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/ External Permalinks Redux

External Permalinks Redux

By Erick Hitter

Site Administration & Utilities / URL Redirects & 301 Management

Reviewed by Omar Dabbas

Trusted WordPress expert with 20+ years of experience evaluating plugins for the WP ecosystem.

External Permalinks Redux Review - In-Depth Analysis

Redirect WordPress objects to custom URLs. Supports temporary and permanent redirects. Ideal for integrating non-WordPress content.

Performance Overview

WPS Score

7.1/10

User Rating

5/5 (based on 4+ reviews)

Active Installations

2,000+

Update Frequency

Below Average It is calculated using the weighted average of same category plugins.

Security Score

1 / 10 (Very Low Risk) It is calculated using the weighted average of all versions.

What It Does

This plugin allows users to point WordPress objects such as posts, pages, and custom post types to a URL of their choosing. This feature is particularly useful for injecting non-WordPress content into loops. When visitors access the object, they are redirected to the specified URL. The plugin provides options for choosing the type of redirect, either temporary (302) or permanent (301).

Additionally, the External Permalinks Redux meta box can be easily added to custom post types through a filter. There is also a function available for use with WordPress' add_meta_box function.

This plugin was originally developed for WordPress.com VIP and is inspired by Mark Jaquith's Page Links To plugin, ensuring compatibility for users who may want to switch between the two without losing existing external links.

The plugin is translation-ready, making it accessible for a global audience.

Comparing to Alternatives

External Permalinks Redux stands alone in its category with no close direct alternatives available, making it a unique solution for managing external permalinks in WordPress.

Top alternatives

Strengths

Simple and easy to use functionality
Effectively redirects external links as expected
Saves time by handling external permalinks without custom coding
Highly rated with consistent positive user feedback

Weaknesses

Limited customization options such as link target attribute
No pro version or advanced features available
Requires manual theme file edits for some custom behaviors

User Sentiment Analysis

With a perfect 5-star rating from all reviewers, user sentiment is overwhelmingly positive, highlighting the plugin's reliability and ease of use.

Positive highlights

"Worked as expected." — Debraj Rakshit
"Simple yet easy functionality – this is exactly what I was looking for." — bryantighe
"This plugin does almost exactly what I need out of the box." — Howard Harkness
"Works as expected. Maybe you should consider adding the link target." — Emin M.

Common complaints

Weaknesses

Lacks built-in option to open links in new tabs
No advanced features or settings beyond basic redirection
Some users need to modify theme files for additional functionality

Who Should Use This?

Best for

Users seeking a straightforward, no-frills plugin to manage external permalinks with minimal setup and reliable performance.

Not ideal for

Those needing advanced link customization options or preferring a plugin with built-in support for opening links in new tabs without manual code edits.

Pricing & Value

Free version includes

The free version includes all core features necessary to redirect external permalinks effectively, providing full functionality without cost.

Final Verdict

External Permalinks Redux offers a simple and effective solution for managing external links in WordPress, backed by flawless user ratings and no known security issues. Its ease of use and reliability make it a strong choice for users needing basic external permalink management.

However, the lack of advanced features and customization options, such as opening links in new tabs without manual edits, may limit its appeal for users with more complex needs. Overall, it provides excellent value as a free, focused plugin with no direct competitors.

Other Notable Features

Here are a few other notable features of this free External Permalinks Redux plugin.

External Link

Link

Permalink

Redirect

Screenshots

FAQ

Using the epr_post_types filter, one can modify the default array of object types (post and page) to include additional custom post types or remove the plugin from one of the default post types.