We get it. You want every single one of the amazing features you’ve heard about with Drupal 9. When you’re talking about features, you’re talking about modules. And picking your modules is the next thing you do after installing Drupal 9 so it’s really one of the first major decisions you’ll have to make.

Of course, it isn’t as simple as it sounds (it never is). Drupal 9 is powered by its ever-growing open-source community who work hard to develop thousands of modules that can enhance and extend the functionality of a Drupal website. Choosing between a googleplex of Drupal 9 modules can be an endeavor. Surely there’s a better way than just guessing which modules will serve your needs…? Well, no, not really. But we do have this handy list of recommended modules and best practices when choosing modules straight from our MCS developers. 

1. Admin Toolbar

Why You Need It: Enhances the default Drupal admin interface by making it faster and more user-friendly with a drop-down menu system.

Key Features:

• Quicker navigation for administrators
• Fully integrates with core Toolbar module
• Simplifies access to submenus and configuration pages

Link: Admin Toolbar

2. Pathauto

Why You Need It: Automatically generates SEO-friendly URLs for content based on patterns.

Key Features:

• Saves time by automating path creation
• Improves SEO and user navigation
• Works well with multilingual setups

Link: Pathauto

3. Metatag

Why You Need It: Essential for improving on-page SEO by adding meta tags to your content.

Key Features:

• Supports Open Graph, Twitter Cards, and more
• Easily integrates with Pathauto and Views
• Provides site-wide and per-content-type tag configuration

Link: Metatag

4. Redirect

Why You Need It: Helps manage 301 redirects and avoid broken links when URLs change.

Key Features:

• Automatically creates redirects for changed URLs
• Helps preserve SEO rankings
• Integrates with Pathauto and other URL modules

Link: Redirect

5. Webform

Why You Need It: Adds a powerful and flexible form builder to your site.

Key Features:

• Drag-and-drop interface
• Conditional logic
• Export submissions to CSV, Excel, or email
• Great for surveys, contact forms, and registrations

Link: Webform

6. Views

Why You Need It: Already in core, but essential to mention—allows creation of dynamic content listings with almost unlimited customization.

Key Features:

• Display any type of content
• Sort, filter, and format output
• Create blocks, pages, feeds, and more

Link: Views (in core)

7. Paragraphs

Why You Need It: A modern alternative to the WYSIWYG editor, giving content editors more flexibility and structure.

Key Features:

• Create custom content components (e.g., text, image, quote)
• Allows nested and repeatable content blocks
• Great for layout building and content reuse

Link: Paragraphs

8. CKEditor 5 (for Drupal 9.5+)

Why You Need It: CKEditor 4 has been deprecated; CKEditor 5 offers a modern, streamlined editing experience.

Key Features:

• Inline editing
• Improved mobile support
• Rich text editing with media embedding

Link: CKEditor 5

9. Security Kit

Why You Need It: Adds an extra layer of security by mitigating common vulnerabilities like XSS and CSRF.

Key Features:

• Enforces secure headers
• Helps meet OWASP security best practices
• Easy to configure for various protection levels

Link: Security Kit

10. Google Analytics (GA4 Support)

Why You Need It: Track visitor behavior and site performance using Google Analytics, including support for GA4.

Key Features:

• Easy integration with Google Analytics and GA4
• Track custom events, user roles, and more
• Cookie consent integration ready

Link: Google Analytics

Final Thoughts

In 2025, building a high-performing Drupal 9 site means more than just core functionality. These modules streamline development, improve user experience, and boost SEO and security. Whether you're working on a small blog or a large enterprise application, integrating these modules can save time and deliver better results.

Looking to future-proof your site? Many of these modules are also compatible with Drupal 10, so you’re covered for your next upgrade!