Custom post types are essential for building flexible and powerful WordPress websites. Whether you’re creating portfolios, event calendars, real estate listings, products, or testimonials, WordPress custom post type plugins make content management intuitive and structured. In this article, we’ll explore the best WordPress custom post type plugins — both free and paid — to help you choose the right solution for your project needs.
Why Use a WordPress Custom Post Type Plugin?
Before we dive into plugin recommendations, let’s understand why WordPress custom post type plugins matter:
- Better content organization
- Improved admin user experience
- Enhanced SEO capabilities
- Easy filtering and display options
- No coding required
Now let’s look at the most popular plugins that help you create and manage custom post types effortlessly.
Best WordPress Custom Post Type Plugins (Free + Paid)
1. Pods – Custom Content Types and Fields (Free)
Pods is one of the most powerful WordPress custom post type plugins available. It lets you create custom post types, taxonomies, and custom fields (text, image, relationship, repeater, etc.) without writing code.
Key Features:
- Create custom post types and taxonomies
- Add custom fields to posts, users, media, and more
- Relationship and repeater fields
- Template builder and built-in shortcodes
- Integrates well with Elementor and other builders
Best for: Developers and site builders who want flexibility with custom fields and post types.
2. Custom Post Type UI (Free + Add-Ons)
Custom Post Type UI (CPT UI) is one of the most popular WordPress custom post type plugins for beginners and non-developers. It lets you register post types and taxonomies with a friendly interface.
Key Features:
- Easy setup for custom post types and taxonomies
- Bulk edit and import/export settings
- Works with advanced custom fields plugins
Note: CPT UI doesn’t include custom fields — you’ll need a separate plugin like ACF for fields.
Best for: Beginners who need a simple interface to create custom post types.
3. Advanced Custom Fields (Free + ACF Pro)
Advanced Custom Fields (ACF) is a powerful plugin that extends WordPress edit screens with custom fields. It is not a standalone custom post type plugin, but it pairs perfectly with CPT UI or Pods.
Key Features:
- Add fields to posts, users, taxonomy terms, and more
- Flexible content layouts
- ACF Pro adds repeater, flexible content, and gallery fields
- PHP functions, blocks, and conditional logic
Best for: Developers who want advanced field controls alongside custom post types.
4. Toolset (Paid)
Toolset is a premium suite for building complex sites without code. With Toolset, you can create custom post types, custom fields, and templates visually.
Key Features:
- Create everything from the WordPress dashboard
- Front-end forms for user submissions
- Automatic relationships between post types
- SEO and performance-optimized
Best for: Agencies and pros building large, dynamic WordPress sites.
5. JetEngine (Paid, by Crocoblock)
JetEngine is a powerful WordPress custom post type plugin built for Elementor users. It lets you build custom post types, taxonomies, listings, and dynamic templates.
Key Features:
- Custom post types and custom fields
- Dynamic listing grids and item templates
- Calendar, booking, and query builder
- Works seamlessly with Elementor
Best for: Elementor users who want dynamic content and listing templates.
6. Meta Box (Free + Paid Extensions)
Meta Box is a developer-friendly framework that helps you build custom post types, taxonomies, and fields.
Key Features:
- Lightweight and fast
- Full control with PHP or UI generator
- Lots of premium extensions
- Works well with page builders
Best for: Developers who prefer flexibility and performance.
How to Choose the Best WordPress Custom Post Type Plugin
Here’s a quick guide to help you pick:
| Need | Best Pick |
|---|---|
| Complete free solution | Pods |
| Beginner-friendly | CPT UI + ACF |
| Powerful fields | ACF Pro |
| Visual builder | Toolset |
| Elementor integration | JetEngine |
| Developer control | Meta Box |
Conclusion
Custom post types help structure and organize content in WordPress, making your website scalable and SEO-friendly. Whether you want a free solution like Pods or CPT UI, or a premium powerhouse like Toolset or JetEngine, there’s a WordPress custom post type plugin for every user and skill level.
Make sure to match your workflow and project needs with the plugin’s capabilities. With the right choice, you’ll transform your WordPress site into a flexible, powerful content platform.
