Tired of endless scrolling to find the right section in a blog post? 😩 A Table of Contents (TOC) plugin can change that! Imagine turning your long-form content into a well-organized, easy-to-navigate experience — not just for your readers, but also for search engines like Google.
A TOC plugin automatically generates a clickable list of headings, helping readers jump to the sections they care about most. It’s like giving your readers a roadmap to your content, which boosts engagement, reduces bounce rates, and improves SEO.
But with so many TOC plugins out there, how do you pick the right one? 🤔 Don’t worry — we’ve tested the most popular options and handpicked the best Table of Contents plugins for WordPress in 2025 based on performance, customization, SEO benefits, and user experience. Whether you want a simple solution or a fully customizable TOC, we’ve got you covered!
Let’s dive in and find the perfect TOC plugin for your WordPress site!
Benefits of Using a Table of Contents Plugin
A Table of Contents (TOC) plugin isn’t just about making your posts look neat — it delivers real benefits for both your readers and your website’s performance. Here’s why adding a TOC can make a big difference:
1. Improves User Experience
Long-form content can be overwhelming, especially when readers are looking for specific information. A TOC acts as a navigation map that allows users to jump to the section they want without scrolling endlessly. This reduces frustration and makes content easier to consume.
2. Boosts SEO Performance
Google loves well-structured content. TOC plugins can automatically add schema markup to your content, making it easier for search engines to understand the structure of your post. Plus, Google may display “jump-to” links in search results, improving your click-through rate (CTR).
Example: If someone searches for “how to install a WordPress plugin,” your TOC-generated jump links could show “Step 1,” “Step 2,” etc., directly in the search snippet.
3. Increases Dwell Time and Reduces Bounce Rate
When readers can quickly find the information they’re looking for, they’re more likely to stay on the page longer. Increased dwell time signals to Google that your content is valuable — which can positively impact rankings.
4. Enhances Content Organization
A TOC brings structure to your content by automatically generating a clear hierarchy of headings. This makes your content look more professional and easier to follow.
5. Mobile-Friendly Navigation
With most traffic coming from mobile devices, navigation is crucial. TOC plugins with sticky options and smooth scrolling make it easy for mobile users to explore your content without getting lost.
6. Encourages Reader Engagement
Readers are more likely to explore multiple sections of your content when they see a TOC. If they know what’s covered, they’re more inclined to stick around and read more.
What to Look for in a Table of Contents Plugin
Not all TOC plugins are created equal! Here’s what you should consider when choosing the best TOC plugin for your WordPress site:
1. Customization Options
A good TOC plugin should allow you to customize the design to match your website’s branding. Look for options like:
- Adjusting TOC width and alignment.
- Adding or removing specific heading levels (H1, H2, H3…).
- Changing fonts, colors, and bullet styles.
2. Automatic TOC Generation
Manually creating a TOC for every post is time-consuming. The plugin should automatically generate a TOC based on the headings in your content and update it as you add or change headings.
3. Sticky TOC Option
A sticky TOC stays visible as users scroll down the page, providing quick access to different sections without needing to scroll back up. This is especially helpful for large screen users.
4. Performance Impact
A TOC plugin should be lightweight and optimized for speed. Some plugins load unnecessary scripts that slow down your site — avoid those! Look for:
- Minimal CSS and JavaScript files.
- Caching support.
5. Compatibility with WordPress Builders
Make sure the TOC plugin works seamlessly with popular page builders like:
- Gutenberg
- Elementor
- Divi
- Classic Editor
6. Expand/Collapse Option
If your TOC is long, it’s helpful to allow users to collapse or expand it as needed. This keeps your content tidy and user-friendly.
7. Option to Exclude Specific Headings
Sometimes you don’t want every heading to appear in the TOC (like FAQs or footnotes). A good TOC plugin should let you select which headings to include or exclude.
8. Mobile Responsiveness
Since over 60% of web traffic comes from mobile devices, the TOC should adapt smoothly to different screen sizes. Test the plugin on mobile before finalizing it.
9. Price and Support
While there are free TOC plugins available, premium versions often come with better customization options and dedicated support. If you’re building a professional site, investing in a premium plugin may be worth it.
Best Table of Contents WordPress Plugins Overview
| Plugin | Sticky TOC Feature | Free Available | Price | Money-back Guarantee | Free Trial |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sticky Table of Contents | Yes | No | $18 | 7 Days | 3 Days |
| Easy Table of Contents | Yes | Yes | $49 | 30 Days (If issue not solved) | No |
| LuckyWP Table of Contents | No | Yes | – | – | – |
| Table of Contents Plus | No | Yes | – | – | – |
| TOP Table Of Contents | Yes | Yes | $17.99 | 14 Days | No |
5 Best Table of Contents Plugins for WordPress (2025)
After testing and comparing multiple TOC plugins, we’ve narrowed down the list to the top-performing Table of Contents plugins for WordPress in 2025. Whether you’re looking for a free, lightweight option or a feature-rich premium plugin, here are the best choices:
1. Sticky Table of Contents – ⭐ Best Overall
Sticky Table of Contents stands out for its combination of performance, customization, and user experience. Designed to be lightweight and fast, it offers both sticky and inline options, ensuring that the TOC remains accessible while scrolling.
Key Features:
- Sticky TOC for Larger Screen
- Inline TOC for Small Screen
- Auto Adjust TOC Width for Medium Screen
- Sticky TOC with Scrolling Active States
- Active Heading Highlight
- Change Active Heading Highlight Color
- Enable/Disable Active Heading Highlight
- Custom Heading Levels Selection
- Show/Hide TOC
- Collapsible Inline TOC
- Breakpoint Setting
- Smooth Scroll to Headings
Sticky Table of Contents Screenshot:
Pros:
- Easy to set up and use.
- No impact on site speed.
- Clean and professional design.
- SEO friendly.
Cons:
- Only available as a premium plugin.
- Less styling options compared to other plugins.
Pricing:
- Starts from $18/year (includes & 7 days money-back guarantee and 3-day free trial).
2. Easy Table of Contents (Popular Free Option)
As the name suggests, Easy Table of Contents is a beginner-friendly option that automatically generates a TOC based on the headings in your content. It’s widely used for its simplicity and ease of setup.
Key Features:
Free Features:
- Automatically Generate Table of Contents
- Works with All Page Builders
- Enable/Disable for Pages and Posts
- Bullet Formats To Choose
- Supports Smooth Scrolling
Pro features:
- Elementor Widget
- Gutenberg Block
- Fixed/Sticky TOC
- Collapsible Sub Headings
- Read Time
- Highlight Headings
Easy Table of Contents Screenshot:
Pros:
- Available in free and premium versions.
- Compatible with major themes and page builders.
Cons:
- No option to auto-adjust the Sticky TOC width.
- No option to set a Breakpoint.
- Poor look and design for Sticky TOC.
- Higher pricing.
- No free trial.
Pricing:
- Available in free and premium versions. The premium version starts from $49 per year. If the team can’t fix your issue then they will provide a complete refund within 30 days of purchase.
3. LuckyWP Table of Contents
LuckyWP Table of Contents is known for its built-in schema markup, which helps improve search engine visibility. It supports both automatic and manual insertion of TOCs, making it flexible for different content types.
Key Features:
- Automatical Insertion Table of Contents
- Insert by Shortcode, Gutenberg Block or Widget.
- Set Minimum Number of Headings to Display TOC.
- Hierarchical or Linear View
- Customizable Labels
LuckyWP Table of Contents Screenshot:
Pros:
- SEO-friendly.
- Works with most themes and page builders.
- Fast and lightweight.
Cons:
- No sticky TOC option.
- Limited styling options.
- Less features.
Pricing:
- This plugin is available free of cost.
4. Table of Contents Plus
Table of Contents Plus is a popular and user-friendly TOC plugin designed for long pages and custom post types. It automatically creates a table of contents before the first heading.
Key Features:
- Auto Insert for The Selected Content Types
- Show Hierarchy and Number List Items
- Enable Smooth Scroll Effect
- Select Heading Level to Show
Table of Contents Plus Screenshot:
Pros:
- Completely free to use.
- Easy to set up and automatic insertion.
- Compatible with most themes and page builders.
Cons:
- No sticky TOC option.
- Limited styling and design options.
- Less features.
Pricing:
- This is a completely free plugin.
5. TOP Table Of Contents
This plugin offers many styling options including the premade templates. You can adjust colour, shadow, font size, padding, and many more to make custom designs for the Table of Contents.
Key Features:
Free Features:
- Auto Insert TOC Into Posts Or Pages
- Select Headings to Show
- Manually Insert TOC By Shortcode
- Options For Bulleted, Numbered, Or Plain Lists
- Customize Font Size, Font Weight Options
- Insert With Shortcodes, Gutenberg Blocks, Or Widgets
- Smooth Scrolling.
Premium Features:
- Sticky TOC
- Active Heading Navigation
- Premade Templates
TOP Table Of Contents Screenshot:
Pros:
- Offers sticky TOC on scroll.
- Highly customizable
- Multiple display styles
Cons:
- No auto adjust Sticky TOC width.
- No option to set a breakpoint.
- May cause minor conflicts with some themes or page builders.
Pricing:
- It is available in free and premium versions. The premium version starts from $17.99 per year with 14 days money-back guarantee.
FAQs
Yes, but it depends on the plugin. Lightweight TOC plugins like Sticky Table of Contents and Easy TOC are optimized for performance and have minimal impact on page load time. Heavier plugins with more features may slow down your site slightly if not properly optimized.
Yes, most TOC plugins allow you to customize the design.
Yes, most TOC plugins let you exclude specific heading levels (like H1 or H2) or manually remove certain headings from the TOC. This is helpful when you don’t want to clutter the TOC with minor headings.
Sticky TOC – Remains visible on the screen as you scroll, making it easy to access.
Inline TOC – Placed at the top or within the content and doesn’t move when scrolling.
Sticky TOC is ideal for long-form content where quick navigation is essential.
No, using multiple TOC plugins can cause conflicts and styling issues. It’s best to test and stick with one plugin that meets your needs.
Easy Table of Contents is the best free option. They provide automatic TOC generation, smooth scrolling, and basic customization options without any cost.
Sticky Table of Contents is the best premium plugin. It is a simple and lightweight plugin that offers both a Sticky and Inline table of contents with auto adjust feature for medium screens.
Conclusion
A Table of Contents plugin is more than just a simple list of headings — it’s a powerful tool that improves navigation, boosts SEO, and enhances the overall user experience. By helping readers quickly find what they’re looking for, you increase engagement and reduce bounce rates — both of which are important ranking factors for search engines like Google.
If you’re looking for the best all-around option, Sticky Table of Contents by WPEasyTools stands out with its lightweight design, smooth performance, and full customization options. For a reliable free solution, Easy Table of Contents and LuckyWP TOC are excellent choices. If you want a premium, design-focused solution, Heroic TOC delivers a polished look and advanced features. And if speed is your top priority, Simple TOC offers a minimal, fast-loading solution.
A well-organized post is a successful post — so why not make it easy for your readers to find what they need? Install a TOC plugin today and watch your engagement and rankings soar!