diff --git a/npe2/_plugin_manager.py b/npe2/_plugin_manager.py
index 513458a6..47062326 100644
--- a/npe2/_plugin_manager.py
+++ b/npe2/_plugin_manager.py
@@ -169,7 +169,7 @@ def _writer_key(writer: WriterContribution) -> Tuple[bool, int]:
             nbounds = sum(not c.is_zero() for c in writer.layer_type_constraints())
             return (no_ext, nbounds)
 
-        yield from candidates
+        yield from sorted(candidates, key=_writer_key)
 
 
 class PluginManagerEvents(SignalGroup):