Hustle is a lead generation plugin from WPMU DEV that lets you create popups, slide-ins, opt-in forms, and social sharing widgets to grow your email list. It offers multiple display types — popup, slide-in, embedded, widget, and full-screen overlay — with targeting rules based on user behavior, page content, and device type. The plugin integrates with email marketing services like MailChimp, ActiveCampaign, ConvertKit, and MailPoet, or you can collect submissions locally and export them as CSV. For site owners looking to build their email list, Hustle is a solid alternative to OptinMonster with a more accessible price point and solid free version.
Hustle stores opt-in submissions locally when not connected to a third-party service. It includes A/B testing in the Pro version for optimizing conversion rates.
Competitive Features
- Popup types — popup, slide-in, embedded widget, full-screen overlay, and floating bar
- Display conditions — show based on page, category, post type, referrer, device, or user role
- Trigger options — time delay, scroll depth, exit intent, click, and page load
- Email integration — MailChimp, ActiveCampaign, ConvertKit, Campaign Monitor, MailPoet, and more
- Social sharing — floating social media share bars with customizable networks
- A/B testing (Pro) — test different popup designs, copy, and triggers
- Analytics — view tracking, impression count, and conversion rate per popup
Key Features
- Visual editor — drag-and-drop popup builder with pre-designed templates
- Animation effects — fade, slide, and bounce animations for entrance and exit
- Form fields — customizable opt-in form fields with GDPR consent checkbox
- Success messages — customize the message shown after successful opt-in
- After-submission behavior — close popup, show content, or redirect to URL
- Schedule — set start and end dates for time-limited campaigns
- CSS customization — custom CSS support for complete design control
Comparison with Competitors
Hustle vs OptinMonster
| Aspect | Hustle | OptinMonster |
|---|---|---|
| Popup types | 5 | 5 |
| Exit intent | Yes | Yes |
| Page-level targeting | Yes | Yes |
| A/B testing | Pro | Pro |
| Email integrations | 10+ | 20+ |
Bottom line: Both plugins offer similar features. Hustle has a more generous free version and is included in WPMU DEV membership. OptinMonster has more email service integrations and slightly more advanced targeting.
Recommended Stack: Hustle grows your email list with popups. For email automation after capturing leads, integrate with FluentCRM to send automated sequences to new subscribers.
Official Changelog
Data sourced from WordPress.org plugin repository.
Version 7.8.14.2
Release Date: August 31, 2026
- Fix: Security improvements.
Version 7.8.14.1
Release Date: July 8, 2026
- Fix: Facebook Social Sharing module displaying an error notice on mobile devices.
Version 7.8.14
Release Date: June 24, 2026
- Enhancement: Facebook Social Sharing service requires APP ID.
- Fix: An error occurred when the scheduled module was saved.
- Fix: Security hardening.
- Fix: Disable Additional CSS setting for Embedded blocks.
- Compatibility: WordPress 7.0 compatibility enhancements.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Hustle free?
The core plugin is free and includes popups, slide-ins, embed forms, social sharing, and basic display conditions. The Pro version (part of WPMU DEV membership) adds A/B testing, exit intent, and advanced targeting.
Does Hustle work with email marketing services?
Yes. Hustle integrates with MailChimp, ActiveCampaign, ConvertKit, Campaign Monitor, MailPoet, GetResponse, and other popular email marketing services.
What is exit intent?
Exit intent detects when a visitor is about to leave your site and shows a popup before they go. This is useful for capturing abandoning visitors with a last-minute offer or newsletter signup.
Can I target specific pages?
Yes. Hustle’s display conditions let you show popups on specific pages, posts, categories, or custom post types. You can also exclude pages or show based on referrer URL.
What is the difference between free and Pro?
The free version includes popups, slide-ins, embedded forms, social sharing, and basic targeting. The Pro version adds exit intent, A/B testing, scroll triggers, advanced targeting, and priority support.
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