# WordPress slider: An overview of the seven best slider plugins A slider offers the possibility to present different pieces of content **prominently** on a website and to summarize them clearly in one module. WordPress has **practical plugins** that enable the user to add professional sliders to their website. We present the best WordPress slider plugins. ## What can sliders be used for? Sliders are well suited, for example, for prominently displaying the most important website content in the header and for **linking to subpages**. This means that new blog posts, shop deals, or other updated content can be **advertised at the top in an eye-catching way**. Sliders are also frequently used for **image galleries**, for example, on subpages. When using sliders, make sure that the amount of content shown in the slider is limited to what is **necessary**. A slider consisting of ten slides for various subpages distracts from the important content and therefore you’re missing the actual point of this form of presentation. --- ### Tip Hosting your own website is easy and quick with [Hosting for WordPress](https://www.ionos.com/hosting/wordpress-hosting "Hosting for WordPress from IONOS") from IONOS. --- ## WordPress slider plugins should include these features [WordPress](https://www.ionos.com/digitalguide/hosting/cms/wordpress-the-cms-for-more-than-just-blogs/ "WordPress: The CMS for more than just blogs") has lots of plugins to make creating sliders a lot easier. Plugins that can be used to create WordPress sliders differ in their functionality and operation depending on the provider. Good [WordPress plugins](https://www.ionos.com/digitalguide/hosting/blogs/wordpress-plugins/ "WordPress plugins") should be easy to use, especially for WordPress beginners, so that results can be achieved with **just a few clicks**. For this purpose, a simple integration of the plugin is just as helpful as the **drag-and-drop** arrangement of the content. Most important is the **compatibility** of the WordPress slider with the most common [WordPress themes](https://www.ionos.com/digitalguide/hosting/blogs/wordpress-themes-the-best-designs-for-your-website/ "WordPress themes: The best designs for your website") and other frequently used CMS plugins. **Regular updates** ensure that the slider also adapts to any updates these themes may need to carry out. Image elements, due to their file size, also have a significant impact on a website’s **loading speed** and therefore on **search engine ranking**. Therefore, WordPress slider plugins should offer additional options to reduce the size of image files. This ensures that pages load quickly, which results in a positive ranking from search engines. The WordPress slider plugins presented here offer options for [search engine optimization](https://www.ionos.com/digitalguide/online-marketing/search-engine-marketing/the-basics-of-search-engine-optimization/ "The basics of search engine optimization"). There are also other ways that you can [make WordPress faster](https://www.ionos.com/digitalguide/hosting/blogs/make-your-wordpress-faster/ "Make your WordPress faster"). Additionally, a WordPress slider **should be responsive**. This ensures that the embedded content such as photos and text are automatically **scaled** for different devices. There are also plugins that remove the slider, for example, when viewed on a mobile device, so that the content is displayed statically. This can help to direct the user’s gaze to the essentials. A slider’s customization options when it comes to **design** ensure that a slider can be integrated optically into an existing website. Many WordPress slider plugins provide design elements within a library and also allow images to be edited, for example, by cropping them directly in the slider. This makes it a lot easier to adapt them to the desired design and means there is no need for image editing programs. --- ### Tip Still looking for a unique domain with matching extension for your website? With IONOS you can quickly and easily [register your individual domain](https://www.ionos.com/domains/domain-names "Register your affordable domain with IONOS"). --- ## An overview of the best plugins for WordPress sliders The WordPress slider plugins presented here meet most of the above criteria for a good plugin.
Name Drag-and-drop operation Responsive display Price Search engine optimization
MetaSlider Yes Yes Free basic plan Yes
Slider Revolution Yes Yes From 29 dollars Yes
RoyalSlider Yes Yes From 14 dollars Yes
Master Slider Yes Yes Free basic plan Yes
Slider by 10Web Yes Yes Free basic plan Yes
LayerSlider Yes Yes From 23 dollars Yes
TouchCarousel No Not automatic From 11 dollars Yes
Last updated: April 2022 --- ### Tip Would you like to get to know the basic functions of WordPress more intensively? Our **WordPress e-book for beginners** teaches many helpful basics that facilitate your first steps with the [content management system](https://www.ionos.com/digitalguide/hosting/cms/cms-comparison-a-review-of-the-best-platforms/ "CMS comparison: A review of the best platforms"). --- ## Create a WordPress slider: The best plugins in detail ### MetaSlider: All important functions are available free of charge [![Image: Screenshot of the MetaSlider WordPress plugin](https://www.ionos.com/digitalguide/fileadmin/_processed_/6/1/csm_screenshot-of-the-metaslider-wordpress-plugin_67acfdcdb0.webp "Screenshot of the MetaSlider WordPress plugin")](https://www.ionos.com/digitalguide/fileadmin/DigitalGuide/Screenshots_2022/screenshot-of-the-metaslider-wordpress-plugin.png) MetaSlider is one of the most used WordPress slider plugins. Source: https://wordpress.org/plugins/ml-slider/ With [MetaSlider](https://www.metaslider.com/ "MetaSlider website") you get an easy-to-use plugin that **even beginners** can achieve good results with. The plugin is available with a limited range of functions as a free version. The most important functions such as theme editor or editing options for integrated images are included in this version. The fee-based plans start at $40 per year and offer **additional functions**, such as the option to embed YouTube or Vimeo content. This means that, in addition to image galleries, thumbnails can also be created via drag-and-drop. Video galleries can be integrated into a website as well. The free variant allows image titles and descriptions to be adapted for optimal **search engine optimization**. The fee-based version of the plugin is rounded off by various themes and designs you can select. This makes it easier to adapt the slides to your existing website’s design.
Advantages Disadvantages
All important functions are free to use Design customizations only possible with Premium plan
Automatic image optimization is included in the free version Free to use only for one website
### Slider Revolution: The WordPress slider plugin for advanced users [![Image: Screenshot of the Slider Revolution slider plugin](https://www.ionos.com/digitalguide/fileadmin/_processed_/7/7/csm_wordpress-slider-plugin-slider-revolution_17765d46af.webp "Screenshot of the Slider Revolution slider plugin")](https://www.ionos.com/digitalguide/fileadmin/DigitalGuide/Screenshots_2022/wordpress-slider-plugin-slider-revolution.png) Slider Revolution is especially suitable for advanced WordPress users. Source: https://www.sliderrevolution.com/ [Slider Revolution](https://www.sliderrevolution.com/ "Slider Revolution website")’s plugin scores points by offering a variety of design templates and themes with which you can create graphically appealing WordPress sliders. According to what’s written on the website, the plugin is primarily aimed at **experienced** **web** **designers**. Slider Revolution is not available as a free plugin. Instead, you can choose between **three** **different** **plans**, with the cheapest one starting at $29 per year. As usual, the number of features increases the more expensive the plan. Due to the functions that this WordPress slider plugin offers, it’s clear its target group is primarily designers. There are **more than 200 templates** for designs of hero elements, special effects or carousels for image galleries, a separate media library for animations of all kinds, and the option to adapt responsive effects to certain types of end devices. All these emphasize the focus on design aspects in the WordPress slider.
Advantages Disadvantages
Many templates for different slider types No free version
Lazy loading for better loading times Many customization options so can be overwhelming for the inexperienced
### RoyalSlider: The WordPress slider plugin with the essential functions [![Image: Screenshot of RoyalSlider features](https://www.ionos.com/digitalguide/fileadmin/_processed_/e/9/csm_wordpress-slider-plugin-royalslider_88d7966f8d.webp "Screenshot of RoyalSlider features")](https://www.ionos.com/digitalguide/fileadmin/DigitalGuide/Screenshots_2022/wordpress-slider-plugin-royalslider.png) RoyalSlider has a simple operation for beginners. Source: https://dimsemenov.com/plugins/royal-slider/ For those who mainly want to integrate a slider into their website without additional gimmicks, [RoyalSlider](https://dimsemenov.com/plugins/royal-slider/ "dimsemenov.com shop website") is a good place to start. The plugin is especially suitable for **beginners**, as the range of functions is reduced to a minimum. RoyalSlider provides a total of **ten** **templates** **and** **five** **designs** so that simple slider modules can be integrated into a website. Image galleries can also be created quickly with the plugin. However, this can also be achieved with special [WordPress gallery plugins](https://www.ionos.com/digitalguide/hosting/blogs/wordpress-gallery-plug-ins/ "WordPress gallery plug-ins"). The WordPress slider plugin is one of the more **affordable fee-based solutions** at $14 and provides the option to connect to YouTube, Flickr, or Vimeo as well as slider integration.
Advantages Disadvantages
Well suited for entry level No free version
Lazy loading for better loading times Limited range of functions
### Master Slider: The right WordPress slider in just a few clicks [![Image: Screenshot of the Master Slider WordPress plugin](https://www.ionos.com/digitalguide/fileadmin/_processed_/1/5/csm_screenshot-of-the-master-slider-wordpress-plugin_28c2ad4e08.webp "Screenshot of the Master Slider WordPress plugin")](https://www.ionos.com/digitalguide/fileadmin/DigitalGuide/Screenshots_2022/screenshot-of-the-master-slider-wordpress-plugin.png) With Master Slider you can create sliders in just a few steps. Source: https://wordpress.org/plugins/master-slider/ The [Master Slider](https://wordpress.org/plugins/master-slider/ "WordPress site, Master Slider") plugin gives you a **comprehensive** **package** of different templates and functions, with which you can not only design and embed sliders, but also make additional customizations. Master Slider relies on an easy-to-use drag-and-drop mechanism that allows you to quickly create professional WordPress sliders even **without** **prior** **knowledge**. Master Slider is **free** in terms of basic functionality — you get additional features with the WordPress edition, which is available for a one-time fee of $34. This includes around 100 slider templates as well as **further customization options** such as parallax effects or extensive customization options for the slider templates.
Advantages Disadvantages
Very large range of functions Extended functions subject to a fee
Simple operation
Basic functions free of charge
### Slider by 10Web: Unique function for graphics and photography [![Image: Screenshot of the Slider by 10Web website](https://www.ionos.com/digitalguide/fileadmin/_processed_/a/c/csm_wordpress-slider-plugin-slider-by-10web_9ef1e7b356.webp "Screenshot of the Slider by 10Web website")](https://www.ionos.com/digitalguide/fileadmin/DigitalGuide/Screenshots_2022/wordpress-slider-plugin-slider-by-10web.png) Slider by 10Web is especially suitable for graphic designers due to its special functions. Source: https://10web.io/plugins/wordpress-slider/ You can get a WordPress slider plugin that is strongly designed to look **professional** with [Slider by 10Web](https://10web.io/plugins/wordpress-slider/ "Slider by 10Web website"). In addition to many graphic templates for different types of sliders such as galleries and carousels or zoom sliders, the plugin also offers the unique possibility to **watermark** image elements. This means that the slider is aimed primarily at **graphic designers and photographers** who are then able to protect their work. With Slider by 10Web, slider elements full of impressive effects can be added to a website in just a few steps. **Search engine optimization** options and connecting videos via YouTube or Vimeo round off the overall package. [WordPress SEO plugins](https://www.ionos.com/digitalguide/hosting/blogs/seo-plug-ins-for-wordpress/ "SEO plug-ins for WordPress"), however, offer a more extensive search engine optimization of your existing content. Slider by 10Web offers a **free variant** with limited features that can be gradually expanded with the Premium plan starting at $20.
Advantages Disadvantages
Many effects available for sliders Greater range of functions subject to a fee
Basic functions free of charge Long-term support through updates only available with Premium plan
### LayerSlider: The WordPress slider plugin with many functions for agencies [![Image: Screenshot of the LayerSlider slider plugin website](https://www.ionos.com/digitalguide/fileadmin/_processed_/6/6/csm_wordpress-slider-plugin-layerslider_63a1554010.webp "Screenshot of the LayerSlider slider plugin website")](https://www.ionos.com/digitalguide/fileadmin/DigitalGuide/Screenshots_2022/wordpress-slider-plugin-layerslider.png) LayerSlider is also suitable for agencies due to its plan options. Source: https://layerslider.com/ WordPress slider plugin [LayerSlider](https://layerslider.com/ "LayserSlider website") is another solution for all website owners who want to create suitable WordPress sliders with a variety of **different templates** and designs and use them for different purposes. A variety of **visual effects** and ease of use allow you to customize sliders to your own requirements and also to your website’s existing design, and to edit images in a slider even after the slider is finished. LayerSlider is only available as a **fee-based solution**, which starts at $23 per year. The extensive Professional version costs $66 per year. A special feature is offered to companies such as agencies that want to offer a slider solution to their customers: The In-Stock solution for a one-time fee of $139 enables the slider to be adapted to the customer’s existing themes.
Advantages Disadvantages
Many design templates No free version
Extensive image editing capabilities
### TouchCarousel: The WordPress slider for regular blog updates [![Image: Screenshot of the TouchCarousel plugin on codecanyon.net](https://www.ionos.com/digitalguide/fileadmin/_processed_/d/0/csm_wordpress-slider-plugin-touchcarousel_e607e2df17.webp "Screenshot of the TouchCarousel plugin on codecanyon.net")](https://www.ionos.com/digitalguide/fileadmin/DigitalGuide/Screenshots_2022/wordpress-slider-plugin-touchcarousel.png) For blog websites, TouchCarousel is a good alternative. Source: https://codecanyon.net/item/touchcarousel-jquery-content-scroller-and-slider/896401 Unlike the abovementioned ways to create WordPress sliders, [TouchCarousel](https://codecanyon.net/item/touchcarousel-jquery-content-scroller-and-slider/896401 "TouchCarousel website") is limited **to combining a slider with blog posts**. For this purpose, a post is marked with a specific post type after creation, which is connected to the slider plugin in the next step. From this, TouchCarousel generates a **slideshow** that updates automatically as soon as a new blog entry is posted. The plugin’s complete operation takes place in the WordPress dashboard, meaning that all functions are controlled centrally. This makes the plugin particularly suitable for websites that regularly post **new content** in the form of articles. These can be prepared with TouchCarousel for the readers in a more visually appealing form. The plugin is available for $11.
Advantages Disadvantages
Easy to use from the WordPress dashboard Strongly limited range of functions
Clearly defined design options No search engine optimization
--- ### Tip Read more about WordPress in the Digital Guide: \- How to [integrate a WordPress video](https://www.ionos.com/digitalguide/hosting/blogs/embed-a-video-in-wordpress/ "Embed a video in WordPress") \- All about [WordPress cookie plugins](https://www.ionos.com/digitalguide/hosting/blogs/wordpress-cookie-plugins/ "WordPress cookie plugins") \- How to [set up WordPress staging](https://www.ionos.com/digitalguide/hosting/blogs/setting-up-wordpress-staging/ "Setting up WordPress staging") \- The best [Instagram plugins for WordPress](https://www.ionos.com/digitalguide/hosting/blogs/wordpress-instagram-plug-ins/ "WordPress: Instagram plug-ins") \- The most important [WordPress shortcodes](https://www.ionos.com/digitalguide/hosting/blogs/wordpress-shortcodes-the-most-useful-short-commands/ "WordPress shortcodes: the most useful short commands") --- This is a markdown version of: [https://www.ionos.com/digitalguide/hosting/blogs/wordpress-slider-plugins/](https://www.ionos.com/digitalguide/hosting/blogs/wordpress-slider-plugins/) for AI/LLM consumption.