bwt
// plugin

Bertha AI

by Bertha AI

The WordPress plugin is deprecated — the vendor now directs users to its Chrome extension instead. Listed here for reference, not as a recommendation.

Deprecated — not a live option

Bertha's own site states the WordPress plugin "is now deprecated and no longer works with the latest version of WordPress" and directs users to its Chrome extension instead. The extension remains actively developed; the plugin is not a live option for WordPress.

Source · Confirmed 2026-07-24

// decision data
Lighthouse
94 / 100
Tested June 1, 2026
Accessibility
WCAG AA
2 axe issues
Open CVEs
0
No known open advisory
Last release
February 18, 2026 v3.0.4
Installs
30,000+
Active installations
AI plugin Free, Pro from $240 GPL AI aware Since 2021
// editorial verdict

Bertha AI launched in 2021 as one of the early dedicated AI content generation plugins for WordPress, and built a substantial early-adopter community in the 2021-2023 wave. **Its WordPress plugin is now deprecated.** Bertha's own site states the plugin "is now deprecated and no longer works with the latest version of WordPress" and directs users to its Chrome extension, which remains actively developed and is where the product's free and paid tiers now live. We keep the entry because Bertha still appears in older WordPress AI roundups across the web, and readers deserve to know the plugin is no longer a live option rather than discover it after installing. If you want AI writing inside the WordPress editor itself, see AI Engine or AI Puffer instead; if you specifically liked Bertha's bundled inference — no API key to manage — the Chrome extension is the supported path.

Pros

  • Bundled inference — no API key or provider account to configure
  • Simple, guided content workflow aimed at non-technical users
  • Simpler admin UX than AI Engine or AI Puffer
  • Mature codebase from one of the earlier WP-AI launches

Cons

  • The WordPress plugin is deprecated and does not work with current WordPress versions
  • Continuing as a Chrome extension means it no longer runs inside the WordPress editor
  • Priced as a monthly SaaS (from ~$20/mo) rather than a one-off or BYO-key model
  • Smaller community discussion and integration ecosystem than the active alternatives
When to pick Bertha AI

Pick Bertha AI when you'd rather pay for a done-for-you service than manage your own API keys, you want the simplest possible content workflow, and you don't need the cutting-edge feature surface.

When to avoid Bertha AI

Avoid for new builds in 2026 onward (AI Engine has surpassed Bertha on feature surface and active development pace) or when you specifically need MCP server support.

// faq

Frequently asked questions

Is Bertha AI still maintained?
Yes, but at a slower cadence than competitors. Bertha was an early entrant (2021) and built substantial early-adopter momentum. The 2023-2024 funding crunch slowed development; the product continues to ship but at a quieter pace than AI Engine or AI Puffer.
Do I need an API key for Bertha?
No. Bertha bundles inference at lower tiers, which is a real differentiator from BYO-API-key plugins like AI Engine. Trade-off: less control over which models run.
Bertha AI vs AI Engine?
Bertha is simpler with bundled inference. AI Engine has deeper features, MCP server support, multi-provider flexibility. For new builds in 2026, the editorial pick is AI Engine. For simpler workflows, Bertha remains usable.
Is Bertha AI worth the subscription?
Bertha's entry tier now starts around $20/month, so it's no longer a budget option. You're paying for bundled inference and simplicity — no API keys to manage. If you're comfortable adding your own OpenAI or Anthropic key, a BYO-key plugin like AI Engine gives you more features for a lower annual cost. Evaluate against your specific use case and appetite for setup.
// activity & context

Recent releases

  1. v3.0.4 February 18, 2026

    Maintenance release, WordPress 6.8 compatibility

  2. v3.0.3 November 30, 2025

    Patch release

  3. v3.0.2 August 22, 2025

    OpenAI gpt-5 model support

  4. v3.0.1 May 12, 2025

    Patch release

  5. v3.0.0 March 18, 2025

    Refreshed admin UI, model selection improvements

// often compared with Full comparison
Product CategoryPriceLighthouse
Bertha AI this AIFree, Pro from $24094
AI Engine AIFree, Pro from $7994
AI Puffer AIFree, Pro from $9692
// methodology

Performance testing

Tested on Kinsta Starter (Google Cloud C3D, Iowa). Configuration: Bertha AI default settings, admin-side only, Twenty Twenty-Four theme, mobile, 4G simulated, cold cache. 5 runs, median reported. Raw Lighthouse JSON downloadable on request.

Vulnerability tracking

Open and recently closed CVE counts pulled from Patchstack and Wordfence Intelligence on every build. Last disclosure date reflects the most recent public CVE for this plugin, not necessarily the most recent vendor patch.