Essential plugins for business WordPress sites in 2025 include: Rank Math or AIOSEO for SEO, Wordfence or Sucuri for security, UpdraftPlus for backups, WP Rocket or LiteSpeed Cache for performance, WPForms for lead forms, and MonsterInsights for analytics. Keep plugins updated, avoid unnecessary ones, and prioritize speed, security, and SEO for the best performance and user experience.