Running a website or business requires managing multiple tasks. One part of it is creating content, scheduling posts, and keeping your team aligned. Without a solid plan, even the best content strategy can fall apart.

To simplify this, you can use a WordPress editorial calendar plugin. It helps you visualize your publishing schedule, collaborate with your team, and stay consistent without the chaos.

But among so many options, deciding which is the best WordPress editorial calendar plugin may get confusing. So to make things easier, in this blog, we’re going to discuss the top 6 options that you have. Let’s get started!

What is a WordPress Editorial Calendar Plugin?

A WordPress editorial calendar plugin is a content management tool that displays your posts, drafts, and scheduled content in an interactive calendar interface. It integrates directly with your WordPress dashboard, allowing you to visually plan and organize your publishing schedule.

You can easily drag-and-drop posts to different dates, assign authors, and set reminders from one centralized workspace. The plugin essentially acts as your content command center, replacing messy spreadsheets or sticky notes with an efficient digital solution.

These plugins offer features like color-coding for different content types, team collaboration tools, and progress tracking for drafts in development. Some versions even integrate with social media schedulers or email marketing platforms. The calendar view makes it simple to spot gaps in your content schedule or overlapping publications, helping maintain a balanced editorial flow.

Why Do You Need a WordPress Editorial Calendar Plugin?

For publishing great content, you need a proper strategy. Without organization, even the best ideas can get lost in the shuffle. An editorial calendar plugin keeps you on track by turning chaos into clarity.

Here’s how it helps:

  • No more missed deadlines: See your entire schedule at a glance and avoid last-minute scrambles.
  • Better teamwork: Assign tasks, track progress, and keep everyone aligned without endless emails.
  • Smarter planning: Spot gaps in your content mix and maintain a consistent posting rhythm.
  • Less stress: Drag-and-drop simplicity means you can adjust your schedule in seconds.

If you’re a solo creator or managing a team, this tool saves time, reduces headaches, and keeps your content flowing smoothly. It will result in a more professional, reliable presence that grows your audience.

Top 6 WordPress Editorial Calendar Plugins For Your Site

A great editorial calendar plugin can change how you plan and publish content. Here are six top-rated options, each with unique strengths:

1. Strive Content Calendar

strive

Strive brings a fresh, intuitive approach to content planning in WordPress. Designed specifically for bloggers and content teams, it transforms your editorial workflow into a visual, interactive calendar that’s both functional and enjoyable to use. At a glance, you can see all scheduled and published posts for the month, making it effortless to plan, adjust, and optimize your publishing schedule.

What sets Strive apart is its focus on progress tracking. Instead of guessing where drafts stand, you get clear status updates throughout the creation process. The plugin keeps your entire content pipeline organized, from initial ideas to completed posts, while maintaining a clean, distraction-free interface that puts content first.

Key Features of Strive Content Calendar:

  • Visual drag-and-drop calendar for easy scheduling.
  • Four-stage progress tracking (Not Started/Writing/Editing/Complete).
  • Pipeline view for monitoring all draft posts.
  • Post revision management to update older content.
  • A helpful checklist system for each article.
  • Clean, user-friendly interface optimized for creators.

While the free version covers basic needs, the premium upgrade unlocks Strive’s full potential. It is a worthwhile investment for serious publishers who want granular control over their content workflow.

Price: $7/month (one-time payment). They also offer a 14-day free trial.

2. Editorial Calendar

editorial calendar

For bloggers and content creators who value simplicity, Editorial Calendar delivers exactly what you need, i.e., a no-fuss way to visualize and manage your publishing schedule. This lightweight plugin adds a clean calendar interface to your WordPress dashboard where you can see all scheduled posts at a glance. It has drag-and-drop functionality that makes rescheduling posts easy.

What makes this plugin stand out is its focus on doing one thing exceptionally well. You won’t find complex team features or social media integrations. You’ll just see a clear view of your content pipeline. The draft drawer keeps unfinished posts accessible, while the intuitive interface means you’ll spend less time managing your calendar and more time creating great content.

Key Features of Editorial Calendar Plugin:

  • Clean, intuitive calendar view of all scheduled posts.
  • Simple drag-and-drop post rescheduling.
  • Quick-access draft drawer for easy editing.
  • Multi-author support with color-coded posts.
  • Basic post status indicators (draft, scheduled, published).
  • Lightweight design that won’t slow down your site.

While it lacks advanced features found in premium plugins, Editorial Calendar remains the go-to choice for individual bloggers and small teams who want essential scheduling functionality without unnecessary complexity. It’s particularly effective for those who plan content and appreciate visual organization.

Price: Only a free version of this plugin is available.

3. CoSchedule

coshedule

CoSchedule is the complete solution for marketing teams and content-driven businesses that need to align their publishing schedule with their promotional strategy. More than just a calendar, it combines content planning, team workflow management, and social media scheduling into one unified platform.

The deep WordPress integration means you can manage everything without leaving your dashboard, while the drag-and-drop interface keeps complex projects surprisingly simple to organize.

It focuses on results-driven content planning. The built-in headline analyzer and performance metrics help you optimize every piece before it goes live. While the learning curve is steeper than basic plugins, the payoff comes in streamlined collaboration. You can assign tasks, track progress, and even sync with Google Docs, all while maintaining full visibility of your marketing pipeline.

Key Features of CoSchedule:

Unified calendar for content and social media scheduling

  • Team task assignments with progress tracking.
  • Native WordPress integration (no external dashboard needed).
  • Drag-and-drop interface for easy rescheduling.
  • Headline Analyzer tool for optimizing post titles.
  • Google Docs integration for collaborative writing.
  • Performance analytics to measure content effectiveness.
  • Customizable workflows for different content types.

While CoSchedule’s premium pricing puts it out of reach for casual bloggers, serious publishers and marketing teams will find its comprehensive features justify the investment. The ability to manage everything from blog posts to email campaigns in one place makes it ideal for businesses executing coordinated content strategies.

Price: Starting at $29/month for the social calendar plan. There is a free plan available with basic features.

4. Nelio Content

nelio content

Nelio Content takes WordPress editorial planning to the next level by combining content scheduling with smart automation and social media integration. This all-in-one solution helps teams not just organize their publishing calendar but also amplify their content’s reach.

What makes it special is how it automatically creates social media promotions for each post, saving you hours of manual work while ensuring your content gets the visibility it deserves. The plugin shines with its intelligent features designed for content professionals. From suggested references to quality analysis tools, it helps you create better content while streamlining collaboration.

Multiple team members can work simultaneously, with task assignments, editorial comments, and progress tracking keeping everyone aligned. While many premium features require upgrading, even the free version offers substantial value for serious publishers.

Key Features of Nelio Content:

  • Smart social message editor that adapts when no profile is selected or when only one network profile exists.
  • Conditional quality analysis that only loads in the post status panel when relevant.
  • Dynamic social media summary that appears contextually in the post status panel.
  • Automated multi-platform social media publishing (X, Facebook, LinkedIn).
  • Team task management with progress tracking.
  • AI-powered content quality scoring.
  • Reference suggestions and external image integration.
  • Customizable approval workflows.

Perfect for digital agencies and content teams, Nelio Content bridges the gap between content creation and distribution. Its balance of automation and editorial control makes it ideal for publishers who want to work smarter, not harder, while maintaining quality standards across all their content.

Price: Starts at $14/month for one site.

5. SchedulePress

Schedule press

SchedulePress makes content management easier by putting automation at the front of your WordPress editorial workflow. This plugin goes beyond basic scheduling to offer intelligent auto-posting capabilities that keep your site active even when you’re not.

Its robust architecture supports everything from bulk scheduling to multi-author coordination, making it ideal for businesses that need consistent content delivery without constant manual oversight.

Recent updates have introduced enhanced security protocols, improved social media integrations, and smarter taxonomy handling. The plugin now offers smoother Instagram authentication, auto-updating LinkedIn connections, and optimized Facebook templates, all while maintaining a surprisingly intuitive user interface that belies its advanced capabilities.

Key Features of SchedulePress:

  • Advanced taxonomy support for custom post types.
  • Enterprise-grade security enhancements.
  • Auto-refresh for LinkedIn profile/page connections.
  • Default profile images for unified team displays.
  • Upgraded Facebook social templates.
  • Streamlined Instagram authentication process.
  • Optimized codebase, removing duplicate controllers.
  • Visual drag-and-drop editorial calendar.
  • Bulk scheduling for mass content deployment.
  • Seamless integration with popular WordPress plugins.
  • Dashboard widget for instant post management.

While the free version covers basic needs, SchedulePress truly shines in its premium incarnation, particularly for agencies and businesses running multiple content streams. Its unique combination of automation power and technical refinement makes it a standout choice for professionals who value both reliability and advanced features.

Price: Starts at $49 with 1 year of support and updates.

6. PublishPress Planner

publishpress

PublishPress Planner gives your WordPress team everything needed to plan, organize, and execute content seamlessly. Combining a visual content calendar with Kanban-style boards and smart notifications, it transforms chaotic workflows into streamlined publishing processes. Ideal for content-driven sites, it helps teams maintain quality while collaborating more effectively across every stage of creation.

What makes Planner stand out is its adaptability. Whether you prefer calendar views, status-based boards, or detailed overviews, it provides multiple ways to track content. The plugin grows with your needs—from basic editorial calendars to advanced Slack integrations and custom reminders for time-sensitive publications.

Key Features of PublishPress Planner

  • Drag-and-Drop Content Calendar: Plan and reschedule posts visually, with quick-edit options
  • Customizable Kanban Board: Track post progress through columns (Draft → Review → Published)
  • Smart Editorial Notifications: Configurable alerts for team members when content changes
  • Slack Integration (Pro): Get updates and reply without leaving Slack
  • Reminder Notifications (Pro): Automated alerts before/after publish dates
  • Content Overview Dashboard: Filter posts by status, category, or author
  • Print-Friendly Reports: Generate printable content schedules
  • Multi-View Flexibility: Switch between calendar, list, and board layouts

Price: There is a free version available, and the pro version starts at $69 for a single site.

In short, these six WordPress editorial calendar plugins help content creators and teams organize, schedule, and automate their publishing workflow efficiently. You also have the option to go for a custom plugin developed by professional plugin development companies. For that, you need to determine a plugin development budget and list your requirements.

How to Choose the Right WordPress Editorial Plugin?

Picking the best editorial calendar plugin depends on your workflow, team size, and content goals. Here’s how to find the perfect fit:

  • Assess Your Needs: Are you a solo blogger or managing a team? Basic plugins like Editorial Calendar work for simple scheduling, while tools like CoSchedule or Nelio Content offer advanced collaboration and automation.
  • Check Integration & Compatibility: Make sure the plugin works with your theme, other plugins (like social schedulers), and custom post types if needed. Avoid tools that require constant workarounds.
  • Prioritize Usability: A cluttered interface slows you down. Look for drag-and-drop functionality, clear status tracking, and mobile-friendly access if you work on the go.
  • Consider Scalability: Will the plugin grow with your site? Free versions are great for testing, but premium features (like team workflows or analytics) might be worth investing in long-term.
  • Test Before Committing: Most plugins offer free trials or lite versions. Try a few to see which feels intuitive and actually improves your workflow, not just adds another tool to manage.

The right plugin should make planning easier, not more complicated. Focus on what saves you time and keeps your content strategy on track.

FAQs on Best WordPress Editorial Calendar Plugins

Can I use multiple editorial calendar plugins at once?

Technically yes, but it’s not recommended. Running multiple calendar plugins can cause conflicts, slow down your site, and create confusion. Most robust plugins offer all the features you need in one package. Stick to one that fits your workflow best.

Do these plugins work with custom post types?

Many premium editorial calendar plugins support custom post types, but free versions often don’t. Check the plugin’s documentation before installing. Solutions like SchedulePress and CoSchedule typically handle custom content types well.

Will these calendars sync with my Google Calendar?

Some premium options offer Google Calendar integration, but most WordPress editorial calendars operate independently. If this is important, look specifically for plugins that mention calendar syncing in their feature list.

How do these plugins handle time zones for scheduling?

They typically use your WordPress site’s default time zone setting. Double-check this in your General Settings, as scheduled posts will publish according to your site’s configured time zone, not necessarily your local one.

Can I recover accidentally deleted scheduled posts?

Usually yes, but it depends on the plugin. Most store drafts in WordPress’s trash system for 30 days. However, some advanced plugins add version control, making recovery even easier. Always check the plugin’s specific recovery features.

Let’s Summarize

A good editorial calendar plugin keeps your content plan organized and on track. Whether you need basic scheduling or full team collaboration, there’s a tool for you. Here are our top 3 picks:

  • Strive Content Calendar: Our top choice overall. It offers a clean design, helpful features like post checklists and status tracking, and is easy to use. Ideal for bloggers and small teams who want to stay consistent with content without overcomplicating things.
  • CoSchedule: A premium tool with advanced features. Best for larger teams or agencies that need full marketing and editorial planning in one place—if budget isn’t an issue.
  • Editorial Calendar: A simple and free plugin that handles basic scheduling well. Great for solo creators who just want to stay organized without spending money.

If you want the best mix of features, ease of use, and pricing, Strive Content Calendar stands out from the rest. It helps you stay on schedule, improve your content quality, and grow your audience.

For customizing any existing plugins or building a custom solution, our professional WordPress developers can assist you. Contact our experts!