A table of contents helps readers scan a long page and jump to the section they need. Good output uses stable heading anchors, clear hierarchy, accessible controls and very little script overhead.
How this guide was produced
Documented features reviewed on 10 September 2026. Several options ship inside larger suites, so check what else you would be installing.
Eight options at a glance
| Plugin | Best for | First thing to verify |
|---|---|---|
| Easy Table of Contents | Automatic article navigation | Heading and exclusion rules |
| LuckyWP Table of Contents | Lightweight automatic lists | Maintenance status |
| Joli Table of Contents | Styled reading navigation | Free versus premium features |
| Heroic Table of Contents | Block-editor placement | Block behaviour across templates |
| SimpleTOC | Core-block simplicity | Manual exclusions |
| Rank Math | Sites already using its SEO plugin | Unneeded module scope |
| AIOSEO | Sites using AIOSEO | Suite overhead |
| Kadence Blocks | Kadence block-editor sites | Plugin stack and styling |
How we assessed them
We considered heading detection, anchor stability, manual control, nested hierarchy, sticky behaviour, collapse controls, keyboard use, reduced motion support, URL fragments, styling and page weight.
Fix the headings first
- Keep one H1 and a logical heading hierarchy
- Exclude decorative headings from the list
- Test copied anchor URLs after publishing
- If the list collapses, expose its state and keep keyboard access
- Preserve or redirect important anchors when editors rename sections
Read next
- FAQ sections and AI overviews - structure that machines can read
- Rank Math review - one of the suites with a built-in block
- Run a live speed test - check the script cost of the list
Where to get these
Direct links to the official plugin, theme and store pages for everything named above. Prices and plans are set by the vendor, and some links may earn us a commission.
Common questions
Does a table of contents improve rankings?
It can improve navigation and help systems understand structure, but it guarantees nothing in search results.
Should every post have one?
No. Use it when the article is long enough that section navigation genuinely helps.
Can anchors change when a heading changes?
Yes. Preserve important IDs or redirect the links when a section is renamed.
Fast WordPress editorial
Independent research edition · Published 10 September 2026. We update field guides when a plugin's documented capabilities change.
