10 Free WordPress Widgets to Build a Better Sidebar

Widgets are one of WordPress most adaptable features. They make it possible to add a ton of different functionality to your WordPress sidebar, as well as other areas that accept widgets. Best of all, you can find plenty of free WordPress widgets so you wont even need to open your wallet to get their benefits.The only problem, though, is that WordPress doesnt come with very many widgets in its default state. ButAs is often the case, we can solve this problem using plugins. There  are a wide variety of widget plugins online, some of which enable you to implement impressive features.In this article, were going to talk about what widgets are, and explain why you might need more of them. Then well introduce you to ten free WordPress widgets to level up your site. Lets get the ball rolling! WordPress enables you to add widgets to your sidebar and footer sections with ease.Whats nice about widgets is that they enable you to add advanced features to your pages without having to customize them individually. Plus, you can micromanage your widgets locations, and add them to your sidebar or footer in any order you want.However, as we mentioned earlier,  WordPress doesnt ship with many options. The good news is that you can get access to tons of free WordPress widgets using plugins.10 free WordPress widgets to help level up your siteFor this list, we decided to focus on widgets that add new, useful features to your site. Well give you a brief overview for each one,  and help you determine which might be a good fit for your site.For all of these widgets, you can install them like you would any other WordPress plugin.1. Contact Widgets Contact Widgets Author(s): GoDaddyCurrent Version: 1.6.2Last Updated: May 6, 2019contact-widgets.1.6.2.zip 92%Ratings 1,129,518Downloads WP 4.4+Requires There are plenty of plugin solutions to set up custom contact forms, but they often pack more  features than you need. If all you want is to set up a simple contact section, th e Contact Widgets plugin is a great option. This tool enables you to create stylish widgets that include contact information, maps, and more.2. Testimonials Widget Testimonials Widget Author(s): AxelerantCurrent Version: 3.5.0Last Updated: May 15, 2019testimonials-widget.3.5.0.zip 86%Ratings 1,050,988Downloads 3.9.2Requires Testimonials are an effective way to increase trust among your customers, and the Testimonials Widget plugin provides you with an easy way to display your reviews using sliders, lists, and even videos. Plus, you can insert the widgets you create with it anywhere you want, using shortcodes.3. Recent Posts Widget With Thumbnails Recent Posts Widget With Thumbnails Author(s): Martin StehleCurrent Version: 6.5.1Last Updated: June 13, 2019recent-posts-widget-with-thumbnails.6.5.1.zip 96%Ratings 1,720,789Downloads WP 2.9+Requires WordPress already packs a Recent posts widget of its own, but all it does is show a list of post titles. Thats a decent start , but displaying featured images as well is a  better way to catch your visitors attention. Fortunately, the Recent Posts Widget With Thumbnails plugin enables you to do this with ease.4. Google Maps Widget Maps Widget for Google Maps Google Maps Builder Author(s): WebFactory LtdCurrent Version: 4.17Last Updated: August 3, 2019google-maps-widget.4.17.zip 94%Ratings 1,955,985Downloads WP 4.0+Requires If you have a website set up for your business, including a map is a simple way to help users locate it more quickly. Using a dedicated widget is often the most efficient way to add a Google Map to one of your WordPress posts or pages. The imaginatively named Google Maps Widget provides you with an easy way to do this. You can include a thumbnail of your  map, and even  add pins and captions to it.5. Rating-Widget Rating-Widget: Star Review System Author(s): Rating-WidgetCurrent Version: 3.0.6Last Updated: June 4, 2019rating-widget.3.0.6.zip 92%Ratings 990,717Downloa ds WP 3.0+Requires Detailed testimonials can be highly useful, but sometimes people just want to get a quick appraisal of the quality of your services or content. A star-rating system is an elegant way to let  your users provide you with feedback in a matter of seconds. Using the Rating-Widget plugin, you can add star rating systems to your posts, pages, WooCommerce products, and even individual authors.6. The Events Calendar The Events Calendar Author(s): Modern Tribe, Inc.Current Version: 4.9.10Last Updated: October 16, 2019the-events-calendar.4.9.10.zip 88%Ratings 19,102,609Downloads WP 4.7+Requires WordPress ships with a Calendar widget, but it  only keeps track of your latest posts. If you want to alert your users about upcoming events and important dates, youll need to use a plugin such as  The Events Calendar. Any event you create with this plugin can include info about venues, organizers, location maps, and more. Plus, you can import events from platforms suc h as Google Calendar and Facebook to make your life easier.7. Social Media Widget Social Media Widget Author(s): Noah KaganCurrent Version: 4.0.6Last Updated: March 4, 2019social-media-widget.4.0.6.zip 78%Ratings 1,975,911Downloads 2.9.2Requires Social Media Widget lets you easily add eye-catching icons to showcase all of your social profiles. It supports all of the major social networks like Facebook, Twitter, etc. But it also includes tons of smaller networks like Vimeo, DeviantArt, Bandcamp, and more.If you just want a simple way to showcase your social media profiles, this widget is a good option.8. Feature a  Page Widget Feature A Page Widget Author(s): Mark Root-Wiley (MRWweb)Current Version: 2.1.1Last Updated: December 5, 2018feature-a-page-widget.2.1.1.zip 100%Ratings 142,579Downloads WP 3.9+Requires Sometimes you might not want to include a full-fledged Recent posts section in your sidebar, and instead feature a single page. The Feature a Page Widget plugi n enables you to do just that. With this tool, youll be able to choose a particular page or post to feature, pick a custom layout, and even customize its appearance.9. Easy Profile Widget Easy Profile Widget Author(s): Phpbits Creative StudioCurrent Version: 1.3Last Updated: January 5, 2017easy-profile-widget.zip 96%Ratings 17,851Downloads WP 4.0+Requires Providing your readers with a quick way to find out  more about you is a great way to increase trust. Plus, you can also use a biography as an opportunity to promote your social media profiles. If that sounds like a win-win to you, then the Easy Profile Widget plugin may be right up your alley. Its a simple tool that enables you to display a bio and social media links on your site.10. WordPress Popular Posts WordPress Popular Posts Author(s): Hector CabreraCurrent Version: 4.2.2Last Updated: December 6, 2018wordpress-popular-posts.4.2.2.zip 90%Ratings 3,510,683Downloads WP 4.7+Requires Last but not least, popular posts lists are one of the most effective ways to point visitors towards content they might be interested in. Using a widget to add this feature makes a lot of sense because  you can locate that  list conveniently within a sidebar. As it so happens, the WordPress Popular Posts plugin enables you to add this type of widget and refine the criteria for which posts should be featured.Popular posts lists enable your visitors to catch up with your greatest hits.ConclusionFree WordPress widgets are one of the easiest ways to add new features to your site, such as custom contact forms, upcoming events, and maps to your location (among many other options). Finding the right widgets can help your site look and work better by adding extra functionality. Dont be afraid to experiment with the free WordPress widgets weve introduced you to in this list until you find the combination that works best for you. Free guide5 Essential Tips to Speed Up Your WordPress SiteReduce your loading time by e ven 50-80% just by following simple tips.