AI Summary
You set up the sale, wrote the landing page copy, and the discount is live. But nothing on the page tells visitors the offer has a deadline. There’s no ticking clock, no “ends Sunday” banner, no reason to act right now instead of bookmarking the tab and forgetting about it.
That missing piece is a countdown timer. A visible deadline creates real urgency because people respond differently when they know a window is closing. And it actually works. The trick is picking a plugin that fits how you want to use it, whether that’s a sitewide banner for Black Friday, an evergreen timer that resets per visitor, or a product-page countdown tied to WooCommerce inventory.
We tested seven of the most popular WordPress countdown timer plugins and evaluated each one on ease of setup, timer types (static vs. evergreen), design flexibility, WooCommerce support, and pricing. Here’s how they compare at a glance, and then a closer look at each one.
| Plugin | Best For | Timer Types | WooCommerce | Pricing |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| OptinMonster | All-around urgency campaigns | Static + Evergreen | Yes (with display rules) | From $29/mo (billed annually) |
| SeedProd | Landing and coming soon pages | Static + Evergreen | No | From $79/yr (all plans) |
| HurryTimer | Dedicated countdown timers | Static + Evergreen | Yes | Free (Lite), Pro available |
| Countdown Builder | Free, no-frills timers | Static | Yes | Free, paid upgrades available |
| WooCommerce Sales Countdown Timer | WooCommerce product pages | Static (free), Evergreen (pro) | Yes | Free, Premium $20 |
| myStickymenu | Sticky bar countdown banners | Static | No | Free, paid from $49/yr |
| LightStart | Maintenance and coming soon pages | Static (free), Evergreen (paid) | No | Free, paid upgrades available |
Best WordPress Countdown Timer Plugins (2026)
1. OptinMonster
You might know OptinMonster as one of the best lead generation tools for WordPress, but its countdown timer feature is one of the strongest in the space. If you want a timer that does more than just count down, one that actually plugs into a full conversion campaign with popup plugins, floating bars, slide-ins, and exit-intent triggers, OptinMonster is the answer.
You get two timer types. Static timers count down to a fixed date and time that every visitor sees (think end-of-sale deadlines). Evergreen timers are visitor-specific, so each person gets their own countdown from the moment they land on the page, which is perfect for “this offer expires in 30 minutes” urgency.
What sets OptinMonster apart is the campaign layer around the timer. You can target timers by page, referral source, scroll depth, or exit intent, and pair them with lead capture forms, discount wheel popup plugins, and custom CTAs. The drag-and-drop builder makes setup fast, and the A/B testing feature lets you test different timer placements against each other.
Key Features
- Timer types: Static and evergreen countdown timers with cookie and IP detection
- Display options: Floating bars, popups, inline widgets, slide-ins, fullscreen welcome mats
- Targeting rules: Page-level, device, referral source, scroll depth, exit-intent, and more
- A/B testing: Built-in split testing for timer campaigns
- Integrations: Connects with all major email marketing platforms and CRMs
Pricing
OptinMonster has a free version, but countdown timers require Pro or higher. Pro starts at $29/month, billed annually.
2. SeedProd
SeedProd is a drag-and-drop WordPress page builder, and its countdown timer block is one of the cleanest on this list. If you are building a coming soon page, a maintenance page, or any landing page that needs a visible deadline, SeedProd handles it well.
The setup is genuinely quick. Pick a template (or start from scratch), drag the countdown block onto the page, set your date and time, and customize the colors and typography to match your brand. We had a working countdown on a coming soon page in under five minutes, including the time to style it.
SeedProd supports both static and evergreen timers, and the builder gives you full control over how the timer looks. Beyond timers, you get a full page builder with theme design capabilities, a dedicated maintenance mode feature, and distraction-free form landing pages that pair well with timer-driven offers.
If you already use SeedProd for landing pages, the timer block is a natural add. But if all you need is a countdown widget and you don’t need a page builder, SeedProd is more tool than the job requires.
Key Features
- Timer types: Static and evergreen countdowns
- Builder: Full drag-and-drop page builder with 350+ templates
- Coming soon mode: Dedicated coming soon and maintenance mode pages
- Styling: Complete control over typography, colors, and layout
- Page types: Landing pages, 404 pages, login pages, and full theme design
Pricing
The countdown block is included on every SeedProd plan, so you don’t need a top tier to use it. Pricing starts at $79/year for the Basic license, with Plus, Pro, and Elite tiers ($199, $399, and $599/year) adding more sites and page-building features.
3. HurryTimer
HurryTimer is a purpose-built urgency and scarcity countdown plugin, and that focus shows. Where OptinMonster and SeedProd are broader tools with timer features built in, HurryTimer is a countdown timer plugin in its own right, and it does that one job really well.
The free Lite version is surprisingly capable. You get static and evergreen timers with cookie and IP detection, conditional display rules, WooCommerce integration, scheduled campaigns, and expiry actions, all without paying. The builder is intuitive, and the emphasis on urgency and scarcity techniques (stock counters, deadline messaging, post-expiry redirects) gives you options that general-purpose tools skip.
For WooCommerce store owners running time-limited sales, HurryTimer is especially strong. You can display timers on product pages tied to sale schedules, show stock-level scarcity indicators, and set custom actions for when a countdown expires (hide the timer, show a message, redirect to another page).
Key Features
- Timer types: Static and evergreen with cookie and IP detection
- WooCommerce integration: Product-page timers, stock scarcity, sale scheduling
- Expiry actions: Redirect, hide timer, show custom message, or trigger a URL
- Display rules: Conditional targeting by page, post type, category, or user role
- CTAs: Add call-to-action buttons directly on any timer
Pricing
Most features are included in HurryTimer Lite (free). Pro plans are available for advanced features.
4. Countdown Builder
Countdown Builder is a straightforward timer plugin that gives you a decent range of options without much complexity. There is a slight learning curve compared to the drag-and-drop builders higher on this list, but it doesn’t take long to get comfortable.
You can set display rules to control where timers appear, schedule timers to start at a future date, configure expiry behavior, and connect with WooCommerce for product-level countdowns. Styling is handled through custom CSS and JS, so if you are comfortable with code, the customization is deep. If you are not, the defaults are functional but plain.
You can add text before and after the timer, which is useful for framing the urgency (“Sale ends in” above the digits, “Don’t miss out” below). The plugin also offers alternatives like Countdown Timer Ultimate and Evergreen Countdown Timer for users who want similar features with a slightly different approach.
Key Features
- Timer types: Static countdowns (evergreen requires upgrade)
- Display rules: Control where and when timers appear
- Scheduling: Set timers to start at a future date
- WooCommerce support: Basic product-page countdown integration
- Custom styling: CSS and JS customization for full design control
Pricing
Countdown Builder is free on WordPress.org (4.7/5 stars, 182 reviews). Paid upgrades are available for additional features.
5. WooCommerce Sales Countdown Timer
WooCommerce Sales Countdown Timer is built specifically for WooCommerce shop and product pages. If your countdown needs are tied to product sales, limited-time offers, or stock-level urgency on a WooCommerce store, this plugin is designed for that exact use case.
The free version includes a shortcodes countdown timer that works outside of WooCommerce too, which gives you basic timer functionality on any page. But the real value is in the WooCommerce integration, where you can show customers when sales begin and end, display remaining stock quantities, and create urgency campaigns designed to move product.
Creating evergreen countdowns requires the pro version, so the free tier is limited to static (fixed-date) timers. For WooCommerce store owners, the $20 premium upgrade is modest compared to the tools higher on this list.
Key Features
- WooCommerce-native: Built specifically for shop and product pages
- Sale timers: Show when sales or campaigns begin and end
- Stock urgency: Display remaining quantities to create scarcity
- Shortcode timer: Basic countdown available outside WooCommerce (free)
- Evergreen (Pro): Visitor-specific countdowns available in the premium version
Pricing
Free for the basic shortcodes countdown timer. Premium version for WooCommerce product and shop page integration costs $20 (one-time).
6. myStickymenu
myStickymenu is primarily a sticky header and announcement bar plugin, but it includes a countdown timer feature that works well for site-wide sale banners. If you specifically want a countdown that lives in a sticky bar at the top or bottom of the screen (the kind that follows visitors as they scroll), myStickymenu handles that pattern cleanly.
The styling options are solid. You get modern designs, color controls, and layout options that let you match the sticky bar to your site’s branding. The focus is on creating visible, ever-present urgency rather than page-specific timer widgets.
The trade-off is that countdown timers are only available on paid plans, not the free version. And since the plugin’s primary purpose is sticky menus and announcement bars, the timer functionality is one feature inside a broader tool rather than the main event.
Key Features
- Sticky bar format: Countdown timers in a fixed-position bar that follows the visitor
- Design options: Modern templates with color, font, and layout controls
- Announcement bars: Combine countdown timers with promotional messages and CTAs
- Visibility rules: Control which pages show the bar
- Mobile responsive: Sticky bars and timers adapt to mobile screens
Pricing
Free version available for sticky menu features. Countdown timers require a paid plan starting at $49/year (with 2-year and lifetime licenses also available).
7. LightStart
LightStart is a drag-and-drop page builder that focuses on splash, maintenance, coming soon, and landing pages. If you need a countdown timer specifically for a “coming soon page in WordPress,” LightStart bundles that with a page builder designed for exactly that scenario.
Setup is quick, and the templates make it even faster. LightStart is powered by Otter Blocks, so you can also add countdown blocks directly in the WordPress block editor without using LightStart’s builder at all. Static countdown timers are included in the free plan, which makes this a solid zero-cost option for a basic launch countdown.
The free version handles the basics, but styling options are limited. Evergreen and interval countdowns require an upgrade, so the free tier is really just for fixed-date timers on maintenance or coming soon pages. For a broader countdown timer solution, you will want one of the higher-ranked picks.
Key Features
- Page types: Maintenance mode, coming soon, splash pages, and landing pages
- Block editor support: Add countdown blocks via Otter Blocks in the Gutenberg editor
- Templates: Pre-built page templates for quick setup
- Static timers: Free countdown timer for fixed-date countdowns
- Evergreen (paid): Visitor-specific and interval timers available on paid plans
Pricing
The countdown block is available in the free version of LightStart (4.3/5 stars, 866 reviews on WordPress.org). Paid plans available for evergreen timers and advanced styling.
FAQs About WordPress Countdown Timer Plugins
WordPress countdown timers bring up a lot of the same questions. Here are the ones I see most often.
What is a countdown timer plugin in WordPress?
A countdown timer plugin adds a visible timer to your WordPress site that counts down to a specific date, time, or visitor-triggered deadline. Most plugins let you display timers as inline widgets, floating bars, popups, or directly on product pages.
Can I add a countdown timer to WordPress for free?
Yes. HurryTimer Lite, Countdown Builder, and LightStart all offer free countdown timer functionality. The free versions typically support static (fixed-date) timers, while evergreen (per-visitor) timers and advanced styling often require a paid upgrade.
What’s the difference between a static and an evergreen countdown timer?
A static timer counts down to the same fixed deadline for every visitor. Everyone sees the same time remaining. An evergreen timer starts fresh for each visitor based on when they arrive, so the countdown is unique to each person. Evergreen timers are commonly used for limited-time offers where the deadline is personal rather than calendar-based.
What is the best free WordPress countdown timer plugin?
For a free, dedicated countdown timer, HurryTimer Lite is the strongest pick. It gives you static and evergreen timers, WooCommerce support, and expiry actions without paying. If you only need a fixed-date timer on a coming soon or maintenance page, LightStart and Countdown Builder are also free.
Does WordPress have a built-in countdown timer?
No. WordPress core doesn’t include a countdown timer, so you’ll need a plugin or a page builder that ships a countdown block. Builders like SeedProd and LightStart add a countdown block to the block editor, while dedicated plugins like HurryTimer give you timers with more urgency and scheduling controls.
Can I add a countdown timer to WooCommerce product pages?
Yes. HurryTimer and WooCommerce Sales Countdown Timer are both built to show timers on product and shop pages, tied to sale schedules or stock levels. This is a common way to add urgency to limited-time offers and move inventory before a deadline.
Do countdown timers actually increase conversions?
They often do, because a visible deadline gives people a reason to act now instead of later. Pairing a timer with a clear offer and a strong call to action tends to work better than a timer on its own. Test placement and messaging on your own audience, since results vary by offer and traffic source.
Next, Create Urgency With a Coming Soon Page
Now that you have a countdown timer plugin picked out, pair it with a coming soon page to build anticipation before your next launch. Our guide on how to create a coming soon page in WordPress walks through the full setup, including how to collect email subscribers while your site is still under construction.
You might also want to check out these related resources:
- BFCM checklist for mixing timers with other conversion elements during sales
- Form design best practices for making sure your forms convert alongside your countdown timers
Create Your WordPress Form Now
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