A rating filter in WooCommerce gives your customers a quick way to find the highest-rated products without scrolling through everything. It’s a small but powerful tool that improves how people shop on your site. If you’re running a store and wondering how to improve product sorting, you might be thinking about how to add filter by rating in WooCommerce?
Add a rating filter in WooCommerce by enabling product reviews, installing the Dynamic AJAX Product Filters plugin, adding the “Rating” filter in the plugin settings, customizing its style, and placing it on your shop page using the “plugincy_filters” shortcode. Make sure you place the shortcode inside the square brackets [ ].
If you’re curious about using this feature or want to explore more about setting it up, this article is just what you need. Keep reading to find all the steps, useful tips, and answers to common questions about adding rating filters to your WooCommerce store.
How to Add Filter by Rating in WooCommerce?
A rating filter helps customers find your top-rated products quickly. To implement this in WooCommerce, follow these detailed steps carefully. Each step builds on the last to ensure the feature works correctly on your store.
Step 1: Enable Product Reviews and Star Ratings in WooCommerce
Before anything else, make sure WooCommerce allows customer ratings and reviews on products. This is a default feature, but it might be disabled on some sites.
Instructions:
- Log in to your WordPress dashboard.
- Go to WooCommerce > Settings.
- Click on the Products tab.
- Under the General section, scroll down to the Reviews area.
- Enable the following options:
- Enable product reviews: This allows customers to submit written reviews.
- Show “verified owner” label for customer reviews: This shows a label if the reviewer has actually purchased the product.
- Star ratings should be required, not optional: This ensures all reviews include a rating.
- Click Save changes at the bottom.
This step ensures the product ratings will exist, which is required for any filter to work. Without this, the filter plugin will not detect or display rating values.
Step 2: Collect Customer Reviews on Products
Your rating filter will be useless unless your products have ratings. This means you need to actively collect reviews from customers.
Actions You Can Take:
- Set up automated follow-up emails using WooCommerce or a plugin (like AutomateWoo or MailPoet) to request a review a few days after a purchase is completed.
- Offer incentives, such as a small discount on their next purchase in exchange for leaving a review.
- Display a message on the order confirmation page or in the order email encouraging the user to rate the product.
- Ensure your product pages display the “Leave a review” option clearly and that it’s not hidden by your theme or other plugins.
Make sure your most important products have several ratings—at least 2 to 3 reviews per product to provide a baseline for the rating filter.
Step 3: Install a Filter Plugin
To add a rating filter in WooCommerce, you’ll need a plugin since this feature isn’t available by default. Dynamic AJAX Product Filters is one of the best options because it offers real-time filtering and full compatibility with WooCommerce. It allows you to create responsive, customizable filters that include ratings, categories, price, and more.
After installation, the plugin adds a dedicated “Product Filters” menu to your dashboard for easy configuration. You can place the filters anywhere on your site using shortcodes or widgets. This plugin is also considered one of the most reliable choices when building a complete WooCommerce AJAX product filter system.
How to Install Dynamic AJAX Product Filters:
- Go to your WordPress Dashboard and click on Plugins > Add New
- In the search bar, type Dynamic AJAX Product Filters
- Locate the plugin and click Install Now
- Once installed, click Activate
- A new menu called Product Filters will appear in your dashboard for setup and use
Why Dynamic AJAX Product Filters is the best choice:
- Designed specifically for WooCommerce with full version support
- Uses AJAX technology to apply filters without refreshing the page
- Supports a wide range of filters, including rating, color, size, category, and more
- Offers a drag-and-drop builder for creating filters without coding
- Lightweight, responsive, and compatible with most themes and page builders
Step 4: Enable Rating Filter in Filter Preset
To display the rating filter on your website, you need to enable it inside the filter builder (called “Filter Presets”).
Here are the Steps:
- Go to Product Filters > Filter Presets.
- Click Add New to create a new preset, or click Edit on an existing one.
- You will see a list of available filters. Look for Rating or Review Rating.
- If it’s not already listed, click Add Filter and select Rating as the filter type.
- Give it a label like “Filter by Rating” or “Customer Ratings”.
- Make sure the Enable Filter checkbox is selected.
- Set visibility rules, position order (if multiple filters are used), and filter logic as per your design.
- Click Save to save this filter preset.
Once saved, this preset can be used on pages via shortcode or widgets.
Step 5: Customize the Rating Filter Style and Behavior
To align the rating filter with your theme design, use the style options provided by the plugin.
How to Access Styling Options:
- Navigate to Product Filters > Form Style.
- Choose the preset where the Rating filter was added.
- From the attribute dropdown, select Rating.
Style Options:
- Star Ratings: Show clickable stars (e.g., 4 stars and up).
- Textual Values: Show text-based values like “4+” or “Top Rated”.
- Dynamic Rating Range: Allows users to drag a slider to filter products based on star range.
You can configure the following as well:
- Font size and color for rating labels.
- Spacing and layout.
- Active and inactive state icons.
- Whether ratings display in ascending or descending order.
Click Save after making style changes. You can view these changes live after placing the filter on a frontend page.
Step 6: Place the Filter on a Page or Sidebar Using Shortcode
To show the filter on your store page, use the plugin’s shortcode system.
Display on a Page:
- Go to Pages > All Pages and edit the Shop or any product category page.
- Inside the content editor, paste the following shortcode: “plugincy_filters” Make sure you paste the code inside the square brackets [ ].
- Update the page to save changes.
Display in a Sidebar:
- Go to Appearance > Widgets.
- Add a Text or Shortcode widget to the sidebar where you want the filter to appear.
- Paste the same shortcode inside the square brackets [ ]: “plugincy_filters”
- Save the widget.
- If you want to display products on the same page, use this shortcode alongside inside the square brackets: “products”
Make sure the filter preset you edited earlier is linked correctly to the shortcode.
Step 7: Test the Filter Functionality on the Frontend
After setting everything up, it’s essential to verify that the filter works correctly.
Testing Checklist:
- Visit your Shop or filter-enabled page.
- Use the rating filter and choose an option (e.g., 4 stars & up).
- Check if only products matching the rating are shown.
- Refresh the page and confirm that filter selections persist.
- Combine it with other filters (if set up), like category or price, to test multiple conditions.
This step is vital to avoid user frustration due to malfunctioning filters.
Step 8: Address Caching Plugin Conflicts (If Applicable)
AJAX-based filters can break or not show updated results if your site uses aggressive caching.
If you use a caching plugin:
- Go to your cache plugin’s settings (e.g., WP Rocket, W3 Total Cache).
- Exclude the page containing the “plugincy_filters” shortcode from being cached.
- If the plugin supports it, disable page caching for logged-in users.
- Clear all existing caches after making changes.
This ensures that the filters work correctly without displaying outdated content.
Step 9: Check Mobile Responsiveness of the Rating Filter
A large portion of users shop from mobile devices, so filters must be responsive.
What to Check:
- Open your store page on a smartphone and a tablet.
- Confirm that the rating filter:
- Is clearly visible and not hidden behind menus.
- Is large enough to tap easily.
- Does not overlap or break the layout.
- If necessary, adjust widget widths or add responsive CSS using your theme’s customizer.
Use browser developer tools to simulate mobile views if you don’t have physical devices.
What Are Product Rating Filters and Why Do They Matter for WooCommerce?
When people shop online, they often want to see the best products first. They don’t always have time to scroll through every item. That’s where helpful tools like product rating filters come in. These filters help shoppers find products that others liked. Let’s look at how this feature works and why it’s useful for any WooCommerce store.
Easy Product Sorting
Product rating filters make it easy for customers to sort products by their star ratings. For example, someone might want to see only items rated four stars or higher. This helps people skip products with poor reviews and focus on what others found helpful. When filters are easy to use, it saves time and keeps people happy while browsing.
Builds Trust Quickly
Visitors feel more confident buying something when they see other people’s ratings on the product. A high rating often means people like the quality or performance. By using rating filters, shoppers can trust they’re looking at well-liked products. This trust can lead to more sales because people feel better about what they’re choosing. It’s a simple feature that builds strong confidence.
Helps With Decisions
Sometimes there are many similar products, and it’s hard to choose. Rating filters help by narrowing down the best options based on what other buyers think. This makes the decision easier and quicker. People often feel unsure when shopping online, but seeing products with good reviews can guide them. It makes shopping less confusing and more clear.
Improves User Experience
A store that’s easy to browse will always stand out. Rating filters are one small part of that, but they make a big difference. When people can find top-rated products fast, they’re more likely to enjoy using the site. This also keeps visitors on the site longer. In the end, a smoother experience means more returning customers.
Boosts Sales Results
People buy more when they trust the products they see. Rating filters help highlight those trusted products first. This often leads to higher sales, especially for items with great reviews. Shoppers want to feel confident, and this tool gives them that extra push. It’s a small change that can have a big effect on store performance.
Product rating filters make online shopping faster, easier, and more enjoyable. They help people find trusted products without spending too much time. This builds confidence and improves how users feel about the store. Adding this feature can lead to better results and happier customers.
How to Combine Rating Filters With Other Filters in WooCommerce?
Every shopper looks for something different, and that’s why using filters is so helpful. Whether it’s by price, rating, or category, filters make finding the right product faster. Mixing filters gives users more control when browsing. Keep reading to learn how to combine them the smart way.
Filter Mix Benefits
Filters work better when they’re used together. A customer might want to see only the highest-rated products, but also in a specific price range or category. When you mix filters like rating, price, and tags, users don’t need to scroll endlessly. They can make a few choices and see what they really want. For stores with many items, this gives more control and keeps visitors from leaving without buying.
Adding by Attributes
Some stores want filters based on colors, sizes, or any custom feature. These are called attributes. WooCommerce lets you create custom attributes easily and apply them to your products. Once added, plugins or widgets can use these for filtering. For example, if you’re selling shoes, adding size and color as filters helps people find exactly what fits them best in seconds.
Categories Work Too
One of the simplest ways to arrange products is into categories. When you combine rating filters with category filters, users can quickly check top-rated products under a specific type. For example, someone might look for the best-rated electronics or top-rated books. It saves time and avoids confusion, especially in stores with a big product list.
Tags and Custom Use
Compared to categories, tags are more adaptable. You can use them to filter products by special themes, styles, or even events. They work well with rating filters to help shoppers refine their results. Some shops even use special tags for bestselling or limited-edition items. And in stores with books or digital goods, you might also add filter by author in WooCommerce to help people find items from a specific creator.
Plugin Power
Most of this filtering magic is possible because of plugins. They add tools like AJAX filtering, which updates results without refreshing the page. Plugins also allow filter groups to work together, so rating, category, price, and tags can all be clicked at once. With the right setup, everything feels smooth and quick for your shoppers.
Filters can make or break a shopper’s experience. Mixing rating filters with others adds extra value to your store. It helps users find what they want in less time. Try combining filters to make your shop easier and more fun to browse.
Common Issues When Adding Rating Filters and How to Fix Them in WooCommerce
Adding filters seems simple, but small issues can stop them from working as expected. Rating filters are useful, but sometimes they don’t show or work right. This can confuse users and hurt sales. Let’s check out what causes these problems and how to fix them.
Theme Conflicts
Some themes don’t fully support filter plugins, which can stop the rating filter from showing up. This usually happens when the theme isn’t coded to support widgets or sidebar areas where filters are added. You might also notice layout problems or filters not refreshing the page correctly. Try switching to a default WooCommerce theme to test it. If it works there, your theme likely needs an update or custom support.
Plugin Issues
Many filtering problems come from plugin conflicts. Some filters need special plugins, and not all plugins work well together. For example, if you’re using a plugin for layered navigation and another for rating, they may not load smoothly. Sometimes, rating filters might not appear correctly when used alongside other filter types, for example, when using a color filter in WooCommerce, plugin compatibility or AJAX conflicts can affect display behavior.
AJAX Not Working
Filters can function without reloading the page thanks to AJAX. But if AJAX is broken or not set up right, the rating filter may not update results properly. You’ll notice filters stuck or pages not changing at all. Make sure your filtering plugin supports AJAX and that your theme allows it. Most plugins have a setting to turn this on or off, so try enabling it and test again.
Missing Ratings
Another reason the rating filter shows no results is that the products don’t have ratings yet. If nobody has left a review, there’s nothing for the filter to show. It may look like the filter is broken, but really, it’s just empty. Encourage customers to leave reviews. You can also check if the rating system is turned on in WooCommerce settings under Product reviews.
Wrong Filter Placement
Filters need to be placed in the right area of your store layout. If you put them on the wrong page or inside the wrong widget, they won’t show up or may not work as expected. Always add filters to the shop or category sidebar. Also, avoid placing too many filters at once, as that can clutter the page and confuse the shopper instead of helping them.
Filter problems are normal, but most are easy to fix once you spot the cause. With the right setup, rating filters can work smoothly and improve the shopping experience. Try a few changes, and things should run better.
Best Practices to Encourage Customer Reviews and Boost Ratings
People often check what others have said about products before buying them online. Reviews and ratings help shoppers feel more sure about their choice. A few simple steps can make a big difference in getting reviews.
- Ask After Purchase: Send a message after someone buys, thanking them and kindly asking them to leave a quick review on the product page.
- Offer Small Rewards: You can give a small discount or free shipping code to anyone who leaves a helpful review after their order.
- Make It Easy: Use a simple review form with clear rating stars so it doesn’t feel like a long or confusing task.
- Send Friendly Reminders: A short email or message a few days later can remind buyers to share what they liked about the product.
- Show Reviews Clearly: Display reviews on product pages where people can easily see them it encourages others to leave their thoughts too.
- Say Thank You: Thanking people for writing reviews shows you value their feedback, and it makes them more likely to do it again.
- Ask Honest Feedback: Let people know they can write what they really think. Honest reviews are more helpful than only asking for good ones.
Getting more reviews doesn’t need to be hard. With the right steps, people will gladly share what they think. Honest ratings build trust and help others choose. These small actions can really help your store grow over time.
FAQs About How to Add Filter by Rating in WooCommerce?
Adding a rating filter to your WooCommerce store is helpful, but you might still have a few more questions in mind. Some settings, display options, or plugin details can be confusing at first. Below are some important questions and clear answers that can guide you better.
Can I Show Rating Filters Only on Specific Pages?
Yes, you can choose where the rating filter appears. Most filter plugins let you place filters using shortcodes or widgets. This means you can add them only on the shop page or specific category pages. It helps keep your layout clean and avoids showing filters where they’re not needed.
Does the Rating Filter Work on Sale or Discount Pages?
Yes, but it depends on the plugin you’re using. Some plugins allow rating filters to be active on sale or special deal pages. You may need to adjust filter settings to make them visible there. Always test it to be sure it works as expected on custom pages.
Can I Use Rating Filters with Product Variations?
Usually, rating filters apply to the main product, not each variation, like size or color. Variations don’t have separate reviews in WooCommerce. So the rating shown and filtered is based on the full product, not the variation. It still works well if reviews apply to the whole item.
Do Rating Filters Slow Down the Website?
If the plugin is well-made and your site is properly set up, rating filters should not slow down your website. AJAX-based filters load results smoothly without reloading pages. You should avoid using too many heavy plugins together. Use a caching plugin and good hosting for better speed.
Can I Add a Heading Above the Rating Filter?
Yes, you can add a title or heading above your rating filter. This can be done inside the widget settings or page builder, where the filter is placed. Adding a label like “Sort by Customer Ratings” helps users understand it quickly. Make sure the heading matches your store’s design.
Is It Possible to Reset Filters with One Click?
Yes, many filter plugins offer a “Reset Filters” button or option. This lets users clear all selected filters, including ratings, with one click. It’s helpful when users want to start a new search without refreshing the page. Make sure the plugin has this feature or allows adding it manually.
Can I Translate the Rating Filter Text?
Yes, most good plugins allow you to change or translate the text used in filters. You can use a translation plugin like Loco Translate to do this. Just find the plugin’s language file and change words like “Rating” to your language. This makes your store more user-friendly for different visitors.
Conclusion
Adding filters like ratings makes online stores easier and quicker to use. Customers don’t want to waste time scrolling through hundreds of items. Giving them tools to filter by top-rated products helps them decide faster and makes your store more helpful. These small features can make a big difference in how people feel when shopping and how likely they are to return.
So, how to add filter by rating in WooCommerce? The answer is simple: you first enable product ratings, collect customer reviews, and then use a plugin like Dynamic AJAX Product Filters to create and display the rating filter on your shop pages. This setup helps people quickly sort products based on what others liked most.