Search & Replace vs ACF: Better Search (2026)
Detailed side-by-side comparison of two WordPress plugins, based on real-time data from WordPress.org.
Quick Verdict
As of April 2026, ACF: Better Search has a higher user rating (4.9/5 from 164 reviews) while Search & Replace leads in active installations (100K+ vs 40K+). Both are free WordPress plugins. Search & Replace has accumulated 3.2M+ total downloads while ACF: Better Search has 814K+.
Detailed Comparison
| Metric | Search & Replace | ACF: Better Search | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rating | 4.3/5 | ► | 4.9/5 |
| Total Reviews | 282 | ◄ | 164 |
| Active Installs | 100K+ | ◄ | 40K+ |
| Total Downloads | 3.2M+ | ◄ | 814K+ |
| Support Resolution | N/A | 0% | |
| Last Updated | 1 year ago | ► | 3 months ago |
| First Released | 2007 | 2016 | |
| Age | 19 years | 10 years | |
| WP Requires | 4.0+ | 5.0+ | |
| PHP Requires | 5.6+ | 7.0+ | |
| Business Model | Free | Free | |
| Latest Version | 3.2.3 | 4.4.1 |
Rating Breakdown
Search & Replace
ACF: Better Search
Download Trends
Over the past 30 days, Search & Replace averaged approximately 177 daily downloads while ACF: Better Search averaged 253.
Recent Reviews
Search & Replace Reviews
It still works great
I changed my url, 12 tables with 58 entries . While not a big site, but it was nice. it says not tested in the last 3 versions of WP. Welp, it works in php8.2x and WP 6.8.2
Works fine when changing the domain
I have used this plugin several times for different webpages. Especially when the webpage was moved to other domain. It works fine. Before replace, it’s possible to test and check the results. H
Bulk edits to the database
[Update 12/26/24] I tried using the bulk “CSV Format Search/Replace” feature, but it seems only the latest replacement string is applied. I’ll now try another method, such as using the WP-CLI.—This pl
ACF: Better Search Reviews
Great, works perfectly
Great, works perfectly. Fast.
Has worked without fail for years
Thanks for the super useful plugin, with the perfect amount of easy to configure flexibility. I don’t recall ever having an issue and I appreciate that it doesn’t spam the dashboard with noise.
Amazing Plugin!!
This plugin has been instrumental in allowing us to customize our posts by category which has improved our website immensely. The custom posts have made our content creation much more streamlined and
More Plugins Worth Comparing
Top alternatives in the same category as Search & Replace and ACF: Better Search
Relevanssi replaces the default search with a partial-match search that sorts results by relevance. It also indexes comments and shortcode content.
Search Regex adds a powerful set of search and replace functions to WordPress posts, pages, custom post types, and other data.
Advanced WordPress custom search plugin. Provides Search Form Customizer, WooCommerce Search, AJAX Search & Live Search support!
The Best Ajax Live Search and Filter for WordPress. Live suggestions, Custom Post types, Custom fields, Categories, WooCommerce & Elementor support
Set up find and replace rules that are executed AFTER a page is generated by WordPress, but BEFORE it is sent to a user's browser.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Search & Replace or ACF: Better Search more popular?
Which has better ratings — Search & Replace or ACF: Better Search?
Are Search & Replace and ACF: Better Search free?
Which plugin has better support — Search & Replace or ACF: Better Search?
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Plugin data sourced from WordPress.org. Comparison and analysis by PluginSift.