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SearchWP Live Ajax Search

By Syed Balkhi

Site Structure & Navigation / Site Search

SearchWP Live Ajax Search Review - In-Depth Analysis

SearchWP Live Ajax Search provides a template powered live search for WordPress themes. It can work independently or in conjunction with SearchWP for enhanced functionality.

Performance Overview

WPS Score

6.9/10

User Rating

4.7/5 (based on 37+ reviews)

Active Installations

50,000+

Update Frequency

Very Good It is calculated using the weighted average of same category plugins.

Security Score

5 / 10 (Medium Risk) It is calculated using the weighted average of all versions.

What It Does

SearchWP Live Ajax Search enables AJAX powered live search for your search forms. It is designed to be a developer's best friend, allowing for extensive customization while remaining unobtrusive. This plugin works seamlessly with any WordPress theme and utilizes a template loader to display search results.

While SearchWP is not required, it enhances the plugin's capabilities. If SearchWP is installed, Live Ajax Search can be customized to utilize various search engines per search form. The plugin allows for significant customization through developer-defined configurations.

Implementation is straightforward, requiring only a single HTML5 data attribute to be added to the search form input field. Additionally, a widget is included, enabling you to place live search forms anywhere on your site.

Comparing to Alternatives

SearchWP Live Ajax Search offers a streamlined live search experience for WordPress sites, standing out among similar plugins like Relevanssi Live Ajax Search.

Top alternatives

Relevanssi Live Ajax Search ( WPS: 6.76)

Strengths

Provides fast, live AJAX search results enhancing user experience.
Easy to integrate with WordPress sites without complex setup.
Lightweight and does not heavily impact site performance.

Weaknesses

Lacks advanced filtering options available in some competitors.
Limited customization features in the free version.
No official pro version limits access to premium functionalities.
Support and updates may be less frequent compared to paid alternatives.

User Sentiment Analysis

User feedback highlights both the plugin's strengths in support and ease of use, as well as frustrations with updates and subscription management.

Positive highlights

"Above and Beyond on support" - sherbetdonkey
"Fantastic plugin and excellent customer service" - neilmarshall81
"Great plugin, using the free version successfully" - serialcode

Common complaints

Major updates causing functionality issues.
Difficulty in canceling subscriptions.
Increasing pricing for pro versions (though not applicable here).

Weaknesses

Some users report bugs after updates.
Limited features in the free version frustrate advanced users.
Subscription management can be cumbersome.

Who Should Use This?

Best for

Users seeking a straightforward, lightweight live search plugin for WordPress without needing advanced features or paid upgrades.

Not ideal for

Those requiring extensive customization, advanced filtering, or premium support features may find this plugin limiting.

Pricing & Value

Free version includes

The free version includes basic live AJAX search functionality suitable for most standard WordPress sites, offering good value without cost.

Final Verdict

SearchWP Live Ajax Search is a solid choice for users wanting a simple, effective live search solution without additional costs.

However, users needing advanced features or premium support should consider alternatives or be prepared for limited functionality in the free version.

Other Notable Features

Here are a few other notable features of this free SearchWP Live Ajax Search plugin.

Ajax

Live search

Screenshots

FAQ

Of course! Full documentation

SearchWP Live Ajax Search will automatically enable itself on any search forms generated with get_search_form(). You can prevent that with the following filter:

add_filter( 'searchwp_live_search_hijack_get_search_form', '__return_false' );

If you would like to manually enable SearchWP Live Ajax Search on a custom search form, simply add the following data attribute to the input you want to hook: data-swplive="true"