AAA Option Optimizer vs Custom Global Variables (2026)
Detailed side-by-side comparison of two WordPress plugins, based on real-time data from WordPress.org.
Custom Global Variables
5.0K+ active installs
Free
Quick Verdict
As of April 2026, Custom Global Variables has a higher user rating (5/5 from 10 reviews) while AAA Option Optimizer leads in active installations (9.0K+ vs 5.0K+). Both are free WordPress plugins. AAA Option Optimizer has accumulated 99K+ total downloads while Custom Global Variables has 20K+.
Detailed Comparison
| Metric | AAA Option Optimizer | Custom Global Variables | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rating | 4.6/5 | ► | 5/5 |
| Total Reviews | 24 | ◄ | 10 |
| Active Installs | 9.0K+ | ◄ | 5.0K+ |
| Total Downloads | 99K+ | ◄ | 20K+ |
| Support Resolution | 67% | N/A | |
| Last Updated | 3 weeks ago | ◄ | 3 years ago |
| First Released | 2024 | 2016 | |
| Age | 2 years | 10 years | |
| WP Requires | 6.7+ | 3.0.1+ | |
| PHP Requires | 7.4+ | 5.6+ | |
| Business Model | Free | Free | |
| Latest Version | 1.6.1 | 1.1.2 |
Rating Breakdown
AAA Option Optimizer
Custom Global Variables
Download Trends
Over the past 30 days, AAA Option Optimizer averaged approximately 439 daily downloads while Custom Global Variables averaged 6.
Recent Reviews
AAA Option Optimizer Reviews
Great for short term use
The plugin was great for short term use to figure out unused options from old plugins after clicking through each page. It really helped to reduce autoloaded options.When letting it run along for a wh
A very useful plugin!!
Allows you to clean up the options on sites with a long history of themes and plugins installations.Very useful.
Requested options that do not exist question
Under “Requested options that do not exist”, I’m not sure to trust setting these to false. Is there a way to revert any actions I take. How do I know if these actions are actually needed or do I just
Custom Global Variables Reviews
Thanks For This GREAT Plugin!!!
I am not one to leave reviews. But have to let you all know what a Godsend this plugin has been to me and my team!! So simple, yet so effective. Thanks again and keep up the great work.
The best custom shortcode plugin for agencies!
I’ve been using CGV for a few years now. At our agency, it’s become one of our go-to plugins and is installed on virtually all of our sites. No other plugin allows you to create and manage custom vari
Exactly what I was looking for.
I needed a way of presenting some data in multiple locations, being a web developer I knew I could use variables but didn’t want to edit the core app or theme, so this fitted my requirements like a gl
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is AAA Option Optimizer or Custom Global Variables more popular?
Which has better ratings — AAA Option Optimizer or Custom Global Variables?
Are AAA Option Optimizer and Custom Global Variables free?
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Plugin data sourced from WordPress.org. Comparison and analysis by PluginSift.