Web push notifications have become a must-have for WordPress sites. They deliver higher open rates than email, don't require users to share personal information, and work across desktop and mobile browsers. But with dozens of plugins and services available, how do you pick the right one?
We've tested and compared the leading push notification solutions for WordPress. Here are the three best options, ranked by value, ease of use, and long-term fit for most site owners.
1. EasyPusher – Best Overall for WordPress
EasyPusher is our top pick for WordPress push notifications. It's built specifically for WordPress, is 100% self-hosted, and offers a genuinely generous free tier that doesn't cripple your growth.
Why EasyPusher wins
- 100% self-hosted. All subscriber data stays in your WordPress database. No third-party ever touches your audience. This matters for GDPR, privacy, and long-term control.
- Free for up to 20,000 subscribers. Unlike many "free" plans that limit features or sending volume, EasyPusher's free tier includes unlimited campaigns, segmentation, scheduling, and analytics. The only difference between plans is subscriber count.
- No pay-per-subscriber trap. Most SaaS push services charge per subscriber. EasyPusher uses flat monthly pricing. At $4.99/mo for 50,000 subscribers, it's dramatically cheaper than competitors at scale.
- WordPress-native. One-click install from the plugin directory. No external dashboards or API keys to juggle. Everything runs inside your WordPress admin.
- Zero impact on performance. The script loads asynchronously and has minimal footprint. Your Core Web Vitals stay intact.
Best for
Publishers, eCommerce stores, membership sites, and anyone who wants full data ownership without sacrificing features or paying per subscriber.
2. OneSignal – Best Free Tier for High Volume
OneSignal is one of the most popular push notification platforms globally. It offers a generous free tier and supports WordPress via a third-party plugin.
Pros
- Free for up to 10,000 subscribers (unlimited sends)
- Widely used, so there's plenty of documentation and community support
- Supports multiple channels (push, email, SMS) in one dashboard
- Good for developers who want API access and custom integrations
Cons
- Data lives on OneSignal's servers. Your subscriber list is hosted by a third party. If you care about data sovereignty or strict GDPR control, this is a drawback.
- WordPress integration is indirect. You'll use a community plugin or custom integration. Setup can be more involved than a purpose-built WordPress solution.
- Pricing scales with subscribers. Beyond the free tier, costs can climb quickly as your list grows.
- Branding on free plan. Free users typically see "Powered by OneSignal" or similar on opt-in prompts.
Best for
Developers and teams who need multi-channel messaging (push + email + SMS) and don't mind their data living on a third-party platform.
3. PushEngage – Best for Marketing Automation
PushEngage is a dedicated push notification service with a strong focus on marketing automation and segmentation. It has a WordPress plugin and offers features like drip campaigns and A/B testing.
Pros
- Advanced automation: drip campaigns, segmentation, and triggered notifications
- A/B testing for opt-in prompts and notification copy
- WordPress plugin available for easier setup
- Good analytics and reporting
Cons
- Expensive at scale. PushEngage pricing is subscriber-based. Plans can reach $99+/month for 10,000 subscribers, and higher tiers get costly quickly.
- Data hosted externally. Like OneSignal, your audience data lives on PushEngage's infrastructure.
- Free tier is limited. The free plan caps at 500 subscribers and restricts features. You'll need to upgrade early.
- Feature bloat. The dashboard can feel overwhelming if you just want simple push notifications without advanced automation.
Best for
Marketing teams who need sophisticated automation, A/B testing, and are willing to pay a premium for those features.
Comparison at a Glance
| Feature | EasyPusher | OneSignal | PushEngage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Free subscribers | 20,000 | 10,000 | 500 |
| Self-hosted / data ownership | Yes | No | No |
| WordPress-native | Yes | Via plugin | Yes |
| Unlimited campaigns (free) | Yes | Yes | Limited |
| Pricing model | Flat monthly | Per subscriber | Per subscriber |
| 50K subs cost | $4.99/mo | ~$50+/mo | ~$99+/mo |
Our Recommendation
For most WordPress site owners, EasyPusher offers the best balance of simplicity, value, and control. You get a true WordPress-native experience, full data ownership, and pricing that doesn't punish you for growing your list.
Choose OneSignal if you need multi-channel messaging (push + email + SMS) and don't mind third-party data hosting. Choose PushEngage if you need advanced automation and A/B testing and have budget for higher-tier plans.
Ready to try EasyPusher? Start free with up to 20,000 subscribers — no credit card required.