Are you struggling to easily present critical data on your WordPress site? Displaying information in tables allows for clear organization and digestion by visitors. However, WordPress‘s default tables insert option falls short when it comes to effectively showcasing data.
That‘s why relying on a dedicated WordPress data tables plugin is so valuable for sites needing to optimize data presentation. But with dozens of solutions out there, how do you choose?
Based on 10+ years of WordPress experience, we spotlight the top 7 best WordPress table plugins in 2023 to take your data presentation to the next level:
1. TablePress
The most popular and full-featured WordPress data tables plugin
I consistently recommend TablePress as the leading all-around WordPress data tables solution. Trusted by over 900,000 websites, TablePress remains a user-favorite thanks to:
Easy spreadsheet-style data entry. Quickly populate your tables by inputting values in a familiar grid interface, just like using Excel or Google Sheets.
Import/export flexibility. Seamlessly migrate data tables in CSV, JSON, HTML, and other formats. Effortlessly repurpose.
Customizable presentation. Extensive options for controlling column widths, header styling, row colors, and more allow complete design flexibility.
Visitor interaction. Features like frontend filtering, sorting, pagination, and search optimize data digestion and user experience.
TablePress excels for sites needing to organize moderate to large data sets from directories, analytics, listings, and other sources. The intuitive data entry and presentation controls make TablePress the right fit for most use cases.
Ideal for: General data organization, directories, listings, analytics display
2. wpDataTables
Code-free data tables with advanced interactivity
wpDataTables stands out as a top choice if you want intuitive, interactive data tables without needing to customize code. Key advantages:
- Excel-inspired builder via drag and drop makes table creation visual and easy
- Import data from external files like CSV or Excel sheets
- Insert dynamic values via formulas (ex. totals)
- Feature-packed presentation options – scrolling, search, filtering
- Gutenberg block supports simple embedding into posts/pages
I‘ve found wpDataTables a user-friendly option particularly for sites displaying analytics or directory data. The "no code needed" approach lowers the barrier for even non-technical users to start showcasing datasets effectively through interactive tables.
Ideal for: Analytics, directories, interactive data display
3. Forminator Tables
Create data tables populated from form entries
Forminator takes a unique approach by tying tabular data displays to submitted form entries. For sites relying on forms for data capture, it‘s a valuable option.
Benefits include:
- Tables integrate tightly with Forminator form workflows
- New form submissions auto-populate connected tables
- Filter, search, and paginate tables to find relevant entries
- Customize colors, layouts, and appearance
- Embed via shortcodes into content
If your goal is to display data sourced from forms, using Forminator table creation skips manual importing and syncing of data sets. Instead, you directly present dynamic data based on actual form submissions.
Ideal for: Displaying listings, directories, catalogs powered by form submissions
4. Visualizer Tables
Embed dynamic, interactive data tables and charts
Visualizer proves a flexible tables and graphs plugin for showcasing data visualizations easily on WordPress sites.
It enables you to build a variety of interactive data presentations like:
- Tabular datasets with sorting/filtering
- Embeddable line, bar, and pie charts
- Dynamic graphs linked to Google Sheets
- JSON/REST API connections for live data
For WordPress sites needing to embed dynamic, updating data visualizations, Visualizer provides solid building blocks. Pairing the shortcode-based table and chart embedding with external data sources helps easily repurpose visuals across posts and pages.
Ideal for: Showcasing frequently updated datasets, integrations with Google Sheets or other APIs
5. Table Magic
For advanced data filtering, comparison, and analysis
Table Magic prioritizes advanced data filtering, editing and analysis functionality beyond just presentation. Key perks:
- Robust options for filtering, comparing table rows
- Calculated columns integrate custom formulas
- Cross-tab reports reveal insights
- Custom views like heat maps
- Edit data inline even after publishing
The expanded analytical options make Table Magic a great pick for sites wanting to empower visitors to dive into complex datasets on education, finance, science, or other data-rich topics.
Ideal for: In-depth data analysis use cases
6. WP Table Builder
Optimal for pricing and comparison tables
While WP Table Builder handles all types of general data display, its flexibility provides unique advantages for ecommerce sites needing pricing and comparison functionality.
Benefits that make it ideal for shopping/pricing use cases:
- Showcase pricing tiers with colors, images
- Insert rich text, buttons, star ratings
- Design choices specific to pricing tables
- Sorting capacities ideal for comparisons
- Link columns to product pages
WP Table Builder simplifies enhancing commercial WordPress sites by moving beyond just standard data presentation into specialized conversion-focused layouts.
Ideal for: Pricing tables, comparison tables, product catalogs, directories
7. Sheet2Site
For from spreadsheet integration
For users with data already stored and managed in Google Sheets or Excel, Sheet2Site streamlines getting those tables on your WordPress site. Capabilities include:
- Graphical mapper tool imports Sheet data
- 2 way sync as Sheet updates propagate to site
- Embed multiple Sheet tables per post/page
- Filter, sort, and search data sets
- Customizable themes and colors
Publishing tables and charts directly from spreadsheets lowers integration hassles. Simply connect your Google Sheet or Excel file, map the data you want, and Sheets2Site outputs the embed code. The automated syncing then keeps site tables on par with source data shifts.
Ideal for: Google Sheets and Excel users
Choosing the Right WordPress Table Plugin
With the top options highlighted above, deciding on the best WordPress table plugin depends mainly on your specific use case.
Here are key questions to ask when evaluating solutions:
- Data Source: Where does your raw tabular data originate from? (ex: spreadsheets, analytics, forms, variables)
- Design Needs: How customizable must the presentation and styling be?
- Interactivity Level: Will visitors filter, sort and search table data?
- Complexity: Will you require formulas, editing functions, and data connections?
Answering these questions clarifies your must-have features, allowing you to pick the plugin that best addresses your priorities.
Once you decide on a tables plugin, I strongly suggest testing with actual site data. Populate your table with real or sample datasets to evaluate the overall look, performance and ease of visitor interaction in an applied environment.
Present Data to Captivate Visitors
The right WordPress table plugin empowers you to organize, customize and display meaningful datasets for consumption by site visitors. Whether you want basic data listings or advanced interactive visualizations, one of the versatile solutions above can help transform raw data into compelling presentations.
Now that you know the top options available in 2023, which WordPress data tables plugin will you choose to showcase your valuable content?
