Google XML Sitemaps vs Yoast SEO
Compare WordPress plugins and tools side by side. Pick products with “Compare” in the software directory.
| Feature | Google XML Sitemaps v4.1.25 · checked 23 Oct 2026 Free · ★ 4.8/5 Visit Details | Yoast SEO v28.7 · checked 23 Oct 2026 Free + paid · ★ 4.8/5 Visit Details |
|---|---|---|
| At a glance | ||
| Active installs | 1M+ | 10M+ |
| Last updated | September 18, 2026 | October 13, 2026 |
| Editions | XML Sitemap Generator for Google | Yoast SEO · Yoast SEO Premium ($) |
| Pros | Builds XML sitemaps for content and WooCommerce product taxonomies; Submits new URLs to IndexNow; Status page shows the last sitemap build and ping results | XML sitemaps and a schema graph in the free version; Breadcrumbs block and WooCommerce product support; Widely installed, with a large existing knowledge base |
| Cons | Does not add schema markup, redirects or local SEO | Redirect manager and Local SEO need Premium or an add-on; AI tools use a limited free allowance; Usage tracking is opt-in and asks on first setup |
| Mentioned in our posts | 2 | 3 |
| Features (SEO plugins checklist) | ||
| Schema markup | No | Yes |
| XML sitemaps | Yes | Yes |
| Redirects | No | Paid |
| Local SEO | No | Paid |
| WooCommerce | Yes | Yes |
| AI content | No | Yes |
| Free version | Yes | Yes |
| More features | ||
| Other features | XML sitemap generation for content and taxonomies, Sitemaps for WooCommerce product categories and tags, Submit URLs to IndexNow, Status of the last sitemap build and pings, Settings page under the admin menu | Breadcrumbs block, AI content generator, WooCommerce product SEO data |
| Integrations | ||
| E-commerce | WooCommerce | WooCommerce |
| Plugins | — | Elementor |
| Other | IndexNow, Auctollo beta notice service | — |
| Requires WordPress | 4.6 | 6.9 |
| Requires PHP | 5.0 | 7.4 |
| Tested up to | 7.1 | 7.1 |
| Phones home | Only if you agree | Only if you agree |
| External services | wordpress.org, api.auctollo.com, api.indexnow.org | ai.yoa.st, oauth.semrush.com, api.wincher.com, my.yoast.com |
| Blocks | — | 3 |
| Shortcodes | — | 1 |