Choosing the right software
Prepare a mapping of old URLs to their closest replacement before activating redirects. Avoid sending every missing page to the homepage, which obscures genuine errors. Test status codes, query parameters and redirect chains. Check whether rules execute in WordPress or at the server layer, and keep an export so site moves do not silently discard the mapping.
This shortlist covers 5 currently listed WordPress options selected from 46 catalog records with supported evidence for this use case. Each included record has an official directory URL, a recent metadata check and a recorded upstream update within two years. The selection prioritizes a matching stated purpose, then reported adoption as a tie-breaker. It is not a hands-on performance ranking or a security endorsement. The snapshot was prepared on 2026-10-02.
1. Redirection. Source description: “Manage 301 redirects, track 404 errors, and improve your site. No knowledge of Apache or Nginx”. Deployment: WordPress 6.7 / PHP 7.4. Listed version 5.10.1. 2,000,000 active installations reported by WordPress.org. The source identifies the developer as John Godley. Its directory metadata records testing through WordPress 7.1.2; this is an upstream compatibility declaration, not a BuyPHP test. Compare the listed 5.10.1 release with the version available when you install. The upstream update recorded for this candidate is 2026-09-19. Open its product record for the attributed facts and official download route before adding it to your implementation plan.
2. 301 Redirects. Source description: “Manage 301 & 302 redirects. Simple redirection & redirects validation. Includes redirect stats & 404 error”. Deployment: WordPress 4.0 / PHP 5.2. Listed version 2.85. 300,000 active installations reported by WordPress.org. The source identifies the developer as WebFactory. Its directory metadata records testing through WordPress 7.1.2; this is an upstream compatibility declaration, not a BuyPHP test. Compare the listed 2.85 release with the version available when you install. The upstream update recorded for this candidate is 2026-08-15. Open its product record for the attributed facts and official download route before adding it to your implementation plan.
3. Simple 301 Redirects By BetterLinks. Source description: “Simple 301 Redirects provides an easy method of redirecting requests to another page on your site or elsewhere…”. Deployment: WordPress 5.3 / PHP 7.4. Listed version 2.1.0. 100,000 active installations reported by WordPress.org. The source identifies the developer as WPDeveloper. Its directory metadata records testing through WordPress 7.0.6; this is an upstream compatibility declaration, not a BuyPHP test. Compare the listed 2.1.0 release with the version available when you install. The upstream update recorded for this candidate is 2026-05-20. Open its product record for the attributed facts and official download route before adding it to your implementation plan.
4. Easy HTTPS Redirection (SSL). Source description: “The plugin allows an automatic redirection to the "HTTPS" version/URL of the site. Make your site SSL compatible…”. Deployment: WordPress 6.5 / PHP. Listed version 2.0.1. 100,000 active installations reported by WordPress.org. The source identifies the developer as mra13 / Team Tips and Tricks HQ. Its directory metadata records testing through WordPress 7.1.2; this is an upstream compatibility declaration, not a BuyPHP test. Compare the listed 2.0.1 release with the version available when you install. The upstream update recorded for this candidate is 2026-08-17. Open its product record for the attributed facts and official download route before adding it to your implementation plan.
5. 404 to 301. Source description: “Redirect manager for 301, 302 and 307 redirection. Monitor and fix 404 errors, log every broken link and…”. Deployment: WordPress 6.6 / PHP 7.4. Listed version 4.0.5. 100,000 active installations reported by WordPress.org. The source identifies the developer as Syed Balkhi. Its directory metadata records testing through WordPress 7.1.2; this is an upstream compatibility declaration, not a BuyPHP test. Compare the listed 4.0.5 release with the version available when you install. The upstream update recorded for this candidate is 2026-09-30. Open its product record for the attributed facts and official download route before adding it to your implementation plan.
Compatibility comparison: 5 distinct prerequisite statements are recorded across this shortlist. WordPress 6.7 / PHP 7.4; WordPress 4.0 / PHP 5.2; WordPress 5.3 / PHP 7.4; WordPress 6.5 / PHP; WordPress 6.6 / PHP 7.4. Match these minimum requirements to your actual PHP and WordPress versions, then test the specific workflow on a copy of your site. A minimum version is not a promise that every theme, extension or newer runtime combination works. Missing integration evidence should remain a question for the developer.
Before choosing, use the linked product records to check current prerequisites and source timestamps. Ask the developer about edition-specific capabilities, update support and any external service account needed. Source metadata helps create a practical shortlist, but deployment quality still depends on your configuration, content and integrations. No price or feature should be treated as verified unless its source is recorded.