Addicted to potent search engines like Google, a user might run away from a vastly substandard search experience on your WordPress website. And while having a custom site search is not essential for beginners, it’s vital after your project reaches a certain size. It helps users stay on your website and find relevant content without looking outside the Google search-which also might send them to your competition. But why install yet another integration when WordPress already has a default search? The thing is, WordPress search lacks many features like dropdowns, live results, typo tolerance, etc., which makes it risky to use for a huge, high-stakes web project. That’s why webmasters install 3rd-party plugins to offer a decent search experience. And though the first option for most of us was Algolia, they aren’t developing their WordPress plugin since 2019. So, we need its alternatives for a blazing-fast implementation… Algolia is probably one of the best search SaaS products, but here are some alternatives, as promised.
Ajax Search Pro
If you hate subscriptions as I do, Ajax Search Pro has got you covered with its one-time payment and lifetime updates. Features:
Multiple search instances with individual shortcodes Support to many content formats Compatible with major page builders Highly customizable aesthetics Autocomplete and suggestions Mobile responsive Powerful search filters Unlimited searches Build-in cache Search Analytics Multilingual, etc.
In addition, you don’t need to buy the pro version directly; instead, you can try its forever-free subscription first. Besides, the pro tier comes with a 7-day money-back guarantee for a risk-free trial.
SearchWP
SearchWP is a strictly premium Algolia alternative you can easily integrate into your WordPress website. Features:
Supports text, PDF, and Office documents Cross-site results for WordPress multisite installations Boolean search to avoid certain keywords Search results customization Private content exclusion Multiple search instances Unlimited searches Keyword stemming Effortless integrations Search Analytics Related content extension, etc.
Arguably, the biggest advantage of SimilarWP is its compatibility with WordPress multisite. In addition, there are plenty of integrations and premium support to root out any issue. While this has no free version, it carries a 14-day full-refund policy to give it a shot without second thoughts.
ElasticPress
ElasticPress helps you over-deliver by implementing the iconic Elastic search used by industry heavyweights like Uber, Slack, Microsoft, Adobe, Audi, T-Mobile, and more. Features:
Autosuggest Results customization Powerful filters Related content extension Content exclusion Supports text, PDFs, and MS Office
This integration comes as a standard plugin you can install from the official WordPress repository. Next, you either purchase the hosting from ElasticPress or self-host and enter the details to get rolling. Notably, ElasticPress has no free forever plan. However, you can opt for a free trial to test out before paying.
AWS CloudSearch
The search service by AWS is called CloudSearch. It’s a managed and cost-effective search solution for any website. It supports 34 languages and some advanced features as the following.
Autocomplete Highlighting Field weighting Free text search Low latency
AWS CloudSearch is scalable and known for its high performance. Pricing is based on the usage and pays as you go. CloudSearch plugin by Andrea Landonio makes it possible to use the AWS search service with WordPress.
Search with Typesense
Search with Typesense is a WordPress plugin that helps you implement Typesense. This is an open-source Algolia alternative to bring an efficient search engine for your WordPress project. Feature:
Sticky results Typo tolerance Synonym-friendly Search results sorting & grouping Powerful filters Location-based search, etc.
To get started, you need to configure Typesense on your servers or its cloud. This gives you license keys you can enter in the Search with Typesense plugin to add this search tool to your WordPress website. Typesense has an introductory trial period you can benefit from. In addition, Search with Typesense video tutorials makes the implementation hassle-free.
Reactive Search Pro
Reactive Search Pro is a powerful WordPress search plugin with 15+ search attributes and a drag-and-drop builder you can use with ease. Features:
Supports most WordPress elements Adaptive searching Google map integration Media compatibility Location search with autocomplete Multilingual, etc.
In addition to its dynamic search capabilities, this Algolia alternative features a no-subscription, one-time payment. It also packs a 6-month implementation support which you can extend up to 12 months.
Relevanssi
Relevanssi is the work of a single developer from Finland, Mikko Saari. He has been developing this plugin for around a decade now and supports 100k+ active installations all by himself. Features:
Powerful search covering most WordPress elements Compatible with PDFs, MS Office, ODT, RTF, and more. Shortcode content compatibility WordPress multisite support Result highlights Content exclusion Search results prioritization Sticky search results Keyword stemming Search results redirects Stopwords and synonyms Related posts extension
The best part of Relevanssi is direct contact with the developer. In addition, you get a free version with limited features to try before going for the pro, which comes with a no-questions-asked 30-day full refund guarantee. Finally, there is also a one-time payment option offering lifetime updates and support.
AddSearch
AddSearch is a premium option used by top-tier industry leaders like Yamaha, Toyota, etc. Features:
Typo tolerant Auto recrawl Search stats Search results prioritization Multilingual Compatible with PDFs, MS Word, and MS PPT. Mobile responsive Excellent integrations Search results personalization
While AddSearch has no free version, it has a 14-day free trial to which you can subscribe. And like all other WordPress search tools, this one has an official plugin you can install and configure easily.
Search & Filter
Search & Filter removes the search icon and implements a search form instead. Filters can be shown as a drop-down, checkbox, multiple selections, and radio buttons. Features:
Powerful filters Built-in cache Excellent integrations Unlimited search instances Simple form builder AJAX-powered search Custom search results templates Dedicated support
This one is supported by a small team led by Ross Morsali, who is 15 years into web development. In addition, Search & Filter has a free version, and paid plans are available for single and unlimited websites with a 30-day full refund policy.
Ivory Search
Ivory Search powers up the default WordPress search and also permits adding user-friendly search forms. This supports unlimited search instances, every one with its customizations. Features:
Media compatibility Results highlight Search customization Keyword stemming Content exclusion Demo search for admins Search results sorting Search forms shortcodes Excellent content support
This Algolia substitute has a forever free version, and the paid ones come with annual subscriptions and lifetime plans. In addition, there is a full-refund policy for unresolved issues in the first 30 days. Check the Ivory Search website for more details.
Swiftype
Swiftype is a SaaS-based powerful search solution, SOC2 compliant and enterprise-ready. Site Search by Swiftype is perfect for a content-based online business like a news site, eCommerce store, etc. It allows a cross-domain search, got flexible integration, intuitive search, high-accuracy result, and is developer-friendly. Swiftype integrates WordPress using its plugin.
Did you find your Algolia alternative?
WordPress plugins do exist for a reason. And the one you’ll need sooner than later, especially if you have an eCommerce store, is for enhancing its search. The listed options will serve you well, with many having free versions. Even all the paid subscriptions have some sort of cash-back policies for risk-free trials. Until next time! PS: While we all aim for superior user experience, what about security? So, check these premium WordPress security plugins to stay a few steps ahead of the bad guys.
