If you are looking for a WordPress plugin to create dynamic data tables, charts, and product displays with strong external data integration, wpDataTables is one of the options to consider.
Beyond data tables, it also supports layouts like comparison tables, pricing tables, and pros and cons tables, making it a versatile solution for different use cases.
But is it the right table plugin for your website?To answer that, you need to understand what wpDataTables offers, including its key strengths, limitations, and pricing structure, so you can set clear expectations before choosing it.
To help you evaluate it quickly, we tested wpDataTables across multiple WordPress setups and analyzed its workflow, features, and overall usability. In this wpDataTables review, we break down everything you need to know to make an informed decision.
WPDataTables Review Summary
Here is a quick overview of how wpDataTables performs across key evaluation criteria.
Criteria | Score (Out of 5) |
|---|---|
Ease of Use | 2.0 |
Versatility | 5.0 |
Functionality | 5.0 |
Customization | 5.0 |
Pricing | 4.0 |
Customer Support | 4.5 |
External Integrations | 4.5 |
Free Version Value | 2.0 |
Overall Score | 4.0 / 5 |
Pros and Cons of wpDataTables
wpDataTables handles both simple and complex tables with dynamic data. It offers flexible table layouts, strong data integrations, and advanced data handling features.
However, many of these capabilities are available only in higher-tier plans, and the overall interface may feel complex if you only need basic tables.
Here is a quick look at its key strengths and limitations.
Pros
- Multiple table layout support for versatile table building
- Several table creation options for different use cases
- Ability to display dynamic data in tables and charts
- Excel-like editor for table creation
- Connect data sources like Google Sheets, Excel, CSV, and MySQL
- Central dashboard for creating and managing tables
- Frontend editing with live preview
- Sorting, filtering, and searching for quick data retrieval
- Pagination for better navigation in large data tables
- 29+ pre-built templates for faster table setup
- Display WordPress posts and custom field data in tables
- WooCommerce integration for product tables
- Create charts with Google Charts, Chart.js, Highcharts, and more
- Extend features with official add-ons
- Conditional formatting and formula support
- Drag-and-drop and right-click support for faster editing
- Compatible with the latest WordPress update and different page builders
Cons
- The free version has limited functionality for advanced tables
- Advanced features like powerful filtering and report building require add-ons
- The interface and feature range may feel complex for beginners
- May feel excessive if you only need simple tables
- No dedicated Gutenberg blocks for building tables directly in the editor
Key Features of wpDataTables
wpDataTables provides flexible ways to create tables, connect external data sources, and manage large datasets. Below are the key features that define its workflow, data handling capabilities, and overall flexibility.
1. Diverse Table Creation Modes
wpDataTables offers several table creation methods so users can choose the workflow that best fits their data source and project needs.
- Create a Table From Scratch: Build a table from a blank layout by defining rows and columns. You can add elements like text, images, HTML, star ratings, and buttons, and use pre-designed templates for layouts such as pricing or comparison tables. However, this method does not support advanced data table features like sorting, searching, pagination, or exporting.
- Create a Data Table Linked to an Existing Data Source: Connect tables directly to external sources such as Excel, CSV, Google Sheets, SQL queries, XML, JSON, or serialized PHP arrays. This allows the table to automatically reflect updates from the source without manual edits.
- Create a Data Table from IvyForms Form Entries: Turn form submissions collected through IvyForms into structured tables. This can be useful for displaying survey results, user submissions, or collected data on your website.
- Create a data table manually: Define column types and data structure before adding content, then manage the table using the Excel-like editor. This method gives you better control over how each column stores and displays data.
- Create a Data Table by importing data from a Data source: Import data files such as Excel, CSV, or Google Sheets, and configure column types, order, and possible values before generating the table. Once imported, the table can be edited and managed through the Excel-like interface.
- Generate a query for the MySQL database: Create tables directly from your MySQL database using the built-in query generator. You can select tables, define relationships, apply conditions, and group results to display filtered or structured data dynamically.
- Generate a query for the WordPress database: Pull data directly from WordPress posts, pages, custom post types, taxonomies, and custom fields. This helps display structured WordPress content in tables without manually entering the data.
- Build a WP Post Query: Automatically generate tables from WordPress posts and display details such as titles, authors, dates, or custom fields. This is useful for listing blog posts, documentation, or content archives in a searchable table.
- Build a WooCommerce Table: Create product tables directly from WooCommerce data. You can display product details like name, price, rating, and stock status, and include Add to Cart buttons so customers can purchase products directly from the table.
2. Essential Elements to Present Data
wpDataTables includes essential elements such as text, images, star ratings, buttons, and HTML blocks to present data effectively within the table.
3. Advanced Chart Integration
wpDataTables allows you to convert table data into visual charts for easier data interpretation. It supports several chart engines such as Google Charts, Chart.js, ApexCharts, Highcharts, and Highcharts Stock. The free version supports Google Charts and Chart.js, while additional chart engines are available in the Pro version.
4. Central Dashboards
The plugin provides a centralized dashboard where you can create, manage, and edit all tables from one place. This makes it a scalable approach to maintain tables across multiple pages, especially for content-heavy websites that use many tables.
5. Sorting, Searching, and Pagination
wpDataTables includes built-in sorting, searching, and pagination features that help users quickly find information within large tables. These tools improve usability by allowing visitors to filter data and navigate long tables more efficiently.
6. Fixed Header, Sticky Column
For large tables, wpDataTables allows you to freeze headers or important columns while scrolling. This keeps key labels visible and helps users understand the data without losing context.
7. User Actions (Toolkit)
The plugin includes export and sharing tools that allow users to download table data in formats like Excel, CSV, and PDF. Visitors can also copy table data to the clipboard or print it directly, making it easier to reuse or analyze the data.
8. Conditional formatting and formula support
wpDataTables supports conditional formatting to highlight values based on specific conditions. For example, you can automatically color cells based on value ranges to make trends easier to identify. It also supports formulas and calculations, which is useful for working with numeric datasets and data analysis tables.
Where wpDataTables Falls Short
While wpDataTables offers a wide range of features for building data tables and charts, it also has some limitations you should consider before choosing it for your website.
Understanding these drawbacks helps set realistic expectations and determine whether the plugin fits your workflow and website needs.
Below are some areas where wpDataTables may fall short:
- Limited Free Version: The free version is limited to basic table creation, while advanced features like database queries, dynamic data integrations, and advanced filtering are only available in premium plans, making it less suitable for complex use cases without upgrading.
- Advanced Features Require Add-ons: Some advanced features, including powerful filtering and report-building capabilities, require additional add-ons, which can increase the overall cost depending on your needs.
- Complex for Beginners: The interface can feel complex for beginners due to the wide range of features, data sources, and configuration options, especially if you only want to create simple tables.
- No Gutenberg Blocks: The plugin does not provide dedicated Gutenberg blocks, so tables must be created in the plugin dashboard and embedded using shortcodes, which may interrupt a block-based workflow.
- Overkill for Simple Tables: wpDataTables is built for complex data handling, so it may feel unnecessarily heavy if you only need basic tables like pricing or comparison tables.
- Learning Curve for Advanced Features: Features like SQL queries, database connections, and dynamic data handling require technical understanding, which may be challenging for non-technical users.
Pricing of wpDataTables
wpDataTables offers a free Lite version on WordPress.org, along with several premium plans available in both annual and lifetime licensing options.
These plans are designed for different types of users, from individual website owners to agencies and developers managing multiple sites.
Below is a simplified overview of the current pricing structure of wpDataTables:
Plan | Annual Pricing | Lifetime Pricing | Websites |
|---|---|---|---|
Starter | $59 / Year | N/A | 1 site |
Standard | $99 / Year | $273 / once | 1 site |
Pro | $184 / Year | $527 / once | 3 sites |
Developer | $398 / Year | $998 / once | Unlimited sites |
Note: For the best price, buy the plugin directly from WPDataTables official website. While it’s still available on CodeCanyon (the place where developers used to exclusively sell this plugin), purchasing from there will cost you more.
Free vs. Pro Versions of wpDataTables
The free version of wpDataTables is suitable for creating simple tables and basic charts. It includes core features such as sorting, pagination, and importing data from common file formats.
However, if you need dynamic data sources, advanced filtering, conditional formatting, or database-driven tables, you will need one of the premium plans. These plans unlock features designed for handling larger datasets, external integrations, and more advanced data management.
Below is a simplified comparison between the free version and the premium plans.
Feature | Free | Starter | Standard | Pro/Dev |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Create Unlimited Tables & Charts | ||||
Excel-like table editor | ||||
Sorting, search, and pagination | ||||
Import from Excel, CSV, JSON, XML | ||||
Advanced chart engines (ApexCharts, Highcharts, Highstock) | ||||
Pre-built table templates | Limited | |||
Conditional formatting | ||||
Calculations and column formulas | ||||
Advanced filtering | ||||
Server-side processing | ||||
Google Sheets Integration | ||||
MySQL queries and SQL Query Builder | ||||
WordPress Database Query Builder | ||||
External database connections (MySQL, MSSQL, PostgreSQL) | ||||
Front-end table editing | ||||
Fixed headers and sticky columns | ||||
Dynamic SQL queries with placeholders | ||||
WP Post Builder | ||||
WooCommerce integration | ||||
Support | Limited | Premium | Premium | Premium |
Best wpDataTables Alternatives
wpDataTables is designed for managing dynamic tables and charts, but it may not suit every website. Its interface can feel complex for beginners, and many advanced features require higher-tier plans.
If you want a simpler workflow and more design-focused layouts, several WordPress table plugins offer solid alternatives.
Below are some of the best wpDataTables alternatives based on supported table layouts, ease of use, and free version availability.
Plugin Name | Supported Table Layouts | Free Version | Get The Plugin | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Comparison Table | Pricing Table | Pros & Cons | Data Table | |||
RioVizual | ||||||
Ninja Tables | ||||||
WP Table Builder | ||||||
TablePress | ||||||
Visualizer | ||||||
If you want to explore more options, you can read our detailed guide on the Best WordPress Table Plugins.
How We Tested and Reviewed wpDataTables
To reflect real-world usage, we tested wpDataTables across multiple WordPress websites and staging environments. Our goal was to evaluate how it performs in practical scenarios, not just based on features or marketing claims.
During testing, we focused on the following areas:
- Real Table Creation: We created different types of tables, including data tables, dynamic tables from external sources, and WooCommerce product tables, to evaluate how wpDataTables handles large datasets and complex data structures in real use cases.
- Feature and Workflow Evaluation: We analyzed different table creation methods, external data integrations, chart generation, customization options, and overall workflow to understand how flexible and scalable the plugin is.
- Performance and Usability: We tested how easily tables can be created, edited, and managed without relying on documentation. We also evaluated sorting, filtering, pagination, and overall usability when working with large and dynamic data.
- Free vs Pro Comparison: We compared the free and premium plans side by side to understand which features are available by default and which advanced capabilities, such as database queries, integrations, and advanced charts, require upgrading.
FAQs
Closing Thoughts: Is wpDataTables Worth It?
wpDataTables is a great choice for managing complex data tables and dynamic charts, especially when working with external data sources.
However, it may feel overwhelming if you only need simple tables with an easier workflow and want more value in the free version.
If wpDataTables is not the right fit for your needs, you can explore alternatives like Ninja Tables for a similar workflow and broader external integrations. You can also read our detailed Ninja Tables review to understand its features and limitations.
For a more design-focused, all-in-one approach, RioVizual is also worth considering for creating any tables, such as data tables, pricing tables, comparison tables, pros and cons tables, and more. It offers more elements and pre-built templates with advanced customizations.
Ultimately, the best choice depends on the types of tables you need, how comfortable you are with advanced features, and how flexible you want your workflow to be.
If this article helped you make a more informed decision about wpDataTables, feel free to leave a comment. We would love to hear your thoughts.
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