A wishlist gives undecided visitors a reason to come back, and gives you a list of the products people want. Many wishlist plugins exist, from very simple to very heavy. Here is what really matters when you compare them.
1. Guests must be able to use it
If visitors have to create an account before saving a product, most will not. The wishlist should work for guests, and be saved to the account for customers who log in.
2. It must work with page caching
Many stores use a page cache. A wishlist that writes its state into the HTML shows the wrong hearts to the wrong visitors. Look for a wishlist that keeps the list in the browser and updates the buttons with a few lines of JavaScript.
3. Buttons where customers look
- A heart on product images in the shop and category pages.
- A clear button next to “Add to cart” on product pages.
- A header link or floating button with a counter, so visitors find their list again.
4. A wishlist page that sells
The list should show price, stock and an add to cart button. Out of stock items should say so, and variable products should link to the product page to choose options.
5. Share links
Before birthdays and Christmas, shared wishlists are free promotion. A simple link anyone can open is enough; no social network integration needed. See does your store need a wishlist?
6. Data for you
A “most wished products” report shows which products people want but do not buy yet: candidates for a sale, better photos or a restock.
7. Weight
Some wishlist plugins add jQuery, several stylesheets and database tables on every page. A wishlist needs a few kilobytes.
Checklist
- Works for guests, synced for logged-in customers
- Compatible with page caching
- Heart in loops, button on product pages, counter
- Add to cart from the list
- Share link
- Most wished report
- No jQuery on the front end
Our option
Wishly ticks every box: browser-based lists for guests, account sync, share links, add to cart from the list and a most wished report. Try the hearts on the live demo.
Frequently asked questions
Is a wishlist useful for a small store?
Yes, especially for gifts, considered purchases and products that sell out.
Do wishlists slow down WooCommerce?
Lightweight ones add only a few kilobytes; avoid plugins that load heavy scripts everywhere.
Can I see what customers save?
With a most wished report, yes, without collecting personal data.