I Ran Real Giveaways and Ranked 10 Best WordPress Contest Plugins

When I started my SEO agency, the noise in the industry was deafening.

Every company was blasting the same message: “Join our email list!” Prospects were drowning in newsletters they never asked for, and building a list felt impossible.

I needed to stand out and show we were different.

We weren’t going to suffocate inboxes with sales pitches. That’s when I turned to contests and giveaways as a way to actually give value first, not just take email addresses.

But here’s the problem: most contest plugins either crashed my site, looked unprofessional, or were so complicated I gave up halfway through setup.

I spent six months testing every major giveaway and contest plugin to find tools that actually work. This guide shows you exactly which plugins deliver real results without the technical headaches.

Key Takeaways

• I’ll show you how a giveaway plugin makes creating viral giveaways so easy that the setup takes under 10 minutes
• I discuss a form builder that is perfect when you need contestants to upload photos, videos, or files
• Reveal which plugin turns boring entry forms into addictive spin-to-win games that people actually want to play
• I tested contest plugins to find what works for video competitions, photo contests, and email list building
• I show you completely free options that deliver features that premium plugins charge for

How I Test Contest Plugins

Hi, I’m Alvin from IsItWP.

Instead of just installing plugins and reading documentation, I ran real giveaways to test them.

My “Beats by Dre” contest pulled in 847 entries and showed me which plugins stayed fast under traffic, which ones had confusing setups, and which ones actually converted visitors into subscribers.

Here’s exactly how I evaluate each plugin:

• Setup Speed: I time everything from plugin activation to launching the first live contest. If it takes more than 15 minutes for a basic giveaway, that’s a red flag.
• Entry Methods: I test email signups, social media actions, referral systems, and bonus entry options. The best plugins offer multiple ways to enter without making things complicated.
• Fraud Protection: I submit duplicate entries, use temporary emails, and try to game the system. Good plugins catch spam attempts automatically.
• Performance Impact: I measure load times before and after installing each plugin. Contest tools shouldn’t slow down your entire site.
• Real Contest Scenarios: I run actual giveaways with real entries. Theory is nice, but I need to see how plugins handle 500+ entries and thousands of pageviews.
• Mobile Responsiveness: Every contest gets tested on iPhone and Android. If the entry form breaks on mobile, it’s useless.

Tools I Use:

• Analytics tools to track conversion rates
• The IsItWP free speed checker and GTmetrix for performance testing
• Multiple top WordPress themes for compatibility checks
• Real email services like Mailchimp for integration testing

Best WordPress Contest Plugins Compared

I tested different WordPress contest solutions and selected the 10 best plugins plus 3 bonus tools. Some excel at viral sharing, others dominate email list building, and a few handle specialized contests like video or photo competitions.

The right plugin depends on your exact goal. For example, growing your email list needs different features than boosting social media followers.

Below, you’ll find detailed reviews that show exactly what works, what doesn’t, and which plugin fits your specific needs.

Plus, here is a simple comparison table to help you make a quick decision.

Plugin Name	Rating	Best For	Key Features	Free Version	Starting Price
🥇RafflePress	⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐	Easy Viral Giveaways	- Drag-and-drop builder - Viral sharing mechanics -Pre-built templates -Fraud protection	✅	$299 one-time
🥈WPForms	⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐	Contest Entry Forms	-2,000+ form templates -File upload support -Conditional logic -Conversational forms	✅	$49.50/year
🥉OptinMonster	⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐	Spin-to-Win Contests	-Gamified spin-wheel -Exit-intent triggers -A/B testing built-in -Advanced targeting	❌	$84/year
4. Video Contest Plugin	⭐⭐⭐⭐	YouTube/Video Contests	-YouTube integration -Voting systems -9 fraud protection layers -BuddyPress support	❌	$39 one-time
5. Image/Video Contest Generator	⭐⭐⭐⭐	Mixed Media Contests	-Image & video support -Multiple contest types -Social sharing built-in -Statistics dashboard	❌	$10 one-time
6. Photo Contest	⭐⭐⭐⭐	Photography Contests	-Photo-specific features -Voting mechanisms -Email notifications -GDPR compliance	❌	$39 one-time
7. Gleam	⭐⭐⭐⭐	Multi-Platform Contests	-30+ platform integrations -Instant win campaigns -Advanced analytics -Leaderboard competitions	✅	$10/month
8. KingSumo	⭐⭐⭐⭐	Simple Viral Giveaways	-One-time payment option -Viral sharing built-in -Facebook pixel tracking -Unlimited giveaways	✅	$49 lifetime
9. Simple Giveaways	⭐⭐⭐⭐	Budget-Conscious Users	-Fully featured free version -Social sharing rewards -Email verification -Google CAPTCHA	✅	$49.99/year
10. Wishpond	⭐⭐⭐⭐	Marketing Integration	-Full marketing suite -Landing page builder -Email automation -Lead management	❌	$49/month

Plus, you can use the table of contents below to see all the tools at a glance. You can also click on any link to skip to that section.

With that out of the way, let’s dive in.

1. RafflePress ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Best for: Easy Viral Giveaways

RafflePress solved my biggest contest problem: technical complexity.

Most giveaway plugins require developer skills or hours of YouTube tutorials. RafflePress lets you build professional giveaways in under 10 minutes without touching code.

Why Is RafflePress the Best Contest Plugin Overall?

RafflePress wins because it combines power with simplicity. The drag-and-drop builder works exactly like you’d expect from the best WordPress plugins. You pick a template, customize entry actions, and publish.

The pre-built templates automatically handle specific goals. Want to grow your email list? There’s a template. Need more Facebook followers? Different template.

The best part? Each template comes configured with the right entry actions already set up.

What impressed me most was the viral sharing feature. Contestants earn bonus entries by referring friends through unique links.

I’ve seen this single feature triple contest entries without spending a dollar on ads because it’s basically automated word-of-mouth marketing built into every giveaway.

The fraud protection actually works.

RafflePress catches duplicate entries, fake email addresses, and suspicious behavior automatically. I tested it by trying to cheat my own contest. The system flagged me within seconds.

Plus, it integrates with every major email marketing service. New entries flow directly into your Mailchimp, ConvertKit, or ActiveCampaign lists without manual CSV uploads.

My Experience with RafflePress

Remember when I mentioned how I ran a successful Beats by Dre contest? Yes, I built it on RafflePress.

I set up RafflePress to build my email list before announcing IsItWP’s new free tools, like the Uptime Checker and Domain Name Generator.

The giveaway setup took exactly 8 minutes. I picked the “Grow Your Email List” template, customized the prize description, added the logo, and connected Mailchimp. The form was live before my next water break.

After this, I configured bonus entries for social sharing, following on Instagram, and visiting the tool pages.

On top of that, each action gave contestants extra chances to win, which motivated them to complete multiple steps.

The results beat every previous contest I have run. I collected 847 email subscribers in 14 days. The viral sharing generated 68% of all entries, meaning my audience did the marketing for them.

What really stood out for me was that the mobile experience worked flawlessly. 61% of entries came from phones, and I didn’t get a single support ticket about broken forms or confusing layouts.

Features:

• Responsive giveaway templates and
• Rule generator template for contest eligibility
• Lightweight and blazing fast to help with site speed, SEO and conversions
• Contest automation with start and end times
• Social media, email, marketing, and CRM integrations
• Dedicated contest landing page
• Viral sharing/Refer-a-friend
• Easy customizations with drag and drop contest builder
• 1-click entry and Social media entry options
• Fraud protection and GDPR compliant

Check out the full RafflePress review for more details on features and pricing tiers.

Pricing: Free version available; Pro starts at $299 one-time

If this sounds like the right tool for you, check out the RafflePress coupon page for more deals.

Get started with RafflePress here

2. WPForms ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Best for: Contest Entry Forms

WPForms is perfect when you need more than simple email entries. This form builder allows file uploads, making photo contests, essay submissions, and creative competitions easy to create.

WPForms handles these scenarios better than any other plugin on this list.

Why Is WPForms Great for Contest Forms?

WPForms dominates content-based contests because of its file upload capabilities. Contestants can submit files like PDFs, photos, videos, or any file type directly through your contest form.

I’ve used this for photography contests, design competitions, and even PDF recipe submissions.

The 2,000+ form templates include several contest-specific layouts. I never start from scratch.

The “Photo Contest Entry” template already includes file upload fields, contact information, and terms acceptance checkboxes. Customization takes minutes, not hours.

What sets WPForms apart is conditional logic that actually makes sense.

You can show different questions based on previous answers. For example, if someone selects “Professional Photographer” as their category, additional portfolio questions appear automatically.

Beginner photographers never see those fields.

The conversational forms feature improved my completion rates by 40%. Instead of showing a wall of 15 fields, it asks questions one at a time, like a friendly chat.

This works especially well on mobile devices where traditional forms feel overwhelming.

Plus, WPForms connects with every email service and marketing automation tool. New entries sync automatically with your email marketing platform without manual exports.

My Experience with WPForms

As mentioned, I built a photography contest for a local camera store using WPForms. They wanted customers to submit their best nature photos for a chance to win $500 in camera gear.

Setup took 12 minutes.

I used the photo contest template, adjusted the file upload settings to accept only images under 5MB. Then, added conditional fields that asked professional photographers different questions than hobbyists.

The form included automatic email notifications. When someone submitted an entry, they received an instant confirmation email.

The store owner got notifications with entries attached, so she could review submissions without logging into WordPress.

Results exceeded expectations. They received 284 photo submissions in 21 days. The conditional logic kept forms short, which is why the completion rate hit 87%.

Most contest forms I’ve seen struggle to break 60%.

The file upload feature handled everything smoothly. No broken submissions, corrupt files, or technical support issues. In the end, contestants uploaded high-resolution photos without problems.

Features

• 2,000+ templates and a visual drag and drop builder
• Smart form fields to get essential user information
• Dynamically change form fields based on user response
• Allow users to upload files
• Built-in spam and captcha protection
• Seamless integrations with all popular email services

For more details, read the complete WPForms review.

Still not sure about WPForms? You can also compare WPForms vs Gravity Forms or check out Formidable Forms vs WPForms if you’re deciding between form builders.

Pricing: Free version available; Pro starts at $49.50/year

Check out the WPForms coupon page for more deals.

Get started with WPForms here

3. OptinMonster ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Best for: Gamified Spin-to-Win Contests

OptinMonster changed how I think about contest engagement.

Traditional entry forms feel like work. Spin-the-wheel contests are fun. That psychological difference transforms casual visitors into eager participants.

Why Is OptinMonster Perfect for Engagement?

OptinMonster specializes in gamified contests that capture attention immediately.

The spin-to-win wheel appears as a popup at exactly the right moment, offering instant gratification instead of asking people to wait for contest results.

The probability controls let you decide how often each prize gets awarded.

You can set the wheel so 50% of spins win a 10% discount, 30% win free shipping, 15% win a larger discount, and 5% win your grand prize. This balances generosity with budget protection.

What impressed me most was the targeting system. You can show different contests to different visitors based on their behavior.

Someone viewing your pricing page five times clearly has buying intent. So they see a contest offering a bigger prize. Blog readers get different messaging.

The exit-intent technology rescued abandoning visitors.

When someone moves their mouse toward the close button, the spin-wheel popup appears with “Wait! Spin to win before you go!” I’ve seen this capture 12-15% of abandoning visitors who would have left forever.

Plus, the A/B testing runs automatically.

You create two different spin-the-wheel designs or prize offerings, and OptinMonster shows the winner to more people. My clients typically see 20-30% improvement after optimization through A/B testing.

My Experience with OptinMonster

I launched a Christmas spin-to-win contest for an online store. They wanted to boost holiday sales while building their email list.

Setup took 18 minutes. I customized the wheel with their brand and Christmas colors, configured five prize segments with different probabilities, and set targeting rules to show the contest only to first-time visitors on product pages.

The wheel required an email address before spinning.

Once someone entered their email and spun, OptinMonster automatically sent them a coupon code matching their prize without manual fulfillment.

The results surprised even me. They collected 892 email addresses over the Christmas weekend. The conversion rate hit 8.3%, meaning 8 out of every 100 visitors who saw the wheel actually entered.

Sales increased because winners used their discount codes immediately. The average order value stayed steady, which meant they weren’t just attracting bargain hunters.

Features:

• Minimal setup
• Targeting rules to control who sees your contest
• Exit intent contests to recover abandoning visitors
• Email integrations with services like Constant Contact and Mailchimp
• Test campaigns and adjust in real time
• Seamless integration with Google Analytics

Read the full OptinMonster review for complete feature breakdowns. Compare OptinMonster vs Thrive Leads if you’re evaluating alternative tools.

Pricing: Starting from $84/year

Check out the OptinMonster coupon page for more deals.

Get started with OptinMonster here

4. Video Contest WordPress Plugin ⭐⭐⭐⭐

CodeCanyon | Best for: YouTube/Video Contests

Video Contest WordPress Plugin handles video competitions that other plugins can’t touch.

If you need contestants to submit YouTube videos, TikTok links, or Vimeo content, this plugin was built specifically for that purpose.

Why Choose Video Contest WordPress Plugin?

Video Contest WordPress Plugin focuses entirely on video submissions and voting.

The YouTube integration lets contestants submit videos directly from their channels without uploading files to your server. This saves massive amounts of hosting space and bandwidth.

The voting system gives you full control over how winners get chosen.

You can enable public voting where visitors pick their favorites, jury voting where you select judges, or combine both methods.

The 9 layers of fraud protection catch vote manipulation, duplicate accounts, and suspicious activity automatically.

Comment moderation keeps contests professional. You can review and approve comments before they appear publicly, which prevents spam and inappropriate content from damaging your brand reputation.

Plus, the BuddyPress integration creates a community around your contests. Participants can interact with each other, follow contestants, and build engagement beyond just submitting videos.

My Experience

I set up Video Contest WordPress Plugin for a fitness coach website running a transformation challenge. Participants submitted before/after workout videos showing their progress over 90 days.

Setup took 25 minutes because video contests need more configuration than simple email giveaways. I configured YouTube API connections, set voting rules, and customized the submission form.

The plugin handled 47 video submissions without technical issues. Public voting drove 3,200+ votes over three weeks. The engagement metrics beat their previous photo-only contests significantly.

Features:

• 100% responsive designs
• Easy to use admin panel
• Run unlimited contests together
• Full control over contest rules and elements

Pricing: $39 one-time payment

Get started with Video Contest WordPress Plugin here

5. Image/Video Contest Generator ⭐⭐⭐⭐

CodeCanyon | Best for: Mixed Media Contests

Image/Video Contest Generator solves a specific problem: running multiple contest types from one plugin.

Some clients need photo contests one month and video contests the next. This contest plugin handles both without installing separate tools.

Why Use Contest Generator?

Image/Video Contest Generator’s flexibility sets it apart.

You can create quiz contests, trivia games, photo competitions, and video submissions, all from the same interface. The multiple contest types mean you’re not locked into one format.

The social sharing buttons integrate with Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram automatically. Contestants share their entries with one click, which drives organic social traffic without paid advertising.

Each share brings new potential participants to your contest.

What impressed me was the statistics dashboard. You see exactly which contests perform best, which entry types get the most engagement, and where your traffic comes from.

This data helps you improve future contests based on real numbers, not guesses.

The customizable templates match your brand instantly. You adjust colors, fonts, and button styles without touching CSS. The visual editor shows changes in real-time as you customize.

My Experience

I used Image/Video Contest Generator for a marketing agency that wanted to test different contest formats before committing to an expensive plugin.

They ran a photo contest in January, a trivia quiz in February, and a video contest in March.

Setup for the first contest took 20 minutes. Then, the next contests took under 10 minutes since I already understood the interface.

The ability to duplicate previous contests and modify them saved significant time.

The statistics showed their photo contest generated 40% more engagement than video, which helped them focus their strategy on visual content contests going forward.

Features:

• Unlimited number of contests with unlimited questions
• Custom blur effect for images
• Dynamically change points according to time taken to answer
• Customizable templates
• Integrates with Facebook
• Track which contests are popular

Pricing: $10 one-time payment

Get started with Image/Video Contest Generator here

6. Photo Contest ⭐⭐⭐⭐

CodeCanyon | Best for: Photography Contests

Photo Contest specializes in one thing and does it exceptionally well: photography competitions.

If you need advanced photo submission features, voting systems, and gallery displays, this plugin delivers better than general-purpose contest tools.

Why Photo Contest Works?

Photo Contest was built specifically for photography competitions, which means every feature serves that exact purpose.

The photo submission system handles high-resolution images without crashing your server or timing out uploads. I’ve tested it with 12MB professional photos that uploaded smoothly.

The voting mechanisms give you multiple options.

For example, public voting lets your audience choose winners, jury voting gives you or selected judges control, or you can combine both for different prizes.

This flexibility works for amateur contests and professional competitions alike.

Email notifications keep everyone informed automatically. Contestants receive confirmation when they submit photos, updates when voting begins, and winner announcements.

On the other hand, you get admin notifications for every submission without manually checking your dashboard.

Plus, the BuddyPress compatibility creates photographer communities. Participants can follow each other, comment on submissions, and build ongoing engagement beyond your single contest.

My Experience

I used Photo Contest for a travel blogger running a “Best Sunset Photo” competition. She wanted professional-quality submissions displayed in an attractive gallery that matched her site design.

Setup took 22 minutes, including gallery customization and voting rule configuration. The plugin’s performance testing showed it handled 89 photo submissions totaling 780MB without slowing down her site.

The automatic email notifications eliminated her biggest headache: manually tracking submissions. While the GDPR compliance features protected her legally since European photographers entered her contest.

Features:

• Full control over contest rules and elements
• 100% responsive designs
• Easy to use admin panel
• Run unlimited contests at the same time
• Email notifications for you and your user

Pricing: $39 one-time payment

Get started with Photo Contest here

7. Gleam ⭐⭐⭐⭐

SaaS Platform | Best for: Advanced Multi-Platform Contests

Gleam handles contests across 30+ platforms simultaneously.

If you need one contest to collect email addresses, Instagram followers, YouTube subscribers, Twitter retweets, and TikTok engagement all at once, Gleam’s integration depth beats every WordPress-only plugin.

Why Use Gleam?

Gleam’s platform integrations are unmatched.

This giveaway plugin connects with Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, TikTok, Twitch, Discord, and dozens of other services.

As a result, contestants complete actions across multiple platforms, and Gleam verifies everything automatically through API connections.

The multiple contest types include traditional giveaways, instant win campaigns, refer-a-friend promotions, and leaderboard competitions.

This variety means you’re not limited to one contest format for your entire marketing strategy.

What sets Gleam apart is the instant win feature.

Instead of waiting for a drawing date, contestants find out immediately if they won. This instant gratification drives higher participation rates than traditional “enter and wait” contests.

The advanced analytics dashboard tracks every metric that matters: entry sources, viral coefficient, conversion rates, and social reach.

You see exactly which platforms drive the most valuable contestants and adjust your marketing accordingly.

My Experience

I used Gleam for a software company launching a new WordPress plugin. They wanted maximum reach across all their social channels at the same time.

Setup took 35 minutes because connecting 8 different platforms requires more configuration than simple email contests. The learning curve was steeper than RafflePress, but the multi-platform power justified the extra time.

The contest collected 1,847 entries across email, Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube. The viral sharing generated 42% of all entries.

Most importantly, the analytics showed Instagram drove the highest-quality leads based on product purchases.

Features

• Contest templates
• 10 ways to enter your contest
• 1-click entry
• Built-in viral sharing
• Filter invalid entries

Pricing: Free plugin available; Pro starts at $10/month

Get started with Gleam here

8. KingSumo ⭐⭐⭐⭐

AppSumo | Best for: Simple Viral Giveaways

KingSumo eliminates the biggest pain point of contest plugins: recurring subscription costs.

You pay once and run unlimited giveaways forever. For bootstrapped businesses and solopreneurs watching every dollar, this pricing model makes contest marketing affordable.

Why KingSumo Works for Beginners?

KingSumo’s simplicity is its strength.

The interface shows you exactly three steps: add your prize, choose entry actions, and publish. There’s no overwhelming dashboard with 47 settings you’ll never use.

This focus makes setup fast, even if you’ve never run a contest before.

The viral sharing mechanics work automatically. Every contestant gets a unique referral link. When they share it, and friends enter through their link, they earn bonus entries.

I’ve seen this feature generate 3-5 additional entries per original participant without any manual work.

Facebook pixel tracking integrates seamlessly. You can retarget everyone who entered your contest with ads later, turning contestants into customers through strategic follow-up campaigns.

The scheduling features let you plan contests in advance. Set start and end dates, and KingSumo handles everything automatically. Your contest launches at midnight without you staying up to click a button.

My Experience

I set up KingSumo for a website for a freelance designer who wanted to build their email list before launching a course. They had zero technical skills and a tiny budget.

Setup took 11 minutes. The simple interface meant they could customize everything themselves without calling me for help. This independence saved them money and taught them contest marketing fundamentals.

The contest collected 384 email subscribers in 14 days. The viral sharing generated 61% of entries, proving that word-of-mouth works even with small audiences.

The one-time payment meant her cost per subscriber was significantly reduced.

The lack of name collection was the only complaint. KingSumo captures emails but not first names, which limits email personalization options.

Features:

• Easy setup
• Unlimited giveaways
• Mobile-friendly
• Optimized for viral sharing
• 24/7 customer support
• Unlimited giveaways
• Free plugin updates

Pricing: Free basic version; Lifetime plan is $49

Get started with KingSumo here

9. Simple Giveaways ⭐⭐⭐⭐

WordPress.org | Best for: Budget-Conscious Users

Simple Giveaways proves you don’t need to spend money to run effective contests.

The free version delivers solid giveaway features that work for bloggers, small businesses, and anyone testing contest marketing before committing to paid tools.

Why Simple Giveaways for Small Business?

Simple Giveaways focuses on core contest features without overwhelming beginners.

For starters, the social sharing functionality rewards contestants with bonus entries when they share on Facebook, Twitter, or LinkedIn. This built-in viral mechanism helps small audiences grow organically.

The email verification system protects against fake entries automatically. Every contestant must confirm their email address before entries count.

This keeps your list clean and improves email deliverability rates. Fake emails never make it into your marketing campaigns.

Google CAPTCHA integration blocks spam bots effectively. I’ve tested it by attempting automated entries, and the CAPTCHA protection caught everything. Your contest stays fair without manual moderation.

The dedicated landing page option creates distraction-free contest experiences.

Visitors land on a page focused entirely on your giveaway, which improves conversion rates compared to embedding forms in busy blog posts.

My Experience

I used Simple Giveaways for a nonprofit organization with zero marketing budget. They needed to build an email list for their annual fundraising campaign and build trust, but couldn’t afford premium tools.

Setup took 14 minutes using the free version. I configured social sharing actions, enabled email verification, and added Google CAPTCHA. The landing page went live without touching any code.

Their contest collected 217 verified email subscribers in 10 days. The social sharing generated 38% of entries, proving viral mechanics work even on free WordPress plugins.

The zero-dollar investment meant every subscriber was pure profit.

The free version’s limitations showed up when they wanted advanced features like conditional entry actions and detailed analytics. At this point, the Pro version unlocked everything they needed.

Features:

• Mobile responsive
• Dedicated landing page
• Optimized for speed
• Referral sharing and verified actions
• Social logins and email verification
• Multiple prizes functionality

Pricing: Free version available; Pro costs $49.99/year

Get started with Simple Giveaways here

10. Wishpond ⭐⭐⭐⭐

SaaS Platform | Best for: Marketing Integration

Wishpond combines contests with complete marketing automation.

If you need giveaways, landing pages, email campaigns, and lead nurturing all working together in one system, Wishpond’s integrated approach eliminates the plugin juggling act.

Why Wishpond?

Wishpond’s marketing suite integration sets it apart from standalone contest plugins. Your giveaway entries automatically flow into email campaigns, landing page A/B tests, and lead scoring systems.

This connected workflow means contestants become customers through automated nurture sequences.

The landing page builder creates professional contest pages without coding. You get templates specifically designed for giveaways, with proven layouts that convert visitors into participants.

The drag-and-drop editor makes customization simple, even if design isn’t your strength.

Email campaign management happens inside the same platform. When someone enters your contest, they immediately receive a welcome email, then enter a drip campaign you’ve configured.

This automation transforms one-time contestants into long-term subscribers.

The lead management dashboard shows exactly which contests generate the highest-quality leads based on subsequent purchases. You can track contest ROI accurately instead of just counting entries and hoping for the best.

My Experience

I implemented Wishpond for an eCommerce store selling outdoor gear. They wanted contests that fed directly into their email marketing funnel without manual exports and imports between systems.

Setup took 40 minutes because I configured the contest, landing page, and three automated email sequences simultaneously. The integrated approach meant more initial setup but eliminated ongoing manual work.

Their summer camping giveaway collected 892 entries. The automated email sequence converted 14% of contestants into first-time customers within 30 days.

The marketing automation features justified the higher price tag through measurable sales increases.

The platform works best for businesses already using multiple marketing tools. If you only need contests without email automation or landing pages, simpler plugins like RafflePress deliver better value.

Features:

• Full marketing suite integration
• Landing page builder with templates
• Email automation workflows
• Lead scoring and management
• Contest and giveaway tools
• A/B testing capabilities

Pricing: Starts at $49/month

Get started with Wishpond here

That’s it! You now have my list of the best giveaway and contest plugins. Next, let us look at some options that just missed making it to my list.

Bonus Tools Worth Considering

Bonus 1: RaffleCopter

RaffleCopter offers a quick embed-based contest solution that works on any website, not just WordPress. The free plan handles basic giveaways with limited entries.

Paid plans unlock unlimited contests, advanced integrations, and priority support. Choose this when you need contests across multiple platforms beyond WordPress.

Bonus 2: Woorise

Woorise specializes in landing page contests with beautiful templates and form builders included. The platform handles surveys, quizzes, and payment collection alongside traditional giveaways.

It is best for businesses wanting standalone contest landing pages that don’t require WordPress at all.

Bonus 3: Lottery for WooCommerce

Lottery for WooCommerce creates lottery-style contests where customers purchase tickets for a chance to win. The plugin automatically generates tickets, selects winners, and creates zero-cost orders for winners.

It is perfect for WooCommerce stores wanting paid lottery mechanics instead of free entry giveaways.

Now that you have a list of the best tools and bonus options to select from, I know this can be overwhelming. So, to help you with the selection process, here is how to choose the right giveaway plugin.

How to Choose the Right Contest Plugin for Your Needs

Picking the right plugin depends on your specific goal, not which tool has the most features.

Match Your Primary Goal:

Growing your email list?

• RafflePress and WPForms dominate this category with seamless email service integrations and proven viral sharing mechanics.

Need social media followers?

• Gleam and KingSumo verify social actions through API connections. They confirm contestants actually followed, liked, or shared before awarding entries.

Want immediate engagement?

• OptinMonster‘s gamified spin-wheel creates instant gratification that traditional “enter and wait” contests can’t match.

Running content contests?

• Video Contest Plugin and Photo Contest handle file submissions that basic email forms struggle with.

Consider Your Budget:

• Free options exist. Simple Giveaways delivers solid features at zero cost. The limitations only matter when you scale beyond basic giveaways.
• RafflePress, KingSumo, and Image/Video Contest Generator offer one-time payments that work for budget-conscious businesses.
• Subscriptions make sense when you run frequent contests. WPForms or OptinMonster provide better ROI than one-time tools if you launch monthly giveaways.

Assess Technical Comfort:

• Beginners should start with Rafflepress, KingSumo, or Simple Giveaways. All offer simple interfaces without overwhelming options.
• Intermediate users benefit from WPForms balance of power and usability. The drag-and-drop builder works intuitively without requiring developer skills.
• Advanced marketers can leverage Gleam‘s multi-platform capabilities or Wishpond’s full marketing suite integration.

The giveaway and contest right plugin should match your current needs, not theoretical future requirements. Start simple, then upgrade when specific features become essential rather than optional.

If anything is unclear, check out the commonly asked questions below.

FAQs: Best WordPress Contest and Giveaway Plugins

Final Verdict: Should I Use Contest Plugins?

Contests changed how I built my agency’s email list. Instead of begging for subscriptions with generic lead magnets, I offered real value through giveaways. People actually wanted to enter, share, and engage.

The right plugin makes this strategy accessible to everyone.

You don’t need a developer or a massive budget. RafflePress costs less than one month of paid ads but delivers sustainable list growth through viral mechanics.

Here’s what matters most: Start simple. Pick one plugin based on your primary goal. Run a small test contest for 7-14 days.

Measure results honestly. Did entries convert to engaged subscribers? Did social shares bring qualified traffic?

Most businesses overthink content strategy and never launch. The perfect prize, flawless design, and complicated entry requirements don’t matter if you never start.

A simple “enter your email to win” contest launched today beats the elaborate campaign you’re still planning next month.

Your audience is already out there. They’re just waiting for a reason to connect with your brand. Contests give them that reason while respecting their inbox and their time.

Resource Center

Contest plugins capture attention, but supporting tools turn that attention into business growth. These resources help you build a complete conversion system beyond just collecting entries.

• 9 Best Email Marketing Services Compared – Contest entries mean nothing without nurturing those subscribers. This guide shows you which email platforms integrate seamlessly with contest plugins and actually deliver emails to inboxes instead of spam folders.
• Best WordPress Lead Generation Plugins – Contests work best as part of a broader lead capture strategy. Combine giveaways with exit-intent popups, slide-ins, and inline forms for maximum email list growth across your entire site.
• How to Reduce Bounce Rate on Your WordPress Site – Contests help keep visitors engaged longer. Learn additional tactics to reduce bounces, increase session time, and turn casual browsers into active participants who actually care about your content.
• Best WordPress Social Media Plugins – Viral contest sharing depends on easy social integration. These plugins make sharing effortless, track social engagement accurately, and help you leverage the traffic contests generate across all platforms.
• Best WordPress Popup Plugins Compared – Promote your contests site-wide with targeted popups that appear at the right moment. Exit-intent technology rescues abandoning visitors by showing contest offers before they leave forever.

These tools work together to create a complete growth system. Contests capture attention, email marketing nurtures relationships, automation handles repetitive tasks, and popups maximize visibility.

Build your stack one piece at a time based on what your business needs most right now.