Infinite scroll and load-more buttons can reduce full-page reloads on long archives, blogs, and product grids. The right approach depends on whether you want automatic loading, a user-controlled button, Gutenberg Query Loop support, or WooCommerce-specific pagination.
TL;DR
Ajax Load More is the most flexible option for developers and mixed content types. Load More Products for WooCommerce is the better store-specific choice. Catch Infinite Scroll and YITH Infinite Scrolling suit simpler archive or shop use cases, while Query Loop Load More is the cleanest fit for sites built around the native Gutenberg Query Loop.
Quick Comparison
| Plugin | Best for | Starting point |
|---|---|---|
| Ajax Load More | flexible AJAX loading across content types | Free on WordPress.org |
| Load More Products for WooCommerce | WooCommerce product archives | Free on WordPress.org |
| Catch Infinite Scroll | simple site-wide infinite scrolling | Free on WordPress.org |
| YITH Infinite Scrolling | shop and archive infinite scrolling | Free on WordPress.org |
| Query Loop Load More | Gutenberg Query Loop pagination | Free on WordPress.org |
How I Chose These Plugins
I compared not only loading style but also where the plugin can operate: classic archives, WooCommerce loops, custom queries, or Gutenberg Query Loops. I also considered button versus automatic loading, browser history and pagination behavior, accessibility, theme compatibility, and whether the plugin preserves crawlable pagination underneath the AJAX experience.
1. Ajax Load More
Best for: Flexible AJAX loading across content types.
Adds infinite scroll, lazy loading, and load-more buttons for posts, pages, and WooCommerce products.
Key features
- Infinite scroll
- load more button
- lazy loading
- posts/pages/WooCommerce support
Pros
- Broad content support
- mature plugin
Limitations
- More configuration than a single-purpose solution
Pricing: a free WordPress Infinite Scroll & Load More Plugins version is available on WordPress.org. Verify the current paid upgrade, renewal terms, and feature limits on the developer’s site before purchasing.
2. Load More Products for WooCommerce
Best for: WooCommerce product archives.
Loads products from the next shop/archive page through AJAX using either infinite scrolling or a load-more button.
Key features
- WooCommerce product loading
- AJAX pagination
- infinite scroll
- load more button
Pros
- Purpose-built for WooCommerce stores
Limitations
- Not intended for general post archives
Pricing: a free WordPress Infinite Scroll & Load More Plugins version is available on WordPress.org. Verify the current paid upgrade, renewal terms, and feature limits on the developer’s site before purchasing.
3. Catch Infinite Scroll
Best for: Simple site-wide infinite scrolling.
Adds infinite scrolling with customization options for WordPress archive-style content.
Key features
- Infinite scrolling
- customizable loading behavior
- archive use
Pros
- Simple dedicated approach
- established install base
Limitations
- Less flexible than developer-oriented AJAX query tools
Pricing: a free WordPress Infinite Scroll & Load More Plugins version is available on WordPress.org. Verify the current paid upgrade, renewal terms, and feature limits on the developer’s site before purchasing.
4. YITH Infinite Scrolling
Best for: Shop and archive infinite scrolling.
Adds infinite scrolling to archive pages and shop pages.
Key features
- Archive infinite scroll
- WooCommerce shop support
- AJAX-style continuous loading
Pros
- Clear store/archive use case
Limitations
- Narrower scope than general AJAX content loaders
Pricing: a free WordPress Infinite Scroll & Load More Plugins version is available on WordPress.org. Verify the current paid upgrade, renewal terms, and feature limits on the developer’s site before purchasing.
5. Query Loop Load More
Best for: Gutenberg Query Loop pagination.
Adds a load-more option to the native Query Loop Pagination block so more posts can appear without a full refresh.
Key features
- Query Loop integration
- load more pagination
- block-editor workflow
Pros
- Good fit for block themes and Gutenberg layouts
Limitations
- Focused on Query Loop rather than arbitrary legacy templates
Pricing: a free WordPress Infinite Scroll & Load More Plugins version is available on WordPress.org. Verify the current paid upgrade, renewal terms, and feature limits on the developer’s site before purchasing.
SEO and accessibility checks for dynamic loading
Infinite loading should enhance a normal archive, not become the only way content exists. Keep meaningful paginated URLs available to crawlers and users, preserve a usable browser history, and make sure the loaded items appear in a sensible reading order. If JavaScript fails, the archive should still provide a path to older content.
WooCommerce sites should also test dynamic loading alongside sorting, filters, analytics, product impressions, and add-to-cart events. If the main goal is presenting products more effectively rather than changing pagination, compare the existing WooCommerce product grid plugins before adding another AJAX layer.
How to Choose
Automatic infinite scroll is not always better than a Load More button. Buttons give users more control and make footers easier to reach. For SEO, make sure archive content still has crawlable paginated URLs or another discoverable structure instead of relying only on JavaScript. For accessibility, test keyboard focus, loading announcements, browser back behavior, and what happens when JavaScript fails. WooCommerce stores should also test filters, sorting, analytics, and add-to-cart behavior after additional products load.
Final Take
Ajax Load More is the broadest choice, Query Loop Load More is the most natural Gutenberg option, and WooCommerce-specific stores may prefer a store-focused plugin. The right implementation should preserve navigation, accessibility, and crawlability rather than treating endless scrolling as a purely visual effect.
FAQs
Is infinite scroll good for SEO?
It can work, but important archive content should still be discoverable through crawlable URLs or pagination rather than depending entirely on JavaScript.
Is a Load More button better than automatic infinite scroll?
Often yes for user control, accessibility, and footer access. Automatic loading can still be useful for content feeds.
Will infinite scroll work with WooCommerce filters?
It depends on the plugin and filter system. Test filtering, sorting, pagination state, and product loading together.
Can infinite scroll break the browser Back button?
Poor implementations can. Check whether the plugin updates history or preserves a usable navigation state.
Does Gutenberg Query Loop need a separate plugin for Load More?
The native Query Loop has its own pagination model; plugins such as Query Loop Load More add an AJAX-style load-more experience to it.
