Tracking what users do on your WordPress site isn’t just helpful, it’s essential. It helps you tighten security, understand user behavior, and make smarter decisions for your content or online store. In this article, you’ll learn about five of the best user activity tracking plugins available in 2025, including how to install them, what they do best, and what they cost.
Top plugins to track user activity on WordPress in 2025
You can pick one in this list, do a research to see if it is suitable, reliable and friendly to you.
WP Activity Log
Key Features:
- Real-time user activity monitoring
- Tracks logins, post/page edits, plugin/theme changes, and more
- External database and third-party integrations (e.g., Slack, Syslog)
- Real-time email and SMS alerts
- Multisite support
Pricing:
- Free version available
- Premium plans start at $139/year
Jetpack Activity Log
Key Features:
- Tracks changes across the site: content updates, plugin installs, login attempts
- Integrates with Jetpack backups and security monitoring
- View activity logs from both the dashboard and mobile app
- Includes downtime and malware alerts
Pricing:
- Free version offers basic features
Simple History
Key Features:
- Clean, beginner-friendly interface
- Tracks user logins, post/page updates, and plugin modifications
- Filter logs by user, event, or time range
- Works well for lightweight use cases
Pricing:
- 100% free
- Optional add-ons available for extended features
Stream
Key Features:
- Real-time activity stream of admin actions
- Filters for users, roles, actions, and dates
- Built-in support for WooCommerce, Yoast SEO, Gravity Forms, and more
- Multisite compatible
Pricing:
- Completely free
Key Features:
- Tracks user logins, content updates, settings changes
- Allows exporting logs to CSV
- Email notifications for important changes
- Works with custom post types
Pricing:
- Free version available
- Premium plans start at $69/year
Plugin comparison table
| Feature | WP Activity Log | Jetpack Activity Log | Simple History | Stream | User Activity Log |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Real-time tracking | ✅ | ✅ | ❌ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Security alerts | ✅ | ✅ | ❌ | ❌ | ✅ |
| External DB integration | ✅ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ |
| Multisite support | ✅ | ✅ | ❌ | ✅ | ❌ |
| User interface ease | High | High | High | Medium | Medium |
| Cost | Free/Premium | Free/Premium | Free (+Add-ons) | Free | Free/Premium |
Privacy & Compliance Checklist
If you track user activity, you must also protect user data. Follow these privacy best practices:
- Update your Privacy Policy — Clearly state what user data is being collected and why.
- Get User Consent — Use a cookie and consent banner to comply with GDPR, CCPA, or other laws.
- Clean Up Logs Regularly — Store activity logs only for as long as necessary and delete older ones.
- Use Secure Hosting — Make sure your WordPress site is running on HTTPS and with a reliable host.
Next Steps
Pick the plugin that best suits your needs. If you run a larger or more complex site, WP Activity Log or Jetpack Activity Log will give you advanced features and integrations. For simpler sites or blogs, Simple History or Stream is lightweight and effective.
Once installed, review your activity logs weekly to spot unusual behavior, keep your site safe, and learn how visitors interact with your content.
