Best Adsense Plugins

By JacobP on

There are currently 229 Adsense plugins on the WordPress Plugin Directory with a wide range of features, implementation methods, and usability. I installed and tested out the most popular of the plugins in search of the best adsense plugin. I rated each on a few metrics such as usability, amount of features, how often they are updated, if the developer offers support, and if the plugin is free or has a premium or pro level. I realized partially through the review process that plugins are developed to solve different problems, some are extremely feature rich and cater to advanced webmasters, while some forgo basic controls in favor of one step ad integration. I won’t be rating each plugin on a numeric scale, but rather listing out key features that attract different types of webmasters.

Below are the 12 best adsense plugins out of the 15 most popular plugins I tested. They are divided into two categories, plugins targeted towards beginners that focus on ease of implementation, and plugins that are targeted towards advanced webmasters who are skilled in WordPress and interested in leveraging advanced features to optimize their Adsense earnings.

There are also some complementary plugins I tested out such that have some great features such as real time click fraud prevention and adsense reporting tools that integrate directly into the WordPress dashboard. I added five of my favorite adsense complementary plugins to the list of plugins, they are sorted by level of difficulty as well.

The Best Adsense Plugins for Beginning Webmasters

Easy Adsense
This plugin is great for beginners, it is easy to implement, has a fair amount of features that are simple to implement, and even helps webmasters stay within Adsense’s terms of service. The development team has been constantly adding features and keeping the plugin compatible with the latest version of WordPress. This plugin does offer a pro version, which includes even more features such as a Safe Filter Content, IP Filter (fraud protection), Shortcodes, the ability to suppress mobile ads, and excerpt ad injection.

This is a plugin that was designed to be easy to use for those without coding skills, and allows webmasters to get started quickly and simply while having a few advanced features that leaves the option for advanced tactics.
Notable Features:

  • Trigger adsense only on page or posts
  • Trigger adsense only when content reaches a certain word count
  • Trigger adsense only for custom post types
  • Forces users to comply with adsenses maximum ads per page
  • Easy cut and paste ad implementation
  • Internationalized / supports multiple languages
  • Customizable borders for ad blocks that triggers on mouse hover

Compatibility: The team behind this plugin is constantly updating, updates are frequently available within one to two days of WordPress updates.
WordPress Rating: 3.4 out of 5 stars
Get the plugin: https://wordpress.org/plugins/easy-adsense-lite/

Adsense Now!
This is another plugin that is geared towards simplicity. It does have one of the quickest setups of all the plugins available, requiring you only copy your Adsense code once into the dashboard. The downside to this approach is that it gives you no control as to where your ads are going to be shown. This could also be listed as a feature for those looking to simply run ads, without the fret of place optimization, etc. This plugin comes with the option to upgrade to Pro for a monthly fee of $3.95, and that does include some advanced features such as IP blocking, and the ability to disable ads from showing on category pages and the like. I would not recommend this plugin, there are better options that provide all the features listed here and more for free.
Notable Features:

  • The least amount of steps necessary to run ads, but at the cost of no control of ad placement.

Compatibility: Very frequently updated, not uncommon for updates to be released alongside or within a few days of a major WordPress update.
WordPress Rating: 3.4 out of 5 stars
Get the Plugin: https://wordpress.org/plugins/adsense-now-lite/

Google Publisher Plugin
This is the only plugin fully endorsed by Google, which makes sense because they developed it themselves. It makes sense that Google is taking WordPress as a platform very seriously since nearly 20% of all websites are currently using the CMS. The development team implemented an innovative ad placement tool, that eliminates ALL coding in favor of a simple click of a button. The plugin renders a display of pages and posts (similar to a page or post preview), and places a clickable button in the header, above the navigation menu, above the page or post title, above the content, within the content, and in the sidebar. If you have ever worked on a frontend editor, it is very similar. All a webmaster needs to do is click the button, and the plugin will place the appropriate ad unit in that position. This makes it great for a WordPress beginner who may have limited experience with shortcodes and editing templates. Another great feature that this plugin implements is the ability to verify a site via Google Webmaster Tools. This further increases the desirability of this plugin for users with limited backend experience on WordPress.

This is a great plugin for beginners, it was the most intuitive ad insertion process. That combined with the fact that it saves time authenticating webmaster tools, and allows webmasters to experiment without worrying about breaching adsense strict policies makes this an excellent plugin choice for those just starting out.
Notable Features:

  • Developed by a top notch team at Google that delivered solid code which is routinely tested and updated.
  • The absolute easiest way to implement adsense, as newbie friendly as they come.
  • Added support for Webmaster Tools site verification
  • Takes the worries of accidently breaking adsense’s terms of service off the table

Compatibility: Very frequently updated, not uncommon for updates to be released alongside or within a few days of a major WordPress update.
WordPress Rating: 3.7 out of 5 stars
Get the Plugin: http://adsense.blogspot.com/2014/01/google-publisher-plugin-beta-bringing.html

WP Simple Adsense Insertion
This plugin brands itself as the simple alternative to the more feature rich plugins on in the plugin directory. However while it is relatively simple, allowing users to input shortcodes into content or directly into theme files, there are much simpler implementations such as the Google Publisher Plugin, and Adsense Now! I would advise choosing another plugin from the list, as this plugin is very light on features and is outperformed in simplicity, which is its main selling point. This plugin does have regular updates, and a responsive developer which is a strong selling point.
Notable Features:

  • This plugin can be used for any type of ad, it doesn’t have to be adsense.
  • Shortcodes that can be implemented into the visual editor, as well as theme files.

Compatibility: Regularly updated, developers are generally responsive to support questions.
WordPress Rating: 3.8 out of 5 stars
Get the Plugin: https://wordpress.org/plugins/wordpress-plugin-for-simple-google-adsense-insertion/

Google Adsense Plugin
This plugin really covers the middle ground, it is fairly easy to use, but hasn’t reached a level of features that would make it overwhelming for beginners. Its only really feature is that really only serves ad units within content and within sidebars. This plugin has a pretty large fan base that chooses to use it because of the support available, and ease of implementation. There are a few reasons to choose this plugin over others, it is available in 13 languages outside of English. Another unique feature is the ability to round the edges of rectangle and large rectangle ad units. While this may or may not increase earnings, it could serve up a more design friendly ad unit.
Notable Features:

  • Constant updates
  • Available in 13 languages in addition to English
  • Capability to round edges of ad units, leading to a potentially more design friendly ad space.

Compatibility: Very frequently updated, not uncommon for updates to be released alongside or within a few days of a major WordPress update.
WordPress Rating: 4.4 out of 5 stars
Get the Plugin: http://wordpress.org/plugins/adsense-plugin/

Google Adsense Dashboard (complimentary plugin)
This plugin is not an ad implementation plugin, but instead gives webmasters the ability to view Adsense reports, and track statistics right on the WordPress dashboard. This plugin has a diverse set of options, making it comprable to the actual reporting area of adsense. While you cannot run some of the more advanced reports or make account changes, you are able to quickly view the most used reports quickly without taking an extra step.
Notable Features:

  • Has the majority of features available at adsense.com.
  • Large enough dashboard to be useful

Compatibility: Regularly updated, developers are generally responsive to support questions.
WordPress Rating: 4.4 out of 5 stars
Get the Plugin: https://wordpress.org/plugins/google-adsense-dashboard-for-wp/
Adsense Explosion
This plugin was very easy to use and gives some great advanced features in a easy to understand format. Adsense Explosion made the list because it combines the standard features with some great value ads like the ability to automatically generate an Adsense privacy policy page, it limits users to three ad blocks per page, and the option to dictate the amount of units depending on the length of content. This is a great plugin for those who aren’t savvy with editing template files, or don’t want to insert shortcodes onto multiple pages, but who want to start experimenting with advanced features.
Notable Features:

  • Effectively combines advanced features into an intuitive dashboard.
  • Translated into multiple languages.
  • Protects publishers by limiting ad units, generating privacy policies, and showing less ads on pages with less content.

Compatibility: Regularly updated, developers are generally responsive to support questions.
WordPress Rating: 4.7 out of 5 stars
Get the Plugin: https://wordpress.org/plugins/adsense-explosion/

Easy Ads
Easy Ads is the sister plugin of Easy Adsense, it has a similar interface and is generally a great all around plugin. Easy Ads has additional features that Easy Adsense does not, and those are the ability to run ads for other networks such as BidVertiser, Chitika, Clicksor, and more. The dashboard is still easy to use, the developer has simply added in a tabs for the different networks. I wouldn’t recommend this plugin for running multiple networks, although that is an advertised feature.
Notable Features:

  • Easy to use dashboard
  • Intuitive implementation
  • Ability to run alternative networks on Easy Adsense’s great platform.

Compatibility: Very frequently updated, not uncommon for updates to be released alongside or within a few days of a major WordPress update.
WordPress Rating: 3.6 out of 5 stars
Get the Plugin: https://wordpress.org/plugins/easy-ads-lite/
Ad Inserter
This plugin made the list because it works great with Adsense, and gives some easy instructions on inserting Amazon contextual ads, Commision Junction, and Clickbank ads. It isnt the easiest plugin to use, but serves as a great starting point for those looking to get started with more than one ad network.
Notable Features:

  • Many different display options
  • Fairly easy to implement, having some understanding of HTML will help

Compatibility: Very frequently updated, not uncommon for updates to be released alongside or within a few days of a major WordPress update.
WordPress Rating: 4.6 out of 5 stars
Get the Plugin: https://wordpress.org/plugins/ad-inserter/

Adsense Extreme
I am simply adding this plugin to the list because it had a fairly large user base just a few years ago. The plugin has not been updated, and has been removed from the WordPress plugin directory due to allegations of the developer inserting his code in the place of the webmasters. If you have an old version of WordPress and come across this plugin, stay away.
Notable Features: N/A
Compatibility: Has not been updated in quite some time.
WordPress Rating: N/A
Get the Plugin: N/A

Beginners Adsense Plugins – Honorable Mention:
Quick Adsense: I feel that this plugin is a little to difficult for an absolute beginner, however it was my favorite plugin that I reviewed, so check it out in the advanced webmaster section below!

The Best Adsense Plugins for Advanced Webmasters

Quick Adsense
This has to be my favorite plugin from the list it is easy enough for a mildly experienced webmaster to implement but has some high level features that pros will love. It lives up to the name “Quick”, and has some really fantastic features that can boost earnings. This plugin also can be used for other ad platforms simultaneously, allowing you to place up to 10 ad units per page – although adsense is strict in that you only use three ad units per page. Although this plugin is the swiss army knife of adsense plugins, one feature that helps it stand on its on is the random ad placement feature which helps minimize ad blindness for returning visitors.
Notable Features:

  • Default ad positioning for quick implementation, easily and automatically places an ad at the beginning, middle and end of your posts. Out of the box this comes with three different setups allowing users to easily split test tried and true ad placements.
  • Capability to specific exact ad placement locations for precision targetting
  • Capability of randomizing ad placements, helping to minimize ad blindness. This is huge for sites that have a large returning user base month after month.
  • No coding abilities, cut and paste shortcodes.
  • Capability to implement 10 ads on a single page or post.

Compatibility: Infrequent updates, but the plugin is is functioning well.
WordPress Rating: 4.2 out of 5 stars
Get the Plugin: http://wordpress.org/plugins/quick-adsense/
Adsense Click-Fraud Monitoring Plugin (complimentary plugin)
This is not an adsense integration plugin, but in my opinion is one of the best adsense plugins available. This is a very innovative plugin, and solves a real world problem that high level webmasters face, Click-Fraud. If you are unfamiliar, Click-Fraud is when a third party maliciously attacks your website by repeatedly clicking your Adsense ads. Google has a very advanced fraud detection system, and is very quick to ban accounts that they suspect of any foul play. While some plugins on this list come with the ability to block an IP address, that is an action that needs to be done manually, meaning the webmaster must first be routinely checking for repeat clicks from the same IP, and then must flag that IP so no further ads are shown to that address. The Adsense Click-Fraud Monitoring Plugin does this all for you in real time, its like having a firewall attached to your site that is constantly monitoring for malicious attacks and handling them in real time.

If you are in a very competitive niche, your site has experienced negative seo attacks in the past, or your account is making enough money that it warrants an extra layer of protection, I highly recommend this plugin. There is a pro version available, which unlocks features like email notification when a user is blocked.
Notable Features:

  • Compatible with every WordPress Theme.
  • Blocks users without having to refresh the site.
  • Email notification when users are blocked (Premium feature).
  • Compatible with content, sidebar, and widget section.
  • Service and support provided by plugin author.

Compatibility: Very frequently updated, not uncommon for updates to be released alongside or within a few days of a major WordPress update.
WordPress Rating: 4.8 out of 5 stars
Get the Plugin: https://wordpress.org/plugins/adsense-click-fraud-monitoring/

WP Insert
WP Insert was designed to be the plugin that could combine all the advanced features into an easy to use dashboard, making it a great choice for all users. While it does have a ton great features, and isn’t limited to adsense ad units, it is still fairly difficult to use, landing it on the advanced webmasters list. This plugin supports the following in addition to adsense, and has been programmed so that you can run them all simultaneously without breaking any terms of service – Yahoo, Adbrite and Chitika are some the major networks that are ready to use out of the box. The dashboard allows webmasters to heavily customize how ads will show, when they will show, and where they will show. An interesting feature that was included with this is the ability to create and manage legal pages that networks require such as privacy policies, terms and conditions and more.
Notable Features:
Ability to run ads from multiple networks simultaneously without breaching the terms of service.
Deeply customizable dashboard gives ability to truly control ad placement on your website.
Legal page creation and maintenance

Compatibility: Very frequently updated, not uncommon for updates to be released alongside or within a few days of a major WordPress update.
WordPress Rating: 4.2 out of 5 stars
Get the Plugin: https://wordpress.org/plugins/wp-insert/

Floating Adsense Bar (complimentary plugin)
This plugin creates a sidebar that follows users as they scroll down the page. This plugin is worthy of a split test for those who have very large amounts of content on a single page. Its worth mentioning that Adsense does not allow ads to be scrolled over content, so ensure that your sidebar has a significant enough distance between your main content to prevent any issues. It isnt the easiest to integrate, and hasnt been updated for some time meaning it takes some extra testing. For that reason I recommend this for advanced webmasters only.
Notable Features:
Allows webmasters to dictate height and width of sidebar, along with right and left side of the website.
Compatible with all ad networks, this plugin is not adsense specific.
Compatibility: This plugin has not been updated in some time, webmasters should test it thoroughly.
WordPress Rating: 3.3 out of 5 stars
Get the Plugin: https://wordpress.org/plugins/floating-adsense-bar/

AdRotate
This is one the most feature rich ad management plugins available for WordPress. It is not specific to Adsense, supporting all ad networks. Some of the more impressive features of this plugin are controlling ad inventory – meaning you can control the amount of pageviews a certain ad unit will display for before being replaced, webmasters can geo tag ads – allowing them to display different offers to different countries or even different zip codes which can really make a difference for lead generation sites.

This plugin even comes with an adblock detection script, and prompts users to disable it! Being very feature rich, this plugin is targeted at high end webmasters, and has built in an advertiser dashboard which allows independent advertisers to log in to your site and manage their ads. It also allows the webmaster to export ad rpeorts to advertisers, reporting on statistics like click through rate, impressions, and more. Feel free to charge advertisers on a CPC, or CPM basis – AdRotate covers you either way!

I strongly feel that webmasters should be well versed in WordPress before installing this plugin, also it is worth mentioning that this plugin will be overkill for most webmasters.
Notable Features:
Stat tracking for each ad unit – it will track all ads, not just adsense ad units.
Geo targeting abilities
Ability to control the duration of ads will display, allowing webmasters to sell their ad inventory in a cpm, cpc, weekly, monthly, or any other imaginable metric.
Creates a custom post type for ads, and gives the ability for webmasters to give ad management privileges to customers or third parties.
Easy to implement with shortcodes, and theme changes.
The majority of features are available in the free version, AdRotate PRO is only a one time payment of 29 pounds.
Compatibility: Regularly updated, developers are generally responsive to support questions.
WordPress Rating: 3.7 out of 5 stars
Get the Plugin: https://wordpress.org/plugins/adrotate/
Simple Ads Manager
This plugin is similar to AdRotate, but in my opinion was not executed as well. This plugin made the list because while it does not have all the features of AdRotate, it is available in English, Russian, German, Belarusian, and Spanish. It is fairly intensive to utilize all of the features, so I recommend AdRotate unless you need a plugin that is translated to one of the above languages.
Notable Features:
Multiple supported languages
Not limited to Adsense, all ad networks are available
Allows for Goolge DoubleClick

Compatibility: Regularly updated, developers are generally responsive to support questions.

WordPress Rating: 3.5 out of 5 stars
Get the Plugin: https://wordpress.org/plugins/simple-ads-manager/

Final thoughts
In order of ease of use I would recommend the following plugins.
1. Adsense Now!
2. Google Publisher Plugin
3. Easy Adsense
4. WP Simple Adsense Insertion
5. Google Adsense Plugin
6. Adsense Explosion
7. Ad Inserter
8. Easy Ads
9. Quick Adsense
10. AdRotate
11. Wp Insert
12. Simple Ads Manager

My personal favorite is Quick Adsense, it really hits the sweet spot between ease of use, and useful features.

If Adsense is your main source of income or you earn enough that you want to protect it, you should definitely take a look at Adsense Click-Fraud Monitoring plugin!

Just a friendly reminder, that Google has an algorithm that dings sites for being too ad heavy above the fold, so keep that in mind when using advanced plugins!