fan of reading? Watch the video we made about these plugins instead!

Essential features in product filter plugins

Before diving into specific plugins, it's important to understand the key features that make a product filter plugin effective. These capabilities determine how well your filters will serve customers and impact your store's performance.

AJAX filtering technology

AJAX filtering is a technology that updates results without page reloads. It prevents page reloads by loading data asynchronously in the background. This creates significant performance benefits, especially for stores with large catalogs.

When customers apply filters, AJAX technology fetches results instantly. The page content updates dynamically while maintaining the user's scroll position. This seamless experience keeps customers engaged and reduces bounce rates.

Page builder compatibility

Product filter plugins must work with popular page builders like the WordPress block editor, Elementor, and Divi. Compatibility ensures filters integrate smoothly with your existing design. Most quality plugins maintain consistent styling across different builders.

Full compatibility means filters inherit your theme's design automatically. Plugins should support both shortcodes and widgets for flexible placement. This versatility allows you to add filters anywhere on your site.

Mobile optimization

Mobile commerce continues to grow rapidly, making mobile-optimized filters essential. Filter plugins must provide responsive designs that work perfectly on smartphones. Mobile filtering requires special consideration for touch interfaces and screen sizes.

Effective mobile filters often use slide-out panels or collapsible sections. Separate desktop and mobile configurations allow optimal experiences on each device. Responsive design ensures filters remain functional and attractive across all screen sizes.

The best WooCommerce product filter plugins

Here, I'll walk you through some of the best options available for filtering your WooCommerce products and enhancing the user experience on your online store.

If you're in a hurry, you can look at the WooCommerce product filter plugins feature comparison table below:

Plugins compared

1. Barn2 WooCommerce Product Filters
2. Barn2 WooCommerce Product Table
3. HUSKY Products Filter for WooCommerce
4. YITH WooCommerce AJAX Product Filter
5. Filter Everything
6. JetSmartFilters
7. UpFilter Product Filter for WooCommerce
8. WooCommerce.com Product Filters for WooCommerce
9. XforWooCommerce Product Filter for WooCommerce
10. Product Filter by WBW
11. Advanced AJAX Product Filters by BeRocket

	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8	9	10	11
Choice of vertical or horizontal filters
Display products in an order form layout
Category, attribute, tags, rating & price filters
Custom taxonomy filters
Checkboxes
Dropdowns
Radio Buttons
Color swatches
Image filters
Text/label filters
'In stock' filter
'On sale' filter
Sort dropdown

As you can see, the WooCommerce Product Filters plugin offers the highest level of product filter functionality out of the list. The only thing missing is the order form layout, which you can get by using it together with WooCommerce Product Table 🚀

Keep reading to learn about each product filter plugin in more detail.

#1. WooCommerce Product Filters by Barn2

WooCommerce Product Filters is a comprehensive filtering solution that transforms how customers find products in your store.

Best for: Stores needing advanced filters
Price: $79/year

The WooCommerce Product Filters plugin is the most versatile WooCommerce product filter plugin for store owners. It lets you create individual filters for products and structure them into groups for better organization. Setup takes just 5 minutes, and the plugin handles over 10,000 products without performance issues.

Key features:

Pros:

• Most comprehensive filter options available.
• Excellent performance with large catalogs.

Cons:

• Premium plugin only (no free version).
• May have more features than simple stores need.

One of the standout features is that WooCommerce Product Filters only shows valid and relevant filter options. For example, if all blue t-shirts are out of stock, the Blue option won't appear in the filters. This helps deliver a good user experience and avoid customer disappointment.

#2. WooCommerce Product Table by Barn2

The WooCommerce Product Table plugin creates a professional table layout with integrated filtering options.

Best for: Quick order forms with filters
Price: $99/year

WooCommerce Product Table displays WooCommerce products in an attractive and responsive product table. While primarily a table plugin, it includes powerful filtering capabilities that make it perfect for stores with large catalogs.

Key features:

• Filter dropdowns above the table for categories, tags, attributes, or custom taxonomies.
• Sidebar filter widgets for attributes, star rating, or price.
• Quick order form layout for bulk purchasing.
• Compatible with WooCommerce Product Filters for advanced filtering.
• Built-in search box with instant results.

Pros:

• Unique table layout improves product comparison.
• Excellent for B2B and wholesale stores.

Cons:

• Primarily a table plugin, not just filters.
• Best suited for specific use cases.

#3. HUSKY – Products Filter for WooCommerce

HUSKY - Products Filters for WooCommerce (formerly WOOF) is a popular product filter plugin with over 100,000 active installations. It provides basic filtering functionality for WooCommerce stores on a budget, though the interface can be challenging for beginners.

Best for: Developers needing customization
Price: Free / $42 premium

Key features:

• Filter by categories, tags, custom taxonomies, attributes, and price.
• AJAX filtering without page reloads.
• Developer API for custom filter creation.
• Dynamic product recount.
• Shortcode support for flexible placement.

Pros:

• Free version available.
• Large user base and community support.

Cons:

• Complex backend interface.
• Limited visual customization options.

#4. YITH WooCommerce AJAX Product Filter

The YITH WooCommerce AJAX Product Filter plugin delivers reliable filtering with a focus on user experience. It provides a highly customizable filtering solution that works well with most themes and includes solid AJAX functionality for smooth filtering experiences.

Best for: Established stores wanting stability
Price: $89.99/year

Key features:

• Unlimited filter sets for different pages.
• Filter by attributes, categories, tags, price, and ratings.
• Color and label filters for visual appeal.
• Mobile-responsive design.
• Product count display for each filter option.

Pros:

• Part of YITH ecosystem with consistent updates.
• Professional design out of the box.

Cons:

• Cannot toggle filters open/closed.
• No radio button display option.

#5. Filter Everything

Filter Everything provides powerful filtering for both WooCommerce and regular WordPress content.

Best for: Sites filtering multiple content types
Price: $39

Filter Everything stands out with its ability to filter any WordPress content, not just WooCommerce products. The plugin works with posts, pages, custom post types, and WooCommerce products, making it versatile for complex websites. It includes SEO-friendly URLs and comprehensive compatibility with page builders.

Key features:

• Filters for any post type and custom fields.
• SEO-optimized filter URLs.
• Works with ACF and custom meta fields.
• AJAX loading with smooth animations.
• Compatible with major page builders.

Pros:

• Filters WordPress content beyond WooCommerce.
• One-time purchase pricing.

Cons:

• Complex setup for beginners.
• Documentation could be more comprehensive.

#6. JetSmartFilters

JetSmartFilters integrates seamlessly with Elementor for visual filter creation.

Best for: Stores using Elementor, Bricks, or the WordPress block editor
Price: $43/year

JetSmartFilters is designed specifically for Elementor, Bricks and Gutenberg users. It provides 17 filter widgets that integrate directly into these page builders, allowing visual filter creation without coding. The plugin excels at creating complex filtering systems with attractive designs.

Key features:

• 17 specialized filter widgets.
• Visual filter builder for Elementor.
• Date range and alphabet filters.
• Rating and search filters.
• Works with JetEngine for dynamic content.

Pros:

• Perfect Elementor integration.
• Visual design approach.

Cons:

• Requires Elementor or Gutenberg.
• Part of larger plugin ecosystem.

#7. UpFilter - Product Filter for WooCommerce

UpFilter provides efficient product filtering with a focus on speed and simplicity. The plugin includes all essential filter types with a clean interface that works well on most themes.

Best for: Simple filtering needs
Price: $39

Key features:

• AJAX filtering with taxonomies and attributes.
• Multiple display styles.
• Product quantity display.
• Hierarchical taxonomy organization.

#8. WooCommerce.com Product Filters for WooCommerce

Best for: Official WooCommerce support
Price: $76/year

The official WooCommerce filter plugin provides basic filtering functionality with guaranteed compatibility. While it offers essential features, it's pretty basic and user reviews indicate performance and support issues.

Key features:

• Official WooCommerce integration.
• AJAX functionality.
• Basic filter types.
• Adaptive filter options.

#9. XforWooCommerce Product Filter

Best for: One-click demos
Price: $69

XforWooCommerce offers quick setup with pre-built filter demos. While originally published in 2014, it maintains regular updates but uses older underlying technologies.

Key features:

• One-click demo imports.
• Stock status filters for variations.
• Product variation images.
• AJAX support.

#10. Product Filter by WBW

Product Filter by WBW focuses on Elementor integration with comprehensive filtering options. The free version provides solid basic functionality with good user ratings.

Best for: Elementor compatibility
Price: Free / $99 premium

Key features:

• Full Elementor compatibility.
• Multiple display formats.
• AJAX live search.
• Statistics tracking.

#11. Advanced AJAX Product Filters by BeRocket

BeRocket's filter plugin provides effective filtering with various layout options. While popular, it lacks some advanced features found in premium alternatives.

Best for: Budget-conscious stores
Price: Free / $44 premium

Key Features:

• Custom taxonomies and attributes.
• Slider and image layouts.
• Color filters.
• Basic AJAX functionality.

Tutorial: How to set up a WooCommerce product filter

Here, I'll explain step-by-step what you need to do to set up a product filter on your online store. We'll be using WooCommerce Product Filters because as we have seen, it is the best WooCommerce product filter plugin available.

Step #1: Install the WooCommerce Product Filters plugin

If you haven't done so already, get the WooCommerce Product Filters plugin and install it on your WordPress site.

You'll receive a license key in a confirmation email. Activate the license key in the setup wizard.

Step #2: Create filters

The WooCommerce Product Filters plugin lets you create as many filters as you'd like. You can choose from categories, attributes, colors, tags, custom taxonomy, price, ratings, in stock, on sale, and sort by options.

Go to Products → Filters in the WordPress admin panel and open or create a new filter group. Next, fill in the information on the Add new filter form.

You can enter a filter name, select the data the filter will use, choose a filter type, and assign to groups. Structuring filters into groups helps you better display filters on the front-end. Once you're done, click the Add new filter button to proceed.

Repeat these steps to create as many filters as you'd like.

Step #3: Add filters to a page

Use the Display on shop/archive pages option on the plugin's settings page to automatically display selected filter groups in a horizontal layout on your online store.

Alternatively (or as well), you can display a filter group by adding the 'Product Filters' widget to the sidebar in Appearance → Widgets. The plugin also comes with a shortcode which you can use to display filters on pages that you build using other methods, such as Gutenberg blocks, Elementor, and so on.

How to choose the right filter plugin

Selecting the right WooCommerce product filter plugin depends on several factors specific to your store's needs. These are the key considerations that matter most.

Premium vs free

Free plugins work well for stores with under 100 products and basic filtering needs. When you need AJAX functionality, large catalog support, or advanced features like color swatches, premium plugins become necessary. Premium plugins typically cost between $49-$129 per year.

Consider the return on investment when choosing between free and premium options. Stores with larger catalogs or complex product variations often find premium features worth the investment.

Performance requirements

Large catalogs with over 1,000 products require plugins with custom indexing. AJAX filtering becomes essential for stores with multiple filter options. Page load speed impacts both user experience and SEO rankings. Use a performance optimized plugin like WooCommerce Product Filters, which has built-in indexing to reduce load on your server.

Compatibility

Theme compatibility affects how filters appear and function. Page builders like Elementor or Divi require specific plugin support. WooCommerce version compatibility ensures continued functionality after updates.

Check compatibility with other essential plugins in your stack. Some filter plugins conflict with caching or optimization plugins. Test compatibility on a staging site before committing to a plugin.

Feature requirements

Basic stores need category, price, and attribute filters. Advanced stores benefit from custom taxonomy and custom field filters. Visual options like color swatches improve the shopping experience for fashion stores.

Mobile-specific features matter more as mobile commerce grows. Consider whether you need features like saved filter combinations or filter analytics. Match features to your specific product types and customer behavior.

Tips and tricks to set up product filters

Here are some tips and tricks you can use to set up product filters in WooCommerce:

Use personalized filters instead of popular ones

Our first pro tip is to use personalized filters instead of using popular filters. The idea is to personalize product filters for the types of products you sell instead of using the same filters everyone else is using.

For example, let's say you sell pre-built computers, laptops, and computer parts. A gamer looking for a laptop would appreciate a filter for RAM or Processor. Similarly, if you sell clothes, your customers might be more interested in filters like Bestselling, Color, and Size.

Speak your customer's language

Avoid using complicated words and jargon when simple terms will do just fine.

For example, if you're selling the same dress in multiple colors, you might internally have them stocked with names like Cerulean or Mauve. However, it might be better to use the terms Blue-Green and Light Purple on the front-end for customers.

Show relevant filters

Customize your product filter settings to only display the filters that are relevant to the products in view instead of an exhaustive list of store-wide filters on every page.

Let's say you sell crockery. If a customer is viewing the Dinnerware product category page, they should only see product filters that are relevant to dinnerware. There's no reason to show product filters for drinkware, serving bowls, or table linens on the Dinnerware product category page.

The best way to filter WooCommerce products

With so many options available, it can be challenging to choose the best WooCommerce product filter plugin. As a store owner, you want to choose one that fulfils your business requirements perfectly and lets you create more user-friendly WooCommerce product pages.

WooCommerce Product Filters provides the perfect balance of features, performance, and ease of use. The plugin's ability to handle large catalogs while maintaining fast load times sets it apart from competitors.

For stores needing both advanced filtering and a table layout, combining WooCommerce Product Filters with WooCommerce Product Table creates the ultimate shopping experience. This combination works particularly well for B2B stores, wholesale operations, and any site where customers need to compare multiple products quickly.