Most WordPress sites have too many plugins. Each adds JS, DB queries, and security risk. Here are 10 to remove today.
1. ❌ Jetpack (If You Only Use 1-2 Features)
Jetpack is 38 modules packed together. Loading all that for just the stats feature kills your speed.
Replace: Stats → Plausible (GDPR-compliant). Security → Wordfence. Backups → UpdraftPlus.
2. ❌ Broken Link Checker
Runs continuously, hammers your database constantly.
Replace: Run Screaming Frog manually once a month (free up to 500 URLs).
3. ❌ Contact Form 7 (Without DSGVO Hardening)
CF7 doesn't log consent by default. Under DSGVO you need proof of consent timestamp.
Replace: WPForms Lite with explicit consent checkbox.
4. ❌ Any Unused Page Builder (Elementor, WPBakery)
These load 200-500KB CSS/JS on every page even if unused.
Fix: Deactivate AND delete if not actively used.
5. ❌ Google Analytics via Plugin
Most GA plugins add render-blocking scripts and don't handle DSGVO consent.
Replace: Add GA4 via Google Tag Manager OR switch to Plausible (GDPR-compliant, no consent banner needed).
6. ❌ Social Share Buttons with Count Fetching
Makes external API calls on every page load to get share counts.
Replace: Static share buttons — just links, no counts. Counts are vanity metrics.
7. ❌ Multiple SEO Plugins
Running Yoast AND RankMath simultaneously causes conflicts and doubles the overhead.
Fix: Pick ONE. RankMath Free is currently the best option.
8. ❌ WP-DBManager
Stores database backups in /wp-content/backup-db/ — accessible via URL. Security disaster.
Replace: UpdraftPlus — stores to Google Drive, S3, or Dropbox.
9. ❌ iThemes Security (Old Versions)
Has had multiple vulnerabilities itself. Old versions are dangerous.
Replace: Wordfence Free — better firewall and actively maintained.
10. ❌ Any Plugin Not Updated in 2+ Years
Outdated plugins are the #1 vector for WordPress hacks.
Action: Plugins → Installed Plugins → Sort by "Last Updated" → delete anything from 2022 or earlier.
The Performance Impact
30 plugins vs 10 well-chosen plugins:
- Load time: typically 1-2 seconds difference
- DB queries per page: 40 vs 15
- Memory: 128MB vs 64MB
Need a full WordPress audit? I offer WordPress Maintenance from €49/month including plugin audit, security hardening, and performance optimization.
👉 nevki.de
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