WordPress Productivity: A Fun Dive into WordPress Admin Tools

So, you’ve heard about this hot new tool called CommandUI, and now you’re wondering if it’s as impressive as people say—or if there are other options worth exploring. Grab a coffee (or your beverage of choice), and let’s chat about CommandUI and three other contenders in the WordPress admin tool arena. Let’s also be clear, as of the writing of this article, we truly only tested CommandUI. Once we get our hands on the others, we will update, if possible. We just wanted to make sure we got the word out of all the possible alternatives. Now lets get into it…

The Lineup: CommandUI, Turbo Admin, Admin Page Spider, and WP Command Palette

In this article, we’ll take a closer look at four top contenders in the world of WordPress admin tools:

1. CommandUI: The new kid on the block
2. Turbo Admin: The browser extension with a free plugin sidekick
3. Admin Page Spider: The lightweight productivity booster
4. WP Command Palette: The built-in WordPress solution

Let’s dive into each one and see what they’re all about!

CommandUI: The Shiny New Toy

What’s the Deal?

CommandUI is the latest talk of the town, offering a command bar that’s like having a personal assistant for your WordPress site—minus the awkward small talk.

Pros

• Lightning-fast plugin installation, no more endless scrolling
• Quick custom post type (CPT) searching
• Streamlined site navigation that can make anyone feel like a WordPress superhero
• Great for users who rely on assistive tech

Cons

• As a newcomer, it might come with some growing pains
• Pricey compared to other tools on this list

Who’s it For?

If you’re a WordPress power user or developer managing multiple sites and loving keyboard shortcuts, CommandUI could be your new best friend.

Turbo Admin: The Browser Extension with a Sidekick

What’s the Scoop?

Turbo Admin, available as a browser extension and free plugin, brings a command palette to your WordPress dashboard and some extra tools to enhance productivity.

Pros

• Works across multiple WordPress sites (as a browser extension)
• Customizable keyboard shortcuts
• Features like notice hiding and live/dev site labels
• One-time purchase of $35 for unlimited sites

Cons

• Certain features are exclusive to the browser extension
• Not compatible with Safari

Who’s it For?

If you’re jumping between multiple WordPress sites and want a consistent experience across all of them, Turbo Admin could be a perfect match.

Admin Page Spider: The Lightweight Productivity Ninja

What’s the Deal?

Admin Page Spider is a compact plugin that adds a quick-access menu to your admin bar, letting you navigate your site faster than ever.

Pros

• Super lightweight at only 63kb!
• Integrates smoothly with popular page builders and plugins
• White labeling options available
• Affordable, starting at $10.99/year for 5 sites

Cons

• Some advanced features only available in paid versions
• May require a learning curve if you’re used to traditional WordPress navigation

Who’s it For?

If you’re looking for a simple, affordable solution to boost productivity, Admin Page Spider could be a great addition to your workflow.

WP Command Palette: The Built-in Solution

What’s the Scoop?

WP Command Palette is a new feature built into WordPress (starting from version 6.3), allowing you to navigate your site and access common tasks via a handy keyboard shortcut.

Pros

• Free and built into WordPress, no extra installation required
• Allows developers to add custom functionality

Cons

• Limited functionality in its early stages
• Only available in the site editor and post editor (currently)

Who’s it For?

If you’re a WordPress purist who likes to keep things simple and avoid extra plugins, WP Command Palette might be right up your alley.

Choosing Your WordPress Productivity Tool

With so many great options, here’s a quick breakdown to help you choose:

1. CommandUI: For cutting-edge power users who want the latest features.
2. Turbo Admin: Ideal for managing multiple sites with a consistent experience.
3. Admin Page Spider: Great for those seeking an affordable, lightweight productivity boost.
4. WP Command Palette: Perfect for minimalists preferring built-in solutions.

Why Use These Tools?

You might wonder, “Why do I need these tools when my regular WordPress dashboard works fine?” Think of them as upgrading from a bicycle to a sports car. These tools streamline your dashboard experience, allowing you to navigate quickly, find settings easily, and work with commands and shortcuts to save time. Whether you’re a developer juggling client sites, a content creator with a busy blog, or simply someone wanting a smoother WordPress experience, these tools can be game-changers.

The Bottom Line

Choosing between CommandUI, Turbo Admin, Admin Page Spider, and WP Command Palette boils down to your needs, budget, and workflow preferences.

• CommandUI: The exciting newcomer for those wanting cutting-edge productivity.
• Turbo Admin: The reliable option for site managers, especially with its unlimited site license.
• Admin Page Spider: A budget-friendly choice with seamless integrations.
• WP Command Palette: The minimalist’s solution, no extra installation needed.

No matter which one you choose, each tool offers a step toward a more efficient WordPress workflow. Spend less time clicking through the dashboard and more time doing what you love.

So go ahead, give one (or all) of these tools a try. Your WordPress site—and your sanity—will thank you.

Happy WordPressing!