# The best Joomla extensions

Content management systems like [Joomla](https://www.ionos.com/digitalguide/hosting/cms/joomla-the-basics-about-this-open-source-cms/ "Joomla: the basics about this open source CMS") have software available which offer options for **individual extensions** and individual website designs. This requires some [ plugins](https://www.ionos.com/digitalguide/server/know-how/what-is-a-plug-in/ "What is a plug-in?") which have been programmed specifically for Joomla. We will be outlining the best Joomla extensions here.

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### Tip

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## An overview of the best Joomla extensions: Our top 8

There are several extensions that can be very useful for many users in everyday use. The table below outlines the best plugins for each application.

<table>
  <thead>
    <tr>
      <th>Scope</th>
      <th>Joomla extension name</th>
      <th>Free of charge?</th>
      <th>Premium version costs:</th>
    </tr>
  </thead>
  <tbody>
    <tr>
      <td>Backup function</td>
      <td>Akeeba Backup</td>
      <td>Yes</td>
      <td>$$</td>
    </tr>
    <tr>
      <td>Image gallery function</td>
      <td>Phoca Gallery</td>
      <td>Yes</td>
      <td>-</td>
    </tr>
    <tr>
      <td>Video function</td>
      <td>AllVideos</td>
      <td>Yes</td>
      <td>-</td>
    </tr>
    <tr>
      <td>Website creation editor</td>
      <td>SP Page Builder</td>
      <td>Restricted</td>
      <td>$$$</td>
    </tr>
    <tr>
      <td>Content editor</td>
      <td>Joomla Content Editor</td>
      <td>Yes</td>
      <td>$</td>
    </tr>
    <tr>
      <td>Search engine optimization</td>
      <td>sh404SEF</td>
      <td>No</td>
      <td>$</td>
    </tr>
    <tr>
      <td>Blog function</td>
      <td>EasyBlog</td>
      <td>No</td>
      <td>$$$</td>
    </tr>
    <tr>
      <td>Online store function</td>
      <td>VirtueMart</td>
      <td>Yes</td>
      <td>-</td>
    </tr>
  </tbody>
</table>

As of December 2021.

## What exactly are Joomla extensions?

Joomla allows users to create a website with a main page and several subpages for free. The first step is to install Joomla to get started immediately. Each page’s design can be customized with [Joomla templates](https://www.ionos.com/digitalguide/hosting/cms/best-free-joomla-templates/ "Best free Joomla templates") and can display different content. There are a variety of extensions which can be added in the backend to improve the **functionality** of the website.

Extensions are offered in **function packages**, for example, in the form of a contact form, an image slideshow or a tag cloud. The Joomla plugins are usually grouped into subcategories, such as “Photos &amp; Images”. Therefore, it is easy for users to search all of the extensions for the desired function. Many of the extensions can be used for **free**, however the full range of functions is only available with a **paid premium version**.

## What should I look for when choosing Joomla extensions?

There are about 6,000 extensions in total and up to 300 extensions per category on the official [Joomla website](https://extensions.joomla.org/ "Joomla! Extensions Directory  ##  How to install Joomla plugins?

Joomla extensions are installed in the **backend of Joomla**, just like any changes to the website. In order to install an extension, it must be available locally. This can be done by downloading the extension from Joomla’s online catalog or from another trusted source which offers Joomla extensions.

Once an extension is downloaded, the installation follows these steps:

1. In the backend of the website, click on “Extensions”, then select “Install/Uninstall”.
2. If the location is known, search for the extension in the Windows “Downloads” section or select “Browse” in the backend and choose the package, which is usually a ZIP file.
3. Click on “Upload &amp; Install”.

The extension must be **activated** to complete the installation and to use the extension. Some extensions can only be installed if they have been unpacked on the PC beforehand. This detailed description of the respective extension might help.

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### Tip

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## The best Joomla extensions in detail

### Backup function: Akeeba Backup

Technical problems can occur due to new extensions or function changes. Therefore, **regularly backing up** all website data is essential. With Akeeba Backup, users can manually or automatically create backup files of their website and upload previous versions if needed.

[![Image: Screenshot of the list of the backups in the Akeeba Backup Manager](https://www.ionos.com/digitalguide/fileadmin/_processed_/8/5/csm_joomla-extensions-akeeba-backup_458ee86048.webp "Screenshot of the list of the backups in the Akeeba Backup Manager")](https://www.ionos.com/digitalguide/fileadmin/DigitalGuide/Screenshots_2022/joomla-extensions-akeeba-backup.png) It’s easy to back up a website’s data with Joomla and Akeeba Backup. Source: akeeba.com

<table>
  <thead>
    <tr>
      <th>Advantages</th>
      <th>Disadvantages</th>
    </tr>
  </thead>
  <tbody>
    <tr>
      <td>Automatic backups possible</td>
      <td>Full range of functions is subject to a charge</td>
    </tr>
    <tr>
      <td>Scope of a backup configurable</td>
      <td></td>
    </tr>
  </tbody>
</table>

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### Tip

We also answer the question "[How to create a Joomla backup?](https://www.ionos.com/digitalguide/hosting/cms/joomla-backup/ "Joomla backup")" in our Digital Guide.

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### Image gallery function: Phoca Gallery

Phoca Gallery is one of the best Joomla extensions if you want to turn photos into galleries. You can create **individual image galleries** and edit them easily.

[![Image: Examples of photo galleries with Phoca Gallery](https://www.ionos.com/digitalguide/fileadmin/_processed_/0/c/csm_joomla-extensions-phoca-gallery_2eab303d10.webp "Examples of photo galleries with Phoca Gallery")](https://www.ionos.com/digitalguide/fileadmin/DigitalGuide/Screenshots_2022/joomla-extensions-phoca-gallery.png) Photo sliders can be integrated into an existing website using Phoca Gallery. Source: phoca.cz

<table>
  <thead>
    <tr>
      <th>Advantages</th>
      <th>Disadvantages</th>
    </tr>
  </thead>
  <tbody>
    <tr>
      <td>Easy to understand software</td>
      <td></td>
    </tr>
    <tr>
      <td>Individualization possible</td>
      <td></td>
    </tr>
  </tbody>
</table>

### Video function: AllVideos

Videos can enhance a website and present information in an interesting way on your website. The AllVideos extension is perfect if you want to embed videos directly on your **website** or insert videos from other sources such as YouTube.

[![Image: Text page of a video description from AllVideos](https://www.ionos.com/digitalguide/fileadmin/_processed_/1/d/csm_joomla-extensions-allvideos_741790be98.webp "Text page of a video description from AllVideos")](https://www.ionos.com/digitalguide/fileadmin/DigitalGuide/Screenshots_2022/joomla-extensions-allvideos.png) AllVideos conveniently allows videos from YouTube or Vimeo to be embedded. Source: joomlaworks.net

<table>
  <thead>
    <tr>
      <th>Advantages</th>
      <th>Disadvantages</th>
    </tr>
  </thead>
  <tbody>
    <tr>
      <td>Video size is automatically adapted to the end devices</td>
      <td></td>
    </tr>
    <tr>
      <td>Integration of video pages also possible</td>
      <td></td>
    </tr>
  </tbody>
</table>

### Editor for creating websites: SP Page Builder

Websites are created through a standard CMS configuration in Joomla’s backend. It is simple for users to build their website with the SP Page Builder. The builder has a **drag-and-drop** function which allows users to design the site as they wish. No programming knowledge is required to move photos or buttons to any position on the website.

[![Image: The edit view of SP Page Builder](https://www.ionos.com/digitalguide/fileadmin/_processed_/6/3/csm_joomla-extensions-sp-page-builder_61d040fd30.webp "The edit view of SP Page Builder")](https://www.ionos.com/digitalguide/fileadmin/DigitalGuide/Screenshots_2022/joomla-extensions-sp-page-builder.png) The plugin can be used to integrate different design objects such as buttons, icons, or contact forms. Source: try.sppagebuilder.com

<table>
  <thead>
    <tr>
      <th>Advantages</th>
      <th>Disadvantages</th>
    </tr>
  </thead>
  <tbody>
    <tr>
      <td>Easy creation of a website through drag-and-drop</td>
      <td>Full range of functions only in the paid premium version</td>
    </tr>
    <tr>
      <td>Several layout customizations available for different functions and content</td>
      <td></td>
    </tr>
  </tbody>
</table>

### Content Editor: Joomla Content Editor

The Joomla Content Editor, or JCE as it is also known, is a great choice if you want more options when customizing images or links on your website. There is a greater range of editing possibilities in comparison to Joomla’s standard functions. For example, **different user profiles** can be created which are customized to each application.

[![Image: Examples of applications on the Joomla Content Editor from the official website](https://www.ionos.com/digitalguide/fileadmin/_processed_/5/3/csm_joomla-extensions-joomla-content-editor_8f63e3795f.webp "Examples of applications on the Joomla Content Editor from the official website")](https://www.ionos.com/digitalguide/fileadmin/DigitalGuide/Screenshots_2022/joomla-extensions-joomla-content-editor.png) Joomla Content Editor optimizes frequently used content such as images or links. Source: joomlacontenteditor.net

<table>
  <thead>
    <tr>
      <th>Advantages</th>
      <th>Disadvantages</th>
    </tr>
  </thead>
  <tbody>
    <tr>
      <td>Several customization options for media and links</td>
      <td>Full range of functions only available with annual subscription</td>
    </tr>
    <tr>
      <td>Individual settings possible</td>
      <td></td>
    </tr>
  </tbody>
</table>

### Search engine optimization: sh404SEF

There are several Joomla extensions that can help users achieve a **better ranking** on Google and other search engines by updating important information. The extension has a slightly cryptic name, sh404SEF, but it is regularly recommended for optimization for search engines. You can easily detect [duplicate content](https://www.ionos.com/digitalguide/online-marketing/search-engine-marketing/duplicate-content/ "Duplicate Content") or get a URL shortener with the plugin’s toolbox.

[![Image: The features of sh404SEF on the provider’s website](https://www.ionos.com/digitalguide/fileadmin/_processed_/d/2/csm_joomla-extensions-joomla-sh404SEF_d1a2fef388.webp "The features of sh404SEF on the provider’s website")](https://www.ionos.com/digitalguide/fileadmin/DigitalGuide/Screenshots_2022/joomla-extensions-joomla-sh404SEF.png) Search engine optimization in one powerful tool. sh404SEF makes it possible. Source: weeblr.com

<table>
  <thead>
    <tr>
      <th>Advantages</th>
      <th>Disadvantages</th>
    </tr>
  </thead>
  <tbody>
    <tr>
      <td>Always aligns with current search engine requirements</td>
      <td>Only available as a paid version</td>
    </tr>
    <tr>
      <td>Many functions in one extension</td>
      <td></td>
    </tr>
  </tbody>
</table>

### Blog function: EasyBlog

Creating a blog with different subpages in Joomla is possible, but it can be done **faster and easier** with a plugin. EasyBlog is a commonly used and is ideal for creating blogs as the extension provides several functions which are essential for a blog to run smoothly. Functions such as notifications, support for social media, integration of third-party solutions, for example songs from Spotify, or the option to work on the blog articles with another team are all possible with this extension.

[![Image: Example of a text created with EasyBlog on the demo website](https://www.ionos.com/digitalguide/fileadmin/_processed_/9/0/csm_joomla-extensions-joomla-EasyBlog_fe9406d50e.webp "Example of a text created with EasyBlog on the demo website")](https://www.ionos.com/digitalguide/fileadmin/DigitalGuide/Screenshots_2022/joomla-extensions-joomla-EasyBlog.png) EasyBlog quickly creates a blog article with a suitable layout. Source: stackideas.com

<table>
  <thead>
    <tr>
      <th>Advantages</th>
      <th>Disadvantages</th>
    </tr>
  </thead>
  <tbody>
    <tr>
      <td>Professional blogging with many editors</td>
      <td>Only available as a paid version</td>
    </tr>
    <tr>
      <td>Integration of external content, such as from Pinterest, Spotify, or YouTube</td>
      <td></td>
    </tr>
  </tbody>
</table>

### Online store function: VirtueMart

VirtueMart is useful for anyone who wants to add a sales portal to their website. Users have the option to integrate an **online store** into their website, along with **additional functions**, such as a rating system for products on sale or the option to discount products.

[![Image: Example of shop view of an online store on VirtueMart](https://www.ionos.com/digitalguide/fileadmin/_processed_/7/2/csm_joomla-extensions-joomla-virtuemart_5651fab0b3.webp "Example of shop view of an online store on VirtueMart")](https://www.ionos.com/digitalguide/fileadmin/DigitalGuide/Screenshots_2022/joomla-extensions-joomla-virtuemart.png) VirtueMart is a quick solution to integrate an online store. Source: virtuemart.net

<table>
  <thead>
    <tr>
      <th>Advantages</th>
      <th>Disadvantages</th>
    </tr>
  </thead>
  <tbody>
    <tr>
      <td>All functions are free of charge</td>
      <td></td>
    </tr>
    <tr>
      <td>Numerous bonuses for online store visitors</td>
      <td></td>
    </tr>
  </tbody>
</table>

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### Conclusion

Joomla is a commonly used content management system that allows users to [create a Joomla website](https://www.ionos.com/digitalguide/websites/website-creation/creating-a-joomla-website/ "Creating a Joomla website") easily! However, the CMS operates at its full capacity with the integration of the **numerous extension options**. These allow for a very high degree of customization, so that users can adjust their website to their requirements as they wish. Check out which functions you need in advance and to what extent to see which Joomla extensions will ensure your website’s success, as too many plugins may affect the performance and security of the website.

Different parameters such as the **degree of updating or the community’s rating of a plugin** can help you in deciding which extensions are best suited. Whether it’s for search engine optimization or a backup function, any Joomla extension is enough to turn an ordinary company website into a professional online business card.

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This is a markdown version of: [https://www.ionos.com/digitalguide/hosting/cms/joomla-extensions/](https://www.ionos.com/digitalguide/hosting/cms/joomla-extensions/) for AI/LLM consumption.