The Best Magento 2 Modules We Recommend

When developing e-commerce websites on Magento 2, we aim not only to create a functional and visually appealing platform but also to ensure its stability, security, and ease of management. To achieve this, we use a set of proven modules that help optimize processes, improve performance, and simplify administration. In this article, we’ll share the list of modules we install by default for our clients and explain why they are essential.

Mageplaza Magento 2 Cron Schedule

Link: Mageplaza Magento 2 Cron Schedule

Why it’s needed: Cron jobs in Magento 2 handle critical background processes such as indexing, email sending, and data updates. However, cron tasks can sometimes hang or fail to execute correctly. This module allows us to monitor cron job statuses, identify errors, and optimize their execution.

Benefits:

1. Improved website performance.

2. Timely execution of tasks.

3. Simplified troubleshooting.

Mageplaza SMTP

Link: Mageplaza SMTP

Why it’s needed: This module configures email sending via SMTP servers, significantly improving email delivery reliability. We use this module, so Magento can send emails via Mandrill SMTP relay, Amazon SES, SendGrid, etc.

Benefits:

1. Enhanced email deliverability for transactional and marketing emails.

2. Support for popular email services like Gmail, Outlook, and Yahoo.

3. Email logging to track delivery status.

4. Easy SMTP configuration through the Magento admin panel.

Smile ElasticSuite

Link: Smile ElasticSuite

Why it’s needed: ElasticSuite is a robust solution for enhancing search and navigation on your website using Elasticsearch. It provides advanced features for configuring search queries, filters, and product sorting.

Benefits:

1. Improved user experience with fast and accurate search results.

2. Support for complex filters and categories, including the ability to select multiple attribute values simultaneously. This allows users to combine different parameters for more precise product searches, making navigation intuitive and flexible.

3. Customizable hiding of "irrelevant" filter options, simplifying navigation for users.

4. Enhanced search relevance by factoring in product popularity, stock availability, and other metrics.

5. Increased conversions through optimized navigation and more accurate search results.

GhostUnicorns WebApiLogs

Link: GhostUnicorns WebApiLogs

Why it’s needed: This module logs all API requests and responses, which is particularly useful for integrations with external systems. If your website interacts with third-party services (e.g., payment gateways, shipping providers, or CRM systems), this tool helps you track all API activities to quickly identify and resolve issues.

Benefits:

1. Simplified API debugging: you can see what data is being sent and received.

2. Greater transparency in integrations: you’ll always know what’s happening on the API side.

3. Faster error detection: if something goes wrong, you’ll immediately see where the problem occurred.

4. Convenience for developers: API logging simplifies integration development and maintenance.

Magefan Google Analytics 4

Link: Magefan Google Analytics 4

Why it’s needed: This module simplifies the integration of Google Analytics 4 (GA4) with Magento 2. GA4 is the latest version of Google’s analytics platform, offering advanced features for tracking user behavior, conversions, and other metrics. While it covers the basic needs for GA4 integration, more complex scenarios (e.g., custom events, integration with other services, or advanced tracking customization) may require additional development or paid extensions. For businesses with specific analytics requirements, it’s recommended to evaluate upfront whether Magefan GA4’s functionality is sufficient or if an additional solution will be needed.

Benefits:

1. Easy GA4 setup without the need for code editing.

2. Support for advanced features like event tracking, e-commerce tracking, and user data analysis.

3. Enhanced analytics for data-driven decision-making.

4. Compliance with Google’s latest requirements.

RedChamps Clean Admin Menu

Link: RedChamps Clean Admin Menu

Why it’s needed: The Magento 2 admin panel can become cluttered with numerous menu items, especially when multiple extensions are installed. This module allows us to hide unnecessary menu items, leaving only those that are actively used.

Benefits:

1. Simplified navigation in the admin panel.

2. Improved usability for administrators.

3. Reduced risk of errors caused by accidental clicks on irrelevant menu items.

4. Customizable menu visibility for different user roles.

5. It just makes the admin interface neat.

OlegKoval Regenerate URL Rewrites

Link: OlegKoval Regenerate URL Rewrites

Why it’s needed: This module enables bulk regeneration of URL rewrites for products and categories, which is especially useful after data imports or structural changes to the website. It has proven invaluable for fixing URL issues after large-scale updates.

Benefits:

1. Improved SEO through correct and unique URLs.

2. Elimination of duplicate URL errors.

3. Time savings by avoiding manual URL fixes.

4. A reliable solution for restoring proper URL structures.

Catgento Admin Activity

Link: Catgento Admin Activity

Why it’s needed: This module tracks all admin activities in the Magento 2 backend, helping you monitor changes and enhance security.

Benefits:

1. Audit logs of admin actions.

2. Enhanced security by tracking user activity.

3. Simplified analysis of changes made in the admin panel.

JustBetter Sentry

Link: JustBetter Sentry

Why it’s needed: Sentry is a powerful tool for real-time error and exception monitoring. This module integrates Sentry with Magento 2, allowing us to quickly identify and resolve issues on website, before vistors of the shop notce them.

Benefits:

1. Simplified debugging and error resolution.

2. Real-time notifications for critical errors.

3. Performance monitoring to identify bottlenecks.

4. Increased website stability and reliability.

Mark Shust Disable Two-Factor Auth

Link: Mark Shust Disable Two-Factor Auth

Why it’s needed: Starting with Magento 2.4, two-factor authentication (2FA) is enabled by default and cannot be disabled via the admin panel or CLI. This module automatically disables 2FA in developer mode and adds a toggle to enable or disable 2FA in the admin panel. It just makes sense to have it installed, so the development process is faster.

Benefits:

1. Simplified development and testing workflows.

2. Flexible security settings management.

3. Time savings during debugging and configuration.

4. Improved convenience for admins without compromising production security.

Conclusion

By installing these modules, we create Magento 2 websites that are not only highly functional but also easy to manage, secure, and optimized for SEO. Each of these tools addresses specific challenges, ensuring your e-commerce platform operates at its best. If you have any questions or would like to learn more about our solutions, feel free to contact us—we’re always here to help!