Most open source content management systems like WordPress, Magento and Shopify have the ability to add additional functionalities through the use of plugins or modules. Magento extensions and modules for other CMSs come with great benefits of making the websites easy-to-navigate and make purchases easier for the online shoppers.

In many cases they can be free to download, but one needs to consider the hidden costs and implications of using them.

Is it compatible to your website?

When using the fresh copy of a content management system, you probably won’t encounter many issues, but you’re likely to face problems when you start adding themes and modules.

Before you jump into the conclusion of installing free modules, you need to investigate how well they are written to make sure it’s fully compatible with the server, website template, and other modules that are already installed on your website.

You can’t make an assumption that the plugin will start working straight away. You need to tweak the settings or even modify the code.

Are there any performance impacts?

When using the modules on a website we all need to consider if it has any performance implications. The factors like the number of features if offers, how well written the module is, and what features are offered, can impact the speed of your website.

Sometimes we will recommend not using free modules because of their negative impacts on website performance. Using premium Magento modules is suggested when you’re looking for some really advanced features.

Understanding the underlying code

Everyone is different, be it a human, animal or a machine. Similarly is the case with the modules as each of module is written by a different set of people. If you ask five people to write the same story, then the chances are the storyline will be the same but with a different word structure. Writing code is exactly the same.

It’s not easier to modify the codes of other developers. This can often mean any modifications could take longer than expected.

Keeping it up-to-date

Being in the eCommerce marketplace is complicated as there are transactions taking place each minute. This is why we all want our online stores as secure as possible – part of that requires keeping the Magento modules and plugins up-to-date. Updating these modules may take time. The more you have, the more time it will take to keep them up-to-date.

While updating these modules can be relatively simple, but it can cause issues when breaking changes are implemented. Everything on the website, such as modules, themes, and server are intertwined, so a breaking change in one of them could cause the website to break. Experts’ advice on upgrading the modules is always recommended.

It’s not all bad!

We don’t want to scare you with the information mentioned above. Some free Magento modules are very good and using them can bring great benefit to your website and we also use them while developing Magento websites. Modules have significantly reduces the cost of building new features.

The prime thing here is to remember that free modules will involve some cost and it is often on a case by case basis. The best thing to do is to speak to your web developers before using a module on website.