One of the most effective ways to enhance user experience on an online store is by enabling product wishlists. For WooCommerce-based eCommerce stores, wishlists serve as a strategic feature that allows customers to save products they intend to buy later, share with others, or monitor for price drops. This behavior is not just about convenience; it directly influences customer retention, buying intent, and conversion rate optimization. That’s why integrating dedicated WooCommerce Wishlist Plugins has become a standard practice among high-performing stores worldwide.
These plugins do more than just store product IDs. They integrate deeply with WooCommerce’s architecture, allowing both registered and guest users to create, manage, and share wishlists. For store owners, this functionality translates into valuable behavioral data, repeat visits, increased order sizes, and additional upsell opportunities. Whether you’re running a fashion store, electronics shop, or niche product site, wishlist functionality bridges the gap between casual browsing and actual purchasing.
In this blog, we will examine what WooCommerce wishlist plugins are, why they are essential, and how to choose the right one. We’ll also provide a detailed comparison of the top five plugins that deliver robust wishlist functionality for global WooCommerce stores in 2025.
Why Use WooCommerce Wishlist Plugins Instead of Built-in or Manual Methods?
WooCommerce by default doesn’t include native wishlist functionality. Store owners looking to implement this feature often resort to plugins or custom development. However, using specialized WooCommerce Wishlist Plugins offers a far more practical, scalable, and efficient solution than any manual workaround or general-purpose tool.
Here’s a breakdown of why these plugins are the smarter choice:
1. Out-of-the-Box Functionality
Unlike custom coding, wishlist plugins provide ready-to-use features such as “Add to Wishlist” buttons, user dashboards, and product visibility controls without requiring technical expertise. This makes them easy to deploy and manage even for non-developers.
2. Guest and User-Based Wishlist Handling
Most premium wishlist plugins support both logged-in users and guest visitors by storing wishlist data in browser cookies. This ensures wider accessibility and better user experience across the board.
3. Data-Driven Marketing Capabilities
Plugins often offer backend analytics and integration with marketing platforms. For example, you can send follow-up emails when wishlist products go on sale, track how many times a product is added to wishlists, or identify top-performing items by interest.
4. Social Sharing and Engagement
Many plugins include social sharing options, allowing users to share their wishlist via email or social platforms, encouraging viral exposure and collaborative shopping, especially during holidays and sales events.
5. Inventory Planning and Demand Forecasting
By monitoring what users are saving most, store owners can make informed decisions on restocking, promotional campaigns, and bundling strategies.
Manual wishlist creation or custom development not only requires more time and technical input but also lacks the robust ecosystem and features that purpose-built WooCommerce Wishlist Plugins offer.
What Are WooCommerce Wishlist Plugins and How Do They Work?
WooCommerce Wishlist Plugins are tools designed to add wishlist functionality to WooCommerce-powered online stores. They allow users to save products they’re interested in for future reference, rather than adding them directly to the cart. This small behavioral shift results in significantly improved customer retention, purchase readiness, and even social sharing.
Here’s how they work:
- When a plugin is installed and activated, it adds an “Add to Wishlist” button to product pages or listings.
- Users—whether logged in or browsing as guests—can click this button to save items to a wishlist, which is either stored in their account or in a browser cookie.
- Most plugins allow multiple lists, product quantity tracking, and priority notes.
- Admins can configure where the wishlist button appears (product page, catalog, quick view) and how the wishlist page behaves (private/public, sharing options, product variations).
- Advanced wishlist tools even integrate with email marketing systems to send reminders, price drop alerts, or personalized promotional offers based on saved items.
Wishlist data can also be leveraged by store owners to measure interest in certain products, plan inventory, or generate targeted campaigns. Because of this dual utility—enhancing customer experience and providing marketing insights—WooCommerce Wishlist Plugins have become essential in modern eCommerce strategies.
Key Features of WooCommerce Wishlist Plugins
Wishlist Creation and Management: Allows customers to add products to a wishlist and manage their saved items, giving them the ability to purchase later or share with others.
Social Sharing Options: Many wishlist plugins allow customers to share their lists with friends, family, or on social media platforms, promoting word-of-mouth marketing.
Email Notifications: Features like email reminders when an item goes on sale or is back in stock help keep customers engaged and encourage purchases.
Multi-Wishlist Support: Some plugins enable users to create multiple wishlists for different purposes, such as “gifts,” “personal shopping,” or “wishlists for special occasions.”
Popup and Floating Buttons: Features like wishlist buttons on product pages or a floating wishlist icon enhance the user experience by providing easy access to saved items.
Customizable Design: Many wishlist plugins offer customization options to match the look and feel of the store, allowing it to blend seamlessly with the website’s design.
Types of WooCommerce Wishlist Plugins and Their Specific Use Cases
Not all WooCommerce Wishlist Plugins are built the same. They vary in terms of complexity, feature set, and suitability for different types of online stores. Understanding these plugin types helps store owners select the right one for their eCommerce strategy.
1. Basic Wishlist Plugins
These plugins offer core functionality—adding a wishlist button to product pages, saving items, and allowing users to view them later.
- Best for: Small to mid-sized stores needing a simple way for customers to save products without extra marketing features.
- Use Case: A boutique fashion store where users may browse multiple times before purchasing.
2. Advanced Wishlist Plugins
These tools include features like multiple wishlists, product availability alerts, email reminders, and social sharing.
- Best for: Medium to large stores with higher order volume or product range.
- Use Case: A tech gadgets store that benefits from sending back-in-stock or price-drop notifications based on wishlist data.
3. Marketing-Integrated Wishlist Plugins
These plugins connect with CRMs and email marketing tools (e.g., Mailchimp, Klaviyo) to trigger automated campaigns based on user wishlist behavior.
- Best for: Stores with active email marketing strategies.
- Use Case: A cosmetics store uses wishlists to retarget customers with personalized offers.
4. Social and Public Wishlist Plugins
These plugins allow users to create public wishlists that can be shared with friends or family—great for gifting, wedding registries, and collaborative shopping.
- Best for: Stores selling giftable or seasonal items.
- Use Case: A home décor store during the holiday season, where customers share their wishlists as gift suggestions.
5. Multivendor-Compatible Wishlist Plugins
Specifically designed for WooCommerce multivendor stores, these plugins ensure that wishlist functions work across different sellers without conflict.
- Best for: Marketplace-style stores using plugins like Dokan or WC Vendors.
- Use Case: An online marketplace with multiple vendors selling unique items that users want to save and compare later.
By selecting the right type of plugin aligned with your store size, user base, and marketing goals, you can turn wishlists from a passive feature into an active sales-driving mechanism.
Best WooCommerce Wishlist Plugins
1. YITH WooCommerce Wishlist – Feature-Rich and Highly Customizable
YITH WooCommerce Wishlist is one of the most popular plugins in the WooCommerce ecosystem. It adds a powerful wishlist functionality to your store that supports both guests and registered users. Developed by YITH, a recognized leader in WooCommerce plugin development, this tool is rich in features, easy to configure, and integrates seamlessly with your WooCommerce store design.
Key Features:
- Customizable Wishlist Button
You can place the “Add to Wishlist” button on product pages, shop listings, or even custom locations using shortcodes. - Multiple Wishlists (Pro)
Users can create, rename, and manage multiple wishlists based on product types, events, or preferences. - Guest and Registered User Support
Guests can create temporary wishlists saved in cookies, which are later converted into permanent ones upon login or registration. - Wishlist Sharing Options
Enable users to share wishlists via email or social media, which increases organic traffic and gift purchasing behavior. - Product Stock & Price Alerts (Pro)
Notify users when wishlist items are back in stock or available at a discounted rate—great for driving conversions. - Integration with YITH Suite
Seamless compatibility with YITH’s broader ecosystem of plugins, including gift cards, quick view, and product filters.
Pros:
- Well-supported with frequent updates
- Fully customizable through admin settings
- Shortcodes and widgets for integration flexibility
Cons:
- Some advanced features are locked behind the Pro version
- It might be too feature-heavy for basic stores
Pricing:
- Free version available on WordPress.org
- Premium starts at €94.99/year (includes one year of support and updates)
Ideal Use Case:
Best for stores that require advanced wishlist management features, multiple lists, and integration with marketing workflows.
2. Wishlists for WooCommerce – Official Plugin for Seamless Store Integration
Wishlists for WooCommerce, offered on WooCommerce.com, is the official wishlist plugin built specifically for WooCommerce stores. It focuses on native integration, performance, and straightforward functionality that complements the default WooCommerce behavior without adding bloat.
Key Features:
- Native WooCommerce Integration
Fully supports WooCommerce hooks and templates, ensuring compatibility with most themes and page builders. - Multiple Wishlist Support
Logged-in users can create and manage more than one wishlist, adding names and organizing saved products. - Privacy Settings
Users can set their wishlists to public, shared (via link), or private—ideal for event-based lists like birthdays and weddings. - Social and Email Sharing
Built-in options allow sharing lists via email, Facebook, and Twitter to drive more referrals and indirect sales. - Guest Wishlist via Cookies
Guests can save products without logging in. Their lists are saved in browser cookies for future retrieval. - Merge or Transfer Lists
Users can combine wishlists or move items from one to another for better organization.
Pros:
- Clean, WooCommerce-native functionality
- Strong privacy controls and multi-list support
- Built and supported by the official WooCommerce team
Cons:
- Lacks advanced marketing integrations (email campaigns, alerts)
- Basic design styling; customization may require CSS
Pricing:
-
Starts at $79/year for a single site license, including updates and support
Ideal Use Case:
Recommended for store owners who want reliable, lightweight wishlist functionality that aligns perfectly with WooCommerce standards and requires minimal configuration.
3. TI WooCommerce Wishlist – Flexible and Beginner-Friendly Option
TI WooCommerce Wishlist is a popular, feature-rich plugin that strikes a balance between simplicity and customization. Available in both free and premium versions, it allows store owners to implement essential wishlist functionality while offering options for deeper integration and enhanced user experience.
Key Features:
- Customizable “Add to Wishlist” Button
You can control button positions (catalog, product page), styles, and even use custom icons or text labels. - Multiple Layout Options
Choose from different wishlist layouts and table designs to fit your store’s theme. - Guest Wishlist Support
Non-logged-in users can still create and manage wishlists via cookies, which can later be linked to accounts. - Analytics Dashboard (Pro)
Admins can view product popularity, number of wishlist additions, and user activity insights. - Marketing Tools (Pro)
Includes features like promotional emails, product availability reminders, and price drop notifications. - GDPR and WPML Ready
Fully compliant with modern privacy regulations and available in multiple languages.
Pros:
- Beginner-friendly setup
- High degree of customization
- Active support and regular updates
Cons:
- Some key features, like analytics and marketing, require the Pro version
- UI may need theme-specific tweaks for perfect styling
Pricing:
- Free version available
- Premium version starts at $79/year (single site license)
Ideal Use Case:
Best for small to mid-sized stores that want a flexible wishlist system with optional marketing features.
4. Premmerce Wishlist for WooCommerce – Lightweight and Fast
Premmerce Wishlist for WooCommerce is a streamlined plugin focused on speed, ease of use, and minimal server overhead. Developed by the Premmerce team, this plugin offers essential wishlist functionality without adding unnecessary load to your website.
Key Features:
-
One-Click Add to Wishlist
Add wishlist buttons to any product page or product loop with minimal configuration. -
Simple Wishlist Page
Users can view saved products on a clean, lightweight wishlist page compatible with any WooCommerce theme. -
Shortcode and Widget Support
Easily integrate wishlists into sidebars, footers, or custom page layouts. -
Translation Ready
Fully translatable and WPML-compatible for international stores. -
Optimized Performance
Minimal impact on site speed, even on large product catalogs.
Pros:
- Extremely lightweight and fast
- Free and open-source
- Simple for end-users and store admins
Cons:
- Lacks advanced features like email notifications or analytics
- No multi-wishlist functionality
Pricing:
-
100% Free on WordPress.org
Ideal Use Case:
Ideal for performance-conscious stores that want a no-frills, efficient wishlist plugin with essential capabilities.
5. WPC Smart Wishlist for WooCommerce – Compact with Ajax Features
WPC Smart Wishlist for WooCommerce is a versatile plugin that focuses on enhancing the user experience with AJAX-based interactions and smooth, minimal UI. It offers both free and Pro versions, making it suitable for a variety of store sizes.
Key Features:
- AJAX Add to Wishlist
Allows users to add products without reloading the page, improving speed and interaction. - Wishlist Button Placement
Configure button visibility across product grids, quick view, and single product pages. - Custom Redirects
After adding an item to a wishlist, users can be redirected to the wishlist page or stay on the product page. - Wishlist Count and Icons
Display wishlist item count in the menu or anywhere using shortcodes or widgets. - Premium Features (Pro)
Support for multiple wishlists, analytics, and WooCommerce add-ons integration.
Pros:
- Fast, AJAX-based operations
- Clean UI and lightweight code
- Good range of features in the free version
Cons:
- Advanced functionality is gated behind the Pro version
- Limited documentation compared to larger plugins
Pricing:
- Free version available
- Pro version starts at $29/year
Ideal Use Case:
Great for stores focused on smooth front-end UX with minimal server impact.
Benefits of Using the Best WooCommerce Wishlist Plugins
Using best WooCommerce wishlist plugins provides several advantages that can greatly enhance your online store’s functionality and user experience. Here are the key benefits:
- Improved Customer Experience Wishlist plugins allow customers to save their favorite products for future reference. This gives users the flexibility to return later and make a purchase without the need to search for items again. It creates a more convenient shopping experience, which can boost customer satisfaction and retention.
- Increased Conversion Rates By offering customers the ability to add items to a wishlist, they can return later when they’re ready to purchase. Wishlist reminders, such as email notifications for back-in-stock items or price drops, can encourage purchases that might not have happened otherwise. This leads to higher conversion rates and reduced cart abandonment.
- Better Customer Engagement Many wishlist plugins allow customers to share their lists with friends, family, or on social media platforms. This can increase visibility for your products and help attract new customers. Engaged customers are more likely to come back and make a purchase, especially if they feel like they’re part of a community.
- Increased Sales Through Gift Shopping Wishlists can be particularly useful for gift shopping, as customers can create lists for specific occasions like birthdays or holidays. Others can view these lists and buy products directly, leading to more sales. This functionality is especially beneficial for stores that sell products suitable for gifting.
- Valuable Customer Insights WooCommerce wishlist plugins can provide store owners with valuable data. By analyzing which products are added to wishlists most frequently, store owners can identify popular items and trends. This information can be used for inventory planning, targeted promotions, or understanding customer preferences better.
- Encourages Repeat Visits A wishlist gives users a reason to come back to your site, whether it’s to check their saved items or to see if there’s been a price drop or promotion. By keeping customers engaged with the potential to purchase later, you can increase traffic and keep your store top-of-mind.
Choosing the Right WooCommerce Wishlist Plugin for Your Store
Adding a wishlist feature is no longer optional for modern eCommerce stores. Whether you run a small boutique, a multi-vendor marketplace, or a high-volume international store, WooCommerce Wishlist Plugins offer a smart way to boost user engagement, product discovery, and conversion opportunities.
- For stores seeking deep integration, design flexibility, and multiple list creation, YITH WooCommerce Wishlist offers the most comprehensive solution.
- If you prefer an official, lightweight plugin with clean native WooCommerce integration, Wishlists for WooCommerce is a dependable choice.
- For those needing strong free features and upgrade potential, TI WooCommerce Wishlist hits the right balance between simplicity and functionality.
- If speed and performance are a priority, Premmerce Wishlist ensures your store remains lean while still providing essential wishlist features.
- Lastly, WPC Smart Wishlist is a go-to option for stores wanting AJAX performance, clean design, and minimal setup complexity.
Ultimately, the right plugin depends on your business model, technical resources, and growth strategy. Choose based on your goals—whether it’s capturing more leads, improving customer journeys, or increasing conversions through retargeting.
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