Need to display data, build charts, or create dashboards in WordPress? There's no shortage of plugins claiming to do the job. But they're not all built for the same use cases.
Some excel at simple tables. Others focus on WooCommerce analytics. A few can connect to external databases. And the pricing ranges from free to hundreds per year.
We tested the most popular WordPress reporting plugins to help you pick the right one.
Quick Summary
- Best for external databases: EverNext Reporting
- Best for simple tables: TablePress
- Best for WooCommerce: WooCommerce Analytics (built-in)
- Best for Google Sheets: Visualizer
- Best all-around (with budget): wpDataTables
1. EverNext Reporting
Best for: Connecting to external MySQL, MariaDB, or PostgreSQL databases and building reports without code.
EverNext Reporting is designed specifically for businesses that need to report on data living outside WordPress.
Key Features
- Visual query builder — no SQL required
- 14 chart types (bar, line, pie, gauge, KPI cards, data tables)
- Multi-source joins — combine data from two different databases
- Dashboard builder with drag-and-drop grid layout
- Scheduled email reports (hourly, daily, weekly, monthly)
- AES-256 encryption for database credentials
Pricing
Free version on WordPress.org. Pro version for PostgreSQL, email scheduling, and advanced features.
Best For
Businesses with data in external databases (CRM, ERP, inventory) who want reports without coding or expensive BI tools.
2. wpDataTables
Best for: Feature-rich tables and charts with multiple data source options.
wpDataTables is one of the most established WordPress table plugins. It supports MySQL queries, Excel/CSV imports, Google Sheets, and manual data entry.
Key Features
- Multiple data sources (MySQL, Excel, CSV, Google Sheets, JSON)
- Responsive tables with sorting, filtering, pagination
- Chart engine with multiple chart types
- Conditional formatting
- Frontend editing
Limitations
- MySQL queries only connect to WordPress database by default
- No visual query builder — write SQL manually
- No PostgreSQL support
- No scheduled email reports
Pricing
Starts at $69/year for a single site.
3. TablePress
Best for: Simple, static tables without database connections.
TablePress is the most popular WordPress table plugin with over 800,000 active installations. It's free, simple, and works well for manually-entered data.
Key Features
- Spreadsheet-style table editor
- Import from Excel, CSV, HTML, JSON
- Sorting, pagination, and search
- Completely free (core plugin)
Limitations
- No database connections
- No charts or visualizations
- Tables are static (won't auto-update)
Pricing
Free. Premium extensions available.
4. Visualizer
Best for: Charts from Google Sheets or manual data entry.
Visualizer by Themeisle focuses on charts powered by Google Charts. Good option if your data lives in Google Sheets.
Key Features
- 15+ chart types (Google Charts library)
- Import from Google Sheets, CSV, or manual entry
- Responsive and interactive charts
- Gutenberg block support
Limitations
- No direct database connections
- Requires Google Sheets as intermediary
- Limited dashboard capabilities
Pricing
Free version available. Pro starts at $99/year.
5. Data Tables Generator by Supsystic
Best for: Large datasets with server-side processing.
Handles large tables well thanks to server-side processing. Solid choice for displaying thousands of rows.
Key Features
- Server-side processing for large datasets
- Import from CSV, Excel, Google Sheets
- Conditional formatting
- WooCommerce integration
Limitations
- No external database connections
- Limited chart options
Pricing
Free version available. Pro starts at $49.
6. WooCommerce Analytics (Built-in)
Best for: WooCommerce store owners who need sales and order reports.
If you're running WooCommerce, the built-in analytics might be all you need.
Key Features
- Pre-built sales and order reports
- Date range comparisons
- Product and category analytics
- CSV export
Limitations
- Only reports on WooCommerce data
- Can't connect to external databases
- Limited customization
Pricing
Free (included with WooCommerce).
7. Jetstark Smart Charts
Best for: Quick charts from JetEngine or simple data sources.
Works well if you're already using JetEngine for custom post types and fields.
Key Features
- Integration with JetEngine
- Multiple chart types
- Elementor and Gutenberg support
Limitations
- Best suited for JetEngine users
- No external database connections
Pricing
Included with Jetstark All-Inclusive ($199/year).
Comparison Table
| Plugin | External DB | PostgreSQL | Visual Builder | Dashboards | Email Reports | Free Tier |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| EverNext Reporting | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| wpDataTables | Limited | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ |
| TablePress | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ✅ |
| Visualizer | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ✅ |
| Supsystic | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ✅ |
| WooCommerce | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | Basic | ❌ | ✅ |
| Smart Charts | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ |
Which Plugin Should You Choose?
Data in external databases? → EverNext Reporting
Simple static tables? → TablePress (free)
Data in Google Sheets? → Visualizer
WooCommerce reports only? → Built-in WooCommerce Analytics
Maximum features + know SQL? → wpDataTables
Conclusion
The "best" plugin depends on where your data lives and how technical you want to get.
For businesses with data outside WordPress, EverNext Reporting fills a gap others don't — direct database connections with a visual builder anyone can use.
For simple tables, TablePress is hard to beat. And if you're in the Woo ecosystem, the built-in analytics might be enough.
Originally published at evernextsolutions.com
Update: EverNext Reporting on Product Hunt
We're launching EverNext Reporting on Product Hunt this Saturday! If external database connections and no-code dashboards sound useful to you, I'd appreciate your support.
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