Popup Maker and why it’s so popular?
Popup Maker is a top-rated WordPress plugin used to create all kinds of popups — like email opt-ins, announcements, cookie notices, and more. It’s popular because it’s easy to use, works with any theme, and integrates with major form plugins like Gravity Forms and Contact Form 7. The Pro version gives you advanced targeting, exit intent, and analytics — making it a go-to tool for marketers and site owners.

Popup Maker Free vs Popup Maker Pro GPL — Comparison Table
Feature | Popup Maker Free | Popup Maker Pro GPL |
---|---|---|
Popup Builder | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
Theme & Style Options | ⚠️ Limited | ✅ Full customization |
Exit-Intent & Scroll Triggers | ❌ No | ✅ Yes |
Targeting Rules (pages, posts, etc.) | ⚠️ Basic | ✅ Advanced conditions |
Analytics & Conversion Tracking | ❌ No | ✅ Included |
Form Plugin Integration | ✅ Limited | ✅ Full support |
Auto Updates | ✅ Yes | ❌ Manual updates only |
Support | ✅ Community only | ❌ No official support |
License Activation | ❌ Not required | ❌ Not required |
Cost | 🆓 Free | 💸 Low via GPL sources |
Can you get Popup Maker Pro for free?
You can’t download Popup Maker Pro for free from the official site, but since it’s under the GPL license, you can legally get it from third-party GPL sources like GPLDL. These versions give you full access to premium features like advanced targeting and exit-intent popups — just without automatic updates or official support. It’s a cost-effective way to use the Pro tools legally.
Best free or budget–friendly alternatives to Popup Maker Pro
If you’re looking for similar tools without the full price, try these:
- Hustle by WPMU DEV – Great free version for popups, slide-ins, and email capture.
- OptinMonster (Lite) – Free version available with basic popup features.
- Icegram – Simple, beginner-friendly popup plugin with free targeting rules.
- WP Popups – Lightweight and customizable, with a flexible free version.
- Popup Maker Pro GPL – Premium features at a fraction of the cost from GPL sites.
These plugins help you grow leads or display messages without stretching your budget.
What is Popup Maker Pro General Public License?
Popup Maker Pro is released under the GPL (General Public License), which means you’re free to use, modify, and share the plugin — even the premium version. GPL allows third-party distributors like GPLDL to offer the same Pro features legally and at a lower cost. The only difference is, you won’t receive automatic updates or official customer support. It’s perfect for users who know how to manage plugins on their own.
Popup Maker Pro GPL vs Pro: What’s the difference?
Both versions offer the same features — the main differences are support and updates:
Feature | Popup Maker Pro (Official) | Popup Maker Pro GPL |
---|---|---|
All Premium Features | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
Popup Triggers & Targeting | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
Analytics & Conversion Tracking | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
License Activation | ✅ Required | ❌ Not needed |
Automatic Updates | ✅ Yes | ❌ Manual updates only |
Official Support | ✅ Yes | ❌ Not included |
Legal to Use | ✅ Yes (with license) | ✅ Yes (under GPL) |
Cost | 💰 Higher | 💸 Lower via GPL source |
If you don’t need official support or auto-updates, the GPL version gives you everything else at a much lower price.
Popup Maker Pro version history and timeline
- 2014 – Popup Maker launched as a free popup solution for WordPress.
- 2016 – Introduced Pro version with advanced targeting and trigger options.
- 2018 – Added support for exit-intent popups and scroll-based triggers.
- 2020 – Improved integration with form plugins and analytics tools.
- 2022 – Revamped interface and enhanced mobile responsiveness.
- 2023–2024 – Continued performance updates and compatibility with latest WordPress versions.
Popup Maker has grown into one of the most flexible and powerful popup solutions for WordPress users.