WooThumbs for WooCommerce and Why It’s So Popular?
WooThumbs for WooCommerce is a plugin designed to enhance the product image gallery on WooCommerce stores. It allows store owners to add multiple images per product variation, embed videos, and customize the gallery layout. These features provide customers with a more interactive and detailed view of products, which can lead to increased engagement and higher conversion rates.
WooThumbs Free vs WooThumbs Pro GPL — Comparison Table
| Feature | WooThumbs Free | WooThumbs Pro GPL |
|---|---|---|
| Multiple Images per Variation | ❌ Not Available | ✅ Yes |
| Product Video Support | ❌ No | ✅ Yes (YouTube, Vimeo, etc.) |
| Zoom, Lightbox, and Fullscreen View | ❌ Basic or None | ✅ Fully Customizable |
| Thumbnail Navigation | ❌ Limited | ✅ Slider, Vertical, Horizontal |
| Lazy Loading | ❌ Not Included | ✅ Speeds up page load |
| Mobile Optimization | ⚠️ Limited | ✅ Touch-friendly & responsive |
| GPL Licensed | ❌ | ✅ Yes (via GPL sources) |
| Support & Updates | ❌ Free WordPress support only | ❌ No official support (GPL) |
⚠️ Note: WooThumbs doesn’t offer a free version on the official WordPress plugin directory. So the “free” column refers to what’s typically available without Pro or GPL downloads.
Can You Get WooThumbs Pro for Free?
Technically, yes — WooThumbs Pro is available on some GPL sites like GPLDL, which share premium plugins under the GPL (General Public License). That means you’re legally allowed to use and share the plugin as long as it’s under GPL.
But there’s a catch. These versions often don’t come with official support, automatic updates, or guaranteed security. So while it may be “free,” it’s more of a trade-off between cost and peace of mind.
If you’re tech-savvy and okay with manual updates, the GPL version can be a budget-friendly choice. Otherwise, buying the official version might be the safer bet.
Best Free or Budget–Friendly Alternatives to WooThumbs Pro
If WooThumbs Pro feels too pricey or risky, here are some solid free or low-cost alternatives that improve your WooCommerce product galleries:
| Alternative Plugin | Price | Key Features |
|---|---|---|
| Variation Swatches for WooCommerce | Free / Pro | Color/image swatches, no gallery upgrades |
| Product Gallery Slider for WooCommerce | Free | Adds image sliders and zoom |
| WPB WooCommerce Product Slider | Free / Pro | Simple product slider, not variation-specific |
| Smart Variations Images for WooCommerce | Budget-friendly | Advanced image handling per variation |
| Photo Reviews for WooCommerce by VillaTheme | Free | Adds image reviews, boosts product visuals |
These won’t match all WooThumbs features, but they do cover key visuals like sliders, zoom, and better variation displays — and they’re easier on the wallet.
What Is WooThumbs Pro General Public License?
WooThumbs Pro, like many WordPress plugins, is released under the GPL (General Public License). This means anyone can legally use, modify, and share the plugin — even the Pro version — as long as it stays under the same license.
So when you get WooThumbs Pro from a GPL site, it’s not pirated. It’s just being redistributed legally without the official branding, support, or updates you’d get from buying directly.
In short:
GPL gives you freedom to use the plugin, but not the premium perks like customer support or one-click updates.
WooThumbs Pro GPL vs WooThumbs Pro: What’s the Difference?
| Feature | WooThumbs Pro GPL | WooThumbs Pro (Official) |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Free or very low (via GPL sites) | Paid (official website) |
| License | GPL (open-source) | GPL (same license) |
| Updates | ❌ Manual updates only | ✅ Automatic updates |
| Customer Support | ❌ No support | ✅ Full official support |
| Risk of Malware | ⚠️ Depends on source | ✅ 100% safe |
| Documentation & Tutorials | ✅ Usually included | ✅ Full access |
| Branding & Legitimacy | ❌ No official access | ✅ Verified and legal source |
Bottom line: Both versions work the same, but the GPL version comes without updates and support — and you need to be careful about where you download it from.
WooThumbs Pro Version History and Timeline
WooThumbs for WooCommerce has evolved significantly, introducing features that enhance product galleries and improve user experience. Here’s a concise timeline of its major updates:
- v5.12.1 (May 1, 2025): Latest version with enhancements for gallery layouts, video embedding, and variation image handling. (WP Club)
- v5.11.0 (April 2025): Introduced improved compatibility with various themes and page builders, ensuring smoother integration. (Iconic)
- v4.13.0 (April 7, 2022): Added new JavaScript filters for carousel functionality and improved mobile gallery responsiveness. (Babiato Forums | Best Webmaster Forum)
- v4.10.0 (December 21, 2021): Enhanced customization options for image HTML output and improved compatibility with third-party plugins. (Babiato Forums | Best Webmaster Forum)
- v4.9.0 (October 27, 2021): Introduced compatibility with the Woostify theme and improved integration with image optimization plugins. (Advanced Woo Labels)
These updates reflect WooThumbs’ commitment to providing a robust and flexible solution for WooCommerce product galleries.