It finally happened. Google Optimize is gone. Poof. Discontinued. If you were using it to A/B test your WordPress site, you're probably thinking, “Now what?”
The good news? You’ve got options. Lots of them. Finding the right tool depends on your needs, budget, and how fancy you want to get with your testing. Let’s break it down together — no tech dictionary required.
🥺 So, What Was Google Optimize Anyway?
Google Optimize was a free tool that let you run A/B tests right on your website. You could test headlines, buttons, layouts — even entire web pages — to see what worked best. It was perfect for small businesses and bloggers who didn’t want to spend a dime.
But as of September 2023, it’s gone. Google pulled the plug, saying they want to focus on integrating A/B testing into their broader Google Analytics 4 experience. Translation: no more simple experiments for free.
Still, don’t worry. Like any breakup, you always end up finding something better.
🧪 What’s an A/B Test Again?
If you’re new to this scene, here’s a quick rundown. A/B testing is when you compare two versions of something to see which one performs better.
- Version A: You show people your original button that says, *”Buy Now!”*
- Version B: You change it to say, *”Get Yours Today!”*
You run both versions on your site. Then you see which one gets more clicks. Easy, right?
Now let’s look at your best options for doing this since Google Optimize has left us staring into the void.
🧰 Best A/B Testing Alternatives for WordPress
We’ve gathered up the coolest and most user-friendly tools out there. Whether you’re a casual blogger or a serious marketer, there’s something here for you.
1. Nelio A/B Testing
Perfect for: WordPress users who want to stay inside their WordPress dashboard.
Nelio is a native WordPress plugin, which makes things feel very cozy. You don’t have to jump between tools. You can test:
- Headlines
- Images
- Page layouts
- Even full themes
It also integrates with WooCommerce. So it’s killer for online stores.
Free version: Yes, but very limited.
Paid plans: Start around $29/month.
2. Convert
Perfect for: Businesses that are scaling fast and need privacy-friendly options.
Convert is all about speed, security, and serious flexibility. It offers advanced targeting and multivariate testing if you're ready to go deeper.
It does require adding a little JavaScript to your site. Might need a dev’s help, but hey, that’s what YouTube tutorials are for.
Free version: Nope.
Paid plans: Start around $99/month.
3. VWO (Visual Website Optimizer)
Perfect for: Serious site optimizers who love data.
VWO is like the all-you-can-eat buffet of testing tools. You get A/B, multivariate, heatmaps, session recordings, and more.
But it comes at a price. It’s really aimed at teams who have traffic and revenue to justify the spend.
Free version: No, but there is a free trial.
Paid plans: Custom pricing (translation: pricey).
4. Optimizely
Perfect for: Teams that live to optimize everything and anything.
This one's been around forever and is trusted by big names. But it might be overkill for bloggers or small sites.
Super powerful but also super pricey. Great if you're running large-scale campaigns and experiments.
Free version: Used to have one, now it's enterprise only.
Paid plans: Custom pricing. Probably not cheap.
5. Thrive Optimize
Perfect for: WordPress users using Thrive Themes.
It’s the easiest option if you’re already using the Thrive Suite. It lets you test different designs with zero coding. Even setup is done within a few minutes.
If you're a marketer who doesn’t want to touch code or handle complex analytics, this is your jam.
Free version: No.
Paid plans: Part of Thrive Suite – $299 per year.
💭 Bonus Picks for the Curious Tester
- Split Hero – Affordable and lightweight. Perfect for small businesses.
- Crazy Egg – Not just A/B testing. Also gives heatmaps and scroll tracking.
- AB Tasty – Friendly UI, made for marketers. Works well with eCommerce.
🌱 What If You’re Just Starting Out?
Let’s say you're new. Or running a personal blog. Spending $99/month feels bananas.
Okay. You’ve still got options:
- Use manual testing. Make one change, track conversions over a few weeks, then swap it and compare. Not perfect, but simple.
- Try free trials. Many of the tools above offer 14 to 30-day free trials. Use them! Test one big thing and take the insights with you.
- Use page builders with built-in A/B tools. Elementor Pro and Divi sometimes offer experiment features inside.
Just don’t stop testing. Data beats guessing every time.
🔁 What Happens Next?
Don’t look back at Google Optimize like an old flame. Testing is still your best friend when it comes to improving clicks, conversions, and everything in between.
Pick a new tool. Start simple. Test a button color. A headline tweak. A different image.
Then take what works and build from there. You’ll be shocked how even tiny changes can make a big difference.
🚀 Final Thoughts
Google Optimize might be gone, but your journey to better performance is just beginning.
Here’s a quick recap of your best bets:
- Nelio A/B Testing: Best for WordPress users who want to stick with plugins.
- Convert: Privacy-safe and ideal for growing companies.
- VWO: All-in-one testing heaven.
- Thrive Optimize: Smoothest for Thrive users.
- Split Hero: Budget-friendly and beginner-safe.
So whatever your goals — selling more stuff, grabbing more leads, or just writing wildly clickable blog titles — don’t fear the A/B test.
Start optimizing today. Google might’ve left the party, but the music’s still playing!
If you’re A/B testing ecommerce flows, add a small conversion boost: offer optional gift options at product, cart, or checkout with Gift Wrapper so shoppers can add wrap and a note in one click—perfect for holidays and corporate orders.